Hi Folks,
Well, the last couple of weeks have been a real education of sorts. I don’t think you could get 2 more differing locations than Wentworth in the peaceful Surrey countryside and Dhaka, the manic claustrophobic capital of Bangladesh. Lessons learned in both venues but such different experiences.
BMW Championship Wentworth
This is a proper Blue Ribbon event. By a long stretch the biggest tournament for me so far in my career. I’ve played reasonably big events before like the Irish Open and Walker Cup but this was on a different level. Everything from courtesy cars to practice facilities to players lounge was outstanding. I even had my own parking spot which my family used as who needs a car when BMW will bring you anywhere you wish to go? The golf course at Wentworth is in a word, beautiful! It’s almost a shame to play golf on this fabulous piece of land. Just to walk around it is a treat. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go there to do so. I must admit to feeling very nervous on the 1st tee on Thursday morning but I really enjoyed the occasion. Desperately disappointed to miss the cut by the narrowest of margins as I felt that I really played proper golf over the 2 days. Like many, I suffered on the greens but still feel I should have held more putts. More importantly, I felt really comfortable in this vaulted company and can’t wait to get back there. My overall game was very strong with just a little inexperience hampering me. Couple of mental notes taken and I expect to do better next time. Overall a great experience and thanks to all of you for your unbending support.
Bashundhara Bangladesh Open-Kurmitola GC, Dhaka
This was without doubt the most difficult week of my life. Especially considering the splendour of Wentworth, just days earlier. I received a massive boost when my dad decided to travel with me and caddy. Apart from the on course business it was great to have a friendly face around in such a manic destination. It’d difficult to describe Dhaka (Bangladesh Capital) in words. I can only imagine that it’s like Delhi on high dependency drugs. The traffic, the smells, the noise were overwhelming. But more than anything, the heat was unbearable. Reaching 45 degrees at times it was just like walking around with a giant hair dryer constantly in your face. Add to that, practically 100% humidity and this was always going to be a challenge. In actual fact, I played really solid golf even though I danced around the cut-line for a while. It’s just impossible to relay how difficult conditions were. I’ve played many times in Asia and generally feel comfortable in the heat but this was exceptional. Kurmitola is a walled course in the city centre and the sights and smells are extraordinary. From the constant sounds of car horns to the regular passing by of trains carrying more people on the roof than inside the carriages. These Al Fresco passengers took great delight in screaming their heads off just as we prepared to take shots. This was a surreal experience, to say the least. We conceded too many shots to the conditions and mind bending greens but secured some much coveted ranking points. Thanks again to my dad for all his help. Thought I’d lost him a couple of times in the cauldron but he’s home safe albeit a few pounds lighter.
I play a couple of domestic Pro-Ams this week then head to Thailand next week for the Queens Cup in Ko Samui. After that I hope to play a few Challenge Tour events nearer home. Thanks again for all your support. It really is appreciated.
Niall