Charlotte Ellis Tour Professional
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Lalla Meryem Cup

10/4/2013

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Tournament: Lalla Meryem Cup, Agadir, Morocco
Date: 28th - 31st March 2013
Since returning from Australia, I made the decision to commit to some swing changes. The reason being that I want to improve but also because I had been suffering from pain in my forearms.
To understand why this was happening Stuart Little (my coach) and I  went to Reigate to see Mark Bull, who specialises in Biomechanics. It was extremely informative and helped us to understand exactly why I've developed forearm pain. Stuart and I have been working together to implement these changes. It's a slow process but I can already notice the difference in my forearms.
Morocco was the first event on the European Calendar and I was looking forward to escaping the frankly disgusting weather we've been having. I knew it was going to be a tough week, as up until a week before I had only managed a half swing with an 8iron!  There's never a good time to make swing changes, it just takes a lot of patience.
Arriving at Golf de L'Ocean and being able to hit balls with less than 5 layers on was very refreshing. You forget what a bit of blue sky and sunshine does to make all the difference! I was also keen to work on my putting as I haven't been able to practice this properly. They weren't as smooth as I'd hoped but they were a world away from the winter greens and the carpet at home.
On Wednesday I had an unexpected and rare treat. I played a practice round with the legend Laura Davies. Apparently I'm on a short list of people who have ever done that as she normally uses the Pro-Am as her practice round. It was so lovely. She really is such a wonderful and approachable person. I asked her how many swing changes she's had to make in her career, she said "None, I've never had a lesson!" So then I asked if she's had help with the mental side of the game, she said, "it's all just common sense, you can't go far wrong if you use common sense." Got to love her. Hehe
Day one of the Lalla Meryem Cup and we were greeted by some fairly breezy conditions; at least a 2/3 club wind with strong gusts. I hadn't really done much wind practice and keeping the ball down proved to be difficult. My short game was going to need to be good. Unfortunately, not only was my long game off kilter, my putting wasn't great either. I kept leaving myself 5-6 footers and I missed every single one, which wasn't like me at all! I felt good over the putts, but they decided that going round the edge was more fun! I tried to stay positive but it became more and more demoralising the more I made bogeys. There was no doubt about it, it was a tough day. They weren't easy conditions, but I never expected to miss quite so many putts. Thankfully I was part of a very friendly group, and we all got on like a house on fire, otherwise I would have been beside myself. Tomorrow was another day.
Day 2 was a lot less windy, so I was able to find a bit more connection in my swing. I was hoping I could get some putts to drop and start making the all important birdies that had eluded me the day before! Sadly, it was a similar story on the greens but on the plus side I gave myself a lot more opportunities for birdie, I just wasn't taking them.
As I had the weekend off, it meant that I could spend some quality time working on my swing. After a spot of lunch, I popped next door to watch the men at Golf du Palais for bit. I caught up with fellow Gloucestershire player Chris Lloyd, he was just coming to the end of his 3rd round, and he recognised me prancing outside the ropes! It was great to see him doing so well. What a beautiful course, tough but very picturesque, fit for a king you might say! 
Glad to be home for a few weeks to continue the hard graft on the swing in preparation for the next event. Lets just hope Spring arrives soon.
Enjoy the Masters this week. I've got my money on Rose and Kuchar, but I can't help but think Tiger's got something special up his sleeve. Very exciting!


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Turkish Ladies Open

15/5/2012

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Tournament: Turkish Ladies Open at The National in Belek
Date: May 10th - 14th 2012
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Well, what a treat, to board the plane and see that we had acres of leg room and a tv screen each brought a big smile to our faces :D Arriving to Antalya to a temperature of 28deg was also very pleasant. After returning from Morocco with food poisoning, I decided to rent a self-catered Villa. There were 6 of us: Lucy, Hannah, myself and our caddies, Chris H, Chris R and Ben.
Tues: 1st Practice day:
A stunning golf course, very tight tree-lined fairways and tricky undulating greens. You certainly can't get away with being off line!
In the evening, the players, caddies and pro-am guests were all treated to a welcome party. Nibbles and drinks out on the clubhouse balcony, then a brass band arrived to tell us it was time to eat. There were at least 20 candlelit tables set out on the short game area, including a huge buffet and a stage for the entertainment while we ate! We were even given fleece blankets if we felt a bit chilly. An incredible evening, I could definitely get used to this ;)
Thurs: Day 1
It was over a month and a half since my first tour event, so I was eager to get out there. My game felt in good shape and I was ready to tackle The National with Chris, my new caddy. I'd been drawn to play with Hannah, so it was great to have a friendly face.
I got off to the best possible start, birdying my 1st 3 holes! I told myself, just stay calm and focused, you can't win it on the first day. I was very happy to get it in the club house at -3, and was pleasantly surprised to be tied for the lead. I had my first tv interview too, I think it went ok, I'll await your comments!
Fri: Day 2
Up at 5:30am, I knew it was going to be tough to follow up a good score, but tried to keep my head down. I struggled with a few pull shots and found the water twice. My first priority was to make the cut. I did that comfortably. Now tied for 12th and playing with none other than Laura Davies! :D
Sat: Day 3
A very surreal day. Surrounded by some great players on the range, one of whom I'd be teeing it up with. I was very excited nervous, but buzzing inside. After a couple of holes, I settled right down and just enjoyed the whole experience. I can't quite describe how it felt to have been in the company of such a legend. I actually played quite well, very solid all the way round. I would have been very happy with +2, but frustratingly found the water on 18 and made double to finish +4 (77).
Sun: Day 4
I couldn't quite believe it when I got drawn with Laura again, what a week! Played steady and gave myself numerous birdie chances, but the ball didn't want to go in the damn hole! +4 yet again, put me at +9 for the tournament. I had such an enjoyable week and so many highlights: Leading the tournament, having my 1st tv interview, seeing Laura hit it 300y and then shortly after hitting driver off the deck! Oh and earning my 1st pay-check on the LET ;)
Next stop, Munich.........
Ps: LET highlight program on Tuesdays at 6.45pm, Sky Sports 4.

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