Posted on: 23 November
Last European Tour event for the year!
After a three week break between events it’s off to Italy for my last event for 2021. I pack up all my bags because once the event is over I’ll be starting the protracted journey back to Perth.
The Italian Open is near the town of Bari on the beautiful Adriatic coastline. This week I’m staying in an AirBnB apartment in the middle of Fasano, an old, narrow and cobbled stoned street town. On arrival I get a bit lost and with a lot of one way streets, very few street signs and night time fast approaching I decide to park the car and find my apartment on foot. After walking a few streets I then realise I have no idea where I parked the car. And what’s more as it’s about my 20th rental car for the year I can’t remember the make and colour!! Long story short it took 15 mins to find the apartment and another 60 mins to find my car and luggage. Idiot!
Round 1 – The wind is howling. Basically get your distance to the green and add three clubs to what you would normally use………. or take three clubs less. Yardages are almost meaningless and you have to improvise a lot. Despite the conditions I struck the ball very well and gave myself lots of opportunities. Putting also becomes difficult in wind like this and I only make one birdie which was a bit disappointing. But to only make two bogeys in such difficult conditions wasn’t too bad.
Score – 73
Shot of the day – A delicate little bump and run chip shot from the “short-side” of the pin to tap in range on the 18th to save par.
Position – 20th
Round 2 – If I thought the wind on day 1 was strong………. day 2 was like being in a wind turbine at the Boeing engine testing lab. Controlling the ball is difficult but the wind also plays havoc with the ball on the greens. Reading the wind is just as important as reading the green as it affects borrow and speed. I made a horror start to the round and was 4 over after 7. From there I settle down and play some nice golf making three birdies and one bogey to finish 2 over.
Score – 74
Shot of the day – A low punch 5 iron from 138 metres to 4 feet on the 9th hole to set up birdie.
Position – 32nd
Round 3 – The wind thankfully drops to nothing. Scoring becomes easier and there are plenty of birdies to be had. 3 birdies and a chip eagle on my first 9 was ideal but unfortunately on the back 9 I made 3 bogeys and I signed for a slightly disappointing 2 under. Still, I improved my position from the day before…………just.
Score – 70
Shot of the day – Chipping in for an eagle two on the par 4 12th.
Position – 30th.
After I finish the round it’s into the car for the 3 hour drive back to Naples and the 6am flight to Paris the next day. As you all know travel is difficult at the moment, and I’ve already had two flights back to Perth cancelled at late notice. I now have to spend the next three days in an airport hotel at CDG airport waiting for my flight. Gives me time to make sure that I have all my documents ready. PCR test is negative. Check. My ATD (Australian Travel Declaration) which allows me to travel to Australia is approved. Check. As I’m transiting through London my PLF (Passenger Locator Form) is completed. Check. My G2G pass to be allowed back into WA is approved and there is a spot in hotel quarantine. Check. Phew – all done and once I’m on the plane out of Heathrow I can finally relax.
So as I write this I am in the Novotel, Murray St completing my 14 days hotel quarantine. The customs process was relatively smooth but that is to be expected given that there were a total of 15 passengers on my flight. Thanks Cathay Pacific for still flying into Perth. The room is comfortable and the hotel staff are in constant contact making sure we are as comfortable as possible. My meals are delivered at my door in a paper bag and it is the only time I’m allowed to open my door. I have three PCR tests to be completed over the next 14 days. I’m getting through the A-Z of shows on Netflix!! I have some resistance bands that I can use to have some sort of daily exercise. And I think I will wear a track in the carpet practicing my putting. 7 days to go.
This year has been a unique one. There have been lots and lots of COVID tests, dealing with different countries’ regulations, last minute cancellation of events, long breaks between events and did I say it…… lots of COVID tests. It’s been unsettling at times but I’m appreciative of all the effort that the European Legends Tour have done so that we were able to play this year. Personally my highlight was the final round in the Senior British Open and it gives me confidence approaching next year where again I will compete on the European Legends Tour.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about my travels. I’m now itching to get back to some coaching. I’m looking forward to catching up with some of you as well as meeting some new faces. My diary will be open from the 1st of December and you can book a lesson here.