It was great to be back on tour this week at the Trophee Hassan at the Golf Du Palais Royal in Agadir Morocco.
The venue this week was interesting in many ways. Two golf courses were in use to cope with the pro am format over the first two days while the main course to be used over the weekend is actually situated within the grounds of the Kings Palace, which makes it probably one of the most exclusive courses in the world.
The Kings course was opened in 1987 and contains many signature features of a Robert Trent Jones Snr design, such as well protected undulating greens and large run off areas. If the wind blows this course will be very difficult
As you would expect the course is also in immaculate condition, with very few people having the chance to play it I would imagine, ...as it is the Kings very own course after all!
When I walked the course with Chris Wood on Monday, we were one of the first to step foot on the course and there was hardly a divot or pitch mark to be seen.
Nine of the players I work with were competing this week but with split venues it made it difficult to catch up with everybody so I based myself at the Kings course to ensure I saw at least everybody at some point as each player would play a practice round on each course.
On Tuesday I walked a few holes with David Horsey. The greens are quite undulating so it was good to spend some time on the links and work on David's green reading.
I also caught up with Darren Clarke and did some work on the practice putting green. Darren has been working hard on his putting and it looks a lot better. Although he missed the cut last week in Malaga he commented how he had putted much better.
On Tuesday I also met with Michael Hoey. Specifically with Mike we have been working on improving his pace control in recent weeks and how he aligns on breaking putts. Mike's putting is looking better all the time and I believe he will figure at some point this season on a Sunday as he making cuts steadily. Match pace and line this week will be vital on the slick undulating greens.
On the Wednesday I walked a few holes with Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke and also did some work with Joost Luiten.
Joost is playing well and his putting looks good at the moment also so he will also figure shortly at some point. Specifically with Joost we have been working on improving his balance and pace control. One of the tools we have used to help improve his pace through improving his tempo is the 'Puttronome' audio file.
Joost listens to the audio file on his iPod when he putts to help improve the timing of his stroke. This is a great way to practice as pace control is an area where most amateurs struggle.
