
Date: 24th - 26th May
I learned a lot from Turkey about myself and my game. I wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to put myself or Jake through that again. We had a good chat about things to iron out any kinks and to move forward.
Mum and Dad decided they'd like to come to Amsterdam, see what tour life is all about and probably to make sure I'm behaving too!
On Monday we left sunny Cheltenham and arrived to a rather dismal Amsterdam. Hoping to play 9 holes at least, I hit some balls on the range to warm up. The weather got progressively worse, so Jake and I decided to walk the front 9 with a putter, so at least I could visualise a plan.
A new location on a new course this year, only opened 6 months ago and designed by Ian Woosnam. The International certainly doesn't disappoint, and at £28,000 joining fee, it shouldn't! Although I have to say, I think Woosy got a bit carried away with undulations, and for a small person, he likes his big greens!
Tuesday was a better day which allowed us to get 18 holes in. The more you're able to play this course the better. I've never seen such enormous greens in all my life, well apart from St Andrews, but those are shared greens and these weren't. Dad likened it to The Oxfordshire, it definitely has its similarities.
Wednesday was Pro-Am day, so there was no chance of getting on the course. A good opportunity to hone my skills and sharpen up my game. In the afternoon, Mum, Dad and I took a tram into the picturesque city of Amsterdam and had a little wonder.
As it's only a 3 day tournament this week, Thursday was our last chance to see the course, however we had to be off the course at 11:45 for yet another Pro-Am, so at 7am with the rain lashing down, we teed off. It turned out to be a beautiful morning and was a great idea to play.
Tournament day and I wasn't having the greatest of warm-ups. My rhythm was off and with all the gear we were wearing to keep warm, my swing was getting short. Nevertheless, I cleared my mind and just tried to do the best I could with what I had.
Only hitting 7 greens in regulation put a lot of pressure on my short game to keep a score going, sadly my efforts were over shadowed by a bad decision off the 16th tee and a terrible swing on 4, which cost me 5 shots. I was +7 for the day, and feeling pretty downhearted. The weather then improved for the afternoon players, so that only poured salt on the wound.
Before round 2, I extended my warm-up to see if I could find something to work with. Any confidence I could find was good news. I felt ready for the challenge.
Before I could blink, I'd dropped 3 shots in the first 2 holes. Followed by a double on 5! I know it was windy but this wasn't what I'd planned at all. I was shaking my head in disbelief, gave myself a good talking to and finished -1 for the last 13 holes. It was great to finish on a positive note, but the disappointment of another missed cut when it could have been prevented was very frustrating.
I spent Sunday on the range, looking ahead to Germany, then watched a couple of my friends play their last few holes before heading home.