It’s a good job us pros are really good early risers! My alarm went off at 4:30am today for the Pro-Am, with the DP World Team, at the season-ending event, but early starts are part and parcel of life on Tour so it’s something that I am used to.
We talked during the round about the recent investment by DP World in the European Tour to create the 2022 DP World Tour. This is a game changer for us players as well as the Tour, and I am excited to be part of the story, especially as I base myself in Dubai.
It will be interesting to see, not only the enhanced prize funds, but also the other differences on the new DP World Tour that starts just next week at the Joburg Open. I thanked DP World for their support over the last decade or so and for their future investment, it is more than impressive.
For those out there asking about my fitness, I still maintain my gym routine whether in a tournament week or not, and, when in Dubai, I always use the excellent gym facilities at Jumeirah Golf Estates. I usually go early in the evening before dinner.
Now back to the golf and why we are all here in Dubai. The draw has been published for the first round on Thursday.
I am teeing off at 10.30 am in a two ball with Johannes Veerman from the United States who won the D+D Real Czech Masters in August. The draw for the first round is done on the current Race to Dubai Rankings and there will be a redraw after each round with the tournament leaders out last on each day.
Tomorrow I plan to play a few holes and then I will be fully rested and tournament ready for the 2021 DP World Tour Championship.
Finally, I have only just realised that, being one of my home tournaments (along with the ones in Spain), I usually have extended family coming to watch me as well as to visit Dubai. With Covid-19 still having an impact, this is not the case this year, so myself and my manager Richard Rayment do not have to stress and source additional access passes for the tournament week. But we do miss all our family gatherings, we do not get together enough.
It is good to see so many friends around Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Wish me luck and see you tomorrow!
