This past week I returned to Europe for the BMW Championship around the newly reformed Wentworth Golf Club. It's the European Tour flagship event, a fantastic event that everyone looks forward to, myself in particular. I had a close call a couple of years ago where I finished second and I get to stay at home so a lot of great memories. I feel really comfortable playing this event. The week began last Friday with a practice round that was my first look at the course, which was good to see and get a picture in my head. Initially I liked all the changes- the general changes. There are some more severe changes such as holes 8, 12, 17 and 18. I like the idea behind them all but after playing the tournament and having more rounds and experience around the course I think it could do with some tweaking of certain things on those holes. I'd like to the see the 8th and 18th with a little more generous greens enticing people to go for the greens instead of laying up. The bunkers may need a little tweaking as well, but overall it was good and generally the course is in good shape. The green keepers have done a fantastic job to get the greens in good tournament condition considering the grass on the greens was only laid down about 7 months ago I believe; so that was pretty impressive.

My first round was one that I was very much looking forward to. I haven't been playing great but I was excited to get back around Wentworth and I felt like my game was in good shape. I started off playing fantastic, some of my best golf played in the first 12 holes. My iron play was certainly as good as it's ever been. The only reason I wasn't more under par was because I was struggling with my distances due to the fact that I was hitting it so far, which was a nice problem to have. On the back 9 I found a few bunkers off the tee that cost me a few shots. I ended up shooting level par which certainly didn't reflect how I played but it was very encouraging.

The second day I struggled from the get go. I was very unlucky with the first tee shot resulting in an unplayable lie on the edge of the fairway bunker. Unfortunately I found a few more lies like that throughout the round and ended up frittering away shots and then trying to force some birdies down the stretch to make the cut and ended up dropping a few. In hindsight I would have been ok but golf does that to you- you never know what's going to happen and you have to fight for every shot. When you do think you know quite often it's not what actually works out. Another lesson learned.

Obviously it was a shame to miss the cut around Wentworth. It's not good when you're staying at home and the tournament is down the road and it's all on TV and you want to be a part of it. Reflecting back over the weekend the game is in good shape, which is great, but I just need to be patient. I feel a little lost at the moment because my game is about as good as it's been for a long time. My long game is improving all the time, my short game is very solid as well and my putting has improved massively over the last month. Technically the game is all there, unfortunately I'm just not putting it all together at the moment which is frustrating. Hopefully time and playing more will sort that out. I would have happily taken these results at the beginning of the year if it means I get some wins under my belt later in the year. So fingers crossed that's what will be happening.

On the Friday afternoon I was presented with a cheque from Paul Orton, who is the Coxmoor captain last year who's designated charity was D.A.R.E., which is a charity that I support massively. They managed to raise £3,700 over the year which was a fantastic effort. So thank you to him and hopefully we will raise more for D.A.R.E. at my Charity Golf Day at the Notts Hollinwell Golf Club on June 24. There are still a few places left and the opportunity to bid to be on my team for yourself and two friends. It's a great opportunity and one that I look forward to so please BID NOW!

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