Alfred Dunhill in Malelane, South Africa!

         I enjoyed my first European Tour event this week in Malelane, South Africa (November 28 – December 1)!  I played well and finished tied for 24th.  

          Leopard Creek is a tough and beautiful golf course.  From a playing standpoint, it required precision in shot-making and the greens had a lot of slope but they ran as true as any.  From an aesthetic standpoint, it’s just incredible walking around it seeing all of the animals and reptiles in the adjacent Kruger National Park (the Crocodile River borders the course... and it is aptly named).  As I walked down the fairway on several holes I saw hippos, rhinos, elephants, leopards, lions, tigers, wild boar, buffalo, deer, eagles, and a few other animals!  At any given time there was always some kind of unique animal in view. There even was a two-foot lizard on the wall in our bathroom when we checked into the hotel! 

            All of the players were warned (almost constantly) to stay out of the brush off the fairways because there are so many nasty snakes, crocodiles and other beasts in there.  I was very careful whenever I had to go in the rough or near the water.  All in all, though, it was a very memorable way to start my career on the European Tour. I am looking forward to the events to follow- especially my next event in Hong Kong! 
            
            Tonight I have the opportunity to go on a night-time safari! It should be amazing as long as we keep a healthy distance from the animals :). Then tomorrow morning we leave for Hong Kong! Thanks for all of your support; I really appreciate it! More to come later!