Apologies to my Uncle Jeff who I suggested should put a pound each way on me in Spain. Unfortunately I did not come good for him, but only just I might add.

A final round of 66 was good enough for 17th place, but I tell you it could have been better, in fact 66 was the most I could have shot and that’s the first time in two years I can honestly say that.

Raymondo (my Dad for any new visitors to the site) was made up of course with a better display of golf and, had he used the self focusing binoculars I gave him for his birthday on Wednesday night, instead of chatting up any Spanish senorita he sets eyes on, he might have located my ball on the 18th on day one and Uncle Jeff’s bet may have come in.

Still all in all, it was a very promising week. I have enjoyed my golf more in the last two weeks than at any time in the last two years. Good news as well for two very good friends of mine Jason and Rachel Jinx who have followed me now for the last two years.

I am not sure if ‘Jinx’ is actually their surname but it bloody well should be. I have not hit a decent shot in anger since they have started following my progress some three years ago, but fair play to them both they have followed me through thick and thin, and it was great that finally I gave them some birdies to cheer for last week.

The European Tour had a new feature last week that was almost a great success but unfortunately did not quite work out as planned. For the first time ever the tournament  promoter, Miguel Angel Jimenez, managed to provide a nudist beach directly behind the driving range with only a chain link fence in between. Real progress certainly, as normally we only get the manufacturers trucks to look at.

Unfortunately Miguel a true gentleman and legend of the tour was unable to encourage the right sort of clientele to the new naked viewing area but it was a good try.  It’s safe to say that everyone was looking in the other direction whilst practising, but I did notice that Raymondo was really keen to practice with those binoculars as the week went on.

Two weeks off now for me in Dubai, Tucker is coming over for a few days practice followed my Chief Muppett (Paul Hoskins, Trainer) so by the time I arrive in China I should have a six pack and a perfect swing.