I had a really positive week last week in Holland, even though the scores didn’t really show it, it was the best golf I have played in a very long time. After a four week break I quickly got into my stride, playing the first few holes of the tournament beautifully and that continued for the four days. Fairway and GIR stats were really good, the only disappointment was on the greens where I had 29, 33, 31 and 31 for the four days, way too many to be competitive and finished 47th. The golf course was fantastic, it’s a real shame that in Europe we don”t get to play many links courses apart from the British Open, so it was great to play one in Holland, the course got dry and was windy most days and I really enjoyed the challenge of playing lots of different shots. We had a nice time, staying on the beach at Zandvoort, the weeks are quite short in Europe, arriving Tuesday and flying home Sunday night, you don’t really get much time to look around but we do make the effort. Helen had a ladies day on Wednesday, doesn’t happen every week but it’s a good way of meeting people for both of us. And so on to this week, got home late Sunday night, had a glass of New Zealand wine, which is a little tradition on Sunday nights after a tournament, and put all of our clothes in the washing, ready to go again early Tuesday. Today I went to see my physical fitness trainer close by in Weybridge, I saw hime for the first time six weeks ago so was a good chance to see any progress and move on to the next phase. It is really interesting how closely weaknesses in your body are linked to your swing tendencies, in my case very weak and tight glutes which has a massive affect on how your body coils and resists. I also some did some putting practice, much needed! Gleneagles this week, I have heard it rained all last week in Scotland, the course is apparently very wet and muddy, so I hope we get some dry stuff this week. Important shots this week will be driving the ball well, taking some spin off iron shots, and staying patient on the greens that will no doubt be a bit bumpy because they are so soft.

This week we are staying in a castle in Crieff, not too far from the course so hopefully that will be nice, or at least novel. At the moment I am second reserve for the pro am and really hoping I get into it as I played last week’s one and had a good team of amateurs, plus it give me a chance to play another practice round.

Hi all, thought it might be a good idea to post something each Monday, some thoughts of the previous week and a look forward to the week ahead.

This week’s event: the KLM Open near Amsterdam.

It has been a bit of a strange time of year, I decided that after playing a lot of events leading up to the British Open that it would be a good chance to have a break of 4 weeks mid season, missing 2 regular ET events and also 2 events in America that I hadn’t qualified for anyway (Bridgestone and the USPGA).  Just a chance to freshen up, take a physical and mental break, even though I should be fresh given that I wasn’t playing a lot of weekends anyway!  I had been through a real rough patch missing 7 of 8 cuts, through the biggest stretch of European events so it was time for a bit of reflection.

I spent some time on fitness work with a trainer here in London, something that I had neglected for a while and that has been beneficial, doing a lot of core and glute work, just stuff that helps in the functioning of a golf swing.  I also tried to put a lot of time into my short game which I see as the biggest area I can improve on for the rest of the season.  It has also been a very difficult time emotionally making the decision to part with Mal (see story) so there has been an adjustment there as well.  Helen and I also managed to fit in holidays to Poland and Spain in which was much needed, in Spain I was introduced to the all inclusive hotel stay, not good for the waistline!

Coming back after a long break is interesting, I am definitely keen and ready to go, but I know from experience it will take a while to get back into action, just mental and scoring areas that need to get sharp.  I have heard the course this week is excellent, a links style course, demanding off the tee and with wind a factor, sounds great.  I am the type of player where if I get some confidence early on I am away, so I will be looking for a solid start, knock in a few putts and ease into it, can’t wait.

Talk to you next Monday

Browny

Mark Brown and his coach Mal Tongue have parted ways after 19 years. Mark has paid tribute to Mal by thanking him for his years of dedication and advice. “Mal has been a tremendous influence on my golfing career, taking me from a skinny 15 year old to winning on the European Tour. I can never thank him enough for the immense amount of time and effort he has given me, as well as being a good friend.” Brown says, “It has proven difficult being on the other side of the world from Mal for long periods so I felt it was time for a change.” Mark wishes Mal every success in his future endeavours.