The first two rounds in Dubai represented my best start to a tournament in probably 18 months and, in fact, the whole week was another step forward in the progress I’ve been making since the start of the season.
As usual, the course was in great shape and the weather was superb.
Saturday’s third round was a little bit frustrating, and there was a four-hole stretch that really stopped my momentum after the early birdie. The most important thing was, I got right back on track again in the final round and, crucially, on the greens I now feel like I have a lot of confidence in my set-up and my stroke.
Honestly, I can’t tell you how much difference that makes. It was really only in Dubai that it started to show properly in my scoring, but as I said, things have been coming along slowly since the beginning of the year when I first switched to the cross-handed putting grip. There were some signs in the weeks before, like being 100 per cent from inside five feet in Qatar two weeks ago. That’s the improvement I’d been looking for and I carried it through into Dubai. I’m enjoying it on the greens and it’s like I’m starting to rekindle my love for putting again.
On a more general note, it was a great pleasure visiting Dubai again and catching up with some of the many friends I’ve made there in the last 20-plus years. It was fun dropping in at The Els Club Dubai at the start of the week, as I always do when I’m in this part of the world. The Club is clearly thriving and the course looked in great shape. We also had time for a bite to eat in The Big Easy Winebar & Grill located in the clubhouse there, which has just been voted best Food & Beverage outlet at the recent Middle East Golf Awards. Thanks for looking after us, guys. You’re all doing a fantastic job!
Thank you also to Dieter Kasprzak, the owner of ECCO footwear, who took time out of his busy schedule to meet me last week in Dubai. As I’ve said before, ECCO produces the most comfortable golf shoes that I’ve worn in my career and I’m proud to continue to represent this forward-thinking, innovative company.
Okay, so looking ahead, obviously I’m excited about the rest of this year. There are some great Major venues with the US Open at Oakmont, where I won my first Major, then on to Royal Troon for The Open and to Baltusrol for the PGA. Also, we’ve got plenty of other great tournaments coming up – starting next week at the Northern Trust Open at another of my favourite courses, Riviera CC.
Anyway, just before we sign off, there was some sad news of Dave Renwick’s passing last week. When I came out on Tour as a youngster, he was a legend already; eventually he would win Majors with three different players and not many caddies can say that. We had lots of great times together and he was a good friend of mine. When he caddied for Jose and Vijay, we played many practice rounds together. He was a great guy and a very straightforward man; he led by example the way he caddied and carried himself. A lot of us will miss him.
Okay, that’s it for now. Follow me on Twitter @TheBig_Easy.
