FIRST PERSON

Taking a week off proves to be best

By Robert Rock,
Special for WorldGolf.com

I've had a week away from the Tour as I decided not to compete in the Caltex Masters in Singapore.

And I'm sure I've made the right decision.

I've been doing a little bit of extra work on my putting and I looked at my swing on video to iron out one or two things I wasn't happy with in Qatar.

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And I'm feeling really good. Everything appears to be in reasonable order and I feel a lot more confident going into this week's Madeira Open than I did in the last couple of events.

Being at home for a week also allowed me to put my mind at rest. I'm having some building work done at home and just like anybody else I'm concerned to make sure it's done correctly.

I tuned in to watch the Caltex Masters on the first day but it was washed out - and I thought: "Yes, I've definitely made the right decision!"

It was really good to see Colin Montgomerie winning again. Not just for European golf in a Ryder Cup year, but for all of us who enjoy golf.

It's good to see him playing to the high standards we all know he is capable of.

And I was pleased for his new caddie, Andy, as well. I know him, he's a good guy and I was delighted their partnership got off to such a good start.

This week's event is the first time I've ever competed in a pro-am tournament on the Tour. Obviously I've played in plenty of pro-ams previously, but not like this.

To be honest I will only be pleased with my performance this week if I come away with a top-10 finish.

The prize money is not substantial in this event because it is a co-sanctioned tournament with the Challenge Tour.

And what I've won so far this season is negligible. I'm 189th on the money list and while that doesn't appear encouraging at face value, it only takes a couple of good weeks to thrust you right into the top 50.

In fact one good week will make a major difference to your placing.

To retain my card I need to finish in the top 115 and I'm quite confident I can achieve that.

Last year I won the necessary prize money in five events so I know I can do it.

My best finish last year was a fourth place, so I've set myself the target of placing higher than that.

And if you're higher than fourth, you're within a shout of winning an event, which is what we all want to achieve at the end of the day.

My only disappointment this week was that my friend Mark Smith won't be joining me in Madeira.

He plays on the Challenge Tour and would have qualified for this event had he finished in the top 10 of his event last week. As it turned out he ended up 14th, and missed out by just one shot.

So he's not traveling; my girlfriend Lynda's not with me; and neither is my caddy this week. I'm all on my lonesome.

Still I can pick up a bag carrier at the club. I don't think not having my normal caddy will be too much of a hindrance this week.

We're off to the Algarve in a week's time and then the bigger tournaments in Europe come thick and fast after the Masters.

Hopefully I'll be well up the money list by then.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.