A few weeks back at the St Andrews Links Trophy I rediscovered my putting touch. I holed everything! I thought that this was going to be the start of good things to come as I had the British Amateur the week after and then Brabazon Trophy after that.
I finished T-19th, three under for the four rounds. But I had made 17 birdies and an eagle in that and only finished three under. My driving was very poor for this week and although I did hit some good drives, a lot of my mistakes came from not being able to be precise with my shot into the greens as a result of a poor drive. So I made sure I looked at this with Neil when I got home so that I was confident when I stepped onto the tee ready for the Amateur.
Muirfield, what a place. I had played here in 2008 in the Home Internationals and it was great, one of the best courses I have played so I was very much looking forward to going back here. After a three over 74 1st round it left me some work to do at North Berwick if I was to make the top 64 that gets through to the matchplay. Another three over 74 here meant I was going home and reaching the heights I got to in 2008 would have to wait atleast for another year.
Onwards to Royal Liverpool and the Brabazon Trophy. Although I missed the cut at the Amateur I was very confident with my game coming into this event. Things I had been working on my swing were really starting to set in. I had a good practice round, spending some time chipping and putting around each green. The four of us played for some cash which I like doing in a practice round as I find it gets me into a competitive mode right before the tournament. I think its very easy to hit good shots in practice when there's no pressure.
1st round four over 76 wasn't the start I was looking for but after the end of days play I was two shots inside the cut. From the tee I was very poor again. An hour spent on the range later on and got the feeling back I needed.
One under through ten holes in round two and things were looking good. I was hitting it well and I was playing pretty steady. I could have been a couple shots better! Three bogies on the bounce followed and I hadn't done a whole lot wrong to get them. Two six foot putts missed on 11 and 12 before missing the par three 13th in a bunker with no chance of going at the flag. Missed birdie chance on 14, another bogey on 15 was followed by a double bogey seven on 16 before finally bogeying the last for a 2nd round six over 78. 154 the total and again I was off home. I struggled to describe what had happened because it came as a complete shock. I was playing so nicely and then just leaked shots for fun over the last 8 holes.
Now I've had a few days to reflect on what happened over the last 8 holes of round two my course stratergy and decision making costs me those shots. I was attacking where I shouldn't have and not quite taking into account how hard and bouncy the greens had become compared to the practice round. This is the one part of my game that is costing me to miss cuts, not my ability to hit shots.
Sweden on saturday for the European Team Championships and I am really looking forward to getting out there with the guys and playing for our team. We've got a great team this year and I expect us to do really well. If we stay positive and keep the enjoyment levels high then this could be our year!!
