So let’s briefly reflect on last week’s US Open, before we get on to what’s happening in the coming weeks.
First of all, huge congrats to Brooks Koepka on his second career Major victory. Back-to-back US Opens is a rare and impressive achievement.
Obviously the US Open is the stiffest test we face all year. And Shinnecock is probably the toughest of all the US Open layouts. It’s actually hard to adequately describe the true nature of the challenge when you play Shinnecock, especially in windy conditions as we had on Thursday afternoon. There’s no let-up. The penalties if you get it even slightly wrong, especially around the greens’ complexes, are as severe as any course I’ve ever played. It’s a magnificent course, but it’s a real beast.
Anyway, despite missing the cut I want to say again how grateful I am to the USGA for granting me a special exemption into last week’s US Open. It was my 26th appearance in this historic championship. If it’s my last, that’s okay with me. No complaints. I’ve had a really great run and I feel truly blessed to have twice got my name engraved on that wonderful trophy. All good things must come to an end, but the memories will last me a lifetime.
So, moving on. Next up is a trip back to Europe for the BMW International Open in Germany. Looking forward to that. BMW does a wonderful job in professional golf and they run tournaments very much in their own way. And it’s always amazing! They just get everything right for the players and for the fans, too.
After the BMW, we’ve scheduled a bit of time off in the build-up to the Open Championship at Carnoustie next month. More on that in my next report. For now, I just want to finish with news of an exciting new partnership for myself and the team at Ernie Els Design. I’m proud to be announced as the new brand ambassador for Peninsula Papagayo, Latin America’s premier resort and residential destination. Check out the photo below. It’s stunning! It’s actually one of the world’s ultimate eco-adventure playgrounds, offering a unique mix of luxury hoteliers, world class amenities and extraordinary oceanfront real estate, with a warm and relaxed Costa Rica feel. I love communities that manage that balance.
This partnership will grow with several exciting initiatives, starting with an affiliation with The Els Club, thus joining our portfolio of hand-picked premier golf club and resort destinations around the world. I’ll also be patron of the annual member-guest charity golf tournament, launching in 2019, to benefit local schools in the communities surrounding Peninsula Papagayo. So I’m looking forward to playing with members and guests on the day and, in a wider context, also helping contribute to a legacy of education in Guanacaste. As I said, it’s an exciting partnership.
That’s it for now. Follow me on Twitter @TheBig_Easy.
