Happy New Year everyone and all the best for 2022.
Now we’re into January my mind has shifted to the coming season and tournament dates are starting to fill up – getting excited already.
I was due to be in Portugal last week for the Algarvian Invitational. However I made a call not to go. With the uncertainty of the Government’s restrictions and the test to travel home having been reintroduced, the thought of 10 days in my Portuguese hotel room didn’t excite me. The time is better spent here practising with Coach Pete, and playing some winter golf.
It’s also given me time to reflect on my first full year as a pro. It feels like I have come a million miles in terms of my game and understanding of what’s required to play pro tournament golf. I’m not there yet, and know I never will be as there is always some aspect that can be improved. To be honest that’s the exciting thing about this journey. It feels like I’ve learned more in the last year that I did in my six years larking about in class at Bell Baxter High School – I did learn to play the guitar though!!
Anyway, back to last year’s golf. I played lots of tournament golf and finished 22nd in the Order of Merit on The Masters Pro Golf Tour and 21st in the Order of Merit on the Senior Golf Tour Europe. Overall I’m happy with that and have something to build on this year coming.
There were many off-course highlights as well through the year including some great days with Coach Pete, being interviewed by Edinburgh Golf Podcast and fitting for a new driver head that’s allowed me to add 10 plus yards off the tee. I’ll share more about that in another blog.
In terms of the winter work, Coach Pete and I are working on short game, wedge play and some minor adjustments to my long game swing which should improve ball striking consistency. Fitness wise I’m working on increasing my lower body strength, cardio and maintaining flexibility, while at the same time improving my diet to support my body’s increased activity.
I’m hoping for a couple of tournaments in Mallorca and Portugal in February so will keep you updated as that develops.
Have a great year on and off the course.
Cheers
Calum