It was up to Inverness this week for the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Club. It wasn't the best of starts turning up at the airport on the Monday evening to find out the flight had been cancelled by Fly Be, or 'Fly Maybe' as they should be called. So it was of case of back home and then back to the airport Tuesday morning for the rescheduled flight.
Castle Stuart is a new venue on the Tour and a return to links golf the week prior to the Open, which I know many of the players had welcomed. So everyone was eager to see what the course was like.
Castle Stuart certainly has spectacular scenery and surroundings. The course is situated right on the shores of the Murray Firth and many of the holes overlook the Firth gives great views whilst playing. The course is not very demanding off the Tee but approach play is a greater test due to the undulating greens and many options in pin placements.
On the Tuesday I met up with Thomas Bjorn in the morning and we did some work on the putting green. Thomas has a new putter in play this week, similar model to the one he has been using but a different spec. This one has a lot less loft which helps Thomas roll the ball better.
Darren Clarke was also playing this week, the main focus at the minute with Darren is pace control. He has improved his technique a lot in recent months so we are more able to focus on controlling speed. Darren was looking good on the practice green doing the pace drills he has at the moment.
On the Wednesday I did some work with Simon Khan. It was great to see Simon show some form in finishing 5th last week in the French Open, just a couple of shots out of first place. He commented his putting was better which was reflected by the stats. With Simon we have been working creating a better tempo and freeing the stroke up to get the best out of what are excellent mechanics.
In the afternoon I also met up with Michael Hoey. The session with Mike focused on controlling his swing length to control his speed as well as keep him focused on how he lines up to breaking putts the best.
Other players at Castle Stuart this week I work with are Ollie Fisher, Chris Wood, Richie Ramsay, Dave Horsey and Rob Coles.
Hopefully one of the boys can conquer the links this week. Next week it's of to The Open for the best week of the year and the best tournament of the year!
