So we are almost at the end of February and the good old british weather has deemed it fit to try and wash us all away and cause nothing but heartache for the whole country. We British however are a hardy bunch and we will overcome this just like we will anything else that is thrown at us. Personally I have been very fortunate and not had the flooding issues at home but it has caused havoc with training and has left me practicing putting across the living room floor much to the chargrin of my wife ;-).
However, I have been working hard and trying to get some kind of stability in my swing and consistency back into my short game. I have had lots of emails asking what I do for training when the courses are closed and if I think that you can train effectively at a driving range.
Personally I think driving ranges are great for keeping your swing in check if you can't get on the course but I don't think you can beat learning by actually getting out there and playing. Finding your ball in silly places and having to manufacture a shot rather than aimlessly blasting balls into the horizon on the range and then wondering why the game is not there when you step onto the tee. I am very lucky and I train 2-3 times a week at heathfield driving range but as I said, only to keep my swing, not to try and cut down course time.
Anyways, I have managed to get out for a couple of games in the last few days, firstly, I travelled up to meet Tony Lloyd at the very nice Shropshire golf centre where I had a brilliant 4 ball with a very talented young golfer called Lewis who travelled down to meet us. Tony was paired with his pal Rob and the banter was flowing before we even got to the tee !! I could tell it was going to be a fun day. I had wonder caddy, super Dunk on the bag so we could get in the swing of it and work together before Q school. Lewis was accompanied by his dad and brother and as a loud and motley mob we all set off for the first tee. Matchplay was decided upon with tony and rob having the nerve to take on The boy wonder Lewis Eccles and myself.
The stage was set and the game was on.
And the day certainly lived up to its promise. We really did have it all, some fantastic golf was played all round and I don't think there was ever a time without a smile or a laugh. And just to top it all, with some fantastic play by Lewis as my teammate and some silky smooth chips from the young player, we secured a great 3 and 2 win aswell ;-).
My next game was around the beautifully maintained derby course if the belfry in Sutton Coldfield.
It was only me and Dunkles playing but I was using it as a bit more variation in practice so being in a 2 ball meant we could zip round.
I was striking the ball really well which was definately needed as the wind was blowing like crazy !! It caught me out with major gusts a few times, and with only 2 real mistakes during the round I scrapped away for a 74. Not brilliant by any stretch of the imagination but definate progress on my wind playing.
My next game is Tuesday with another bunch of disabled bandits who will try and part me from my £5 for their stableford game ;-) I normally lose in spectacular fashion too but the banter and camaraderie is second to none.
But win or lose in our fun games, I shall keep grinding. I will keep working towards Q School and working towards generating publicity for disabled golfers everywhere.
With 4 weeks until history is made with a leg amputee playing in the 3rd level of the Regular European Tour, there is lots and lots of work to be done if I am to even have a 10% chance of qualifying. But like a typical pig headed bloke, I don't know when I'm beaten so I shall try until I fail, then I'll have another go too ;-).
I will be updating my blog more regularly as we approach Q School so keep them peeled and as always, thanks for taking your time to read my blog and to all those that send me emails every day, thanks, your support and love is amazing.
Onwards and upwards.
2014 is going to be amazing !!
For now at least.
Monk out x