Hello There, how are you all? Or should I not be so presumptuous in thinking that I have any followers any more. Not because of my poor form, I would never doubt my supporters loyalty on the golf  front, more because of my laziness on the blog front. However I did say that If I had nothing good to write about I may not bother, and that is how it has been I am afraid.


So what has brought on this sudden return to the world of the internet blog? Well from the depths of despair after missing yet another cut at Gleneagles, which was preceded by the same result in Holland, and the Czech Republic for that matter all by two shots bizarrely, I headed to Switzerland with old Raymondo (my Father) in tow to try and right the ship.



Crans Sur Sierre is a place like no other, a sleepy, classy skiing village with the most beautiful scenery you could ever wish for with a golf course perched 40 yards from the main high street.



The week started well when for the Pro-am I was greeted by Bani a Turkish lady with a big smile, Emre her son, with an affliction called a shank, and John, Banis’ best friends son who came with his mother in tow to entertain all of us with her infectious enthusiasm for all that was good and her laughter for all that was rubbish. Cue Emres’ shank!



So to Thursday and round one. I have made a conscious effort over the last few weeks to acknowledge the importance of a good first round to enable myself to look up the leader board rather than behind me at the cut line which has been my constant companion this year and a 68 was just what the doctor ordered.



Just as well as although a 69 on Friday left me in a good position the cut eventually fell at two under which was impressive considering the adverse weather on Friday afternoon.



Round three, my nemesis according to Raymondo for my apparent ability to make a big move in the wrong direction started poorly when I snap hooked my tee shot and hit the conifer tree which sits some 50 yards from the tee. Fortunately Raymondo missed this shot which was a good thing as I am not sure his heart could take many more shockers, especially on Saturday. Still a hack forward and a soft 8 iron courtesy of some good advice from the Jockey and a birdie four was scored.



A fifty foot curling birdie putt was holed on the 2nd and after a beautiful cut 6 iron on the par 3 third I was 3 under through three and Raymondo had a little colour in his cheeks again. 68 was eventually scored setting up my best opportunity of the year for a decent finish and I was as focused as I can remember when Sunday came around.



So how did it all end, well a 67 in round four left me in 7th place for my first top ten in a year. Raymondo was chuffed, Bani and her clan were there in full support, the Jockey looked like he had the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders and I too felt a huge sigh of relief at the knowledge that I can still play the game I love to a high standard.



As it happened it was the first counting event for a little tournament called The Ryder Cup or something which will take place in Wales next year. Not really sure what that is all about but I have decided I will look at that list rather than the Race To Dubai for the rest of the year. It is a lot nicer seeing your name at number 6 rather than 186th let me tell you.



One nugget of information I have gleened from Raymondo who is becoming quite the aficionado on all things golf nowadays is that after 15 years of watching me play he told me on Sunday night that he prefers it when I have a putt up the green rather than across it.



David leadbetter watch out, Raymondo is the new man in town. I should not take the mickey really, after deciding that he must have been my lucky charm last week I tried my best to convince him to come to Germany this week too. He said he had better offers and he would see me in three months time. Fair play.