April 2004

22 April, Al Ahram-Jolie Ville Sharm El Sheikh Challenge, 1st Round, 70 (Level)
Well it's good to be back playing in a competition, it's been a while. Shot even par 70 today. I hit it straight all day but not too well. Didn't really find the sweet spot on any club all through the bag. Although I hit it straight I holed out poorly. The short flat stick was not at it's best and I was also unlucky from long range quite a lot. Started at the 10th today and birdied my 4th hole, the par 5 13th. Another birdie followed on my 7th hole, the 16th but I dropped a shot at the long par 4 18th to turn at 1 under-par. Didn't get off to a great start on my back nine with bogies at the 1st and 3rd holes. Two of my bogies came by three putts and the other by taking three from the fringe. I got back to level par with a birdie at the par 5 4th but could not make any more birdies on the closing holes and finished on level par. It's a pretty good course that is situated right on the Red Sea. Temperature is around 33 degrees but there is a light breeze! Hopefully I can get it under par tomorrow and make the cut. Off for some food and some practice. David.

23 April, Al Ahram-Jolie Ville Sharm El Sheikh Challenge, 2nd Round, 70 (Level)
Shot even par 70 again today. It was a very similar story to yesterday. Didn't do a great deal right or wrong but I did not hole the key putts when the opportunities were there. Played the course the right way round today but got off to a bad start with a bogey at the par 3 2nd and another bogey on the long par 4 6th. I did manage to birdie the 9th to make the turn at 1 over par for the day and for the tournament. I knew I needed a good back nine to make the weekend and when I birdied the par 5 13th I thought I might be in with a chance but I dropped the shot straight away with a bogey at the very next hole. I got back to level par with a birdie on the 16th but couldn't make anymore on the closing couple of holes. So another level par round that looks like I may miss the cut by 1 or 2 shots which will be a big disappointment. I just had too many putts during the two rounds and my wedge play was just not sharp enough. After the round I went and practiced for over three hours and all felt pretty good but it's just a bit too late for it to feel good after I've finished. Typical! Have to wait to see what the cut will be but it looks like I may have the weekend off. David

29 April, Peugeot Challenge de León, 1st Round, 69 (-2)
Shot 2 under-par 69 today which puts me in the top 10 after the first round, so a good start. I did however struggle with the swing today and just couldn't get off my right side for some reason but my patience and mental approach were a lot better. Putted better too although I still lost a couple of shots to slack pitching. Started on 10 and got off to a great start with a birdie on my opening hole. Got to 2 under for the day with another birdie on the par 3 13th with another birdie on the 16th as well to get to 3 under-par. Made a disappointing bogie on the 18th to make the turn at 2 under-par. Dropped another shot on the 4th hole but got the shot back with a birdie on my 16th hole, the par 5 7th. A couple of solid pars to finish with and I was round in 69. The greens are very iffy but I suppose it is the same for everyone. Course is all round pretty good and much tighter than previous weeks. David.

30 April, Peugeot Challenge de León, 2nd Round, 70 (-1)
It's been a very long day today as I was still on the course at 9.30. Finished up shooting 1 under-par 70 which puts at three under for the tournament and in a very good position to challenge on the weekend. Very pleased to have made the cut and to be one of the last groups off on Saturday. Things were looking even better early on in the day when I started eagle, birdie on my opening two holes. I played pretty good from then on in but nothing really happened after that. A couple of bad bogies brought me back to one under where I finished. It was not Spanish weather today with it being very cold and windy. Looking forward to the weekend where I hope I can keep my good play going and have a good finish come Sunday afternoon. David

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