My opening round was an up-and-down one to be honest. We teed off at seven o’clock in the morning and it was a bit humid, so the ball didn’t fly as much. I knew hitting the fairway was going to be a premium as the rough was thick, and you have to hit the ball really well to get the scores that the leaders posted today.
Starting on the 10th, the first few holes were a little rusty for me after the winter break, and then I started to hit the ball a bit better. I got into the rhythm and managed to make two birdies on my back nine, on holes two and four, to get under par.
But then I ruined all that hard work on sixth hole with a double bogey, which was a real shame. I hit my drive left, had about a one-kilometre putt, which I ended up four-putting to sign for a six on a par four. That stopped the momentum really, which was a bit of a shame. Some parts of the round were good, so I’ll try to keep that feeling for tomorrow.
I wasn’t nervous today though, even though it was my first event in the UAE since I started representing the country. I’ve played over 300 events on the DP World Tour, and I’ve learned how to treat it just like any other event. That allows me to just focus on the course. It’s still a pleasure to play at Emirates Golf Club; it’s one of my favourite golf courses, I just find it a challenge!
For tomorrow, as you know with me, my strategy is already set on the lead up to the tournament. So I just stick with that for the week, well at least for tomorrow, which is my philosophy. Even though my track record around here isn’t the greatest, I know what works for me, so I’ll just stick with what I know and take it hole-by-hole in round two.
I’ll go grab some lunch now, then practise some putting, maybe hit a few balls, and work on the strike of my irons. After that, I’ll hit the gym and rest. My brother and father are staying with me at my house in Al Jaddaf, near the Creek, so I’m looking forward to relaxing with them tonight and having a nice home-cooked meal.
Main image: David Cannon / Getty Images
