Well since my last blog a few months ago things have progressed nicely and I'm pleased to say that I'm back playing golf, the back is good and I can't wait to get back to competitive golf next week in Austria.

I really took my time in coming back and never rushed things, I started chipping and putting at the start of March, building up to swinging with wedges a couple of weeks after and played my first nine holes mid April.

I was fortunate enough to spend the week in Portugal with my friend who lives there and got some great practice the first three days and then played the remainder of the week, I must thank Tiag and Oliver at the at the Amendoeira Golf Resort and Rui at Pestana for their use of the range and golf courses, both are great with superb practice facilities.

I must also thank my coach Steve Willimson (www.stevewilliamsongolf.com) who has spent a lot of time with me the last 6 weeks working tirelessly in an effort to get me ready for next week, I'm pretty sure I've tested his patience to the limits at times!!!!!!! Steve now has a simulator which we have also spent a lot of time on and has really benefited my game understanding the numbers that we have got from it and I really do recommend it to anyone at any level. For those of you that know me you will know that I have a new shot in the bag this year………….. The Sammy chip will take the world by storm and I can't wait to unleash it in Austria.

I also had a golf day at Market Rasen golf course to raise some money for this years golf, I can't thank them enough for letting me have the golf course for the day and for their continued support, also to everyone who gave up their time to come and play, people who donated prizes, it was a great day and I hope to make it an annual event.

Also a massive thank you to my sports psychologist Ludo, since the start of the year we have had skype calls every week in order to get me mentally prepared for the season, I've even had homework to do that he has given me!!!

It's been a long time since my last tournament and a lot has happened, it's taken hard work but I'm so excited to get back out playing, I've done all my preperation and am happy where things are at, so its just a case of going and enjoying it which I am sure to do.

I am playing Austria next week followed by Slovenia the week after, both events are on the Alps Tour which you can follow live scoring on the website at www.alpstourgolf.com

Sam