So today as I write this diary, the big day is almost upon us in the Round one of the €1.75 million Cazoo Open Presented by Gareth Bale at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales on the DP World Tour.
I chose this venue and tournament for my comeback as I am comfortable with the surroundings and have played it many times.
My first round tee time tomorrow (Thursday) is at 1.45pm (local Wales time) in Match 30 alongside the English pairing of Andy Sullivan and Steven Brown.
I noticed on the DP World Tour website that I am not mentioned in this year’s DP World Tour Rankings and currently sit at 847 in the OWGR. I have been as high as 32 in the OWGR, so let’s see if I can get some points on both lists this week.
Taking full advantage
I have very fond memories of the Twenty-Ten course at Celtic Manor, that hosted The Ryder Cup in 2010.
In September 2014 in the opening round of the tournament, when it was called the ISPS Handa Wales Open, on the 18th hole, after starting on hole 11, I managed to hit the longest drive in the history of the DP World Tour and world professional golf, that still holds to this day.
The record books citation, says that “I took full advantage of a prevailing breeze and the hard condition of the fairway at the 575-yard hole.”
Wearing blinkers
The drive was five yards longer than the old record of 442 yards, set by my fellow Dubai resident, 40 year-old Shiv Kapur (Ind), in the third round of the 2012 Madeira Islands Open. I eventually finished tied fourth that week behind the winner Joost Luiten of Netherlands, who shot a 14 under par four round total of 270.
I played in today’s Pro-Am to adjust to the conditions and golf course. It will be interesting to see how the scores pan out this week, but my priority is only on myself. I am wearing ‘blinkers’ this week.
Wish me luck and speak to you all after play finishes tomorrow.
Nicolas Colsaerts is 39 years old, a Dubai Golden VISA Awardee and an Aviv Clinics Dubai Ambassador.
