Looking forward to Links golf, starting with the Irish Open

This is as pretty a country you will ever get to see. I had heard about Links Courses in Northern Ireland, but this is probably one of the very best in the world. The Royal County Down Golf Club, the venue for the Irish Open hosted by Rory McIlroy, is fantastic and offers stunning views – maybe it is even worth stopping to take a look in between the shots and soak in the scenery, at least during the practice and Pro-Am.

Also, the people here are so warm and friendly and they have been looking forward to this event for a long time. No wonder there is so much of anticipation.

I am looking at this event as the beginning of the period where one gets into the frame of mind for Links golf. I have had my taste of Links golf at my two previous appearances in the Open Championships in 2012 and 2014 and I have great memories. And I am also looking forward to the Open at St. Andrews but before that there is a lot else to play.

As expected it is a bit cold and windy but that’s what you come to expect at Links. I get to play here and then I move to US for a couple of appearances including the US Open at Chambers Bay, which is again Links in US. Of course Chambers Bay is going to be special as that would mark my first appearance at a US Open. And it will be great to have Shiv Kapur there as he played a superb qualifier in Walton Heath to finish second and qualify for his second successive US Open.

For me, this shuttling between US and Europe has been an amazing experience and something I will get used to as time goes along. Most of the top players in Europe do that and of late, a lot of Americans have been playing more often in Europe. Phil Mickelson has been a regular, now Rickie Fowler will be there at Irish Open and a few other Americans, too.

For the first two days, I have been paired with Thongchai Jaidee, who had a great week at Wentworth, where he finished tied second with ageless, Miguel Angel Jimenez. Our threesome will be completed with James Morrison, who has done well this season, including winning the Open de Espana, a couple of weeks ago and last week he was close to Top-10. So, that should be a good group to play with.

I have always enjoyed Thongchai with all his experience and calm nature on the golf course. He is someone who has won in Europe a few times and done very well.

For me, personally this is the year where I want to soak in all I can and make the best of it. From here we are ready for Links golf with Scotland, US Open and St. Andrews lined up for the next few weeks.