Blog
From Moroccan Tajine to Chinese Dumplings
Rabat in the Sunshine
Trophée Hassan II this week in beautiful Morocco! My second time playing this course already and some very good vibes! It’s nice to finally play in some sunny and warm weather after a cold Spanish week. Obviously as you all know, very disappointed with last week’s performance but everything happens for a reason, right? We definitely took advantage of this time to work on the parts of my game that were a bit rusty after the 6 week break. Got some great workouts in and fine-tuned the rest of the game with Jérôme here in Morocco.
Furthermore, the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam is an absolute gem inside the walls of the royal Palace. Literally no one has played the course for the last 9 months. As a matter of fact, we were out early on Monday for a practice round and not a single divot could be found. Just pureness! Funny but true... told Ryan, my caddy, to make sure he replaced every divot that day because if one wasn’t replaced Greenkeepers would know who it is...
Last but not least, the recent course redesign will make this course even tougher. Greens are now extremely slopy and firm which, on top of the long and tricky course layout with thick rough, should keep low scoring away. Anything around par these next two days and you will be in the hunt for the weekend!
7.50am tee time tomorrow! Weather is perfect and greens are pure so let’s get the birdie fest starting in Rabat.
Open de España Update
A cold and breezy first day on the links yesterday! It was 4 degrees Celsius yesterday morning.... can you believe it ?!? A 1-under par round 71 to start... lots of positives but so much to improve on. Especially scoring shots such as short irons and wedges. As a matter of fact, I made too many clumsy mistakes that were pretty costly.
Furthermore, my game feels really good off the tee and on the greens. A few more holed putts and a bit sharper with my shots into the greens and we’ve got a low one coming!
Forecast for today is good with no wind and some warmer temperatures. Let’s get the birdie fest going!
Back At It
Hello world!
After a quiet six weeks, it is finally time to get back into action; Madrid, Morocco and China is on the schedule for these next three weeks! This break has been long but we’ve decided with the team to use this time to rest and prepare for the ultra-busy next few months ahead of us. As a matter of fact, I took advantage of this break to go visit my friends, old teammates and college coach in the USA. I also spent a week in Orlando along with Alex Levy where we practiced and played in sunny Florida on some fantastic golf courses and facilities.
Last but not least, I visited Nico (Colsaerts) in Southern France where we practiced with Mich for three days... Short but productive!
Moreover, very excited to be in Madrid and see what this course looks like. It seems like the weather isn’t really cooperating in Madrid with rain, cold temperatures and wind... Should be interesting!
Stay tuned for more on this week. The next three weeks will be exciting.
Last Desert Swing
Hello golf fans! Here is a little update on what happened last week in Oman and what’s coming up this week in Doha!
As far as last week is concerned, it was nice to go back to Muscat which brought up some memories as well... ‘My European Tour Card through the Challenge Tour top 15!” As a matter of fact, the course is an absolute gem. A few of us knew the course already, but most of the older guys who played it for the first time were absolutely stunned! Amazing greens, solid bunkering, fairly long with some risk-reward options and last but not least beautiful views. As far as my result is concerned, it was a mixed feeling considering my extremely soar neck Thursday morning. I thought I wasn’t going to be able to play that morning. Luckily enough, the physios were able to loosen it up a bit and release the pain. Furthermore, obviously a bit disappointed with my Saturday finish that sort of put me out of the tournament but still a top 30 and a few points for the ranking!
Moving on, I arrived Monday midday in Doha. I took it easy yesterday and played 18 today. Definitely expecting some high winds out here as it blows pretty much everyday between 15 and 25mph on average. On top of that, the course is in great condition with firm greens and thick Bermuda rough. It should be a great test. Excited for Thursday morning already!
Home Bound
On my way Back home after a positive four weeks. Obviously a bit disappointed of not having had any "hot Sundays"... because that's what you need to win or pull out a top-3. On the other hand, lots of positives and learning experiences to take out of this! The new-caddy decision has been successful and I haven't been outside the top 25 in the first four biggest events of the year (including Hong Kong).
Home for a week now where I'll be taking a few days off of golf, catch up with friends and family and take care of some administrative things. Also, I'll spend some time later during the week with Mich to work on driving and with Jerome as well to make sure that putting stroke stays solid!
Next events are Oman in ten days already followed by The Qatar Masters. Two courses I've already played and know pretty well! Should be fun!
Let's Stay Hydrated
Arrived Monday morning in Malaysia and it's hot over here! On top of that, humidity is up to 90% as well... I think I'll be drinking a few gallons of water this week on the course.
On the other hand, it's been a positive two weeks in the Middle East. The game is good and scoring is there as well. I really feel comfortable out there and I know that I'm capable of making something happen! Moreover, The Saujana Country Club is a pretty hilly golf course with lots of slopes and intimidating tee shots. This golf course is definitely getable and they are some low scores out there... Driving the ball well will be key!
Let's go low tomorrow! Teeing off at 8am with Robert Karlsson.
Foggy Dubai
Long day today! After a solid -4 yesterday, the play was suspended this morning due to heavy fog. As a matter of fact, my 12.10 tee time got delayed to 3pm which made it hard for us to finish the rounds today.
Early wake up call tomorrow and in position at 7.30am to get after those last six holes of round 2.
More updates coming tomorrow after the round!
Dubai!
And a 'top 10' to finish off last week in Abu Dhabi! Already 'top 10' number 2 since the start of the 2017-2018 season! Let's keep it going. Moreover, the switch to the new caddy has been working really well, there is some great communication and vibe going on between us! Also, it was an absolute blast to play that final round with Tommy as well. What an inspiration to watch him play, a real man on a mission and he definitely deserved the win! Congrats Tommy!
Moving on, Omega Dubai Desert Classic week on the Majilis Course this week! A course that I love and that I've played quite a few times now. As a matter of fact, I took the day off yesterday and had a great team workout with Vinny, Jerome, TP and Mich! Always great for the body recovery after a demanding week like last week. To get back into it, we only played 9 holes this morning and followed it up by a good wedge and putting session with Jerome who landed in Dubai Sunday night!
7.30am Pro-Am tomorrow and off at 7.50am Thursday! Game feels great and the mindset is there!
Let's go have fun!
Halfway Mark
Great first two days for Belgium in the Middle East! What a performance from TP, heard he put out a clinic yesterday. My turn to get the birdie fest going!
Moreover, it's been some quality golf so far. Great driving and ball striking, and some solid putting. As a matter of fact, I didn't make a massive amount of puts but holed out every tester inside 6 feet. Definitely room for progress if I get this putter hot!
Last but not least, it looks like another perfect day out here. No wind and pure greens. Expecting some low scores today! Let's do this.
