So Sunday arrived and I decided to head down to Snapper Rocks to try and catch a glimpse of the worlds all time best surfer, Kelly Slater who was surfing in the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast. I managed to be in the right place at the right time as Kelly walked within a foot of me both going into the water and also when he came out. The true champion that he is, an absolute gentlemen to the fans and a gracious loser in defeat too. Nice to be in the presence of true sporting royalty and see how to perform and carry yourself as the World Champion.
Now, back to the golf, I had decided that if I shot 8 under par like I did in Wollongong last year to win, that it may just be enough to win here too. All things started according to plan, I played a near perfect outward nine and turned in 4 under par. I think the 1st and 3rd holes on the back nine probably sealed the deal around the back nine. I played two good holes and was left with makable birdie putts only to leave them both a roll short right in the heart....the rain had started falling and I just didn't adjust quickly enough to make them. After that I played the worst 6 holes of the Tournament missing 5 of the 6 greens in regulation. Until that point I had only missed 6 greens in the first 48 holes. Fortunately my short game and particularly my bunker play stood the test and the only bogie I made was when I had to take a penalty on a par 5 when my drive found the water.
So all in all it was a scrappy finish but the good news was that I controlled my processes and procedures as well as my post shot techniques I have been working on. I made it to the clubhouse at -3 for the day finishing on -9 for the tournament and in a tie for 10th place. I am very happy with that as a result after just working with my new coach for 3 weeks. Positive signs moving forward. The great news is that I only had 2 bogies in 54 holes too, so things are getting tighter and I am able to control the ball a little better already.
In Breaking News, I am pleased to say that I have just received news that I am in the field for the first One Asia event of the season after thinking I may not get into the event. I will fly out on the 18th of March to Jakarta and my travelling for golf will now take me to new countries yet again. Exciting times and I am really looking forward to it.
In cycling news, I have slowly moved towards one thousand dollars in my sponsorship for the "Tour of Hope" in late May this year. I am trying to raise $10000 for the Orphanage in Africa so if you are keen to sponsor and support this amazing cause, please click on the link on the top bar above and make a donation. Thank you for supporting me in this amazing cause!!