Nelson Mandela Championship

         I finished up my final tournament of calendar year 2013 here in Durban missing the cut, scoring 76, 66.  My pairing caught some windy and rainy conditions in the first round and I couldn’t do enough to make up for it in the second.  It was a good week nonetheless.  A lot went on honoring the life of Nelson Mandela and I learned a good bit about him and the people of South Africa. 

            This course in Durban was much different than the one in Malelane a couple of weeks ago.  There wasn’t nearly as much wildlife wandering about but I still had to be on the lookout since you never know what kind of beautiful or scary creature may pop up around here.

            Overall, my game was pretty good during this three-tournament trip.  I’m starting to get a feel for the European Tour and I’m hopeful that I can compete favorably out here.  I’m excited about the opportunities ahead!

            2013 has been a long but very good year.  I’ve grown and learned so much – more than I imagined possible.  I’m grateful for all of the wonderful happenings and all of the great things that were done for me.  But I’m also eager to keep going. 

            I am planning to take the next few weeks off of tournament golf to rest and recuperate. The next European Tour event is the Volvo Golf Championship (starting January 9), but the field is limited to winners of Euro events last year (which doesn't include me yet :) ). The following three events are in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai) and they are very selective and have large purses. I have a small chance of getting into Qatar but not much likelihood with the others, unless a sponsor exemption develops.  I’ll definitely pick up with the Joburg Open in South Africa during the first week of February, and I should get in quite a few events consecutively after that! 

            I’m so looking forward to getting back to the U.S. on Sunday, December 15 and seeing family and friends.  Best wishes for you and your family for the Holidays!