I’ve been fortune that I’ve been able to get away for the majority of the winter playing the Algarve Pro Tour and also fortunate that I’ve been able to stay with a friend out there which has made it possible!

I’ve played really solid from Tee to Green all winter and have really struggled with putting, as you all know if you don’t putt well you really can’t shoot low scores, so it’s been a frustrating time but also a really pleasing time as I’m consistently playing solid. I still managed 3 top 10’s and everything else was top 20.

I went to see Lee Sullivan, a putting coach who is part of the Harold Swash/Phil Kenyon group just for a new pair of eyes and for someone who excells and specalises in that area. It’s a fantastic set up over there and there’s a wealth of knowledge avalible. Lee really changed quite a lot but then if it was good when I went it wouldn’t of needed changing! I’m not going to lie it really has been hard and testing at times and you start doubting sometimes if it’s right for you as putting is so individual but after 3/4 weeks of countless hours all day everyday I feel like it’s really coming. I managed to have 27 putts in my last tournament in Portugal which contributed to a 5th place finish in brutal playing and putting conditions. So hopefully that’s the start of a positive consistent change.

I’m really looking forward to a great year this year. The gym work continues in phases of training for when I’m playing and my off weeks, we’re now been able to monitor my fatigue levels easier and train accordingly which is fantastic. I’m really starting to understand my body and what works best for me. Thanks as always to Sam Vickers.

Also thanks to the continued support from Walrus Clothing, Titliest and Footjoy, Market Rasen golf Club, Jim Smith Tailoring, Game Golf, Sean Hawker, Steve Williamson and to Jason Hall who paid for my entry Fee last time out in Portugal.

My next event is at Maxstoke park on 16th-17th on the Jamega Tour.

Sam