Obviously I hate to miss any cut, especially at one of my favourite tournaments on the European Tour, but rather than focusing on the negatives I prefer to start this week’s report by congratulating everyone at the Dubai Desert Classic for doing such a great job on the tournament’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
The course was in amazing condition and everything was, as always, wonderfully well organized. It was fun to be a part of it, including the Champions Challenge on Tuesday (photo above). The only winner not there was Seve and, of course, we all miss him, but it was very special to have his son Javier there.
Golf-wise there are no excuses from me. Overall my game wasn’t anywhere near consistent enough or sharp enough. Still, it’s good to get those first couple of tournaments under my belt. That should help shake off a bit of early season rustiness. Looking on the positive side, being out there again with the short putter felt pretty good. Over Christmas and New Year we were looking at some old video of me in the 1990s when I was playing really well and we’ve basically been working on getting back to that same rhythm. The feel off the putter-face with my new golf ball, which is a little softer than I’ve played in recent years, seems a nice combination as well.
Looking on the positive side, being out there again with the short putter felt pretty good. Over Christmas and New Year we were looking at some old videotape of me in the 1990s when I was playing really well and we’ve basically been working on getting back to that same rhythm. The feel off the putter-face with my new golf ball, which is a little softer than I’ve played in recent years, seems a nice combination as well.
And although it’s early days with the new clubs – we’re still only four weeks into my new contract with Adams Golf – the clubs feel great. I’m enjoying getting comfortable with the Adams Super 9031 hybrids and Adams XTD forged irons and the new driver is definitely flying a bit further. Also, it feels like I don’t have to work quite so hard to move shots different ways, which is a real boost.
Anyway, it all makes me excited for the year ahead – I’m like a man with some new toys! The goal now this week is to really put in some serious time on the practice ground and get in the best shape possible for my next tournament at Riviera CC – another favourite of mine – and the following week’s WGC Accenture Matchplay. Then after that we’re moving into the Florida Swing.
That’s it for now. You can follow me on Twitter @TheBig_Easy
