I will be writing this daily diary for Gulf News from today until the end of the Dubai Moonlight Classic Presented by EGA on Friday night.
I want to firstly thank Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of Falcon and Associates, and this week’s promoters of the Dubai Moonlight Classic, and all involved in arranging my invite. It popped into my inbox on Friday. I also represent Jumeirah Golf Estates and I’m very grateful for all their support.
It is a real privilege to receive one of the precious invites for my home tournament with a limited field of just 56 players; 45 qualifying from the Ladies European Tour (LET) and 11 tournament invites.
It was my birthday last week so I have had a fun few days at home with the family, having travelled back from the US last week after playing in the ARAMCO Team Series – New York. I am still somewhat tired with jetlag, and have an inconsistent sleep pattern, but every day I am feeling more adjusted and will be fine for the tournament.
This week will be special for me as I have just been given permission from the LET to stay at home so I’ll be able to sleep in my own bed and not spend the week in the tournament bubble of the official hotel. That will be a unique feeling for me for a tournament week and hopefully give me an advantage over the other players with some home comforts.
I’ve had a good couple of days preparing for the tournament with my coach, Mark Gregson Walters, making the trip over to look at my swing before he leaves for the UK later today. I also played the Faldo Course with my father at the weekend, which was my last chance to see it under lights before the first round begins.
As a family, we have been living on the right of hole 11 on the Majlis Course for 16 years and have been family members of Emirates Golf Club all that time.
The 54-hole tournament starts on Wednesday 27th October with every tournament day having a 4 pm shotgun start with no cut.
This is the second time that I have played in the Dubai Moonlight Classic. Last year, again with an invite, I finished at 3 under-Par and tied 17th - seven shots behind Minjee Lee, who won in a play-off with Solheim Cup double winning player Celine Boutier.
I look forward to writing my daily diary for Gulf News all week and giving you all an insight behind the scenes and inside the ropes for this week’s Dubai Moonlight Classic.
See you all soon and enjoy the read!
