A trip up to the north island of Japan is always a good thing, especially if you are coming up to Hokkaido in winter!! Traditionally it has incredible snow falls each year and this year despite having less than normal they still got some 18m of snow!! I have never been up during the winter but it is definitely on the to do list for me.
This week however sees us venture nth for the Sega Sammy Cup at the North Country golf club. It is a regular stop on the Japan Tour and a great course. It's testing with the wind that normally blows and Japanese young gun Mr Ishikawa won last year with -10. This year they have changed one of the holes and so it will make the scores perhaps a little lower and looking at the leader after two days being at -11 I guess that's correct.
As usual for Japan it tests your game and without doubt finding the fairways is always critical. It's not as hilly as some courses up here, but the fairways are quite undulating meaning some interesting lies and stances.
I have played two really good rounds and am disappointed to be only -3 for the tournament. I should be happy that I have made another cut up here when that has been a real struggle for me, but the way I have played, I'm disappointed. I have just putted so poorly. Yesterday I used the putter for 31 hits and today for 34. That's simply not good enough especially given the opportunities I have given myself. The most disappointing part of that is the 4 three putts I have had over the two days. Even just making those into two putts and I would find myself at -7. I have missed a bunch of other great chances inside 10 foot for birdie too.....
So to the weekend I go really looking forward to playing great and making some putts! It seems like a long time since I have made a bunch of putts so this weekend is the time for the putts to roll in. I am determined to hit it great again and give myself some great chances over the weekend. Love your thoughts and prayers for those that love to pray!!
Here are some more photos from the week including a drink coaster with the island green 16th hole which is a brutal one!!