After my performances in Madrid and at The Buckinghamshire, I didn't feel there was much to say. I was so disappointed and I didn't feel happy in myself. All this work I continue to put into my game, to not play the way I know I can perform is so frustrating. I've been struggling mentally, getting in my own way and getting more and more down.
Madrid was extremely hot; 40 degrees at altitude was not something I coped at all well with. Plus Sahra & I got lost multiple times driving round Madrid. So the less said about that event, the better!
The Buckinghamshire is a home away from home, so I had high hopes. I really like the course, I was staying with friends and it was great to have my family and some of my supporters there too. Unfortunately I couldn't relax, I couldn't let go and again I was losing more and more confidence. As it turned out I missed the cut by a single shot, which made it all the more frustrating.
This was a tough time for me. Something had to change. I now had a much needed week off to get my head straight and start simplifying things.
Prague was the next port of call. I decided to end my partnership with Jake (my caddy) I felt that maybe a change of scenery was a good thing. I got in contact with Karl Morris, my sports psychologist, who's given me some things to work on. All positive stuff.
I asked Neil to help me in Prague; someone who knows me well, could keep me relaxed and help me implement the things that needed work. I'd been told by Karl, that in able to regain control I needed to lose control. So with that, Neil helped me get into that frame of mind.
Having played very steady golf the first day, one bad swing on the wrong hole cost me a double bogey, and not making 1 birdie all day on a course that had plenty of birdie opportunities was unforgivable. I was going to have to do better than +3. Almost immediately after finishing my 1st round, the hooters were blasted for the suspension of play. A huge thunderstorm came through which flooded the course. Sounds rather familiar doesn't it!
I was originally given a tee time for Round 2 at 2pm. Due to the disruption this was pushed back to 5pm! It was clear that I wasn't going to get finished.
I started with a bit of a bang, holing a 50 footer for birdie on 10. I then went on to birdie 3 of the next 4 holes. That's more like it!
We got round to the 5th green before it was too dark to continue. Off the course by 9pm and had to be back on the course the following morning for 7am! I just hoped I could continue in the same vane.
After just 5 hours of sleep, I was back ready to do battle. Unfortunately, I hit a wayward tee shot to start, I limited the damage to a bogey. I couldn't afford to drop any more. Thankfully, I parred in, finishing with (-4) 67 which secured my first cut made in 5 events. I was so relieved, but very happy.
After a 2nd breakfast, I started my warm up routine for the final round. I knew it was going to be a long day, so I just had to keep the energy levels up and stay patient.
Neil did a great job and kept me focused. I completed a bogey free round of 68. I was really chuffed. I'd climbed up almost 60 spots in my last 2 rounds. A great achievement, a real confidence boost that couldn't have come at a better time.
Madrid was extremely hot; 40 degrees at altitude was not something I coped at all well with. Plus Sahra & I got lost multiple times driving round Madrid. So the less said about that event, the better!
The Buckinghamshire is a home away from home, so I had high hopes. I really like the course, I was staying with friends and it was great to have my family and some of my supporters there too. Unfortunately I couldn't relax, I couldn't let go and again I was losing more and more confidence. As it turned out I missed the cut by a single shot, which made it all the more frustrating.
This was a tough time for me. Something had to change. I now had a much needed week off to get my head straight and start simplifying things.
Prague was the next port of call. I decided to end my partnership with Jake (my caddy) I felt that maybe a change of scenery was a good thing. I got in contact with Karl Morris, my sports psychologist, who's given me some things to work on. All positive stuff.
I asked Neil to help me in Prague; someone who knows me well, could keep me relaxed and help me implement the things that needed work. I'd been told by Karl, that in able to regain control I needed to lose control. So with that, Neil helped me get into that frame of mind.
Having played very steady golf the first day, one bad swing on the wrong hole cost me a double bogey, and not making 1 birdie all day on a course that had plenty of birdie opportunities was unforgivable. I was going to have to do better than +3. Almost immediately after finishing my 1st round, the hooters were blasted for the suspension of play. A huge thunderstorm came through which flooded the course. Sounds rather familiar doesn't it!
I was originally given a tee time for Round 2 at 2pm. Due to the disruption this was pushed back to 5pm! It was clear that I wasn't going to get finished.
I started with a bit of a bang, holing a 50 footer for birdie on 10. I then went on to birdie 3 of the next 4 holes. That's more like it!
We got round to the 5th green before it was too dark to continue. Off the course by 9pm and had to be back on the course the following morning for 7am! I just hoped I could continue in the same vane.
After just 5 hours of sleep, I was back ready to do battle. Unfortunately, I hit a wayward tee shot to start, I limited the damage to a bogey. I couldn't afford to drop any more. Thankfully, I parred in, finishing with (-4) 67 which secured my first cut made in 5 events. I was so relieved, but very happy.
After a 2nd breakfast, I started my warm up routine for the final round. I knew it was going to be a long day, so I just had to keep the energy levels up and stay patient.
Neil did a great job and kept me focused. I completed a bogey free round of 68. I was really chuffed. I'd climbed up almost 60 spots in my last 2 rounds. A great achievement, a real confidence boost that couldn't have come at a better time.
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