Okay. So my plan of following Richard Bland and Phil Mickelson into the “experienced” golfers’ winning enclosure didn’t quite happen. But overall I did okay on the Masters Pro Lakes Swing this week over Kirkby Lonsdale and Carus Green.
Monday at Kirkby Lonsdale was challenging. I was like my old Ford Escort – firing on three cylinders, and not able to fix it during the round. No matter what I did I couldn’t put a decent strike on my irons. You can only imagine how disappointed I was and how confidence goes so quickly in that situation – particularly as my hopes were high after my 2 under at Pollok the previous week. An hour spent at the range and I managed to sort it out after going through my list of what it could be (I was standing a fraction close to the ball and leaving no space to swing). I was quietly pleased with myself for sorting it on my own. Only possible due to the knowledge that Coach Pete has given me over the last few months. A great confidence builder.
Tuesday was better but I made one or two errors in shot prep and execution. Result was a big 11 over for the two rounds over Kirkby Lonsdale.
Then on to Carus which starts with a 9 iron par 3 and finishes with a 6 iron par 3 – over water. I can tell you it focuses the mind on that first tee having been introduced and with a nine iron in your hand. I felt nerves in places in my body I didn’t even know I had places. Give me a driver on the first tee any day of the week!
I struck my irons real good and gave myself lots of birdie chances, however a few errors resulted in me carding 3 over for the two days. Finished 14th and just outside the money which goes up to 13th place. But it was my highest finish on the Masters Pro Tour, so really pleased and something to build on for the next event. Confidence renewed I can’t wait to get out there again.
Relaxing weekend planned and back on it next week.
All the best
Calum