Charlotte Ellis Tour Professional
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Madrid, European Masters & Prague

14/8/2013

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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.
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Prague Golf Masters

27/6/2012

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Picture
Tournament: Prague Golf Masters, Albatross Golf Resort.
Date: 22nd - 24th June
Wow. We arrived to possibly the hottest day in the whole 5 weeks on the Tour. 36 degrees in the centre of Prague, dragging our luggage to the Hotel which was apparently just a 5 minute walk, but it felt like 50minutes! It really was sweltering. We decided to pop into Tesco (yes they do exist in Prague) and buy an ice-cream. It had melted before I even left the shop! To add to the drama, our Hotel didn't have electricity for the first night either; we were given candles!
The golf course is a 30 minute drive from the city, its definitely worth it when you get there. A modern golf complex with fantastic facilities and the condition of the golf complex was immaculate. 
Despite feeling positive after my weekends work on my game my practice round on Tuesday was very up and down. Some good shots but some inconsistent ones too. It's difficult to be positive when you know you're not able to hit the right shots at the right time. My confidence had taken a beating too, having missed 3 cuts in a row.
I was on Rookie duty on Wednesday, we were all involved in a Junior Pro-Am at another course. It was a 9 hole Texas Scramble, and I played with three 13yr old boys. One of which played off 5! One of the highlights of the day was when I holed a pitch shot for eagle. It was nice to give them something to talk about. It was a lot of fun and we came tied 3rd :)
I had a late tee off on Friday for the 1st round; definitely the tougher half of the draw as it was a 2-3 club wind in the afternoon. I was extremely pleased to have battled for a level par, which included three 3 putts.
The second round started well and I was level through 6 holes. From nowhere I visited the water on 16, 17 and 18! I was in complete shock as to what had just happened, broke down in tears and from then on I found it very difficult to focus. I was ready to come home. A disappointing end to the 5 weeks.
I have a lot that I want to work, thankfully I have the best part of a month to iron out the kinks.

Reflecting back on the last 5 weeks on the Tour, I have learned a great deal. I now know that 5 weeks is asking too much. The first year is all about learning what works best for you.
Despite not getting the results I hoped for, I've had a lot of fun. Tour life is amazing. I've had the pleasure of visiting some beautiful countries, I've played some fantastic courses and I've met some wonderful people too.
As great as it is travelling the world, it doesn't beat coming home to see the family and the dogs. :)

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