Anyways, rounds 1 and 2 could almost be considered the practice rounds of what was a very steep learning curve indeed. With a modified putting stroke and better weather, Daniel scored better in rounds 3 and 4 and managed to improve his score by ten shots per round on each of the courses when played for the second time. Mid 80s wasn’t bad here, but as always could have been lower… If Daniel could start the week again knowing what he knows now, he knows that he would score far better, but it’s that process he needs to go through himself, and that experience gained which will help him the most. This was golf at a higher level, being a little fish in a big pond rather than a big fish in a little pond. Daniel was one of only two players in the field who scored better with every round. Daniel could keep up with the majority of players tee to green, but this week has reinforced the need for a great short game, which will come with time and practice - the main difference in the scoring. Course management is still questionable at times to say the least and I did remind him we were playing medal on some occasions and did my level best to bring him round to my way of thinking! But there is always next year, and the year after… I came back on Wednesday and left Mrs Myers to look after Daniel for the rest of the week. Today he is playing in the ‘international pairs’ competition which is handicapped so that will help. So all in all a fantastic experience, which ticked all the boxes and more of what we hoped it would, and I am certain this will only increase Daniel’s appetite to be better at golf and help him focus him on how to achieve that. He enjoyed it, playing golf and mixing with all the other leading players; he will be desperate to qualify for next year and get another week off school! |