JOIN USIt’s been a whirlwind. The awesome wins in Malaysia and Hero Indian Open literally opened the doors to the world golf like I had only dreamt about. A place into the top-50 of the world and an entry into the world’s best events. Nothing could beat this. Except, now it was time to check out and prove that I belonged here. And in the past three months, I feel I belong here and I want to keep improving.
Now after a short break at home, I will be back for Links Golf in three of my next four events.Beginning early March soon after the Indian Open, I have played on either side of the Atlantic. It was a long stretch in the US and then the past two weeks were in trying conditions and on tough courses in Wentworth and Royal County Down.
The Royal County Down is regarded as one of the most beautiful and toughest Links course and I learnt it this week. Even a player like Rory McIlroy, who virtually grew up here, found the going tough. So, this is the kind of a course that bites back with every small errors you make.
It was easily the toughest Links course that I have played on and it was in some of the most trying conditions. Yet, I must confess I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was a great challenge and learning.
I missed two cuts in six starts – including the no-cut WGC Cadillac Championship, which was my first one of the current year – and made cuts at Masters, Heritage and did fairly well in Matchplay, too. Here in UK, after making the cut at Wentworth, I was unable to move up after making the weekend action. And in the Irish Open, a couple of mistakes cost dear, but that’s the nature of the game.
As I have mentioned before in these columns, conditions on either side are different but the fact remains I am playing alongside the very best players in the world. So, when you do make cuts, score well and are noticed there is a sense of satisfaction. And even better, I know am learning each day and adding to the experience. I know many of the events and courses that I have played in the past few weeks were for the first time but I also know I will come back to these soon. So, I know what to do better next time.