European Tour

Good news, it's nearly time to come on home soil for the Belgium Soudal Open 2023.

This will be the only week to see the best Belgian players in action, pro's and amateurs and other champions from all over the world.

I know that the course will be once again in great shape and that the organizers, the club members and the famous Belgian army of volunteers have prepared a great tournament.

Don't hesitate to come and support us on 11 - 14 May in Antwerp, Rinkven G&CC.

(the following text is a copy of Nicolas' communiqué to his Valued Partners issued on 21.XI.2022)

Dear Valued Partners,

What a year 2022 has been. Most recently turning 40, relocating countries, and of course lets not shy away from the fact that my health suffered immensely.

First and foremost, I extend a huge thank you to all of my loyal partners that I consider as family. Thank you all, individually, for your continued support during one of the toughest years of my life. Without you, I would not have been able to continue to do what I love and focus on my recovery to get me to a point where I can return to the game of golf in a healthy and ready state.

We received two lots of very good news this week. I will receive a full year medical exemption and keep my category 3, winners category. On top of this some even more exciting news - tomorrow I will be announced as a Vice Captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone. This means that I will be heavily involved with the Captain Luke Donald and the two other Vice Captain’s; Thomas Bjorn and Edoardo Molinari. It is a huge honor and also a big responsibility to win this Ryder Cup back for Team Europe. As you all know, the Ryder Cup has always played a massive role in my life and now being part of Leadership Team is something I am incredibly proud of.

I am very positive about what the 2023 season holds and returning to the game that I love, thank you again for your support and I look forward to see you all again very soon.

Regards,

Nicolas

Antwerp, Monday 9 May 2022

Looking forward to participate to the Soudal Belgium Open in Rinkven this week, 

As you know I'm still not 100% but I want to pay tribute to Vic Swerts (Soudal), Bob Verbeeck (Golazzo) and all the people helping the organisation of this Open: you deserve all my support!

I'm totally convinced that the Belgium Open is very important for golf, golfers and golf clubs in our country, thank you Vic and thank you for your passion for golf...

Tomorrow Tuesday: Press conference, TV interviews and 9 holes to feel the course... it's gonna be interesting...

Rinkven, Tuesday 30 November 2021

Bob Verbeeck (Golazzo - Promotor), Vic Swerts (CEO Soudal) and Dimitri Rombouts (President Rinkven) announced the venue of the Soudal Belgium open.

From 12 to 15 May, Rinkven will be the place to be for European Golf: 72 holes stroke play for a prize-money of 2 Million Euro (more than the average tournaments).

Vic Swerts announced also an amazing news: Jack Nicklaus will be there on the week-end. The Legend himself, that's great news for Belgium.

Dubai, Monday 29 November 2021

Unfortunately, I won't be participating to the Laguna Ch'ip in Phuket. 

I feel sorry for my Thailand friends but i'm looking forward seeing you as soon as possible,

Good luck for the tournament,

Dubai, Friday 26 November 2021

After so many months without flying to Asia, I will fly on Monday to Phuket to play on the Asian Tour. Thanks to the friendly relationship I've built with the All Thailand Tour through Fhon and Brian Nilsson, I received an invitation to play the Laguna Ch'ip in Phuket.

I'm missing Thailand, the people, the country and the food, so I'm really looking forward to play there next week,

I needed to ask for a release to play on another tour and I've been granted the authorization to play there, thank you the new DP World Tour (The new name of the European Tour).

I heard good news from the Soudal open 2022, the event is building nicely, more to come on Tuesday during the press conference,

Dubai, Wednesday 10 November 2021

First time that I play in Dubai coming from Home by car ;o)

The main news this week is obviously the change at the European Tour as it becomes the DP World Tour,

From now, our Tour has a new name and a new logo, we had it in the past with the Volvo Tour,

So from 2022, the DP World Tour will have 47 tournaments in 27 different countries,

We are in fact a World Tour with 23 tournaments played in Europe and 24 outside Europe,

DP World, the worldwide company, ceased the opportunity the become a main partner of our Tour, alongside Rolex, so welcome the DP World Tour!

Their vision and support will bring the total purse for the season on more than 200 millions USD with a minimum of 2 millions USD per tournaments,

Together with Rolex, they will also help raise the level of the Challenge Tour,

All the players on Tour are delighted of this new partnership because we feel that this boost will create a new momentum around golf,

After 2 covid years, it's exactly what we needed. I'm super excited as the DP World Tour will also put more emphasis to charities and "Handi Golf". 

Cherry on the cake:  The Soudal Belgium open has never chosen a better year to be launched and to support Belgium golf!

Vilamoura, Sunday 7 November 2021

What a win Thomas! Super second shot on the 17 made the difference. That birdie was so important... Great putts on 17 and 18 also...

Congrats to Adam (Adam Marrow is Thomas' caddy)... patience and belief in your man was useful!

Congrats to all the team and the family Pieters, well deserved...

Vilamoura, Tuesday 2 November 2021

Arrived here yesterday, Victoria is a course where I have nice memories,

Vilamoura is a place that I know very well through the years and the Anantara hotel is one of the finest of our calendar,

Tee times at 12h10 on Thursday and 8h on Friday,

At the end of the season, the Portugal masters becomes a very important tournament for a few players as it's the penultimate tournament of the season for the players to qualify or in the top 50 or the top 110 (that will be 121 this year),

Dubai, Tuesday 26 October 2021

Nearly a week that we have arrived in Dubai, with Rachel and the two Boys. What a logistic adventure, and I can't thank enough Rach' efficiency during the last months! Hats off for Rachel's mother also...

Last Sunday, Jackson had his first day of school. Our new home is located on the Els Club which is quite efficient for my training, that has been started every morning (physical and technical). 

My next tournaments are Portugal next week and the Aviv Dubai Championship,

Friday 8 October 2021

With Manon De Roey, Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry, I played in Rigenée GC as they won the Holes for Heroes Challenge,

Huge congrats to the club for their win and their contribution to the Charity (around 30.000€)

The people at the Red Cross were incredible during the covid times, Congrats to them also, they deserved the 271.000 euros that Belgian golfers give to the Red Cross,

The Match has been held in Rigenée on Wednesday 4 October 2021,

Thank you particularly to my own sponsors that participate to make that charity such a succès: Knauf and Qualion.. I'm proud to be your ambassador!

St Andrews, Thursday 30 September 2021

Feelings: proud and inspired or inspired and proud. 64 on the Old Course, the Mecca of golf is always a statement,

Tom Chaplin liked my music on the course today, each in his turn...

St Andrews, Wednesday 29 September 2021

The pilgrimage you don't want to miss! Scotland golf is my all time preference and when you talk about St Andrews, you talk about the holy grounds of golf!

This wonderful week of golf is becoming legendary, famous courses and famous people sharing together the same passion! I will share this week with my friend Tom Chaplin who, as you all know, is the famous lead singer - musician - composer of Keane,

Tom is a great golfer and we met in Wentworth a few years ago that we became friends,

I'm sure we will be talking about the Ryder Cup. We've been outplayed, end of the story. I think that the chaotic 2 covid years delayed the potential of our young European stars. The PGA kept playing on great courses, with all their best players and good money so that each player could take his all coaching team with him. The Cantlay's, Morikawa, Schauffele, Sheffler, Berger have made a huge jump in their skills, particularly in winning Majors. European players mainly stayed in 2019 station. Not blaming anybody, just telling that we had two different 2020-2021 season's on every side of the Atlantic,

Cold and rainy weather here, just classic, interesting fight ahead against those 3 beautiful courses,

Wisconsin, Thursday 23 September 2021

Once hooked by the Ryder Cup you can't live without it, it's my case, I'm here as a commentator for the European Tour,

Chilly weather and good winds from the lake,

Impressive course prepared for the American team, long with no rough to favour the long hitting local team,

Martin Kaymer won here his first Major in 2010 (USPGA ch'ip), so it's not a bad course for the Europeans,

Interestingly, Captain Stricker divided his team in 3 pods (groups), to avoid any problem between a few players,

Pod 1: Dechambeau, Scheffler, Spieth, Thomas (Spieth and Thomas will be teamed up)

Pod 2: Johson, Morikawa, Cantlay, Schauffele (Cantlay and Schauffele will be teamed up)

Pod 3: Berger, English, Finau, Koepka (Finau and Koepka will be teamed up)

So Stricker has 3 teams of 4 players, each pod training and practicing together, 

So I'm interested to see if the plan to avoid any human problems in the team room will beat the bunch of 12 European friends,

We can summer up the match by opposing "Experience" (Europe) against "Performance" (USA with 6 rookies),

Also the EUR caddies are experienced : Johnny Long Socks MCLaren (Casey), Mick Donaghy (Hatton), Billy Foster (Fitz), Terry Mundy (Poults) or Jamie Lane (Wiesberger)

Sam Westwood will caddy for his father, what an experience for that young man,

EUR players average 32 years and USA players 29years old,

EUR players have already played 168 matches, USA players 49!

USA has the performance: they average 9th in World Ranking and we are 30th, but Europe has an angel: Seve Ballesteros, our legend!

Wentworth, Friday 10 September 2021

Great round yesterday on a very firm course with hard pan greens, totally different than when it's even slightly wet! 

Pleased with my work with Jerome on low trajectory spinning wedges! Quite efficient. I do like spin and don't like backspin, so we worked on the angle of attack and it paid off.

Only 3 drives for me and the one lost on 18 was costly. A lot of 3 woods off the tee and some long irons.

Wentworth, Tuesday 7 September 2021

And what about that Solheim Cup win 13-15 in the States! Brillant... Great job from our European Proëttes,

Back to Europe, nothing beats this tournament when the sun shines...

Wentworth is in pure conditions, firm as we like it, thanks to a good week of sunshine,

The European Tour is waiting for 100.000 spectators, waow... Congrats for the Village, really classy,

We players are still in strict bubble mode, no contact with other players...

Quite important week for the future picks of our Ryder Cup Captain! 

Really looking forward to!

Roma, Tuesday 31 August 2021

Welcome Rome, didn't discover the course yet, but can't wait to figure it out, to understand the challenge this course will offer for the next Ryder Cup,

I can't express how good the french gad their edition prepared and the amazing work done by Pascal Grizot, who's now President of the FFGolf,

The bar is set high and, like always, Team Europe will need the home advantage, Captains Mc Ginley  and Bjorn were masters in course preparation!

Crans-Montana, Sunday 29 August 2021

Three rounds under par this week with two good 65's is the positive I take to the next two weeks,

My all-round game is in shape and that's good for my confidence,

Next week Italian Open, one of my favorite destination (people, culture, food...), quite interested on discovering the next Ryder Cup site!

Crans-Montana, Thursday 26 August 2021

What about the new course record from James Morrison: an easy 60

Pleased with this -5 65, nice to play with my Danish friends,

Let's go for the same mojo tomorrow at 13:00 to keep pace with Morrison,

Crans-Montana, Wednesday 25 August 2021

How nice can a panorama be on a golf course... well nothing beats Hole 7 in Crans.

Lovely to be here with some sunshine but like always I will need to adapt to length of my flights, altitude is friendly with high and long trajectories.

Today Pro-Am day and like always there are a lot of Belgium friends as it's a traditional leisure destinations since a long time, when Flory Van Donck used to be the head pro here during the summer holidays.

Good preparation opportunity with Jérôme before Italy and the BMW PGA in Wentworth.

Monday 2 August 2021

Well I thought that one of the two Thomas could make his way on the podium, they play really well under very warm temperatures that is not on our favor,

Congrats to Nina Derwael, amazing sports performance!

I will now cheer for the Red Lions, let's go till the end Boys...

Now just between you and me, the Formula 1 race yesterday was just incredible, the Joy of Ocon was fully deserved, Sport is beautiful!

Vidauban, Thursday 15 July 2021

Training time in Vidauban between two tournaments but all my thoughts are towards the people in Belgium suffering from the heavy rains and floods...

Images on tv are terrible, I'm shocked!

Solidarity and true compassion for all the ones who suffered or lost someone during those incredible days...

Time for action to save and repair as soon as possible...

The Renaissance, Saturday 9 July 2021

What a sad news to learn that Clare Lipscombe passed away, it's heartbreaking, the Tour is a great family and Clare was working for the Tour where we always appreciated her smile, 

RIP Clare at 43 years old you were much too young to close your eyes,

You're already sadly missed...

The Renaissance, Thursday 8 July 2021

Wonderful golf course and I love this country, but I could have made 2 or 3 birdies more, 

Speed of the green feeling and a solid start will be important tomorrow,

Belgian golfers: "please visit www.holesforheroes.be and participate" 

The Renaissance, Monday 5 July 2021

As an Ambassador of Holes for Heroes, I really want to support the Red Cross and all their volunteers in their fight against Social Isolation caused by the pandemic. 

So how does it work?

Each club in Belgium can make a team of maximum 30 players who then try to raise as much money as possible for the Red Cross,

The teams that raise the most money might get the opportunity to have a special day with me at the club!

So please visit www.holesforheroes.be and sign up now! Thank you...

Mount Juliet, Friday 2 July 2021

Shaky start, I was not comfortable but then I needed all my experience and then I said to Brian: I'll play the back nine like a Lion ...

A good cut on my belt.

Tomorrow tee off at 9:00

Mount Juliet, Thursday 1 July 2021

This is a beautiful place, Nature at his best, and Jack Nicklaus at the design for the track, what do you want more...

The course is not that long, little wet and a lot of soft 3 woods off the tee, even 3 irons, a lot of water (5 lakes) and strategic bunker placement.

Finally, I have the right speed on greens, which explains the good scoring today...

Tomorrow at 13:20

München, Sunday 27 June 2021

Score is not showing the strength of the game, with great Greens in Regulation stats which is important for my game, 

Now I need to find more efficiency on greens,

Dublin next stop!

München, Friday 25 June 2021

When it rains that much at night on those greens, they become very slow because the greenkeepers can't mow them as short as they want and because of the growth in this warm humid weather, to make a long story short, I never found the speed of the greens, I was short most of the time!

6 three putts in two days is a massive burden to bear, but as I was pessimistic for the cut, I was aiming -3, the wind made it a touch tougher and it stayed at -2,

Let's go for the week-end, looking forward to,

Playing tomorrow at 8:45 with one of the most sympathetic player on Tour: the Viking Jeff Winther!

München, Thursday 24 June 2021

Such a pleasure to come back on Tour with one supporter more, Oliver Colsaerts ;o)

Happy also to back to competition, friends, officials, players, caddies and everybody on Tour,

Happy to represent myself and my partners: Dunning, GreatGrey Investments, Knauf, Mannes, Qualion, Rolex and Titleist

Happy to have Brian on the bag,

This is a serious stretch of 3 tournaments: Munich, Irish and Scottish

Jerome is with us but as we are living in a strict bubble we can't be together as we wanted to...

Play at 13:20

Bois-le-Duc, Friday 18 June 2021

Soft ride from Belgium to Bernardus in Holland. Easy golf course to find with the Mercedes GLC Hybrid prepared by Alexis Mannès (Mercedes),

This golf course designed by Kyle Phillips is a gem, and the training facilities are awesome, that's why Jerome Theunis wants me come and practice here,

Jerome is training different Tour players here and I honestly understand why,

What a shame we don't have such facilites in Belgium, this is an example of what we need in Belgium, 

On the technical side of the program, we had today alignement and strike sessions to find more pins,

Brian Nilsson, my caddie, is here also, and tomorrow Jerome has prepare a heavy green reading program for both of us, Jerome says that there is an upgrade to our scoring in green reading, we are looking forward to learn more about it...

Coming back to this wonderful course, I understand why I like it so much: Kyle Phillips studied and is a great fan of Tom Simpson and Harry Colt designs, and I share this passion for these two true geniuses,

Bernardus will host the KLM Open for 3 years in a row...

Challenge Tour 13 June 2021

Congrats for the win in Cadiz Kristof Ulenaers!

Always great to book another Belgian Victory on the European Tour

Good luck for the future

Challenge Tour, Sunday 13 June 2021

Very, very interesting performance of Kristof in Cadiz,

Go for it! See, decide, play, no doubts...

Monaco, Wednesday 2 June 2021

Oliver was born this morning at 8.30, he arrived finally on time,

Mother and baby are doing quite well,

After a few long weeks, we are blessed to welcome Oliver, new member of the Colsaerts family,

Home, Tuesday 4 May

I will not play in Tenerife nor at the Belfry as we are waiting our second child and I absolutely want to be there for the birth,

Depending on the date of arrival of Jackson's brother, I will be back on tournament in Denmark or Munich for the BWM International,

Take care and Stay safe,

Austria, 13 April 2021

The announcement has been made this morning: The Belgium Open is back in Belgium. Great news for 2022 !

Soudal, the famous Belgium brand, will be the Title sponsor and it will be played in Rinkven GC with a format of 72 holes stroke play.

Bob Verbeek and Andy Hancock (Golazo) are the promoters of this event that a lot of Belgian golfers are waiting for.

Great news for golf in Belgium ! 

Wednesday 7 April 2021

It was in the air... The French Federation and the European Tour decided today to cancel The French Open...

Considering the Covid situation in France, it was clearly not recommended to host a Open, and it's understandable of course...

My schedule is once again modified... so sad... 

Home, Tuesday 23 March 2021

Well, the Tour has announced a new tournament from 15 to 18 April.

I will be the Austrian Golf Open in Vienna (1 hour away) on the Diamond Club (Prize fund 1M€).

This will be my next tournament followed by the Open de France on the Golf National where I will defend my title.

Doha, Thursday 11 March 2021

Let's start this tournament, it's important as we don't have too many in our schedule.

At one time, there was an option to organize some ET tournaments in Florida but that idea has been abandoned, so we stick to the original calendar.

Tough times, isn't it...

On the course, I had a good preparation with Douglas on the bag, so I'm confident...

Doha, Sunday 7 March 2021

Arrived in my hotel room for a quarantine of 24hours, time to wait the PCR Result done in the Doha airport.

Such a relief.

Long and very tensed journey. I had to wake up at 2 in the morning, riding myself my car to avoid any contact, from Monaco to Milan, nearest airport going to Qatar.

We had to prepare 8 attests and visa and a negative PCR (48h) only for this travel, a nightmare, every step in the travel is a potential stress.

Hopefully we did it all good and it was a good decision to travel this Sunday night.

Brian Nilsson will stay in Thailand, too difficult for him to travel.

Gordon Faulkner will be my caddy this week, he used to work for Beef Johnson.

Monaco, Friday 19 February 2021

This has been the bleakest day since a long while... Léopold Lippens passed away today...

One of the most notorious free spirits in Belgium was also a keen golfer.

He had the true Belgian spirit, free mind, as surrealistic as the biggest Masters like Brel or Magritte that came to his city.

He said out loud what others were thinking to themselves.

He organized the most beautiful golf events like the Belgacom Opens or the North Sea Pro-Am.

He gave so much to Belgium...

Vincent and myself share the same deep sadness. Goodbye Léo, we'll miss you so much...

Monaco, Monday 1 February 2021

The news came out today: There will be an Open de France organized by the enemy brothers The European Tour and the Fédération Française de Golf.

Where? The Golf National of course,

When? Between 6 and 9 May 

Special: it will be presented by Greg Havret

Prize-money: 1,5 Million €

So happy that Pascal Grizot, the freshly elected President of the FFG (French federation), has found an agreement with the ET. Pascal is a very efficient and a qualified golfer and he was also the key organizer of the super successful Ryder Cup in Paris! "Pascal, you will always have my total support!"

By the way, as the title holder of the Open de France, I'm delighted to book this tournament in my calendar!

Jumeirah, Saturday 30 January 2020

The course here at The Emirates GC has never been so long and so narrow, but I'm pleased with my level of game,

I'm hitting more greens and that's the way I can score the best,

I feel strong and those 2 months preparation are really paying off, 

Let see what tomorrow's game will offer, 

I will not participating to the next championship in Saudi,

For my part, I can't wait the end of those covid times... for us travelers it becomes a nightmare...

Abu Dhabi, Monday 20 January 2021

Happy New Year and my best wishes, health and happiness for 2021,

Quite happy to be able to work again, thanks to the UAE authorities and the European Tour and thanks to the very strict bubble system,

I spend the winter here in the Emirates for the first time and my preparation has never been better,

I am only allowed to spend time with people within my own bubble: Brian and Jerome, 

This course is a gem, Peter Harradine designed a master course in Abu Dhabi, superbly manicured also, one of the best of the year!

Dubai, Wednesday 25 November 2020

 My coaching team is here in Dubai since Monday for a week of training before the last stretch of the season,

Mich, Jerome and Vincent together for a good preparation at The Els Club, in particular at the Claude Harmon Academy : great facilities with perfect grass, thank you Jamie McConnell,

Tom Detry is here also together with the President Raph Jacquelin, sharing the same coaches and having good games together,

One objective: playing the Final of the Race together with the Top 60 R2D ( with the absentees it could be going down to 67) , i might need a top 3 next week!

Aphrodite Hills, Tuesday 27 October 2020

Big thank to Chubby Chandler to organize those two new events in Cyprus,

Big thank to "Roachie" for caddying for me this week,

Kyle Roadley used to caddie for me before I met Brian and we stayed in contact as he worked for different friends on Tour, Roachie is also from OZ,

Quite excited to discover Cyprus for the first time, the course and this famous Aphrodite Hills hotel...

Brescia, Sunday 25 October

The winner deserves his victory. My back nine was ok but I do blame my slow start to find the right "mojo"...

New caddy on the bag today, Thank you Charlie,

Brian had to stay in quarantine because one of his fellow caddy was declared positive on Saturday morning and as a "contact person", even if Brian was tested negative and still has been today, the Italian authorities asked him to make a 10 days quarantine. I must admit that I didn't sleep well and that I wasn't confortable on the first tee today...

New caddy for next week in Cyprus, Brian chosed an old friend: Kyle Roadley called "Roachie", on a mission next week: to do better than Brian and Charlie this week!!!

Brescia, Saturday 24 October 

A good and quite round, took advantage of the par 5's,

Tomorrow I'll need some magic because there are so many players in the hunt and somebody will shoot very low...

Brescia, Friday night 23 October

Quite a strange score card... but 9 birdies which is encouraging, never know what that week-end will bring!

Cyprus is very demanding travel wise, so we will be tested (PCR) on Sunday morning before the start to be able to enter,

Brescia, Friday 23 October 

Countries are making a hell of job to organize tournaments and to make the European Tour staying in life in those tough time,

Thank you also ISM and Chubby Chandler to organize the 2 weeks in Cyprus, two new tournaments, so important for us players and caddies,

Thank you to the European Tour for giving me an invite for the first tournament so I can be there for the 2 in a row,

Will need to enter a good score card today, some of the players are flying on those greens...

Take care of you and others in those difficult times,

North Berwick, Sunday 4 October 2020

Never been so wet in my life, so much rain, incredible, tough day at the office

Nevertheless I fought hard but couldn't find the good speed on the greens, 

One more round this Sunday, hoping for a good finish,

North Berwick, Saturday 3 October 2020

Week-end play is important on Rolex Series,

Unfortunately I wasn't as efficient on the greens on the last 9, should have been more under,

Splendid course where I already finished once second, so I'm optimistic for the next 2 rounds,

North Berwick, Thursday 1 October 2020

This is a great golf course, and the weather is more than Scottish, with heavy rain and gusty winds. Weather wise, you need to be also lucky to avoid the worst moments.

Rolex Series... finally, I like them, even if I miss the public. It's not a secret that the Scottish public is my preferred one, 20 years of mutual estimate and appreciation.

See you next year folks...

Friday 11 September 2020

Really shocked by the vandals who dig holes on 7 greens at Royal GC Sart Tilman,

Sart Tilman, south of Liège (Belgium), is a Tom Simpson master piece, designed in the mid '30's, 

This golf course deserved all golfers respect, but vandals have no idea what respect or culture means!

All my thoughts to the green keepers who cherished their greens, spend a lot of long hours manucuring them, they now need to repair all the damages, stay strong guys!

Good Luck also to the Board and their President, my partner Patrick Renard from KNAUF!

The Belfry, Sunday 30 August 2020

This was the last tournament of the UK swing, all credit to the European Tour, it was important to organize these events and strong sanitary measures were needed. 

I must admit that I'm not comfortable with playing in those conditions, I miss my coaches, I like to work during tournaments and here it was impossible. 

My next tournament will be in North Ireland, no Spanish swing for me after 5 weeks in the UK.

Family time and training on the agenda !

The Belfry, Friday 28 August 2020

Did fight at the end of the round after 2 wide tee shots on 16-17, one lost ball (16) and one from a tree to a water hazard (17) but manage to make only 1 putt on the three last holes, 3 pearls of 12 feet each! 

Video from a Marshall, hole 5 for birdie, toe down chip... a Jérôme special...

Belgium, Monday 24 August 2020

Good luck to all the golfers in Belgium today playing as many holes as possible to raise money for the Red Cross #holesforheroes www.holesforheroes.be

Celtic Manor, Thursday 20 August

Two more to go for this first UK swing. This week at Celtic Manor, like last week, and then The Belfry, another iconic Ryder Cup course.

I need to upgrade my putting and short game for these two weeks, I need a few low rounds...

Congrats to Thomas D. for his selection at the US Open, he showed a really solid game.

Wales, Wednesday 12 August 2020

This is the kind of course I like. This lay-out was designed specially for the 2010 Ryder Cup by Ross McMurray, a Scot, head architect at European Golf Design. The ball needs to fly here, there's a lot of water, it's long and the wind can play an important role...

I still have a plate and record here: a drive of 447 yards on the 613 yards 18th hole! Still the longest on the European Tour,

Bad news today: I woke up with a serious sore back, went twice to the physio's, they strapped me for the night. Walked the course today with a sand wedge and a putter. I hope I can play tomorrow morning at 8:17 because this is a course I really like to play. 

Wales, Tuesday 11 August 2020

The story of the leaking oil and the wrecked ship in Mauritius is unbearable for everybody who loves nature and/or Mauritius. let's hope they can pump the 3/4 of the oil still in the tanker. Pictures are heart breaking.

Arrived yesterday in Celtic Manor, here for 2 weeks. it's long, very long when can't get out of the hotel and have dinner only with your caddy. But let me be clear, I'm not complaining, I'm just expressing the fact that a 5 week "quarantine" has boring after works sessions. Hopefully here in, Celtic they have 3 different restaurants and I'm interested to test the Asian Fusion and the Steak-house... surprise, surprise...

Another PCR test negative, so I received the accreditation for the week and the day. Nevertheless, tomorrow morning I'll need to take my accreditation of the day delivered by the doctor after an interview, some questions and a temperature test, like every day of the UK Swing. 

Hanbury Manor, Saturday 8 August 2020

I was going smoothly, nothing very extraordinary for a Saturday, but then I had to count 2 penalty stroke from the bunker on the par 3 11th hole for touching the sand during a practice swing... nobody saw it, I was not sure... but I can't live with such a doubt so I called a referee and told him that I needed to add to penalty stroke to my par.

I must admit that it stopped my momentum, but after a few pars, I could knock 2 birdies to stay in the top 10,

As Brian said on the practice putting green after the game, a Sunday needs to be played and who knows how the ball will roll in my favor this time, I will certainly seize the opportunity to challenge Andy Sully, I love him he's a great character...

Hanbury Manor, Friday 7 August 2020

And who is the happiest father on earth? Who? Who. Thomas Pieters of course... Congrats to Stef and TP for this beautiful little treasure!

When coming back on Tour, he will be unbeatable feeling like Rambo, the King of the World, bad shots will have no consequences at all... It's gonna be fun...

A quite 66 after a tumultuous 65. With this kind of weather, we'll need to shoot low in the week-end.

Played with Sully today, he made an exhibition, he loves to play well in front of a large gallery (haha), hopefully tv coverage was there so I wasn't alone to witness that amazing display,

I have a job this week-end, sorry no BBQ for me... I heard it's quite warm on the continent... stay hydrated!

Hanbury Manor, Thursday 6 August 2020

Solid start of the tournament, this kind of golf course reminds me some of the continental course and I find my trajectories quite confortably.

Must be the same story for Tom Detry who played also solidly today.

A few bad swing on the back nine, certainly the tee shots on 16 and 17, but still there in the top 10 with a 65. It was time to score in the sixties, my last one, a 67 was on the 2nd of March! 

Hanbury Manor, Tuesday 4 August 2020

Well when a newspaper follows your sport, it's always good for all the golf business in the country. And I say business because so many are working in and around golf. With the covid crisis, every job becomes important, and that's why I salute the "La Libre"(Belgian newspaper) golf initiative to open a facebook page only over golf (and another one over field hockey). 

Talking about last week where I never found my putting stroke, Tom Detry played wonderfully and he's now in the top 100 world, another Top 100 OWGR for Jerome and Mich!

I intend to play the rest of the UK swing as it's too difficult to step out and enter again the European Tour bubble. In fact it seems that we are one of best examples in sport sanitary measures worldwide, it's indeed quite demanding...

Coventry, 28 July 2020

Arrived yesterday at the golf course. Thanks to my Pre Travel Negative PCR test last week, I didn't have to stay in my room till the "arrival PCR test done yesterday". This morning I received the results and it's negative. From there, I can book my 2 starting times (Tuesday 13:20 and Wednesday 10:30). Before going to the course I will need my "day's accreditation". Therefore I need to answer some questions about my health and my bubble and a doctor will take my temperatures. I will have to do this everyday. Meals will be taken alone or with Brian. As we can't leave the "hotel-golfcourse bubble" to go shopping or eating, we filled Brian's van with quite a lot of snacks, drinks and different daily-need stuff. 

No locker room, no bag room. Everything is centralized in each player's hotel room. Hotel on site and another closeby. 

No access to the Tournament office, everything is done via 3 web portals: testing, daily accreditation, entries, tee time booking...

This is our new life on Tour, it is what it is. Heath care is what matters and I do 100% agree with that philosophy.

Brussels, 25 July 2020

The happiest man in the world is in Antwerp at the moment, Thomas Pieters and his wife Stefanie became the happy parents of a beautiful little girl!

Congrats to the parents and the family,

So happy for you Thomas, once again you Rock!

In the meantime, staying in Brussels since Thursday, I had the traditional Brussels meal with Vinnie, Mich and Richard. A night devoted to sports, memories, Garnaalkroketten (Croquettes aux crevettes - shrimp croquet), américain frites and mousse au chocolat ... 

Swing check today with Mich, fine tuning of the stroke, all good for the UK swing starting on Monday with the Hero Open, I will play 4 tournaments during the UK swing.

Next Monday, the next happiest man on earth will be Jerome Theunis who will play Finca Cortesin on Monday with my partner Patrick Renard (Knauf) in a pilgrimage of The World MatchPlay 2012. Thank you James Beesley, Golf Director in Finca Cortesin, for the arrangement! I'm still convinced that the European Tour should organize a nice tournament there, Europe doesn't have many courses as competitive as Finca and the place is fantastic!

Vienna, Tuesday 7 July

Health and Safety Training Check Pass

Pre test Check Negative

Temperature Check Negative

Symptoms check Negative

Contact check Negative

Covid 19 PCR Check ... Negative

it's 11:30 I can get out my room, find finally some food, meet Brian for the first time and go to the course... with PCR lanyard and accreditation pass...

Vienna, Monday 6 July

Left home this morning together with the sunrise to drive to Vienna, a 1200 km journey. Together with the Austrian authorities, the Tour had decided that all players, so also myself, needed to undergo a PCR test, in my case the 4th test in 4 days because we had receive a test from the Tour (Lets get checked) and I did all the tests home to show every border that I was covid free !!! After the test tonight, I'll need to stay in my hotel room till the results tomorrow at 10 AM. In my case, no stress, no symptoms at all and my last days home were socially very quiet.

I must admit that driving all day, then having an interview with a doctor, then the test, is pretty tiring... 

So confined in my room till tomorrow... I have plenty of time to do my homework with the Tour. Everything is done digital now, no Tournament office anymore to restrain the bubble: registration on line, practice tee times on line, etc... not my cup of tea. I like the old days where you could see who was on the tee, the weather... I miss going in the Equipment trucks, discussing, tinkering, fixed up new gear to test... 

So happy to meet Brian tomorrow, what a journey he had to arrive here...

Everything seems different, but surely stressful, it felt it straight away , it was clearly in the air, ... 

To be followed tomorrow...

Friday 19 June 2020

The European Tour has released the new calendar for July and August ...and I decided to launch my come back in Austria, between 9 and 12 July on the Diamond course. Then I will travel later to the UK swing...

It's vital to sustain the National promoters like the ones in Austria and I'm certainly a person who has a lot of respect for all the promoters in every country.

This is so important for us players to have event organizers with local knowledge and local support: companies keen to sponsor, local federations, local PGA's, local Press, we need them all!

You can count on me for that support!

Monaco, Monday 18 May 2020

It's a good week now that we are back home, Monaco has been very efficient , and lucky, against the Covid-19. Everybody can be tested from today on voluntary decision, the masks are worn everywhere but life is nearly back to normal on behalf of the restaurants and cafes and tourism, ...

After so many weeks without a club in the hands, first time since 31 years, I went back to work in Vidauban last week and I must admit that it felt great: practicing, retrieving sensations, the smell of the grass, I was like an animal released in his natural environment!

Socially, having a chat with Richard, Cyprien, the greenkeepers are surely part of the pleasures around training. It's not only beating balls, it's sharing experiences, advices, knowledge, latest news... Moments of sharing LIFE present on a golf course, in a golf club. It's my world, where I have the feeling: this is my place, surrounded by nature, a sense of paradise: I missed you all!

#Playsafe

#YouCareWeCare

This action organized in Belgium is quite interesting, it's to help healthcare staff booking holiday residences for free,

Visit www.youcarewecare.net for more info's,

#staysafe #stayhome

Verbier, Monday 6 April 2020

Confined in Switzerland since the 11th of March, I was going to finally do some ski and I'm confined there since then!

Thank you Anne to host me in your family chalet,

Verbier has had a stressful peak of Covid-19 in March but the situation seems to be in control, everybody applies the discipline of confinement and it seems working for the best,

To work my fitness and my pleasure, I bought some ski's and skin to climb the slopes (demanding) and to enjoy turn after turn a sweet downhill,

With Rachel and Jackson, we will have the pleasure to discover the spring in the Alps...

Nearly everyday, I have a media contact: interview, live interview's, instagram's, European Tour content ...

I enjoy it, staying in contact with golf aficionado's and colleagues, sharing this confinement experience, 

In those special moments, every little help is welcome, staying connected and entertain our fans is one of them!

Next appearance: Journal du Golf, Instagram, Live Interview, Monday 6 April 2PM (ET), in French

Europe, 12th March 2020

Health is our most important asset, whenever health is at stake, sport or business loose their priority.

I fully understand the cancellation of the tournaments and I would like to express all my consideration to all promoters, their teams and the volunteers.

We are living tough times, and it's tough for everybody, starting with the persons suffering from the Coronavirus.

Golfers on the Europeantour are totally supportive to the ones who suffer from the Corona and I'm looking forward to return on Tour when everybody will feel ok, all my toughts to my Italian friends and ... "Dobbiamo tenere duro!"  ... Forza Italia!

Be supportive, act in solidarity and the days will arrive in a few weeks...

Doha, Tuesday 3 March 2020

First time stop on this new golf course opened in 2018 and designed by my Captain, Chema, Jose Maria Olazabal...

Very contemporary design with strategic bunkers and water hazards, 

Normally in Qatar we have some wind blowing,

Curious about the scoring here in the next days...

Oman, Sunday 1 March 2020

5 holes to go I had the feeling that there was an opportunity, I said to Brian: "Nobody on front seems to make a move, let's go for the win and let's chase the title. Saturday's score frustrated me, so let's give it a full treatment, make it or break it..." 

Brian was instantly pleased with that plan, so we went for it... we were at 2 strokes of the lead, so near but yet so far and the double on 18 killed our score card...

But like Vinnie and Brian said: "no regrets, we'll keep knocking on doors, till we found the key..."... maybe next week in Qatar...

Oman, Friday 28 February 2020

Driving the ball well is a must here at Al Mouj GC, the wind was up this afternoon, I needed my A game...

But today on those grainy slick greens, I could fine the right feeling and could make 7 birdies, 11 in 2 days... I take it, 

3 pictures in the Gallery...

Oman, Thursday 27 February 2020

Solid round on a competitive course designed by Greg Norman, great designer by the way,

Corona very much in the News and it was a good decision to let Dodo Molinari and Lorenzo Gagli play the tournament,

Oman, Monday 24 February 2020

Went for 2 days to Dubai to practice with Jerome together Thomas Detry and travelling this afternoon to Oman,

I'm playing 2 weeks in a row, Oman and Qatar before a long period without any tournament, 

I don't appreciate those fragmented schedules, my game needs tournament rhythm like 2 or 3 weeks in a row then 1 week off, then again on tournament, it's a question of mindset, you stay switch "on", yeah... like I said, staying in the day rhythm of tournaments, I'm more a 30 weeks players than a 18 or 20 weeks player,

But very much concerned by the Coronavirus story, I find it quite normal that the Tour is impacted, we all need to be careful of the well being of everybody,

Our civic engagement should be more important than our short term career's period.

Home, Monday 10 February 2020

Finally home... we left home the 7th November 2019 and on the 3rd we finally reached Home,

Enjoying my artisan bakery, my butcher, bringing Jackson to the creche, going to beat balls in Vidauban and meeting the good old Richard (haha he's not old), going in the fitness at David's place, having a chat with Jay or a drink with Quentin, going to ski in the mountains.. I need that quality time with Rachel and Jackson... 

Saudi, Friday 31 January 2020

This was already the last round played in January 2020,

The clock is turning, time is flying but not quickly enough as I need to wait still  for 2 days before meeting my family, Rachel and Jackson! The Desert swing is long without them...

3 tournaments, 3 cuts made but this week I'm playing well but strangely fighting with the par 3's, to be checked for the 2 last rounds,

Dubai, Sunday 26 January 2020

Playing with Henrik is always a good news, good old friendship since 2000 and the playoff in Luxemburg... I was swinging well and putted for birdie on the first, but my ball took the edge of the cup, took speed and ended at 4 feet. Missed the return and made a bogey (3 putts) as I could have done a birdie.

Another birdie refused on the second and third hole, and another 3 putts on the 4th. I lost my confidence on the greens and made another bogeys before to settled my touch with 2 birdies. I tried to attack the 3 last holes but instead of finding red figures, the bogeys came back with a lot of frustration.

It was not enough to have the long game to tackle the windy conditions, the rough and the small fairways: you had to feel perfectly those firm and glazy greens. Congrats to Lucas Herbert and Christiaan Buizendenhout for having played under par (4 shots) and Lucas for his first win!

Dubai, Saturday 25 January 2020

Yet another 69, still too many little errors but going in the right way,

Driving is great, on behalve of the 8 where I visited the desert like yesterday,

First chip in of the year on the 11 ... for par!

Many birdies left on the course, 16 and 17 had a good look into the cup but decided not to fall,

Heavy winds expected for tomorrow, today was the opportunity to make a good move, let's finish higher on this Sunday...

Dubai, Friday 24 January 2020

I needed to respond with acts after that awful Thursday... 8 shots difference between the 2 days...

And yes I needed a birdie on the last to go through the cut... 

Been disturbed on the 17th tee, people have no idea... cost me a bogey when I didn't  need it, but I take the -3 to go through...

Played in front of my good friend Mano, a well known DJ that is playing in Dubai just now... Pleased to have shown my kind of entertainment Mano...

I know it was another roller coaster round where I was cruising after 13, then two many visits in the desert on 14 and 17 and with the knife on my throat I went in 2 on the green and 2 putted good for a birdie and a total of +2.

Told you that we never would reach -24...

Dubai, Thursday 23 January 2020

Sometimes "no comment" is more sensible, and you know what, the time is come for a no comment score!

Dubai, Wednesday 22 January 2020 

The Emirates Golf Club is a wonderful venue, from the practice to the course and the Jones (restaurant in Club-house), this is one of a kind.

Everything started here in Jumeirah in 1988, close to the lonely Hard Rock Café,

Right now instead of a desert we have a towers, New York between sand and the Oman sea,

One think is for sure: the winner will not go as low as Bryson last year: -24, not with this rough, not with those firm greens, not with those narrow fairways. All greens have recovered their size, 10% smaller, like Carl Litten has designed them back in the years. The Emirates golf club was the first totally grassed golf course in the Middle east! We are playing on the Majlis course, Majlis are the tents used by the Emirati's in the desert. The club house reminds these particular forms, I quite like it!

New pictures on the Gallery from Fred Froger

Abu Dhabi, Sunday 19 January 2020

Very solid long game on behalve of holes 3 and 5, so happy with with my driving and my greens in regulation. Payed the price of my 2 off shots: Two bogeys. 

I moved tonight to Dubai because I want to seriously work at my wedge game who let me down during the 4 days. The quality of my driving should give me more opportunities of birdies. That's why I will work on my distances from 90 to 120 meters where I need to be much closer to the pins... 

After a not glorious +2 after 9 holes, I could change the mojo and scored 4 birdies. A good finish heals always the wounds of bogeys...

Up to the Desert Classic now on the Emirates Golf Club!

Abu Dhabi, Saturday 18 January 2020

Disappointed by my wedge game between 90 and 110m, but pleased by my driving,

In general, too far from the pins, too far to make birdies,

Worked at it after the round!

Abu Dhabi, Friday 17 January 2020

Well, it's a par for today, with 2 very nearly birdies on 16 and 18, but after the bad previous week, I'll take this cut with encouragement,

In the afternoon, the wind comes always up and played his role, 

100 % Belgians made the cut of this first Rolex Series of the 2020 season,...

Let's see what the week-end brings!

Abu Dhabi, Thursday 16 January 2020

Some new pictures from Abu Dhabi by Fred Froger (click on Gallery)

Slow start but a good back nine on this lovely course, long and narrow but always fair, recognized by all my colleagues... and perfectly manucured!

Belgians are -10 after one day, let's confirm this tomorrow,

I drove the ball correctly and saved some good pars like on 6 (drive in water) and 17, good for a clean sheet "à la Thibaut Courtois",

I want to salute the career of Steve Darcis, an example for all young sportmen and women,

Good luck also to the incredible Armand Marchand in ski...

Sport is beautiful...

GREAT NEWS: the OPEN de FRANCE stays on the Golf National from 2 to 5 July... yeahhhh... Ryder Cup course + Paris = success

Abu Dhabi, Tuesday 14 January 2020

What an important week, a Rolex series 4 months before the next one, I need to be ready.

I'm back on my feet, after 3 days in bed! Not 100% fit but, getting there...

We played 9 holes this morning with the two Thomas, the 6 Belgians on Tour together (with Mich, Jérôme and Vinnie). It was a fresh morning but at least with some light and sunshine, the wind isn't warm but we had a good game with TD showed some fire on the greens.

This course is one of the best of the year, every time I come here I regret we don't have a Peter Harradine design in Belgium, a beautiful and smart design without any arrogance, we all love it! 

Tomorrow Pro-Am with a Rolex Team and Thursday my first round of 2020 starts at 8:10 from the 10th with Thomas Bjørn and Ben Hebert.

Dubai, Saturday 11 January 2020

Well, after two first good days of training with Mich, Jérôme and Vinnie, at the Els Club and The Pete Cowen Academy at Jumeirah Golf, I needed the help of a doctor for a sore throat and a Physio for a sore neck... It seems that it's the price to pay for travelling so much!

Never had so much rain in Dubai, 2 waves of thunderstorms from Friday till Monday with heavy west winds... Fairways will be soft in Abu Dhabi!

Let's pace ourselves between the showers and avoid the traffic jams because of the flooding... 

This is only preparation, not funny but I will be ready for the first Rolex Series of the season!

Sydney, Thursday 2 January 2020

Wishing everybody all the best for 2020...

2020 on Tour will start on the 8th January in Dubai with a golf camp with my team, the first Rolex Series comme very quickly in the season (maybe too quickly...) in Abu Dhabi from Monday 12 and the tournament starting on Thursday 16...

Thailand Masters, Sunday 22 December 2019

Two wonderful winners: Jazz, the winner of the tournament, and SMG, the promotor. You, guys, bring so much for Thailand golf, hat off, it's incredible and soon all these efforts will be shown soon in international results.

The Thongchai Jaidee Foundation and family play their role in this scheme, inspiring and role model...  Well done Tongchai as good as your fantastic 62 to qualify on the PGA Tour Champions two weeks ago!

Special gratitude for Fhon and Brian who looked after us so well: "You were brillant, a massive "thank you" from all the Belgian Team!"!

Thailand Masters, Saturday 21 December 2019

Feeling better today, -7 with still a few who didn't drop, coming closer to the top 10,

Will be there in case TD clinches his first win, well deserved after all those great rounds,

Together with Tongchai Jaidee, we did a clinic to juniors, with a lot of short game and they could chip themselves with the helping hand of Jerome and Mich,

Tomorrow is my last round of my last tournament of 2019,

Last detail: Tongchai won the 100stOpen de France... 3 years ago! He's better than me in timing!

Thailand Masters, Friday 20 December 2019

Wake up not in my best form. After a quite poor practice session with zero sensations, I managed to bring a par home...

Really impressed with the depth a good players that Jerome and Mich worked with, the video's are amazing,

With all the good work of SMG and the All Thailand Golf Tour, they have a great tool to progress and the best players are already peaking in the rankings like Jazz on the Asian Tour. But not only him... but many others like Gunn top 10 in Japan or Kiradech on the PGA Tour. And Tongchai Jaidee still sets an example on being qualified for PGA Senior Tour!

Two more rounds to go...

Thailand Masters, Thursday 19 December 2019

Great round shared with Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Shiv Kapoor on the very pleasant and interesting Phoenix Gold Course. 

Thomas Detry was firing today early with a -8, good for the lead, showing his great form since the last 5 tournaments... 

This is the last tournament of the season on the Asian Tour, the ranking will be fixed on Sunday and this tournament is very important for a lot of players,

Our coaches, Mich and Jérôme were very satisfied by the collaboration with the All Thailand Golf Tour and the best Thai pro's (and a few amateurs),

Thailand has great quality in depth and they all wanted to be present here at the invitation of Tongchai, and for us it's an honor to be here this week!

Thailand Masters, Tuesday 17 December 2019

When the father of Thailand golf organises an official tournament of the Asian Tour, it's an honor for me to be present and to play his tournament.

The Phoenix Golf club is a great track and even if it's quite warm, the course is in great shape, with very grainy fast greens,

Thomas Detry, Mich, Jérôme and Vinnie are here with me, and we have a lot of exchanges on golf techniques, Thailand has a lot of great players and future champions... They all appreciate the teaching of Jérôme and Mich... They are fully booked till Sunday even if it's a 72 holes tournament this week,

Mauritius, Sunday 8 December 2019

Not the usual news, but one of my old time supporter recently passed away on Friday after a long battle against illness, he was 49 years old,

Igor C. will be missed by his family, his students and the golfers in Mont Garni,

Rest in Peace Igor

Mauritius, Monday 2 December 2019

Bye Bye season 2019, welcome 2020,

Just arrived in Mauritius after 2 weeks of some long travel and breathtaking safari,

It's not a breaking news to tell you that I'm a great fan of Mauritius, and honestly, and I 've said it more than once, my N°1 asset on the island are the people, their kindness is one of a kind, they are the real paradise here...

After 2 weeks without my golf clubs, we'll need some practice to find the rhythm and the feel of the grass of the Heritage Golf Club.

After winning the Open de France, the french speaking community and the Island press have asked for some good stories about that special event in Paris, see you all tomorrow at 11 for the press conference...

Belek, Friday 8 November 2019

A better day in the office, but it seems that some of the guys enjoys the scoring, like Tom Detry did, well done Tom,

This Turkish Airlines Open is a masterpiece of organization, thank you Chubby Chandler and your ISM Staff.

Maxx Royal definitively a great destination for golfers!

Tomorrow the purpose is to climb the ladder of the ranking, let's see what I can squeeze from the course: 10:00 from the first!

Thank you all for your votes at the Hilton Player of the Month, you're doing good, amazing...

Belek, Tuesday 5 November 2019

Can I make you a suggestion: go on the European Tour website and vote for the Hilton Player of the Month. Even if the my three fellow colleagues are famous, they won't be upset if your vote for me!

Great course and splendid weather here at the MaxxRoyal in Turkey. Two great ingredients to host a Rolex Series...

Quite honestly, I had to shake a lot of hands since the Trophy at the Open de France and a lot of of press interest... Good moments in a life!

Tomorrow at 10:50...

Belek, Monday 4 November 2019

Thank you for all your messages, couldn't respond to everybody but I enjoyed the reading of all your comments. It's been now a long time that you and me are together on the European Tour and I'm so glad that we had the chance to live this French week with so many emotions. Thank you for your faithful support through thick and thin... it was worth waiting for it... French Open winner, forever on the Cup!

Arrived today in Turkey for an important tournament, the first leg of the final series, with in sight the Final of the Race in 2 weeks. Still some work to be done for a spot in the top 50 after the Nedbank!

Enjoyed my preparation in Vidauban with Jerome who came up with a nice training program, we could do it all and were lucky as we escaped most the bad weather...

Sunshine in Turkey, and the forecast is fine this week. Vincent and Mich are here from Sunday, ready on the starting block... as usual ;o)

Golf National, Monday 21 October 2019

Unbelievable week... emotional rollercoaster... so proud... so happy to win the Open de France... for a Belgian, if there was one to win outside Belgium it was this one... My childhood, my French friends... 

So emotional after 6 years waiting, 6 years of ups and downs...

So happy for my family and my team, their love, their trust, their faith, their performance...

So happy to retrieve my wife Rachel and our boy Jackson after a long journey of 10 weeks of sweat and tears... This win is for you!

Second win with my parents... so happy for them!

Cheers to Thomas P. and Thomas D. partners in crime, we gonna win them all, one of us must also win a Major soon, we are as good as them! Cheers to Romain Langasque, I didn't know you were as good with Champagne as with a wedge in your magic hands...

So proud to win on the Golf National, a giant who magnifies the Ryder Cup in 2018 with his 18 true challenges... Super job Lucas Pierre and your greenkeepers for an immaculate course...

So  happy for everybody who share my career, like my partners, my supporters, my friends, my colleagues, the supporters who did the journey to the National this week...

Couldn't do it without Brian, Vincent, Mich, Jérôme, David, Fhon.

My back-up team home Ghislaine, Phil, Quentin, Vadim... 

Richard Sorell and your team at Vidauban Golf Club, you guys rock! Thanks for having me there...

Special thanks to all the caddies who support us, you guys are great!

Couldn't do it without your help: Arnaud (Anahita) - Peter and the Boys (Callaway) -  Ralph (Dunning) - The great Tom (GreatGrey Investment) - Patrick and Lothar (Knauf) - Alexis (Mannès) - Philippe and Jurgen (Qualion) - Laurent and Arnaud (Rolex)...

And to all the press and journalists, many thanks for your kind words through the years, I appreciate your partnership through thick and thin...

Golf National, Saturday 19 October 2019

Well, another good round in tough conditions with some spicy pin positions...

Tomorrow will be a special day in a "soso" season where my level of game was better than the scores or the stats,

On Tuesday we would have signed for a top 5, tomorrow Sunday, the story can have different scenario's, we'll try for a happy end...

Golf National, Friday 18 October 2019

Tough conditions but a good round of golf but I find the zone on 10th till the 18th, good enough to bring a good card to the tournament office.

-9 after 2 days....and the lead...

Let's continue the good form on tomorrow, 1 shot at a time, 1 hole at the time, 1 day at the time...

Golf National, Thursday 17 October 2019

Tough course in the morning, drizzle rain, wind, fresh and humid air then the drizzle stopped.

Good round of striking but also some putts rolled in smoothly,

Pleased with state of mind and my round management... Let's continue this tomorrow...

Golf National, Wednesday 16 October 2019

Great course, bad weather, tough tournament... 

Great memories for Europe here during the last Ryder Cup,

Will need to finish well the last two tournament France and Portugal, still some work to do!

News from the Tour: Top 117 will keep their card for 2020

Wentworth, Friday 20 September 2019

Not an easy cut to make, but I displayed my best form of the year. Really pleased after all those tournaments in "minor" mode...

Let's have a great week-end, this was only one round, two more to play on this immaculate Wentworth East Course!

Amsterdam, Wednesday 11 September 2019

Pro-Am day in a horrendous weather forecast: windy and rainy all day!

This course is more than a challenge, with narrow fairways, doglegs in "inland dunes", blind tee shots and heavily tormented greens with plenty of run-offs... Quite a test, really tough in today's weather conditions...

But the fairways and greens are in perfect shape, I will be interested in the average scores...

The other good news is that the forecast is brillant.

Played with peoples working in Schiphol and for KLM, very interesting infos, like there are 650.000 people working in connection with the airport in this Amsterdam region. And Schiphol is situated 4 meters below sea level, there's always wind but swirling wind (close to the sea, no hills or big forest) so that there are take-offs runways in 5 different directions, in average it's 2! Impressive no?

The International, Tuesday 10 September 2019

Yesterday, Monday, I was in Knokke-Le Zoute for the 9^th edition of the Qualion Finance Golf Day. It was a success: course in very enjoyable conditions and nice weather (and some delicious croquettes crevettes also). The Phil Feller and Quent d'Ursel organisation was perfect, thank you gentlemen, thank you to all the sympathetic invitees.

I arrived this morning in Amsterdam near Schipol to play the 100^th KLM Dutch Open.

Daan Slooter, The Tournament Director, has now 41 KLM Dutch Open under his belt, as player (he was Pro on Tour), as marshall, as spectator in his younger years, as promoter and now his 16^th year as Tournament Director. This is Wow!

New course on Tour, I will discover it tomorrow during the pro-am,

Mich and Jérôme are here, tuning today and Wednesday...

Gothenburg, Saturday 24 August 2019

YESSSS EUROPEAN HOCKEY CHAMPION... Congrats Red Lions, 5-0 against Spain!

My goals were not so effective, so many putts didn't fall today, saved by the eagle on the last!

Thomas did make them and scored -7, that's my goal for tomorrow...

Gothenburg, Friday 23 August 2019

2 days of bad weather and a 10 on a par 5, 2 shots in the water... Big fight against the course and the elements, with 2 proud birdies after the catastrophic 3rd hole...

Cut is made, in the middle of the pack, I will need to make birdies the next two days also,

Tomorrow at 10:40 

Go Red Lions tomorrow!!!!!!!!

Gothenburg, Tuesday 20 August 2019

Well, well, well, what a Sunday for Thomas Pieters, to win is never easy but he did it, Congrats Dude,

Tom Guéant, coached by Mich and Jerome since he's 11 years old became British Boys champion on Sunday. A six years collaboration crowned by a Major title, well done young Man.

This tournament is part of the dozen promoted by the European Tour, it seems that promoters are quite shy in Europe...

Prague, Sunday 18 August 2019

Congrats Thomas, brillant! So special to win again and with your form, other wins will come, I'm sure!

Prague, Sunday 18 August 2019

Come on Thomas Pieters, go for it. He swinging great, the course suits his game, he's done it before here, let's be behind him!

Another fellow coaching player is Tom Guéant, coached by Mich and Jérome since he's 12, he's now in final of the British Boys... Never underestimate the Belgians in golf! 

Come on guys... make it happen...

For my part, I'll try a low one also, need to climb the ranking!

Prague, Tuesday 13 August 2019

Quite happy to be on Tour again, I'm not a great fan of long breaks, two weeks is a max for me. I always need some time to work on full cylinders and that's from an early age. I know since ever that for me training is not competition, and even if I train long hours and beat hundreds of balls a day, I can't be as intense in training as in competition which is not to please my coaches... They continue to repeat: "training must be tougher than competition"!

So here we are on the Albatros golf course, quite long 7.500 yards, with 7 lakes... a good course that elected some great winners like Thomas Pieters on his road to his Ryder Cup selection or Andrea Pavan...

Thursday, I'll play from the 10th at 7:45 with George Coetzee and Paul Waring.

North Berwick, Monday 15 July 2019

Well I'm as disappointed as I love this place. The Renaissance Golf Club is a gem, I've done well here before... 

One "soso" shot and very unlucky bounce costs me a double on Sunday. I wanted so much to play a good round that the frustration hit me in the face and 2 holes further I was +4... 

So disappointed also because I love to play here in Scotland, it's here that since 20 years I've played my best golf and built the nicest results of my career. I feel sorry for my public because I have always had a large support here. See you next year for the Rolex Series in Scotland: the Standard Chartered Investments.

My next tournament will be the Czech Open.

Lahinch, Wednesday 3 June 2019

You know why the Irish Open is unique?

Well there are 3 reasons:

1) Lahinch is a super track, there are no copy, one of a kind! Is a true test, and the word "true" says it all!

2) The crowd is enormous and "connaisseurs", they appreciate a good shot and are behind every player,

3) The weather is so sweet this year that this place is close to a paradise...

Thank you Marnix D. to remind us that Flory Van Donck is N°2 in National wins in Europe, with 20 titles (5 belgian wins), the N°1 is the One and Only Severiano Ballesteros with 22 wins...

Lahinch, Tuesday 2 June 2019

Arrived last night in Northern Ireland,

Did 9 holes today to test this links course, my first time here,

Still disappointed for my last round last week, I'll try to do better on the next 2 weeks...

Valderrama, Sunday 30 June 2019

A great opportunity missed! Very disappointed. 2-2 the course beats me 2 rounds and I won 2???

I'll need my revenge next year...

Let's fly tomorrow to Shannon in Ireland for the Rolex Series...

Lahinch, here I come!

Valderrama, Saturday 29 June 2019

No doubt about it this course is a US Open type of track where you need ball striking at his best and 100% commitment and concentration... I was exhausted after my 3rd round... but happy to beat the course once again, bogeys on 12 and 13 came so rapidly...

Anyway, Tom Detry and myself we have an open chance to do quite well on Sunday, his -5 on the back nine was one of a kind!

In bocca al lupo... would my Italian friends say... let's do it!

Valderrama, Friday 28 June 2019

I told you I was playing strongly. Valderrama is a devil to play but when the wind is blowing, the quality of shots requested tops any tournament... this 67 is my personal best in Valderrama and best score of the day...

Great display from TD -3 today, Belgium can be proud!

Valderrama, Thursday 27 June 2019

A great round of long game, my life best in Valderrama, but couldn't find the birdies,

This course is a challenge on each shot,

Let's have a low one on Friday!

Valderrama, Wednesday 26 June 2019

Some places deserve special attention, Valderrama is one of them. It has history, natural beauty, Trent Jones design, very demanding shots and amazing colors. The blue sky, the green of the different grasses, the Oak trees that do not like to share fairways, small greens with serious undulation "the famous Andalusian undulations" (as difficult to pronounce as to play), immaculate conditions, King Sergio and Prince Jon Rahm, Tchema the wise old man, Valderrama the place to be on European Golf!

But don't aim a cork tree, they are better than Thibault Courtois to catch golf balls, and don't miss the tiny greens or the deep thick rough will render illusory any recovery.

Hang on on your score card because the 2 final holes will make you cry, 17 and 18 have no mercy, only perfect shots accepted, keep your average shots for another tournament!

Only the bravest will win, the challenge is worth the Everest peak...

München, Tuesday 18 June 2019 

Happy to be back on Tour,

It's BMW week, with Marco Kaussler wonderful cars...

A tournament to enjoy with the charm of this wonderful city...

Vidauban, Friday 14 June 2019

Since yesterday Mich Vanmeerbeek came to join me and Vinnie in sunny Provence to practice in the best conditions possible. Thank you Richard Sorell, Cyprien en their team for your precious help.

On the menu today: driving and driving

Low, High, Long, 2nd serve, keys to my game, ahead of 4 important weeks!

Instagram Nicolascolsaerts: Don't hesitate to check it out!

Intense training with Vinnie "Pushmylimits", and Mich Vanmeerbeek is joining on Friday...

Tom Detry arriving on camp on Friday also,

Jerome Theunis and Thomas Pieters enjoying the Pacific in Pebble Beach! Have a good one Guys...

Sorry to all my followers but my account has been hacked

The Instagram Belgian crew is buzzy to clean this international attack,

Thank you all for your understanding!

Antwerp, Monday 3 June 2019

Well what a great Sunday, uno bravo vincitore, superb weather and a pleasant prizegiving.

Volunteers were numerous, once again the best Belgians on the European Tour this week...

No US Qualification for me... I need to set up my game, working on the mental and training side!

The 4 next tournament will be key for the season: BMW International in München, Valderrama, Irish and Scottish Open!

Thank you Mannès for the Mercedes Detry and myself received this week, we enjoyed it...

Antwerp, Friday 31 May 2019

When you're not in form, you're not in form... I've experienced these simple words these last 2 rounds! No putt could fall, no low trajectories drives found the fairways... It was hell for me!

Hopefully Tom Detry was there to secure a 3^rd round place!

I'll be there tomorrow to cheer those 3 players...

Antwerp, Thursday 30 May 2019

Couldn't find the speed all day and couldn't read the wing properly on my second shot. Ugly double bogey on 6... I hope I did all my bad shots till Sunday night... Will need a -4 tomorrow...

Will do all I can to not disappoint our spectators... 

8h45 from the 10th tee! Rinkven swing with me...

Antwerp, Wednesday 29 May 2019

We could enjoy this Pro-Am day with some beautiful sunshine...

The course is quite different than last year, first of all because of the wind direction, opposite than last year. Then the fairways are softer and the greens are bumpier. You can see that the course is still paying the hot 2018 summer...

My team GreatGrey investments couldn't repeat the 2018 exploit and couldn't win the tournament. Nevertheless we defend our title in comprehensive fashion. Thank you Tom, Kenneth and Thomas, we had good fun together...

Antwerp, Tuesday 28 May 2019

Finally, there we are in Belgium. Our only opportunity to play in front of out crowd, our supporters.

Proud to collaborate with the best volunteers of the year on Tour!

Today it was Press conference time, always nice to meet our golfing press, the same people since so many years... I was pleased to repeat to the International press that I'm a great fan of this tournament format, my preferred one beside the classic 72 holes... All credit to the the Family Pieters, for the initiative and the organisation and the risk taking.

What about the weather? Well it will improve, day after day, to finish in style for the week-end, prepare your sunscreen!

Mich Vanmeerbeek had a chat with the 4 belgian amateurs to help them prepare this tournament, experience is key - 2 of the 4 have been Junior Bombers: Mathis Besard and Jean de Wouters. And in the same time Jerome Theunis was giving some advice to an old friend on Tour: Raph Jacquelin, more than 500 tournaments under his belt.

Tomorrow will be pro-am day, start at 13h30.

And many thanks to Mannes to let me drive the Mercedes GT AMG (to be seen on the BKO parking)!

Southport, Saturday 11 My 2019

Brian had convinced me to be more aggressive, and I must admit that the start was going smoothly with 2 birdies and an eagle. Yesterday I finished strongly holing a 114 m shot for an eagle 2 at the par 4 15th with my Callaway gap wedge (50°), today the eagle on the par 5 5th came after a 3 wood off the tee then a 3 iron and a 8 feet putt. I lost 2 shots after but the wind didn't make it easy.

Tomorrow playing with Nino Bertasio and Lee Westwood, we can have a strong finish here!

Southport, Friday 10 May 2019

I needed a proper back nine, and I got it. This is a great course inspiring, genuine, challenging.

A true links...

Great scoring from Thomas Detry 66-67, strong playing he has a chance...

Let's rock this week-end, belgian flag high on the scoreboard, good news before the BKO!

Southport, Monday 6 May 2019

Happy to play in Europe, happy to play on a great links course, happy that my family joined me this week,

Disappointed of course with my 4th round in China, one bad drive on the easiest hole of the golf course was terribly costly but as, ma caddie Brian said: "there was lots of good golf this week!"... and he's right.

Really looking forward to retrieve the English crowd, we have a lot of activities with Callaway in the Championship Village, like a Longest drive and Nearest the Pin match against Thomas Detry on Wednesday, looking forward to it...

And in 20 days, finally back with the European Tour in Belgium for the BKO!

Shenzen, Friday 3 May 2019

This Volvo China Open will forever stay in my memory, it's my first win on Tour, it was in 2011,

Good round yesterday, coming not rusty at all after a long break, I could have go even lower,

Today was a so-so round after a bad night, with jet-lag after effects, did not sleep more than 2 hours with the very early wake-up call today,

Nevertheless, an 11^th cut in a row and option for a good week-end finish...

Bad neck for Thomas Detry who preferred to withdraw instead of incurring a more severe injury, but he will be ok for next week, he's a strong lad... but those long travels are quite demanding for the vertebral zone, I know the feeling!

Training before new start of season

Strange 2019 calendar! I like a certain rythm in the season and certainly not a great fan on those big gaps in the calendar, like what happen now and in July-August. On the other hand between end of August and end of October, we'll have 11 tournaments in a row. Nobody plays as much golf, so I will have to make choices and skip nice tournaments at the end of the season... I don't like that... but it is what it is...

The Masters was brillant and Tiger Woods deserves his Green Jacket. His come back is one of a kind, Chapeau!

Training time for me and some Partners' day like Great Grey Investments in London this Thursday...

BOIC Team Belgium Golf Tournament

Message from the BOIC:

Buy a team and support Team Belgium on its way to Tokyo,

Join us the 4^th June @ La Tournette,

Info Contact BOIC Christine Devos 02/474.51.74 or c.devos@olympic.be

Muscat, Saturday 2 March 2019

I can battle heavy winds but strangely enough I don't feel at ease on the greens. The Driving is excellent, chipping also but I missed some pins on the short side and couldn't have much birdie opportunities. Amazingly, pins were quite tough under windy conditions that the Tour knew in advance. We didn't knew about the sand storm of Friday, it's unpredictable, but we all knew about today's storm; the green keeping staff didn't double cut neither roll the greens to avoid a situation where the wind would move the ball on closely mown area.

Played already 7 holes for my 3rd round, 29 holes to go tomorrow. 

10th day in a row where Vinnie witness the sunset and the sundown on a golfcourse. This 'll keep you young Vinnie... Wake up at 5:00 as usual...

Muscat Thursday, 28 February 2019

Really nit the round I was waiting for. At least I should have finished -2 but 2 bogeys on 6 and 7 changed my plans...

Tomorrow high winds are forecast! Course setting by the European Tour will be interesting..

Muscat, Tuesday 26 February 2019

Ok golfbag arrived at 4PM, good for 2 hours of practice,

Don't ask me how's the course? I don't still know...

Tomorrow wake up at 5:00 for the pro-am,

Ian Dryden, from Callaway, presented me a new Epic Flash 3 wood, after 1 hour of testing, it went in the bag for tomorrow's pro-am, will tell you more tomorrow,

Went to The Walk in Muscate for dinner with Tom Detry, Vinnie and Fabien...

Muscat, Monday 25 February 2019

Arrived today in Oman with the night flight. Once again, no golf clubs, 2 tournament in a row with a lost luggage. I hope I have reached my fair part of travelling unlucky for the year...

This is the second stretch in the Desert, together with Qatar. 

Didn't hit a shot today but I've heard that this Al Mouj course is in pristine condition!

After 6 weeks in a row on tournament, 1 week training + 5 tournaments, I was very happy to go skiing in family. I love skiing and after 6 warm weeks, it was nice to feel the snow. Good for my fitness condition also, my legs are as strong as ever. 

Victoria Melbourne, Wednesday 6 February 2019

A beautiful place on earth for a special event, 2 courses, 2 different tournaments, 1 for ladies and one for men, 156 ladies and 156 men, equal prize-money!

13^th Beach Golf Club has 2 courses, the Beach and the Creek, I'll play on the Beach tomorrow at 8:00 (Melbourne time) with Scott Hend.

Dubai, Sunday 27 January 2019

When your putter is cold it's difficult to score, shouldn't have scored less than -2 today, so I'm quite disappointed for the round but not for the tournament. My length off the tee, the eagle on my 36th hole and my 2 cards of 67 are the good assets for the following tournaments.

Next tournament will be in Saudi, the first time on the European Tour, really interested on this discovery!

Dubai, Friday 25 January 2019

The eagle for the relief!

But yesterday was a bad day! When your first drive finishes Out of Bounds and after a good drive on your 3^rd hole you write a 6 on you card, you understand that the day will be very long...

Today was a different day, with my back to the wall, I needed a -5 or -6 to play during the week... Was on a run attacking the course, when I was stuck firing at the green of 17 to cut the corner on the par 4, good for a bogey. Only the eagle could save my cut on 18... And I did 3 great shots in a row!

Hope for the week-end... you never know but it should be ok!

Saturday, 19 February 2019

First tournament of 2019 is over. The overall feeling is satisfaction even if the details have cost a lot of strokes. This Rolex Series comes a little early in the season for me and the next one is in... July! I need a succession of tournament to compete at my best level, nevertheless -10 was in the clubs this week. The 9 last on Friday have taken a heavy toll on the momentum.

But I repeat a lot of good to build on. 

Some rest now, because I planned a 5 week in a row schedule which is a lot but the months March and April will be weak in term of number of tournaments to be played on the European Tour.

Rest on Sunday and back to work on Monday with some photo and video shoots for Callaway and the European Tour!

Friday, 18 January 2019

This morning I spent more time at the toilet than at the practice... No legs before the 8^th hole... Those things happens of course... But I could recover the control of my game after a shaky start. Greens were not too kind to me as I shaved many holes but scored two birdies, on par 5... finally! Two putts for eagle on 10 and 18 that refused to fall in the hole. The wind blew hard all day and didn't helped us in the morning with the rough covered with dew. 

Tomorrow, I will need to be closer to flags to hole more birdies, this is my task!

The field should pay attention to TP as he's on a mission to play the WGC in Mexico and his game is in shape as TD's game who was punished by the course for very small errors as reported by Jerome.

More Pictures today!

Thursday, 17 January 2019

This course is immaculate and the Harradine design is very interesting, one of the best in the Desert, a top 5 in the calendar. Strong field here as it is a Rolex Series. Made the cut even after 3 bad drives each time in a penalty area on the back nine today, good for 3 bogeys... Totally my fault...

Nevertheless I'm quite happy with my game, my swing is getting stronger and the good work on the putting green will start to give me more birdie opportunities. I feel also that the confidence is growing on the putting surface and Jerome is quite right in saying that it will induct a more peaceful mind around the greens. You don't need to underestimate the rough around the greens here in Abu Dhabi, it's thick and deep...

I will need to score better on the par 5's as I didn't find the greens in 2... This on the menu for 2019!

So, first tournament, first Rolex and already a first cut, I need to build on this!

Some big changes on Tour, like the rules, but also, CALLAWAY has become the official supplier of the European Tour driving ranges, it means that the ball used on the range will be the Callaway Chrome Soft! Good for us.

Can't finish this before telling that the Belgian squad has 100% of players in the cut. Proud of Belgium!

Look in the Gallery my new pictures 2019 by Fred Froger and Philippe Gaudy under 2019 Abu Dhabi

Dubai, Thursday 10 January 2019

A new year is a new start, tomorrow Jerome Theunis brings me a new insight on the putting. As soon as the sun will rise, around 7 AM,  we will be on the putting green on the Els Club, a real success story in Dubai, a must to play, in excellent conditions!

You know how cautious I am when it comes to choose my equipment, but this morning with the Callaway testing, I selected straight away the new Chrome Soft (secret name but begins with Diam...), and the driver Epic Flash Sub Zero and maybe the 3 wood. I think that Tom Detry will do the same, surely for the 3 wood, in Abu Dhabi... More testing to come on the course, but we both had great sensations on the Els course today. 4MPH of ball speed is the initial gain, huge difference.

Dubai, Wednesday 9 January 2019

We played 18 holes today at the beautifully manucured Trump International in Dubai designed by Gil Hanse and, surprise, I made my first Hole in One, on a par 4, the 8th, 343y, with a big drive as straight as an I...

Great training, hands are nearly bleeding...

Good fitness at night at the famous Wearhouse... Big sleep is needed... 

Dubai, Tuesday 8 January 2019

Thank you for all your messages concerning our Australian wedding in Sydney the 22nd December,

Back in business in Dubai for an important training week with Mich Vanmeerbeek, Vincent, Tom Detry and Richard Vanmeerbeek, Jerome arriving tomorrow.``

Great first day, Mich had prepared an upgrade to our swings  and it worked straight away, quite happy with my ball striking just out of the starting blocks,

Today we did: Practice - 9 holes - practice and Fitness

Thomas Pieters is arriving in Dubai for the week-end!

Sydney, Wednesday 2 January 2019

HAPPY NEW YEAR 

My best wishes to all of you, 

2019 will be an exciting year, a lot of changes in the calendar, but the same successful team at my side.

And as from Monday we are starting the preparation of our first tournament of the year. They will all be there in Dubai from the 7^th Jan: Brian, Vincent, Mich, Jérôme and Richard Vanmeerbeek.

Even if I have already played 2 tournaments in the 2019 season, more than ever, this HSBC Abu Dhabi is quite important. First of a stretch of 3 in the Desert Swing, Abu Dhabi is a Rolex Series and the next Rolex will be in ... July!

As it is, I will play 5 in a row, the 3 in the Desert followed by 2 in Australia, in Victoria and Perth before returning home.

Anahita, Thursday 29 November 2018

Greens were not that friendly to my putting, speed was good but the reading was not accurate enough. The grain surprised me too often. 

Let's go for a low round tomorrow...

Anahita, Wednesday 28 November 2018

Good to be home in Anahita! A first time for Jackson...

Tomorrow on the tee at 12:20 with Ernie Els. Ernie designed this lovely golf course, I'm a great fan of this track: the strategy of the tee, the views, the solid challenge when the wind blows, the shape of the green and the playability for all golfers level. That's all credit to Ernie for designing a course where all golfers can enjoy their round. From the tips, it's another story, muscle up your game!

This is my last tournament of 2018 and my second for the 2019 season, let finish in style...

Hong Kong, Sunday 24 November 2018

Belgium did it! Outstanding performance, TD and TP kept making birdies and that's the key of their success. Congrats to you Guys... I'm over the moon... Belgium Flag on top, you rock! All my congratulations to their team, great competence in Black, Yellow, Red: Adam, Ryan, Liese, Vinnie, Sarah, Mich, Jérôme, Pete, Fabien, Richard, Joris, etc... The World Champions will be at the BKO 2019... be there!

14^th in Hong Kong after an unfortunate 3^rd round, I take it. This last -5, bogey free, is encouraging.

Flying tonight to Mauritius, Anahita, for the famous Afrasia Open on the European Tour, good to be back home in Anahita!

Hong-Kong, Saturday 23 November 2018

How good are Belgians? They are gonna prove it in Australia! 100% sure 100 behind them! Come on Belgium...

Hong-Kong, Thursday 22 November 2018

The first tournament of the 2019 season on a tight and demanding track. This Hong Kong course is a favorite of Jimenez who won here 4 times. My good friend Wade Ormsby won here last year and he reminded me that his game had taken another level last year in Portugal when Mich Vanmeerbeek gave him an important posture advice of his left arm...

-2 today with a stupid 3 putt on the last, good enough to be in the top 10 with a strong and steady display of shots. 

Great first round of the 2 Thomas in Melbourne for the World Cup, keep an eye on them, they showed a good form recently and they can make a bunch of birdies. The foursome will be interesting looking forward to see it! Go Belgium.

Sydney, Sunday 18 November 2018

Not the finish I dreamed off,

But really thankful to receive the chance to participate at the prime tournament!

Next stop in Hong Kong for the first tournament of the 2019 season!

And after Hong kong I will fly to Mauritius for the Afrasia Mauritius Open!

Sydney, Wednesday 14 November 2018

Thank you for all your Birthday wishes!

And thank you Mike Clayton for the Invitation to play the Australian Open.

You all know how important is Australian golf for - and not only golf ;o) - so I would like to do well here in Sydney.

Unfortunately I had a bad jetlag and it's not the first time recently! That's getting one year older, haha but I'm feeling home, and Brian is at home, so let's do it!

Sun City, Sunday 11 November 2018

Last night no sleep, run out of gas very quickly and the course is too demanding and I had no energy, could only survive. It's a pity, too bad, my season 2018 has finished.

Long flight tonight from Jo'Burg to Sydney, to play the Australian Open at The Lakes. It's not part of the European Tour but I love this tournament. Rachel and Jackson are already in Sydney, it's gonna be a tournament in family mood!

Sun City, Friday 9 November 2018

Did not often play in the sixties here at Sun City, Brian loved it: this is an encouraging sign, he said with some optimism in his eyes. But yeah, still playing strong, six strokes difference with yesterday, 6 birdies today but also 3 bogeys...

Tom had an even better round, -6, best score of the field! Well done Dude!

A compassionate thought for all my friends playing the final cards in Spain. Have a good one and finish top 25 in 6 days.

Sun City, Thursday 8 November 2018

One bad shot and a result of +3. Quite severely penalized round for 1 lost ball from the tee (hole 2) and 1 flyer with a sand wedge on 17. Great display on the other 16 holes, obviously not the success of Sergio Garcia, but it's not over yet. The animal is hurt but can still be dangerous.

Tomorrow with Lucas Bjeregaard and Gavin Green (2 long hitters) at 9:34. 

Sun City, Wednesday 7 November 2018

Gary Player is a legend of modern golf, he's the one who emphasize the need of fitness certainly with all the flights and jetlags. Mentally quite strong but with an average ball striking, Player won 9 Majors and is one the only 5 players who have won the Grand Chelem, all the 4 Majors... Hats off!

Altitude has always been my enemy and combined with the hard grass that causes "flyers", it's so difficult for me to manage the distances. Wedges can fly 200 meters. Not easy for me to slow down everything to have a chance to hit those small and undulated greens.

But I need a top 10 to be qualified for Dubai. A hot putter is also a must.

It's mid summer and it's quite warm here around Jo'Burg... Let's go for it!

Belek, Sunday 4 November 2018

Long game "A" but not enough birdies as I had 7 more birdies and I could see on the face of Christian Vander Gracht  (Belgian Hockey player star some years ago and one of my biggest supporter) that he nearly explode of frustration on the first nine on Sunday... 

The one who didn't miss the opportunities was Tom Detry wit his career best performance: 3rd, just outstanding! Proud of you Tom.

With my Top 15 finish, I'm selected to play the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun city. Total change of schedule, stress to catch the planes and to make the reservations but I will arrive on Tuesday in Sun City. I will need to finish around the top 10 to be able to play the DP World! Otherwise, I will play the Australian Open in Sydney...

Belek, Saturday 3 November 2018

Well, 14 good holes, too many lip outs, a and loudish horn from a buggy during my swing on the tee of 18. My 3 wood went straight in "prison" in the middle of the woods. So, some regrets today, some misfortunes, 90% of the greens touched in regulation, but also some ambition tomorrow to finish in the top 5. That's my goal... we'll see the outcome... Would love to sign the same card than Thomas Pieters: -9. Best score of the day, good for our colors!

Tomorrow with Russel Knox and Julian Suri...

Belek, Friday 2 November 2018

Needed 12 holes to find the speed of the green. But since 36 holes, the long game is great! A good finish is not excluded in the next 36 holes ... if everything comes together.

Tomorrow with Mike Lorenzo and Jason Scrivener.

Many thanks to all the Belgian supporters following us 3 and also to the numerous Belgian marshalls doing a great job! Proud of them! BKO effect...

One more thing: Nina Derwael World Champion... Respect!!!!

Belek, Thursday 1 November 2018

-2, nothing much happened, pretty steady long game, too short on some putts, no bogeys.

I will need to be closer to pins and find the right speed to score lower,

Let's do this,

Belek, Wednesday 31 October 2018

Pro-am on Tuesday, the course is still in perfect shape, the greens also.

Finally, as I entered the tournament through my ranking, I gave my invitation back to the tournament and my prize money will count in the Race 2 Dubai... the year is not yet finished!

The 2019 calendar is out with 3 important period: January to March in the Desert, July with the Rolex and The Open and September - October with KLM, Wentworth, Dunhill, Spain, Italy, Portugal and France before the finals!

Tuesday 23 October 2018

I would like to thank more than sincerely the Turkish Golf Federation for inviting me to play the Turkish Airlines Open. I really appreciate it!

Last year with Justin Rose and Dylan Frittelli, we displayed a great Sunday afternoon of golf, it was quite exciting... let's do this again! Justin's win was his first step to his road to become N°1 in the World!

London, Sunday 14 October 2018

After playing 8 tournaments in 9 weeks, included a Ryder Cup week, I'm exhausted and I proposed to the European Tour to swap my place in Spain for a player who needs to qualify for next year' season! Top 116 (116 first players of the Race to Dubai will keep their card for 2019) will be decided at the end of next week, it will be highly important for a lot of players. Respect!

Valderrama is a "Seigneur" in Europe and Sergio Garcia is also one of the most prominent sportsman on the European Tour. Two more reasons why this tournament is so special in the calendar...

Good luck to the players and to the tournament!

Walton Heath, Tuesday 9 October 2018

This course is really genuine one, old style with a lot of heather, full of golfing charms. Two courses here and the New one was opened in 1907... The famous James Braid was the Pro here.

No Pro-Am tomorrow but an interview for Golfing World and some work to tune my game.

On course Thursday at 9:00 on the 1^st Tee with Aaron Rai and Matthew Southgate.

St Andrews, Sunday 7 October 2018

Top 10 in a big tournament, I take it with a smile as in Portugal I finished without a smile. Each good performance brings me closer to Turkey, this is my challenge now.

Next one is the British Masters with a great field. We all know this course of Walton Heath.

St Andrews, Saturday 6 October 2018

Never really stomached my scores at the Open this year. I needed a revenge... done! -5 with a few lip outs has a nice taste!

Tomorrow will be a serous test of golf, a lot can happen, very strong winds are expected at St Andrews, that's why we'll play in a kind of a shotgun, and I will play from the 15th at 8:40 GMT (9:40 ET) (second group at the 15th), the shot gun starts at 8:30.

Proud to be Belgian, 3 kets on the cut! 

St Andrews, Friday 5 October 2018

It's a real pleasure to play with Tom Chaplin, such a fine person...

Kingsbarns today before Carnoustie tomorrow with a cut (top 60) after 3 rounds...

St Andrews, Thursday 4 October 2018

What an incredible Ryder Cup week in Paris! Players, Captain, vice-Captains, crowd, everybody was great, just unforgettable! So proud of the Europe side!

This week we're playing the legendary Dunhill Links around St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

I've the chance to play the three days with Tom Chaplin, the lead singer of Keane. We met during the BMW PGA Ch'ip Pro-am in Wentworth, and we had great fun...

Let's see what this week is bringing!

Royal Zoute, Monday 17 September 2018

What a brillant performance from Thomas Detry at the KLM Open! Third place and a wonderful 63-66 during the weekend, he deserves to play the World Cup in December... So happy for his team also, great job guys.

Qualion Finance day this Monday in Royal Zoute, the sun shines already, it will be a gorgeous day.

This morning early, with Rachel and Jackson, we went walking on our beautiful seaside.

Tomorrow early flight to Portugal for the Open, at the Oceanico course in Vilamoura.

Silkeborg, Sunday 2 September 2018

Saturday was a disappointment round, Sunday was better and a good rebound with 66,

Now heading to the beautiful Crans-Montana, it's time for me to keep the rhythm of tournament. So, quite happy to be able to change my calendar, thanks to the Omega European Masters tournament committee and in particular my good friend Yves Mittaz!

Monday is always a special day in Crans because the tournament honors the memory of Flory Van Donck who would have been proud to see the 3 Belgians playing on the European Tour!

Silkeborg, Thursday 30 August 2018

A good start is what I need for the moment. That eagle came at the right moment for me, a 3 wood off the tee stopped at 13 feet from the pin and I nocked the putt for 2...

Will need the same sort of stuff tomorrow, even if I wasn't on lot of fairways I made nearly all greens in regulation... Missed twice 10 feet on my 17th and 18th holes... 

Silkeborg, Monday 27 August 2018

Not by best form this summer, but Denmark may be a good week to rebound in the company of Thomas Bjorn and Thorbjorn Olesen, it's their National Open and it's always well organized. 

New course this year, I'm looking forward to discover it tomorrow.

Göthenburg, Thursday 16 August 2018

Very windy this afternoon? The -4 of Detry is great achievement as all the good scores were done in the quiet morning.

I'm good there at -2 but would like to do better on the par 5...

Göthenburg, Tuesday 14 August 2018

After 4 days of intense training, quite happy to be on Tour again. New course for this tournament, looking forward to see it this afternoon,

Great week-end of golf at the US Pga with an heroic Thomas Pieters, great performance for TP!

12:40 tee time on Thursday and 7:40 on Friday with my OZ friend Brett Rumford

Hamburg, Monday 23 July 2018

What a win! Cicco Molinari was the strongest in Carnoustie. Stronger than the field of players, stronger than the course, stronger than the wind. Hard work always pays. This win is the result of long-term work based on the repetition of the same but doing each week everything better. All my congrats to Peyo, his caddie, Dennis Pugh, Phil Kenyon and Dave Alred, his coaching team and Cicco's family. He's 6th on the World Ranking now! exceptional. First Major for him and Italy, the first of many more...

After Medinah, it's the second time that Tiger has to witness the strength of Cicco. Molinari will be a key actor of our European Ryder Cup Team. With Molinari, Rose and McIlroy on the podium, Thomas Bjorn may be quite happy on the final ranking as at one stage a lot of american flags were topping the leaderboard. 

I'm in Hamburg for the Porsche tournament, it's time to perform now after a disappointing Open in Carnoustie!

Carnoustie, Thursday 19 July 2018

Went 3 times out of bounds, once in a ditch, too many penalty strokes, too many frustration...

Not a day to forget but one to learn...

Did play better than the score... my only satisfaction...

Carnoustie, Wednesday 18 July 2018

It's now 2 weeks that we couldn't repair a pitch on a green 'cos there are no pitches. The grounds are so firm now that golf became another sport, hitting 9 iron as far as 200 meters off the tee! Strategy is vital here, avoiding bunkers is difficult as the golfball will bounce and run following the topography of the links.

The R&A will put very difficult pins to avoid big attacking strategies, I know that... 

Tomorrow tee off at 14:15, TP will ree off in the morning at 7:42...

Carnoustie, Tuesday 17 July 2018

This is maybe the truer links course of the Open rota, Carnoustie is a true test of golf. This year is special, the fairways are burned, we play a lot of irons from the tee. I don't recognize the course I play during the Dunhill in October.

On Monday I just walk the course with my putter and a few golfballs to test the greens. Stimpmeter was 9,6 on Monday, 9,9 on Tuesday and they want a 10,0 on Wednesday. Everything is so dry that if the wind begins to blow hard the ball won't stay still on the greens. 

Strategy is very different because of the conditions... Tomorrow one more day of training playing at 1:30 with Lee Westwood.

Ballyliffin, Friday 6 July

Great course, great crowd, great Irish weather, love Rolex Series, cut day where I need to play under par...

BUT BELGIUM - BRASIL day...

COME ON BELGIUM

Versailles, Wednesday 27 June 2018

Well, the first coach I saw this morning was a doctor to heal my fever and throat infection...

No practice all day... just 6 shots for a Callaway event in the late afternoon when I was feeling better...

ABSOLUTELY not the kind of "Wednesday" I was looking for... 

Let's see what tomorrow will bring, 7:40 start.. quite early...

Versailles, Tuesday 26 June 2018

Arrived here on Sunday night with Mich and Vincent. Jerome arrived on Monday. Monday was a great day of training with a new shaft in my 3 iron (XSeven True Temper). Short game, putting and long game, we went through the whole game and the bag.

Tuesday was the pro-am day for me. We discovered the course who begin to look like the one for the the Ryder Cup. Small fairways, 3 cuts of rough and deep rough between the holes. The fairways are fast and the run outs on the green sides are slick. 

TD and TP are training also since this morning and we'll enjoy dinner together.

Vienna, Sunday 10 June 2018

Top 3, so a good week. Brian told me that this tournament could have been called "Operation Gillette" as my putts shaved so many holes. But that's a good sign, it means that the speed and the ling are nearly perfect!

Shot Clock is a success! Even if it asks a lot of referees, it's good for the game, it's good for the television, for the spectators, pro's are really examples for Juniors and amateurs as they show how to be ready at your turn. It took 3 or 4 shots of my score, surely when I had an insect on my ball which is inevitable in June.

Very happy for the winner, 14 years he was waiting for that one! Congrats...

Next two week, a few Callaway events (Kings of Distance in Vienna on Tuesday and a Jailbreak in Monaco the week after) and some training... 

118th US open week in Shinnecock Hills, massive event on a incredible course... 

Vienna, Saturday 9 June 2018

A round quite special, begins ok then the Mojo disappeared on the 4th... when a fly came to sit on my ball, if I stopped I could have a penalty stroke, so I played in a hurry but hooked the ball in the water... I was not sure I could explain this to the referee... doubts are the Pro's enemy... proved one more time! And a fly is like a spectator that makes noise, it's not your decision so referees will care because a third party has disturbed your routine...

The 2 bogey at the last 2 holes are killers because even if I was struggling I came back to -6!

Tomorrow with Steve Webster at 9:40! But there is a 66 or better in the bag...

Vienna, Friday 8 June 2018

Perfect format... a confirmation

-3 today, pretty steady but a bad second shot on 8 (my 17th hole) caused a stupid bogey, but made the birdie on 18 with a great second pitching over the flag and coming back. Will need to go a bit lower during the week-end because everybody get used to the format. 1 bogey less and 1 birdie more would already be a good move...

Double cut this week: Friday 65 players and Tie and Saturday 60 players! 

Vienna, Thursday 7 June 2018

This format is a WINNER! It's been so long that I'm complaining about players not being ready to play. That's where all parties have won 1 hour on 18 holes. The comfort of play is huge. Just be ready to play when it's your turn. What do we see too often? When it's their turn to play they are still on their yardage book or discussing with their caddy as 1 or 2 players have already played! Impossible now...

This is the key!

So pleased that everybody finds it a success.

Congrats to the Austrian promoters, a great step in the European Tour future. 

Today my scoring on par 5 was weak... But my stats have finally the Colsaerts print!

Great game today with Wade Ormsby and Miguel Angel: -8 for our 3 ball in less than 4 hours...

Lago di Garda, 23 June 2018

Cheering for Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry... Come on Belgium!

Lago di Garda, 29 - 30 May 2018

LIEGE... all my thoughts to the victims and their family... total solidarity...

Lago di Garda, Monday 28 May 2018

Just a super great CONGRATULAZIONE to Francesco Molinari... Bravo, mille volte bravo!

Wentworth, Thursday and Friday

A nightmare...

Wentworth, Wednesday 23 May 2018

Long day at the office but a lovely team for our Pro-Am with Tom Chaplin (lead singer of Keane), Thom Evans (Scottish rugby player) and Mike Tindall (rugby player who captained the England national team and married Zara Phillips).

Ready for tomorrow tee-off at 2:05 PM UK time!

Wentworth, Tuesday 22 May 2018

Played with the two Thomas 9 holes. The course is immaculate with exceptional nice greens. Mich was bluffed by the changes through the years...Some practice after that, fine tuning a sand wedge (there's not much sand in the bunkers...).

Then i had a few interviews before our annual general meeting where Keith Pelley, with his talent, explained us the outcomes and strategies of the European Tour for 2018 and 2019 and after...

Thomas Pieters and his family received a great round of applause for the BKO... well deserved!

Tomorrow, pro-am at 1:15 playing with a member of the Royal family and the singer of Keane, Tom Chaplin...

Wentworth, Monday 21 May 2018

Arrived on site, all the team ready. Tomorrow, wake up at 5:30 AM, on the tee at 7:00 AM with Tom Detry and TP.

Long day in sight with our annual Tour meeting at 6:00 PM, with the Tour latest news...

Rinkven, Sunday 20 May 2018

-8 for 4 rounds of 9 holes but lost to James Heath in quarter finals... This format is demanding and I lost against a player who succeeded everything he tried! So I'm quite disappointed, my -2 was the second best score of this 1/4 final...

Anyway, let's look at all the positive: my game is in good shape, my putting also... The Rinkven course has tints of Wentworth and it's a good preparation before playing our BMW PGA Championship.

I can't leave the tournament before thanking everybody who built this into a success: spectators, sponsors and partners, the press, green keepers, volunteers, Rinkven staff and members, BeGolf staff and the Pieters family who set this tournament up. 18 years was long but now the Belgium Open is finally back...

It was lovely to play in that supportive and warm atmosphere here at the BKO, memories never to forget.

Rinkven, Saturday 19 May 2018

This format is more demanding than expected, the two tension (strokeplay and matchplay) are added together. You need to keep the concentration high and avoid any mistake. A bogey hurts and a double bogey is killing you. 

What a support from the Belgian crowd, so numerous and warm! 

At the end of the day, I went to the volunteer tent and received the same encouragements and warmth, they were 500 all having to celebrate together their week together at the BKO. All this organized by Golf Vlaanderen, well done Marc and your team!

Tomorrow quarter finals at 9:00 against James Heath... Be there!

Rinkven, Saturday 19 May 2018

Always a tough match against the solid and experienced Richie Ramsay. 3 birdies no bogeys to win by one, the crowd enjoyed a good match at 5 under in total.

Next match against the man in his life form: Lorenzo Gagli...

Rinkven, Friday 18 May 2018

So many ups and downs today... The purpose was to qualify... 71 today, the par, -3 in total... 4 Belgians are playing into the week-end! 

Great crowd today, enormous support from the Belgian supporters.

Now let's go to the week-end bracket to be played on 9 holes and in STROKE PLAY.

This is a brand new formula. Strategy will be key: avoiding bogeys and certainly double bogeys will be more important than searching absolutely for birdies. Don't forget it's stroke play not match Play! So think about it: how would you play? 

I'm really looking forward to see the audience on television, to see if the spectators are liking this format...

NEW PICTURES in the Gallery

Rinkven, Thursday 17 May 2018

Not an easy day at the office today. It was quite cold this morning and the wind was swirling, the course had a good defense against birdies... also due to the hard surfaced greens. I had a slow start but didn't want to overpower this course. It's too narrow with too many doglegs. Irons and 3 wood off the tee were the better choices.

Stayed patient and waited for the birdies to fall... But did also two bad tee shots where I could save par! A clean sheet is always good for the confidence!

NEW PICTURES in the Gallery

Rinkven, Wednesday 16 May 2018

Did win the pro-am today, with a strong GreatGrey Investments team, headed by my sponsor Tom De Raedt. One of his best investment seems to have been visiting Mich Vanmeerbeek for his swing. Nice dividends Tom... surely in your home town Antwerp! 

Other friends were also playing like Alexis Mannès (Mannes and AMBroker) and Quentin d'Ursel from 2PM. I'm really happy that all my partners supported the BKO. They were the pioneer, i hope that others will follow their steps to make this event a further success story...

Early start tomorrow: 8h10 from the 10th tee! The two Thomas are playing around noon...

A lot of interviews today to make the promotion of  the BKO and golf in Belgium with some Belgium Team Pictures with the 9 Belgian participants and Emmanuel Rombouts, President RBGF.

NEW PICTURES in the Gallery

Rinkven, Tuesday 15 May 2018

Arrived today and went straight away to the caddy lounge to hear the first impressions... I only received Thumbs Up's. Not only because the food is great in the caddy lounge (I knew that TP had ask a special treatment for the caddies), but the set up and the 18 holes are in great shape. That makes me really smile, the caddies judgements are straightforward, the BKO week starts in good shape!

Rinkven's main course is at his best. The "Rhododendrons" are in flower so the timing is perfect also.

Press conference today and Pro-am tomorrow at 8:15.

Really hope to see all the Belgian juniors... the scoring will be strong as the weather is looking great!

The Pieters Productions has organized food trucks and a very pleasant village for all spectators. So don't hesitate to come and cheers for the 9 Belgians present in the field!

PICTURES EVERY DAY IN THE GALLERY (more than in Morocco).

Latest news

Excited to play in Belgium next week! Long life the BKO!

I would like to share this sad story: The Tournament Director of the Rolex Italian Open told me about a Tour Pro, Issa Nlareb Amang, who contracted a terrible disease (bacterial meningitis) during a tournament on the Alps Tour. As a result he lost his both feet. The surgery happen to take place in Brussels and there is a fundraising on the internet to help Issa financing his revalidation (surgery and prostheses).

Because it's golf, because Issa is in Belgium (UCL Woluwe) and because we will have a great golfing celebration next week, I suggest to have a look at this fundraising organized by the Alps Tour:

https://gogetfunding.com/help-offset-costs-for-issas-surgery-and-upcoming-treatments/

Thank you in advance for your help!

Beijing, Thursday 26 April 2018

Really not the result I was expecting after a great round yesterday in the pro-am. This +2 could have been a -3. Quite a frustration...

Will need a low one tomorrow, 

Dar es Salam, Saturday 21 April 2018

No excuses, I didn't play well, I even made an 8 on a par 4 due to a unplayable situation. 

Why did I play badly? Once again, no excuses. Some players can develop their best game whatever course they play, I can't. Or those players love some characteristics of courses that I don't like, and they feel great on them and they beat the par. I need to be inspired as I'm not a machine, golf is about feeling and appreciation, feeling of trajectories, type of grass, distances, wind, tridimensional views of a hole or a shot, weather, country, links or parkland, open or treelined, wind, etc... 

It's not the same player that wins every week, and it's always the same players that play well on the same courses... Alvaro has grown up in Valderamma and Valderrama is the the twin brother of Dar es Salam, designed by the same man: Robert Trent Jones... I'm sure he will play well here during the week-end!

Nice PICTURES from Philippe GAUDY on the Gallery (click More then Gallery)

Dar es Salam, Thursday 19 April 2018

Tough day at the office as I didn't touch enough fairways today. No as successful neither on the greens, not enough red on the card. But I managed to keep a reasonable score today thanks to my shotmaking and around the greens I even managed to enter a Bunker shot (Hole 13).

I will need to find the fairways of the par 5 tomorrow to have more chances of birdies...

Nice PICTURES from Philippe GAUDY in the Gallery

Dar es Salam, Wednesday 18 April 2018

What a beautiful place this Dar es Salam in the biggest forest (70 KM long) of Morocco. Designed by the late Robert Trent Jones, this red course was named in the old days The Jewel of Africa. It also used to be the longest course on this continent. History has been made here!

With a beautiful sunshine, the tented village and the trees and flowers, this place could be a paradise... But it can be also a nightmare if you're not on the right part of the greens. The greens have been redone last summer and they are, in my opinion, too severely undulated. So I'm really nostalgic of the old greens: Robert Trent Jones, please come back !

Great team today for the pro-am, with also a lot of stories with Patrick Clerc (Tour de France and Rallye Paris-Dakkar) and an old American tennis champion Erik Van Dillen. Great fun!

Madrid, Sunday 15 April 2018

Thanks to the Courtesy car services of the European Tour, I could catch an early flight to be sooner with my family after a long tournament. Long because it was quite cold during the 5 first days...

Happy to have made a lot of birdies, a top 30 is a good first result after a very erratic Saturday and a sloppy first 9 on Thursday. 

Many thanks to the Spanish Federation to have the courage to organize this Open in a short amount of time. Spain have to be on the European Tour program, it's a must in the spirit of Seve Ballesteros and Tchema Olazabal. For my part, I would love that Seville would be also on the calendar, great city, superb course! We need 2 stops in Spain!

Even with the cold weather, I wad surprised of the enormous crowd, Jon Rahm is the hero here. Thank you players lounge for the great food and service, hope to be here next year!

Next week the 3 Belgian Musketeers are together, TP is coming back to our Tour to play Morocco. Love it... 4 weeks and it's the BKO in Rinkven, we will be ready!

Madrid, Friday 13 April 2018

2 frozen starts and then came the birdies... the bogey on 7 made me mad and I went for revenge with some red figures... 

Another cut at -4, this is getting average on the European Tour these days... Another new item on Tour, is having 20 players with the same score, this makes the field more packed in the 60 first top positions. Our sport is still strongly evolving towards higher performances... That's why my coaches are more and more pushing our boundaries further...

New names have been given after those freezing days like "7 layers Vinnie" and the quote of the week is from Mich: "5 days tournament in Madrid in April without sunglasses, there is always a first time!"

Madrid, Tuesday 10 April 2018

Finally back to business... how good was the feeling yesterday when flying to Madrid, even if I had to leave my little Jackson and his mum at home... They both are in perfect shape! Love them.

But I had never expected to feel as cold and wet today. The Realfeel (official forecast word) was -2°! Heavy cold winds and rain... horrendous weather... 

The belgian crew was courageous with Vince, Mich and Thomas Detry who is also very impatient to play in tournament mood. 8 hours work today with a mix of everything, some posture work, some short game, some holes, hitting golfballs under the covered driving range, some shaft testing for my new Callaway Rogue 3 wood. A final test tomorrow during the pro-am and, if positive, it will go in the bag...

I feel sorry for the Spanish Federation and the Spanish crowd that we'll have a cold and rainy week, it's their national open and so important for them!

Doha, Monday 19 February 2018

Long journey through London but I'm flying to the Qatar Masters,

Not easy to leave little Jackson and his Mum! But I love my life on Tour and March will be a family month because of a weak calendar on the European Tour...

The good news is the Spanish Open coming back on the schedule in April in Madrid. Looking forward to...

Fine win for Joost Luiten in Oman, great timing for him playing his way in the WGC Match Play! Well done neighbor...

Monaco, Saturday 10 February 2018

Today, we welcomed Jackson Colsaerts to Planet Earth, a healthy little boy. His mummy is doing well and I'm feeling like a 12y old, waow

Less than 100 days to go until the @BelgianKnockout week. Expecting fireworks in the new Knockout format. Who’s coming? #European Tour

Dubai, 27 Januari 2018

There was more to hope today but my driving was not pinpoint accurate on those small fairways. I still don't understand how the birdies on 2-4-7 didn't fall this afternoon. Anyway, one more round to go... So let's round off with style my last round before the birth of our first child...

Tom Detry is still going strong and TP was very unfortunate this morning...

Happy Birthday Thomas, 26 years old.

Dubai, 25 January 2018

Frustrating Day at the Emirates Golf Club with 5 lip outs. I was putting so well, with 2 attempts for eagle on holes 10 and 13. -3 today is a minimum score but it's not very confortable to be the last on the course arriving just before sundown...

We will try to go lower tomorrow because the scoring is very competitive...

Dubai, 24 January 2018

Today was the pro-am at 7:30 then some training with Jerome till 4:00.

The course is in superb shape, long with thick rough, greens are very "grainy" and fast and nevertheless each year it's been won over -20! the quality of game with such a strong field is amazing.

The design made by Peter Harradine is still up to date, the Majlis at the Emirates is one of his masterpiece with Abu Dhabi.

We had some funny Q&A videos taken for Golf.be for the BKO (Belgian Knock Out). I have a message to all Junior Captains: don't forget to bring your juniors to Rinkven in May, some nice learning and inspiration to pick up there!

Dubai, 22 January 2018

Not disappointed by my Abu Dhabi result but... and certainly I could have won 1 to 2 strokes a day on the greens...

The others Belgian boys did well with a top 5 for Thomas and a top 10 for Tom. Hat off for Detry on Saturday and Fleetwood on Sunday, just amazing 9 last holes.

This Abu Dhabi Tournament and the Desert Classic are really 2 perfectly organized events... Cheers the Emirates, the players are grateful!

Today shooting sequences for the new Rogue Callaway driver and some interesting work on the putting green with my coaches and maybe a new Odyssey putter presenter by our technician Seamus...

Tomorrow first 9 holes with the 2 Thomas then driving and putting green work with Jérôme and Mich.

PS: thanks Kris:  Indeed I took the decision to withdraw from Malaysia, the doctors have told us that it's too close to the birth of our future baby, I'll stay close to Rachel from Monday 29 January...

Abu Dhabi, Friday 19 January 2018

The wind was not easy to play in the afternoon, fairways were "smaller" to reach and some pins difficult to attack. If I was not lucky on the greens, my long game showed some great form. The swing is ready and the winter work have worked properly. 

Two more days of competition where the wind and the morning fog will play their role, high winds previewed on Sunday.

Thomas Pieters had some fun today with his -7, it's a course he likes, he always plays strong golf here in Abu Dhabi. He will be not easy to beat, believe me! 

Top display from Tom Detry at -6 and also super round for my friend Alex Levy with a -7 today, the same score as Pieters

Abu Dhabi, Wednesday 17 January 2018

This is the real start of the 2018 season. Everybody is there, even the N°1 in the World Dustin Johnson.

Strong field, tough course, simple straight forward and in perfect shape. Narrow fairways and thick rough will play an important role this week.

I feel I'm in great shape, technically and physically, pretty confident also in what's in my bag, same Callaway clubs as the end of last year, same team, same partners, nothing fancy!

A lot of photoshoots and interviews for the European Tour, Golf Channel, CNN, Sky, ... as usual. 

Belgian Team gathering during lunch with Tom Detry and Thomas Pieters. Keith Pelley, our Tour Commissionner, came to talk with us about the BKO next May, "the" golf event in Belgium in 2018!

All three Belgians are in swing, so we are ready for this Desert Swing!

Tomorrow 8:20 with Thorbjorn "Jacob" Olesen and Jordan Smith.

Wednesday, 10 January 2018

Three tournaments in a row with first Abu Dhabi, then the Desert Classic in Dubai and the Maybank Malaysian.

Fine tuning my preparation in the South of France till Friday with Mich Vanmeerbeek, then flying to Dubai for 2 days training in the Middle East Climat and heading on Monday to Abu Dhabi.

The field is first class, really impressive, looking forward...

Really happy to go on Tournament and to find some good weather...

Monday, 8 January 2018

2018 is there with the good and the sad news. The Belgian Golf Pro's have lost one of them... Repose in Peace Boris Janjic, the passion for golf personalized, a truly personality... Always came to the tournaments when he could, coming to the practice and talk swing and Tour talks, always interested, always coming with new plans, talking music also... Boris could think differently... You will be remembered... All our thoughts to his family...

No way to announce any other news...

24 December 2017

This year is ending with the traditional family Christmas days. Talking about family, there is one great news coming in February as Rachel and I are waiting for our first child... Such an amazing feeling... I can't wait...

Even if the season won't start before mid January in Abu Dhabi, Vince, Jerome and Mich organized a 5 days golf camp in the south of France with Thomas Pieters et Tom Detry. Quite useful when you recap the keys of our game... Intense short game sessions and tournaments on the wonderful chipping green of Vidauban. 

Thank you Philippe Feller (2PM) for the hotel room of Château de Berne so graciously offered during our camp, their fitness room witnessed that belgian sweat is not fake! We were there as a team, train as a team, sweat as a team and enjoyed it as a team! 

Our team want to thank you all for your support and we wish you all the best for 2018... and don't forget it's a Ryder Cup year!

Nicolas, Rachel, Vince, Mich, Jerome, Brian, Blaise, Richard and Quentin.

Mauritius, Monday 27 November 2017

This is the first tournament of season '18 and the last of year '17.

I feel home in Mauritius and after a few days at Anahita, I feel that time flies too quickly!

I don't quite know this Telfair destination and the Bel Ombre course, but the place seems amazing, great views on the lagoon... inspiring.

Feel sorry for the White Devils in Lille but sport can be hard, one thing for sure they scared France!

For his part Tom Detry had a go in Hong Kong, great display Dude... and 318,5 yards off the tee, welcome to the Bombers world.

Tuesday, 21 November 2017

Always difficult to judge a year. I could have finished in beauty but overall my game during the Rolex Series was ok. Nowadays you need to do top 5's in big tournament, that's what I did in Wentworth and Turkey. That's what Thomas Pieters did at the Masters and Tom Detry in Germany. Great year for them too. In sport everybody should concentrate on what you performed instead of what the hopes were! And I'm proud of my 2 mates and what we did for the Belgian flag in 2017.

For Belgian golf, these results are exceptional. The tree of us in the Top 100 of R2D!

Of course I also need to salute the performances of Tommy Fleetwood, N°1 of the R2D, and Jon Rahm for his victory in Dubai. Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia, two of the generation of 1980, were brillant, so were Ross Fisher, also from 1980, and also Tyrrell Hatton through the year.

Next season starts next week in Mauritius but 2018 will be excited with the Rolex Series and the new Belgian Open: the Belgian Knock out in May!

2018 will have other surprises in my private life with a baby in February... Quite a program!

Jumeirah, Sunday 19 November 2017

Well, I shaved too many holes today to have any momentum. Pretty tired, last week drained me.

I need to come stronger next season. A lot will change for me, a wedding and a baby are the new features in my life for 2018. That's what important for me just now.

Honestly, I need to thank warmly all my team around me and everybody who helped and cheered for me. One thing is for sure, I have a lot of good years of golf ahead of me and I'm looking forward to all those challenges.

Jumeirah, Saturday 18 November 2017

Not a good round. Double punition with a wake up call at 4:45 on Sunday!

Let's see what I can make on Sunday...

Jumeirah, Friday 17 November 2017

One of the most frustrating day in my career. After 9 birdie opportunities after so many holes, the first birdie came only on 10 just before a very slight mistake costs me a bogey! The frustration was to hard to slick and the next few holes were a nightmare... But what I need to remember is that on the first 9 I was playing all flags and what I need to forget is that the ball refused each time to drop... Tonight's job!

Regroup tonight with Mich and Vinnie to try to forget this day and to start a new tournament tomorrow!

36 more holes and with the game I can produce, let's see what the outcome can be!

Jumeirah, Thursday 16 November 2017

A good front nine, an opportunity missed on 10 and a bad wedge on 11, stopped my momentum. the wind picked up on the back nine and I still had good opportunities on 14-15-16. The birdie fell finally on 17 and I saved a great par on 18 after having hit the rocks where my ball then jumped against the left grandstand. My 4th shot was a brillant approach from a bare lie over the creek and 8 feet from the cup! The 3rd shot was my second bad shot of the day!

20 players, one third, will be tested for doping this week, and today I was one of them!

Tomorrow 11:40 with Shane Lowry!

Jumeirah, Wednesday 15 November 2017

Great practice session on and around the greens, we were at 6:30 on the driving range to take advantage of the cool temperature and good greens.

Jumeirah has great facilities, and we used them all! Ready for tomorrow.

10:35 with Lee Westwood

Jumeirah, Tuesday 14 November 2017

I know ... it's my birthday today! 35...

This is the week in the year where you want to be present, our Grand Final.

Pro-Am today with the Rolex Team with an excellent Arnaud Laborde finishing in style: eagle, birdie, birdie as we started on 10.

When I asked Vincent when was the sun rise, he said 7:00 and I told then my team that we'll starting our day at 7:00 on the course, early morning start (courtesy car at 6:00!).

On Thursday, we'll play at 10:35 with lee Westwood ... good memories.

Regnum Carya, Sunday 5 November 2017

Well, this last putt was not my best one but I didn't see that much line from right to left. Nevertheless quite happy with that 2^nd place.  

Thanks to Justin and Thomas P. for their kind words. it's a great battle with high level golf, the three of us. 

24^th Race to Dubai before the 2 last tournaments is a good incentive. Confidence is back which is a great, and I must admit that retrieving my driving (Callaway Epic Blue shaft) is a great factor because I'm not searching in the swing anymore, I can finally swing with less doubts.

Already in the airport to fly to South Africa, no rest before the 20^th of November.

Regnum Carya, Saturday 4 November 2017

I was going steady till that mud ball on Hole 11. It flew on a strange trajectory and went short in the water. I was shocked after that and needed a few holes to recover. 2 sixes on par 5 was the other bad news of the day, but keep my score on the three last holes. 

A disappointing 3^rd round but if you have said me that I would be 2 strokes of the lead Saturday I would have take it.

The good news is that I will play with Thomas on Sunday, together on the chase of the leader. 

Regnum Carya, Friday 3 November 2017

Another good day at the office. Yesterday I could play blindfolded, today was more of a scoring affair with some great escape like on 10 where I played a nice bunker shot.

You need to keep your ball in play off the tee, that's a first key, the second one is to find the right speed on greens...

Now the field is so good that everybody can play -14 for the 2 next rounds, so I'll be the first to avoid to be over enthusiastic! Doing the same plan and having the same feel of the green speed is my strategy. This sport can be full of surprises...

Regnum Carya, Thursday 2 November 2017

A lot of fairways with my 3 wood off the tee and irons off the 11th and 18th makes me going for quite a few pins. The good news of the day was that I got the speed of the greens straight away. I stayed patient on hole 2 and 3 where my ball saw the bottom of the hole but stayed on the green.

Great weather, very calm, no wind, make the scoring go low today. Tomorrow same weather but on the weekend the forecast is not as good... a lot of golf still to be played! 

Great game of Pinball tonight with Thomas Pieters, we didn't break the record but the week is still young...

Regnum Carya, Wednesday 1 November 2017

Fine tuning done, swing is in shape. Great 18 holes, very well designed by Peter Thomson and Tim Lobb. Surrounded by pine trees, the fairways are also well guarded by many bunkers. Technical course indeed and the northern wind makes it even more complicated. 4 or 5 holes are longer than last year, it will be interesting to play. The greens are quite well designed just the right amount of contours and slopes.

Chris Mivis started good at -2, Go Belgium.

Monza, Sunday 15 October 2017

Coud have gone lower on the last 4 holes but I must admit that I ran a little low on fuel... So 4 pars were not so bad...

As from Monday, after 5 heavy weeks in a row (too much), I've planned 2 sessions fitness a day and also a few Padel matches... 

On Thursday, I'll play a round with Tom De Raedt (Great Grey - GoldFinch) and special guest.

Congrats to Royal Sart-Tilman and their wonderful pictures of the father and son Prize. President Patrick Renard must be proud to have all those players for the picture!!!

Congrats also to Benjamin Deceunick and cameraman Bruno for their TV coverage on RTBF! Great exposure for Belgium golf.

Monza, Friday 13 October 2017

In the pack at -6, even if it could have been better with my strong long game display.

But the driving is still the good news. The Callaway Epic Driver with the blue shaft is the cornerstone of my game. From there I can built a score even if I still need some progress of birdie conversion.

Tom Detry will be with me this weekend finishing birdie birdie to make the cut... The road to Turkey required this first step.

Monza, Thursday 12 October 2017

Best food in the world, best player lounge, best Tournament Director (Barbara Zonchello), best sponsor Rolex, I just need to score better to keep the pace!

Speed on greens is my weakness since September, after the round, worked with Mich on my rythm and tension of the right hand... we'll see tomorrow. 

First tee off on Friday, love that, nobody in front of us...

St Andrews, Saturday 7 October 2017

Carnoustie is one of the true best links, one of my favorite. Today he won by one shot. Let's win those strokes back tomorrow, final round at 10:59 with Victor Dubuisson.

St Andrews, Friday 6 October 2017

Pretty cold weather here in Fife, but 2 nice rounds thanks to good low driving and a great lag putting.

Carnoustie is quite demanding in precision driving, my challenge of the day... 

St Andrews, Tuesday 3 October 2017

As you know Scotland is my favorite golfing land and St Andrews, one of my favorite course. Very special week, 3 courses, cut after 3 rounds, 3 rounds with an amateur, some social meetings and a last day on the Old Course. Great mix on the program. I'm staying this week not far from the course with Thomas Bjorn and Thorbjorn Olesen, great companions. 

Newcastle, Thursday 28 September 2017

Did some work with the driver and put my blue shaft back on duty, wasn't really happy of the orange one who seems to be less efficient with the Epic head than the blue one. Already used the blue shaft in Portugal and the results are encouraging. 

This course is special, quite hilly and tricky, patience and acceptance will be requested.

Vilamoura, Sunday 24 September 2017

Mixed feelings as if I made the eagle on 12, it could be another story. But I struggled with the speed of the green this afternoon. The greens looked fast but they weren't and I mist too many birdies short in line... But a 12^th place is always worth taking. The overall game is getting better, a good sign for the rest of the season...

Thanks for your help Mich and Jérôme, very helpful, as always...

Next week, British Masters, we will loose 20 degrees... Brrr

Tomorrow big announcement in Belgium, after 18 years he's back... really looking forward!

Vilamoura, Saturday 23 September 2017

Early start this morning. Good greens, a tuned game (thanks Mich and Jérôme) and finally some flow on the course. This 64 is a nice reward after the work we putted in. Tom Detry will play behind me tomorrow, he's really playing solid golf and we will have a go to climb up the leaderboard.

Great climate, 100% sunshine and blue sky, Algarve is a dream! This Portugal Masters must stay in September, the players love it, superb food, kindness of the Portuguese people, what do you need more? A grilled chicken? Ok, that's for tonight, Marufo here I come.

Vilamoura, Thursday 22 September 2017

Three Belgians at -2, let's see what tomorrow brings...

Beautiful weather here with a blue sky that you only see here in Portugal.

The Victoria course is now part of the Don Pedro hotel company and the Hotel and the course belong now to the Anantara chain. The course is in great shape and thanks to the weather there is some strong scoring...

Faro, Monday 18 September 2017

Is this a stunt or what!!!

What a quality of tennis on Sunday! Congrats to all the players and the Captain, great Belgian Team, great Spirit for an incredible performance! Goffin and Darcis played nearly to perfection!

Final against France end of November... everything is possible!

The Dutch, Thursday 14 September 2017

Started when the storm began, and ended 5 holes later when it was unplayable! Quite unlucky...

This kind of weather is extreme, guys in the morning could play under par, for us in the afternoon, it was impossible...

Feel sorry for the spectators, patrons and promoters...

The Dutch, Thursday 14 September 2017

The KLM is maybe one of the best organized Tournament in Europe. I always feel sorry when the sun is not shining because they deserve a lot of spectators. Well done again Daan and Martijn, respect from all players!

The Dutch will be tough in this weather, and there is one issue not to be forgotten: the slopes on the greens. Don't underestimate their configuration, it's very slopy and the wind can have a tremendous influence on putts!

Yesterday was fun even if the storm blew all afternoon during the pro-am, but listening to all the amazing stories of Ruud Gullit has no prize. Ruud is a Legend, ok, but his passion and knowledge of sports is one of a kind. At certain moment I had the feeling that we were in a locker room during a half -time of an important match... Really inspiring, I will never forget your words Ruud!

Knokke, Monday 11 September 2017

Two of my partners, 2PM and KNAUF, have joined forces to organise their traditional Golf Day. Philippe Feller, and his partners, and Patrick Renard are the hosts of the day and Quentin d'Ursel is our organizing master. I hope that the coastal weather avoids umbrella's to open, hope to be lucky!

Great opportunity also to meet my good friend Léopold Lippens, so happy to hear his latest stories.

In fact my all team will be present here because we are on the eve of an important stretch of 5 tournaments in a row. Vince, Brian, Jérôme and Mich are here to fine tune the end end of the season.

Himmerland, Friday 25 August 2017

Didn't want to leave Denmark like that, it's my great friends' event, Bjorn and Olesen, but I hurt myself from the warm up, never recovered and had to stop playing on 17, wrist injured. Hope it's only muscular. 2 weeks to heal before the KLM Open.

Wish the spectators, volunteers and promoters a great week-end of golf, they deserve it, it's an important week on the European Tour Schedule, see you next year!

And don't forget, it's the 500th of Thomas Bjorn!

Himmerland, Wednesday 23 August 2017

This tournament is always a spectator success. Denmark as a golfing country is very successful in competition, from the junior national teams till the Tour (Bjorn, Olesen, Kjeldsen, Hansen, Bjerregaard, Jensen, ...). A great example to study.

Thomas Bjorn will play his 500th tournament this week, 15 wins in his career, what an achievement, for sure we will celebrate this.

Pro-am day today and tomorrow off at 13:00.

Bad Griesbach, 16 Augustus 2017

There is some change in environment between North Carolina and the Bavaria, from stroke play to match play, from Bermuda grass to Poa, ... 

Lovely place here in Bad Griesbach, great hotel, beautiful Spa.

Tomorrow first match, I hope to do good, I like to play well when my good friend "Chipie" (Paul Lawrie) is organizing a tournament. 

Charlotte, Thursday 9 August 2017

15 holes ok and 3 holes where I lost patience. Holes 18-1-2, 3 Drives in the rough where I paid 5 strokes to the course. My biggest ennemi is the slow play. Had to wait so long at the 18 and the 1st... It's part of the tournament but sincerely that's where I'm the weakest. Get back in my rhythm ask me so much energy, I like to have a pace in a round. Well playing at 2:15 on the afternoon will be a challenge of keeping my composure during the long waiting spaces on tees, par 3's and par 5's...

But the game is ok, let's capitalize on this during this Friday's round... 

Head off to great friend Olesen, so solid round, well done Jacob!

Charlotte, Wednesday 8 August 2017

Played a round with Thomas and Jérôme and the course will be serious test, it's long, tight and the rough is thick, the kind of rough that trap your ball in their green fingers. And when you're arrive on the green, you better pay attention. 

Driving will be key. I was a little forcing with the body and Jérôme slowed me down. That's the difference between my training where I was driving like hell and the tournament... You're always tries to do more...

Ended 4th at the Charity longest drive between Dustin Johnson and Rory Mc Ilroy in good company I should say...

On the chipping green, Pete Cowen asked to be more creative, using different techniques for the same shots. By the sound of his voice, I understood that this would be a key element for me in the future... 

Always making progress is my team moto and Jérôme came with new drills on the green, on visualization to practice for better line and better speed...

Heavy program since 10 days now, but this Quail Hollow course will dig deep in technical and physical ressources of each player. That's why it's a Major... The US PGA Championship!

By the way in 2019, because of TV rights competition in September (American Football) and Olympic games in August, the US PGA will move to May and the BMW PGA Championship to September. It's gonna take a lot of imagination to make the European Tour first semester calendar strong! 

Charlotte, Monday 7 August 2017

A classic of jet lag, awaken too early, gives me the chance to congratulate 2 champions:

- Nafissatou Thiam, World Champion in Heptathlon after her Golf Medal in Rio, what an outstanding performance...

- and Patrick Renard, winner of the Senior Internationals of Belgium, it's not everyday that one of my sponsors wins an international golf tournament, so all credit to you Patrick! (Patrick is CEO of Knauf Belgium).

With Billi boy, surname given by Brian to Jérôme in the States, we'll be early birds on the course today. Jérôme has strong putting program for me with all kind of exercises... Thomas Pieters will join us on the putting green later, he's also training with Billy boy since June on the putting.

Sunday 6 August 2017

On my way to Charlotte, with Jérôme Theunis! I'll be cheering for Thomas Pieters who's leading at the Bridgestone...

Swinging well after a good training with Mich Vanmeerbeek last week. The driving is tuned, much needed at Quail Hollow.

Tuesday 1 August 2017

Always a good moment when the President of the PGA of America, Paul K. Levy, sends you a letter to be part of the 4^th Major of the year. I'm really looking forward to.

I already played the course but they changed 4 holes and they changed the grass on greens (from Rye to Bermuda).

Heavy fitness program this week, technical training with Mich and Jerôme who will be in Charlotte with me.

Tuesday, 18 July 2017

Week of the Open, I wish I could play it but a health disorder last Saturday changed my plans. I will routing for Thomas Pieters during this whole week. He has a good chance, it's a good course for him.

Not many news lately, sorry for that, we are going for a new blog and it's not easy as we must be linked with the new data feed from the European Tour!

A couple of weeks of holidays before hopefully the preparation week for the US PGA at Quail Hollow (Charlotte), waiting for a last minute invite, I quite love this tournament!

If you are on holiday yourself, have a good one!

München, Friday 23 June 2017

Could not reach speedy Tom who had a great start, he seems to love the front nine. This is the key of this tricky golf course, you need to find the lines from the tee as it's quite narrow.

Yesterday, I had an off day from the tee with the driver with 2 out of Bounds and 2 stymies behind trees (only very old golfers can remind what is a stymie... ). Mich fixed it so today I had 17 good holes...

But I'll be there for the weekend hoping to make the best of it...

München, Tuesday 20 June 2017

Back in business, I flew here this morning with Mich Vanmeerbeek, we had also 2 days of training before coming here. Mich and Jérôme will be also in France next week and I will be fully prepared for the links swing: Ireland, Scotland and maybe The Open, my preferred Major.

Always a super well organized week with Marco Kaussler as conductor and always a few nice cars to test, I always enjoy that.

Thomas Detry is with us also and he'll be fine for the next tournament!

Great win of Bruce Koepka, such a great guy who did decide one day to begin his career with us in Europe, smart move! His second win in his career and certainly not the last one, he's only 27!

Barseback, Thursday 1 June 2017

Too much wind this morning and this course becomes very narrow at some places, needed a few holes to adapt. A par score was the minimum I could get with such a start.

Coming back to last week, I felt quite a relief after the tournament. So many tournaments where I play much better than my scores and came back with peanuts. This time I developped my A game on the 36 last holes and it paid off. All credit to Brian, my caddie, and all the other members of my team, Pete, Vince, Mich, Jérôme, Sellsie and Gilly. Also impossible not to mention Rachel, so important to me.

Three new wedges in the bag since last Wednesday: 50°, 56 and 60°. It's a long time that my Team thought I needed to fill in gaps in distance between clubs, Chris Sells came with the stats and showed that I needed to cover too much distance with the same club and the birdie conversion suffered from that. So I made the change, starting from the 60° (90 meters) and going up from that. Under the 9 iron that goes 145 meters I have now 4 clubs to cover the distances with a Pitching wedge of 36,5° for 135 meters shot.

I also asked Ian Dryden from the Callaway truck to slightly close my 3 iron so I could take my 2 iron out of the bag.

After some work on the course and on the Trackman to verify all distances, I was good to go on tournament!

Wentworth, Wednesday 24 May

Rolex series, there we are! This is the European Tour Flagship Tournament, like The Players on The PGA Tour. The course has been reshaped, with 29 new bunkers and 18 new greens. It's a gem, or more precisely, finally it's a gem! Well done Paul McGinley, Ernie Els Design and the European Tour design!

The course is in prestine shape, a real PGA Championship! And everybody is here on behalf of Sergio.

Sicily, Monday 15 May 2017

Two good friends are organizing a golf tournament during our National days on 19-20 and 21 July in Marbella. Didier de Vooght, the Tournament Director, and Bernard Stas, the Organizer, have prepared 3 super days on great courses around Marbella. Fun is guaranteed with cocktails and Prize givings and a final party on a Beach in Marbella. For more info's: belgiannationaldays.be

Arrived tonight in Sicily, Tom Detry arrived earlier, looking forward to discover the 18 holes. They altered the holes from the last time I played here. But happy to be here, it's a great resort with 29 holes (+9 short ones) designed by Kyle Philips!

Liège, Wednesday 10 May 2017

Lovely day with he clients of Knauf at Royal Sart Tilman. I love the atmosphere and spirit in Liège. This year KNAUF and 2PM joined their energy to share their number of invitees. This was one of the first great sunny day, so blessed.

Michel Vanmeerbeek commented the clinic as 30 juniors joined us, it was quite interesting!

By the way, the new club house terrace has been enlarged and it's a success.

On Thursday, I met the people from Rolex Belgium, always a nice meeting with CEO Arnaud Reverdin and PR Manager Mireille Puttevils and we were joined by AMB CEO Alexis Mannes and 2PM CEO Philippe Feller. Partners are so important for professional golfers, they are part of the team as we have such a loyal and faithful relationship since so many years and through thick and thin!

Friday, I will have the pleasure to play in Chantilly with the people of Knauf France, also a great old genuine course (1909) and also designed by the famous architect Tom Simpson.

Centurion Club, Saturday 6 May 2017

Not qualified but we made a lot of birdies. The loss against Scotland was difficult to accept, as we were 2-2, their 2nd shot on the 6th went in the grandstand and came back to the green and they make an 8m putt to win the hole as our eagle attempt made 360 degrees. Hard to swallow!

Thailand putted like hell to beat us and we get our win against Spain! Really with one more putt against Thailand, like on the par 3 N°5, where my birdie attempt hesitated an eternity to refuse to drop in the hole, and we were in quarter final...

Superb partnership with Tom Detry, we can play together eyes closed as I know his strengths and he knows mine. We need a revenge here!

Next week, finally some golf in Belgium with my partner KNAUF!

Centurion Club, Wednesday 3 May 2017

Team Belgium, with Tom Detry, against tough competitors in our group: Thailand, Spain and Scotland..

A total new format, in 2 days, 6 holes, greensome, match play, innovations...

It's made to be fun for spectators and tv spectators,

Looking forward to!

Beijing, Sunday 30 Avril 2017

65 good holes this week and I have already forgotten the 7 others!

Some great pictures from Morocco and China to be seen in The Gallery thanks to Philippe Gaudy and Fhon Nilsson!

And now straight to St Andrews to participate Tuesday at the Kings of Distance with Callaway Epic, then back to London to prepare the GolfSixes with Tom Detry: Go Belgium!

Beijing, Saturday 29 April 2017

Under wind conditions, a triple is always tough to recover. Succeeded to stay in the top 20.

Tomorrow can be our day, Tom and myself, a good 4th round to quit China with a smile...

Beijing, Thursday 27 April 2017

I think that on Hole 4 my ball moved, and I applied a one stroke penalty to be sure and on Hole 11, I lost a ball, so overall I could have scored better. It will be for tomorrow. Par for now.

I hope that tomorrow will be as quiet as today because in the afternoon it was blowing quite a bit...

Well done Tom Detry at -2.

Beijing, Monday 24 April 2017

Three rounds under par last week is good news as I'm somebody who needs to play a lot of rounds. Schenzen might be the start of the season.

The Volvo China is very special in my career and always will be. In 2011, Belgium had finally a win on the European Tour after waiting for a 35 years...

Great to share these 2 weeks with Tom Detry and share with him all my experience in China, each country has his keys to understand the environment and Tom is a player so eager to learn, it's important!

And next week, I will have the pleasure to play the GolfSixes at the Centurion Golf Classic to represent Belgium... Go Belgium @GOLFSIXESBEL

Tomorrow TV show for Callaway on the course at 11 AM.

Dar Es Salam, Saturday 15 April 2017

I need to come here on this narrow course with much more edge in my game. I need to have more rounds under the belts... Too many off line shots have cost me million of bogeys... This course is a flat Valderrama, your swing is always under pressure... But no excuses... my time will come...

The good news of the week, is that I had a good roll on the green with my Odyssey Answer... Always great to have a love affair with a putter and certainly with an Answer model.

Today was a dayoff, so with Tom Detry we planned some good training on these great facilities, the grass is exceptionnal, and with a few Trackman Combine battle.

Tomorrow, I'll fly to China, long journey: Rabat - Casablanca - Dubai - Hong-Kong - Shenzen...

Dar Es Salam, Wednesday 12 April 2017

The course (Red Course) here in Dar Es Salam is great track, they lengthen a lot of holes and the grounds are fairly soft. Some holes are narrow and doglegged with eucalyptus trees and oak trees...

Pro-am day today, an occasion to make a last check of the course to define the strategy.

Tomorrow late start at 13.40 local time (9:50 on Friday) with Captain Thomas Bjorn and Marcel Siem, an experienced Three ball!

Tom Detry has an opposite tee-off at 8:10.

Anahita, Sunday 9 April 2017

Great training week in Anahita Mauritius with Mich Vanmeerbeek. This is my home club and my second home. The facilities are perfect, from the golf to the fitness room... thanks Quentin for being my match play opponent this week, must be one of his golfing week in his life!

I'll be on the plane when Thomas, Sergio or Justin will wear the green jacket... Come on you guys...

So happy to finally retrieve a normal calendar on the European Tour, I need more playing opportunities in February and March on the European Tour!

Dar Es Salam is a great track, I hope it's in good shape. Delighted to see Tom Detry this week, we'll play together the Golf Sixes the first week of May.

Cheers to Thierry Neuville, Greg Van Avermaet and David Goffin  for their win!

Tuesday, 21 February 2017

And what about the 2^nd place of Thomas Pieters at Riviera!

Just a great performance,

Thomas is the most dangerous when he loves the course and he he does love Riviera...  he won the NCAA on this same course, and bang, last week, he's raised the Belgian flag on the podium. Enormous...

I liked also the double 67 to enter in the draw of the ever surprising Tom Detry....

Come on Belgium...

Saujana, Thursday 9 February 2017

Another very very very frustrating day...

Saujana, Wednesday 8 February 2017

Always one of the hottest week of the season, but a good track and a strong field.

Pro-am today before a 13:40 start tomorrow from the 10. It's on those afternoon session that you pray to avoid hot waves or thunderstorms...

Good to be back in Malaysia...

Dubai, Wednesday 1 February 2017

Another very intense preparation with shooting for the European Tour, solo shooting for Callaway, interview and shooting for Worldwide Golf, 18 holes pro-am from 7.00 this morning, so quite a lot activities before a tournament.

Next week will be quieter in Malaysia, super hot and humid but a little quieter...

Game is in good shape, I found my perfect Epic head, a little smaller, the one I've tested in Qatar. I'll stick to this one. Quite confident with my swing and my equipment, let's play Dubai and Malaysia with confidence.

I told the World Super 6 tournament Promotor in Perth that i won't come down to Australia. Five tournament in a row is too ambitious when weeks are so packed with activities...

The weather here is quite hot for the period of year and by experience this is announcing some awkward sand storms... Let's hope it will not be verified this time...

Dubai, Sunday 29 January 2017

Back in Dubai with my preferred Emirates captain, Erwann Testard. What a sport's day! Roger Federer 18th Major title is fantastic, so delighted to see his talent winning another Grand Chelem! Time now to look the handball world final...

My game is shaping well with a lot of greens in regulation, my trade mark. Even if I was not quite as close as I liked of the pins, I retrieve the rhythm of the competition.. it's a good feeling for the next two tournaments, the Desert Classic and Malaysia.

Doha, Saturday 28 January 2017

Up and down rounds, too many bogeys and not enough bogeys on this track. Quite windy but not the kind of wind we are use to in Europe. But even if I'm in the middle of the pack, this week was a great training week. Together with Tom Detry, we've spent an awful lot of time on the range and around the greens. In fact we capitalize on the fact that Jérome was here with us to fine tune all our shots. The "metronome" training on the greens was quite interesting and we invest some time on the putting green around the importance of "tempo".

Let's see what tomorrow has to offer, starting at nine with "The President", good old Raph Jacquelin, for the final 18 of the week...

Doha, Wednesday 25 January 2017

Well, a few adjustments to my Epic Callaway driver, testing the new golf balls from Titleist, working my long game and my tempo on putts with Jérôme, another very intense preparation this week again.

Quite happy to see young Tom Detry being in such a good mood, playing great golf... "Belgium is certainly a ball hitter nation" is everybody saying... and we just respond in a surrealistic way: "Yes, at home, everybody is hitting the ball like this, we are born with it..."

After all the fuzz of last week, I'm feeling that the season is really launching now...

Tomorrow at 12.00 on tee 1.

Abu Dhabi, Friday 20 January 2017

Very frustrating 2 days. Didn't find the fairways for 2 days. Even if my preparation was optimal, I need a few tournament to get in tournament mood... The good news is that I have 5 in a row with still 4 to go... The other good news is that I finished in style, with 3 fairways and .... 3 birdies...

But Qatar is on next week, Jérôme Theunis will be coaching me and Tom Detry will also play, again 2 Belgians on the players list...

Abu Dhabi, Thursday 19 January 2017

A first round stays a first round, not my preferred rounds... I was not in my full scoring mood...

I hope to sign a better card tomorrow, I'm perfectly prepared so I can only grow with the number of rounds, hopefully it's gonna be 4 this week...

The Abu Dhabi course is immaculate and the Peter Harradine proves one more time that it's one of the better design on the calendar.

Let's have a second great round to pursue my preparation to play at my best...

Dubai, Thursday 12 January 2017

After 3 weeks of physical training, I arrived early this week in Dubai to prepare the 2017 season.

Mich, Jérôme and Vincent are here to implement our 2017 plan.

Jumeirah Performance center is a perfect setting for our preparation, thanks Mark Gregson for your hospitality.

Not many changes in the bag, the EPIC GBB Driver is in of course.

From next week in Abu Dhabi, I'll play 5 tournaments in a row.

Brussels, Wednesday 21 December 2016

2016 was an interesting year and a little bird told me that 2017 will be full of surprises...

I had a look on the calendar and I might well play 5 tournaments in a row from Abu Dhabi. After a break, I need to warm the engine on the race track. There are so many differences between a practice game and competition that I need to warm up to race at full speed...

I might as well play one or two tournaments on the PGA Tour in March this year,  then come back on the European Tour in Morocco after a training camp at Anahita in Mauritius in the early days of April.

2017 will be a year with some new features like the Rolex Series, the calendar management will be key, very interesting also...

And I'm also looking forward to play along Tom Detry, and I know that Thomas Pieters feels the same... Tom had the best start he could dream of in South Africa but the season is long and demanding. With the new rules, top 100 R2D is the new limit to get a Tour card! Players will need well over 300.000 points, a strong challenge...

Before wishing everybody all the best for 2017, I want to thank all of you who worked with me, sponsored me, cheered for me, helped me, criticized me ;o) and loved me during these 365 days of 2016... From the heart, thank you...

United Kingdom, Tuesday 13 December 2017

Flying to Glasgow to meet 700 Golf Pro's during their annual meeting, really looking forward to. So proud to be their Honor Guest and to talk golf with Dougie Donnely, the golf journalist, in front of such a "connoisseur" crowd. After Bernard Gallacher, Sam Torrance, Monty and Paul Lawrie, I'm the first continental player to be invited and this means something. The sincere passion I always expressed on the UK golf courses might be a factor, the Ryder cup might be another. In any case, Belgium is honored!

Before that, I'll jump in the BBC studio's for A Question of Sport... Always fun to attend those sports TV shows...

Brussels, Sunday 4 December 2016

Thomas Detry offers me the best Santa Claus gift he could! This 3rd place on his own is a strong statement. Next year's card will be well over the 300.000 euros because of the Rolex series and the restriction of a Tour card for the Top 100 instead of Top 110. As we don't still know how Access list will evolve, top 5 will be needed to gain enough points for the Race 2 Dubai. That's exactly what Tom did. All credit to him... Chapeau pey!

We also organized this week-end organized a junior training camp in Hulencourt and The National with Mich, Jérôme and Vincent, pursuing our quest to help young players to play at their best. Tom was part of that a few years ago and he trained with us as much as we could. I'm a great believer on that process and will continue to do so with my team... Because of our reputation outside Belgium, we have helped since 3 years now a french junior, he's now a member of his National Team, and he's only 15 coming for week-ends from Grenoble... Motivation and dedication are irreplaceable in sport!

Thanks to Blaise Erpicum for your help to our coaching team...

Pictures Philippe Gaudy Gallery - Training Camp December

Melbourne, Saturday 25 November 2016

Tomorrow will be the last round of this 2016 season, Thomas and myself we lust admit that we are too tired to play for the win, but nevertheless don't count us out for a great round on Sunday!

Come on Belgium!

Melbourne, Thursday 24 November 2016

I love Australia, love this Golfcourse, love to play for my country, love to play with Thomas Pieters and I'm in love with an Australian beautiful woman... Do I need more reasons to be happy to play this wonderful tournament in cold and windy Melbourne?

Last time I played the World Cup, it was with Jérôme Theunis, now he's my coach... This time, it's with a Ryder Cup player, one of the European hero of Hazeltine: Thomas PIETERS.

10th for now, but we have enough game to climb up the ranking...

Let's go Belgium...

Jumeirah, Saturday 19 November 2016

A roller coaster day... with eagles, birdies and bogeys... A great long game, but still 4 shots given to the course... The greens are extremely fast and when you're not in the right pocket on the greens, you're in 3 putts zone...

Really tired because due to fog this morning we had 50 minutes delay. The referees were after us like hell to be sure that everybody could finish... this asked so much concentration in that humid warmth that I was drained after 18 holes... and a great eagle at the 18th, the highest 4 iron that I could do to stop the ball on the green...

In good position, let's see what tomorrow brings...

Jumeirah, Friday 18 November 2016

A good round of long game but a cold putting... My two first putts didn't fall, and I didn't find the good speed, greens were faster than yesterday morning. Molinari had a good Mojo today, he likes the course and had a great feeling on greens.

Two more days to climb that scoreboard under a generous sun... The warmest final in Dubai as i can remember...

Jumeirah, Thursday 17 November 2016

Maybe one of best display of shots this year. Could have been lower with birdies opportunities on 11-12-13-14 and 17... but overall I'm quite pleased with my game.

This Earth course suits my game, much more than the 2 previous courses of the Final Series. This is a course when great driving can help your scoring, that's why Rory and Stenson do always well here... And the course needs also high trajectories to fly over deep bunkers to find small pockets on greens. This is the secret of Greg Norman, the golf architect, here at the Earth Course, he splits the greens in different pockets so, to have a birdie opportunities, you need to find the right pocket (where the flag is) and then read the proper break on those fast greens...

Tomorrow 12:40 with Cicco Molinari, one of the finest gentleman on Tour ... Great day for the family where Dodo Molinari won his card back on Tour through the very demanding Qschool Final (6rounds) in PGA Catalunya!

And what a round for Riccardo Gonzalez 64 (-8) on the last day, under the most pressure, to secure his card.

Congrats to the top 25...

Jumeirah, Wednesday 16 November 2016

Great week here in Dubai, this is the final tournament of the season,

Yesterday we had the Rolex Pro-Am with a nice team and today a serious practice day with Mich Vanmeerbeek and Pete Cowen together with Thomas Pieters. We will be fine tuned for next week tournament: the World Cup in Melbourne. Thanks Mark Gregson for using the Jumeirah Performance Center.

But first the huge Earth course to tackle during 4 rounds. I play tomorrow at 9:35 with Alejandro Canizares.

It's quite hot here in Dubai, it('s good to play in 2 balls to move faster!

And what about the Mannequin we did together.. Funny, no?

Regnum Carya Golf, Friday 4 November 2016

Well, one stroke better but I'll need more birdies this week-end, the greens are tricky with the grain and treacherous lines...

Optimistic for Tom Detry, he will play well tomorrow, his game is coming back, good feeling.

Regnum Carya Golf, Thursday 3 November 2016

Slow start and and 3 birdies in a row to be in the middle of the pack.

I must admit that I find it visually difficult to evaluate the distance to the green. Even with the figures calculated by Brian, you need that the eye and the brain agree the distances data... I'm not comfortable...

Hoping for more birdies tomorrow...

By the way, Regnum would be a great site for golfcamps...

Regnum Carya Golf, Wednesday 2 November 2016

New course, new hotel... always nice to discover new horizons.

Great resort here for a great tournament part of the Final series!

The course is pleasant, I find it only difficult to see the distances as there are a lot of shadows...

My best wishes for Tom Detry in Oman, tough first day but everything is still possible!

Tomorrow 10.50 from the first tee.

Vilamoura, Sunday 23 October 2016

Battled all day, couldn't find the momentum and the 18th punished me! That's sport...

One week of rest and fitness to prepare the final leg!

Vilamoura, Saturday 22 October 2016

Finally a good 63 to get me into contention after a sloppy back nine on Friday.

I'll need a good roll again to hope for a podium,

Great 6th place for Tom Detry in China, getting closer...

Head off for the players around 110th place this week that are playing well, a lot of tension on their shoulders, all credit to them...

Congrats also for Anders Hansen, coming back on Tour with such a competitive level!

One more round...

Vilamoura, Wednesday 19 October 2016

I know that my schedule is too busy, I know I'm pretty tired but I love my job and I love all those tournaments in Europe and specially on the continent.

Portugal is not an exception. So many good memories playing here, also training in winter times, that I can't stay home when Algarve is calling! I played 60 here a few years ago and it was one of my best round in my career on a regular tournament. And it's the 10th Anniversary of this tournament here! No I won't stay home, I'm here to work and to enjoy the weather, the food and the Oceanico Arnold Palmer course! Yes The late Arnie designed it here and it pretty suits my game. Rest and a strong fitness program is on the schedule for next week (thanks Rich Vanmeerbeek) in order to prepare the next four last tournament of the season including the World Cup in Australia with Thomas Pieters. That's gonna be something!!!

This week is so important for many players around the 110^th place, so much at stake for them... Good luck to all of you...

The Grove, Sunday 16 October 2016

I'll need some rest after Portugal, too many tournaments since Augustus...

But Portugal is a great country and the surroundings of Vilamoura are really pleasant..

And I always love to rediscover the food there, that's a real asset for the European Tour, that diversity and the quality of places we are going to play...

The Grove, Saturday 15 October 2016

A day off, no energy, no sensation, a ghost-like feeling, a day to forget.. hoping I don't get sick...

The Grove, Friday 14 October 2016

Clean sheet but there were more birdies out there.

In the hunt, we never know...

Pleased to play the 3^rd round with my good friend Paul McGinley!

On Monday we'll have more news about the Turkish Open, doesn't smell great... in any case this changes all the strategy for the end of the Race to Dubai...

The Grove, Wednesday 12 October 2016

Great to play around London, always a good crowd and a splendid course, parkland, that I discovered a few years ago with my partner Tom De Raedt (GolfFinch).

Tomorrow morning, it will be cold and humid, but we know those autumn feelings.

A good finish here this week can change my schedule.

Thank you for your message on my website, always nice to read.

Personal Statement - St Andrew's, Sunday 9 October 2016

It was an exciting Ryder Cup and I was glad to see my close friend Thomas Pieters do so well. Thomas really enjoyed the spirited competition that characterizes Ryder Cup play and especially the fans. He described 99% of the fans as being polite and respectful and the other 1% as over enthusiastic as any home town crowd can be at some of our football matches. The intensity of the competition did not spill over to relations between the players, who were so focused on their own play and the competition, that they would frequently congratulate each other after some of their better shots.

Sadly, I had a bad experience with a journalist taking words out of context and misunderstanding my remarks. I am confident that Thomas can achieve success on any level in golf and he will succeed on the PGA Tour once he starts playing on a more regular basis. It is always a challenge to live and work in a different environment, but that will be much easier for Thomas as he went to the University of Illinois and played college golf there and had great success and a special relationship under the well respected coach at Illinois, Mike Small.

I am happy for Thomas, and our friendship is much stronger than any competitive spirit between us. He is a dear friend of mine, and I am very proud and happy of his accomplishments. I deeply regret that my remarks were taken out of context, and I am excited to watch the future that Thomas will create both in his career and on the PGA tour in the upcoming year.

St Andrew's, Friday 7 October 2016

Still under par with my partner Lothar Knauf, could have been more under par... What a pleasure to play the course, I just need a momentum to go lower...

I gave a little bogey on 17, the famous Road hole, one of the toughest hole in Scotland.

One more round in pro-am style before the cut...

St Andrew's, Thursday 6 October 2016

Played Kingsbarns in cold conditions with my week's partner Lothar Knauf. We did well as a team if Lothar needs to forgive me 2 bad drives on 18 and 9, very costly, at least 3 strokes lost there.

The atmosphere here is always so genuine, I love St Andrews. Staying with Ryder Cup hero Thomas Pieters and vice Captain Thomas Bjorn in a house near the golf course, we enjoy to be in the Spirit of this place a few hundreds yards from Swilken Bridge the R&A and the Museum!

Two more rounds with my partner Lothar and we are playing the famous Old Course, really, really looking forward to, because it's one of my favorite course not far from being my n°1...

Thanks The 2 Thomasses for all the stories behind the scene in Hazeltine... reminds me great memories...

My Goal: Paris 2018

Come on Europe!

Bad Griesbach, Sunday 25 September 2016

I gave it a go to go as low as possible, unlucky after the eagle, but -5 is what I get. Ended 13th... It was a very tiring tournament for the green keepers, the volunteers and all staffs present at Bad Griesbach, so I want to cheer all people involved this week!  We saved 54 holes... and the the champion of those strange week is of course ... Alex. He had to fight this time with Ross who was a great opponent, great finish, well done Alex!

And what about Rory, finishing in style winning two of the 4 tournaments of the the FedexCup, and winning the overall ranking. What a rebound after a low at Baltusrol when we last met... be the leader at Hazeltine!

All my energy goes now to the European team and specially to Thomas Pieters. I have just one thing to say: "you deserve your place in the team, Thomas, you're fully a member of the European Team, play your best and the rest will be history whatever the outcome! Come on Europe, and come on Belgium!

Bad Griesbach, Saturday 24 September 2016

Alex is the king of bad weather shortened tournament! It's gonna be 54 holes this time, I need to give it a go!

Bad Griesbach, Thursday 22 September 2016

Give me a normal tournament please, it isn't easy for players. Fog, heavy rain, you need some luck to get your momentum going. Alex Levy was one of them! So is Bernd...

I'll need some scoring today because the first round at night with no light to play was costly with two bogeys...

Monza, Sunday 18 September 2016

Disappointing Sunday for a disappointing week in Italy.

Off to Bad Griesbach where I would like to do well. I love this place. A nice month on the Continent on the European Tour...

Monza, Saturday 17 September 2016

Another wrong side of the draw with 36 holes today... three scores in the sixties but not enough birdies... I had chances between 15 and 18 feet but didn't make enough of them...

Will need a lower score on Sunday to climb in the ranking...

Monza, Thursday 15 September 2016

A chaotic day in Monza with heavy rain and thunderstorms but after a slow start with 2 bogeys, I succeed to end in red figures...

Great field for this tournament, 2 weeks before the Ryder Cup...

Knokke, Monday 12 September 2016

What a beautiful day in Royal Zoute with partner 2PM and their clients. We had also the pleasure to welcome Alexandre Gelle from Anahita Properties and Paul Van den Heuvel with his famous Gin Gaugin!

2Pm and myself have a strong partnership and it's always a pleasure to share a day of golf together,

Played a few holes with Léo Lippens, I loved his humor but he didn't like my length on some drives on hard fairways.

I love the brown fairways, it's like playing on a scottish or irish links in the summer. The colors are beautiful and it's so pleasant to play from an hardpan. Really spirit, thanks Mark (greenkeeper).

Short night and early bird to Italy on Tuesday!

The Dutch, Friday 9 September 2016

Daan Slooter from the lovely promotor of KLM Open is blessed, unbelievable weather and Joost is putting like hell...

At the other hand, and Daan likes it also, Belgium showed his red army of supporters, great to have all that support, thanks sincerely for that, so much fun to have you around us.

Thomas Detry told me that he had a cold putter day. Those things happen, just concentrate now on your task Tom, that's your real objective of the year. The Red Army wants you next year on the European Tour!

The Dutch, Tuesday 6 September 2016

New course for this traditional Open on the calendar, the closest from our place.

It's great for Holland Golf to have the opportunity to host a tournament on the European Tour,

Long day with 9 holes at 8:00 with the 2 Thomas and young Alan. Four Belgians on Tour, not everyday!

Mich and Jerome are here for all the fine tunings.

Course is modern, long with plenty of water hazards... 18 holes pro-am tomorrow to know more about this course...

Crans, Wednesday 31 August 2016

Just one big emotion on Monday: the phone call of Thomas after he had Darren on the phone. So pleased, I'm sure that he'll do well with the European Team even if the USA seem to have a nice bunch of men in their peak form! But the opponent is not an issue, Thomas will defend at 200% the colors of Europe and of course Belgium. Will have time to gave him all the insides before he flies to Hazeltine. Experience needs to be given through. I had nobody to tell me, Tom Detry will have all our (Colsaerts-Pieters) experience when his turn will come. Team Belgium state of mind...

Pro-am Flory Van Donck on Monday, Flory was an unknown legend of our sport, I like to pay tribute now that he has successors, winners on Tour...

Yesterday, did a lot of training and played 9 holes with the most successful golf blogger Mark Crossfield (markcrossfieldgolf.com). After Rory, Luke and Andy, it's my turn. We already met in Dubai and Portugal, the guy is really fun. it's a Callaway initiative. look on on his website or on you tube...

Four weeks in a row, great tournaments on the Continent, love that, look forward to it...

Sunday, 28 August 2016

On my way to Crans-sur-Sierre in my car, but what a thriller in Denmark! Pieters is a flamboyant player and he proved it once again... 3 birdies to finish it. If I was Darren, I won't go to the States without the grinta of Pieters, dear captain!

So proud of Thomas Detry winning with such a big margin. What a first win! From Thursday till Sunday, he never left anybody else take any lead. That first card of 60 wad real "classe". Brillant! There's more to catch this year Dude, so we'll be together next year!

Congrats to the coaches and the caddies, it's a team affair!

Go Belgium... so strong!

Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday 17 August 2016

What a wonderful performance by our National Hockey Team, so proud of them and we had great fun celebrating this win and the future medal...

This is my last day in Rio, it was an amazing experience!

Now I need to prepare for the European Tour Schedule, my next event will be in Switzerland in Crans Montana...

Rio de Janeiro, Monday 15 August 2016

Well this was the most extraordinary week in my career alongside Medinah, my 72^nd hole was very emotional, it was 500 meters with my Great grandmother in mind. We lived together at home and she was the one who told me all the stories about the Olympics. I couldn't hold on my tears even when playing.

This last round is also unforgettable because we played together with Thomas, having both in mind a medal for Thomas. Mind blowing experience for having built that Team Belgium together with Mich and our caddies.

Golf is an Olympic sport by essence, the tournament was brillant and the podium is just great with Justin, Henrik and Matt! Who could dream of a nicer podium, the absentees were wrong, the sport is the winner!

I'm staying here in Rio to follow the Field Hockey team, with a medal in sight there I hope!

Thanks to all the support: Jan, Marc, Emilie and all the supporters and the press! See you in Tokyo!

Rio de Janeiro, Friday 12 August 2016

A cold scoring Friday for my part but a hot one for Thomas; great -9 in total.

Rio de Janeiro, Thursday 11 August 2016

Go Team Belgium!

Happy to have found some momentum on the back nine with 3 birdies, after a very slow start... I don't know why I had so many photographers with men where the majority of them participated for the first time on a golf tournament! They were clicking in the swing and during putts. I got nervous and I had 2 x 3 putts on the front nine. I had to stay patient and hopefully I came back nicely on the back nine.

The greens are treacherous and the wind was really blowing. Not an easy task...

Thomas Pieters did great. Off to a good start, both of us, come on Belgium!

Tomorrow we'll play later thus with more wind and spiked greens...

Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday 10 August 2016

Emotions yesterday as my driver's head went broken... Hopefully I always travel with a spare head, so we could change it...

The olympic games are enormous, life in the Village is so interesting with all nationalities and different sports gathering together. This is certainly a life time experience, I enjoy it so much, so does my team, we have waow's effect every 10 min, I could live here forever... haha... I knew I would love the OG but I never imagined that it would have been so exciting and enjoyable, full of energy, I love it...

The more you play the course the more you find the complexity of the greens and surroundings, greens are quite undulated and nobody should underestimate the influence of the winds that can be strong!

Tomorrow starts the competition!

Rio de Janeiro, Monday 8 August 2016

First round on a demanding course, its more much subtle than it looks. Even If Gil Hanse, the course architect, keeps saying I've made a future average course. But knowing Gil Hanses's course I was prepared

Rio de Janeiro, Sunday 7 August 2016

Great atmosphere in the Team Belgium with the performances of The National Hockey Team where I was a passionate supporter, the win of  Kristel Flipkens and of course the Golf Medal of Greg Van Avermaet... Couldn't dream of a better start,

Went practising for the first time at the Golf but I can't wait the arrival of Brian and Mich for the serious stuff... First holes on Monday...

Rio de Janeiro, Friday 5 August 2016

The family bound with the Olympics continues 68 years after my great grandfather Jean-Jacques Tensen, who participates at 5 Olympics (1920-24-28-36-48). It was an honor to represent my country during this Opening ceremony, I enjoyed each moment... even the waiting...

What an atmosphere, what an energy, so many smiling faces, how sport can be extraordinary... a moment to cherish and to treasure... Unforgettable!

By the way, 20% of the Belgians delegation were golfers, it was time that golf came back at the Olympic games haha...

Rio de Janeiro, Thursday 4 August 2016

Arrived this morning, immigration kept asking my accreditation but it was waiting for me in the hall 100 meters further. Finally they let me go through...

Waiting seems to be the keyword, if you can't wait, you can't survive... Lesson 1.

I spent the day discovering the Village and the other delegations... Interesting to see all those faces, wondering which country and which sport they are representing...

It's time also to meet the Belgian Team and as you know tennis and field hockey, the two other sports I practiced a lot till I was 17 years old...

Brian Nilsson and Michel Vanmeerbeek are arriving in a few days, Jan Baert Head of the Belgian golf delegation is arriving on Saturday, we'll be all set on Monday for the beginning of the Tournament.

Springfield, Thursday 28 July 2016

The week began better than the way my round ended during this first round. One bad drive on my 16th hole was very costly, it's a pity, I was cruising well at -1...

Will need a strong Friday to make the cut... the forecast is pretty wet... we'll see...

Solid round from Thomas Pieters!

Springfield, Thursday 21 July 2016

Happy National day to all Belgians on earth!!! Have fun tonight!

The good news of the week is the invitation received from the USPGA to play the 4^th Major of the year!

Leaving Sunday for New York and the Baltusrol course, an old style design, long, demanding track with fairways surrounded by big old gracious trees.

Great preparation for Rio!

Troon, Saturday 16 July 2016

Nearly a great round. Having to wait on hole 13 for 30 min for a ruling for S. Lee killed my mojo, rythm and momentum... But it's part of a Major tournament. too bad...

I was really cruising well -3 after 12, before the first bogey for a 3 putts from outside the green...

After that I had 2 more opportunities for birdies on 16 and 17 but didn't succeed to convert them...

Over all satisfied before the last round.

In the afternoon, participated at the SKY  sport TV coverage with Nick Dougherty and did an autograph session for 50 kids, together with Thomas P., it was fun to see all those happy faces!

Troon, Friday 15 July 2016

All my support to the families affected by the tragedy in Nice!

The golf was tough today but compared with what happens in the world, we need to take into consideration that life continues for us...

Once again the luck of the draw was for other players, I had storm and rain, a lot of rain...

It was a battle against the elements and the course, 2 bad swings were very costly, 1 unplayable ball and 1 O.B. but a great finish in style... I hope I'll be dry for tomorrow 18 holes...

2 Belgians at the start 2 Belgians at the finish, both in the same room at the hotel... Strong together!  Very few countries can say that... Be proud to Be Belgian!

Troon, Thursday 14 July 2016

A solid start and a weak finish, 3 "soso" swings and 4 strokes were added to my card. You can't afford that in a Major Tournament. So I'm frustrated right now and I need to wait quite a while before going on the course to play during the week-end. This golf 68 great shots and 3 bad ones...

They spell a lot of rain tomorrow... I hope the greens will keep their pace and that the rain won't affect too much their roll...

Troon, Wednesday 13 July 2016

With Thomas P. we played 18 holes on Tuesday with Adam Scott, and 17 more holes today. Ready for the battle.

The back nine will be a severe test, with he wind in the face, some of the holes are brutal... But it's a Major, and it's quite normal to have a demanding course.

The famous 8^th, the Postage Stamp, proves if need be that par 3's don't require to be over 150 meters to be great. In my opinion there should be 2 par 3's under 150 meters on each course, short but interesting and fun to play!

You can have 4 season in a day here, mostly cloudy, windy and very fresh with some rain and even sunshine every now and then. Weather will play its role like usual, you just want to have the luck of the draw...

Troon, Monday 11 July 2016

A nice drive through the country and I arrive around midday at The Open.

Guess who's my room mate for the week?  Thomas Pieters of course... haha

On Friday just before 4:00 PM, this certainly the latest I ever started a round. I know that Tom Detry has a record much later in St Omer but this was not his normal schedule!

What a pleasure to be here, last time it was in 2004, my first Major, and I don't have great memories from this experience, so I have a revenge to take!

My good ol' reliable Vinnie will arrive on Wednesday for another chapter of our adventures...

Inverness, Sunday 10 July 2016

30 on the back nine and there comes Troon on the program!

Quite proud of my game. From tee to green, this was a great round, let's continue this form next week during The Open. I played there my first Major in 2004, good memories...

Playing well since two months now, I need to make the best of it, Troon is on timing!

Thanks Thomas for your great Tweet, come on Belgium in Rio and on the World Cup ! Two Belgians in a Major, what a nice moment!

Top 30 R2D is in sight... (31rst for the moment).

Inverness, Saturday 9 July 2016

Great crowd here in Castle Stuart, very passionate also.

Interesting move on this Saturday, I will need a good start, a better one than Sunday in Paris! But I feel good through my game, will need one or two good breaks to have a low one!

Thanks for your support and the interacting on my blog...

Inverness, Monday 4 July 2016

Happy National Day to all Americans!

After a short night, I'll go for a quite first day here in Inverness. The week in France was very tiring and some rest is needed!

Beautiful course, a real links and we'll need to fine tune all trajectories during the preparation days.

Not too warm here and a drizzle, typical...

Golf National, Sunday 3 July 2016

Not the start I wanted! Between 2 clubs on the 2nd, good for a wet shot! Then disturbed by a marshall in my swing and I was upset and 4 over par after only a few holes.

Not enough fairways, not enough greens but a great fight till the end!

Well done Tongchai Jaidee! Sawadikap man, you're a real champion with a the great names who couldn't beat you. Hats off...respect...

Great to play again with "Cicco" Molinari who is enjoying success on the PGA Tour. Always fine to see you again Francesco and Valentina...

And what about the Belgian Trio, 3 in the top 25. Rookie Detry had a wonderful week. Vince, Mich, Jerome, Thomas, everybody there to share this week as good as we can... Back on the Challenge Tour with even more confidence and ambition for Tom starting next week in Slovakia.

Tomorrow 5:00 AM ready for the next flight to Inverness. On the road again... Scottish Open on a golf course I like: Castle Stuart, here I come!

Golf National, Saturday 2 July 2016

A tough day today with that wind. One regret: one or two putts could drop on the back nine...

How nice it is to play a round with a gentleman like Anders Hansen! Who can tell, Anders is 46 years old when you look the scoreboard? This course is so demanding that experience is a major asset. Everybody will make mistakes with this kind of rough and wind, the winner will be the one who makes the fewest mistakes and holes some opportunities also!

Tomorrow a top 10 could mean a ticket to The Open, I'll take it with pleasure...

Golf National, Friday 1 July 2016

Belgians are cruising here at the Golf National, the 3 Musketeers in the top 20... but the road is still quite long...

Special mention for Tom Detry who played great golf to make his first cut on his his first European Tour played as a Professional! Waow!

It was great meeting Jean Garaialde tonight and remembering old memories of Flory Van Donck and Donald Swaelens...

The Belgian national Football team didn't play their best against Wales, the better team won...

Golf National, Thursday 30 June 2016

A kind of a "goût trop peu", after this round...

Played really well, but some putts shaved the hole and I'm at -1. I would need more birdies tomorrow... Looking at the scores it seemed that the afternoon was tougher to score.

Quite proud of our pair of Thomas! Pieters on top and Detry at +1. Come on Belgium...

Thanks Xavier Malisse for your visit, always inspiring! A lot of Belgians, to support us, we like that!

Come on Belgium against Wales!

Gut Larchenof, Thursday 23 June 2016

Slow start, too many bogeys, Jerome was not happy of my green reading and we worked on it. A few errant tee shots also, I must confess...

Dusseldorf, Wednesday 22 June 2016

What an honor! Sandy Jones, Chief Executive of the PGA, invited me at their annual meeting to receive their recognition award. After Paul Mc Ginley, Monty, Sam Torrance, Bernard Gallacher, and others, I will receive my award in Glasgow in December in front of 700 fellow professionals, I'm thrilled...

With Jérôme here in Dusseldorf since Monday. After 2 weeks off, I need to go through the basics. I'm so lucky to have my coaching team, from driver to putter, 2 people, one voice, one vision! With Tom Detry working the same way, my guys are attracting a lot of interest, success call success.

By the way, how amazing is Tom Detry start on Tour? Playing better on Tour than on the amateur scene is a rare fact! Well done buddy... Another Callaway buddy also... Long drivers know why...

And what about receiving an opportunity to play the Open de France? Well done Thomas, welcome in Paris!

Köln, Tuesday 14 June 2016

Great fun in Germany for the Callaway Kings of Distance! Velderhof Golf Club in Pulheim was packed with golf fans, great crowd, quite interested in the Callaway equipment, and I was pleased to show them that these drivers were the best for long driving. 

Well done Thomas Detry!

Proud of you buddy!

For his first tournament as a Pro, Thomas showed all his skills, composure and strong commitment signing a top 10 at the KPMG in Cleydael GC.

Playing on home soil is never easy, surely with a numerous crowd like this year in Cleydael. But using his american experience, Tom did more than well. For the future, finishing in the top 5 is another level of experience, and there is a time for everything.

Well done Mark Mazo, Thomas' caddy, with Brian we knew you both would click together and deliver a promising partnership.

Well done coaching team !

Newt week St Omer is another story... As Cleydael is a straight forward test, this french course can be very treacherous. Good luck there Buddy!

Royal Sart Tilman, Monday 6 june 2016

There is always a special atmosphere at Royal Sart Tilman when Patrick Renard and Knauf organize a golf day, great reception and sunshine nearly all day while thunderstorms were very active in the neighborhood!

We were very lucky and the course was playable after the last week bad weather...

Thank you all for your messages on this website!

169 OWGR and 43 R2D

Stockholm, Sunday 5 June 2016

Another podium and a great finish of this month May. Indeed I prefer to see the glass half-full than half-empty. Nice jump in the ranking, two top 5 and two top 25 in 4 tournaments! No regrets this week, Fitzpatrick and Jensen played the last round better than me, and they had the good breaks, I made 1 or 2 mistakes too many but overall I was pretty much in control all week. OK I would have preferred to win but I can't take back the shots I missed.

I like where I am now, the confidence is building, nice progress, we're getting there... a busy summer in sight...

Thank you all for your support,

43^rd Race to Dubai

Stockholm, Saturday 4 June 2016

Started well, but the driver let me down on the difficult tee-shots and caused 2 bogeys while I was attacking. At the same time, Matt did take advantage of the par 5's and made a solid move.

Very pleased with the way we finished, tomorrow is another day. This course will be played differently under the tension of a final round.

There's some ice on the cake for The Open also when finishing first in the top 5 without exemption. A reason more to go for it!

Stockholm, Friday 3 June 2016

Two good rounds on a course that suits my eye quite well. From the tee, I can see clearly the lines, I feel the corners I can cut over the lakes, and my swing responded well.

But I'm not alone to have scored well on this course and the week-end will be interesting,

So sorry about Thomas missing this tournament,

Stockholm, Tuesday 31 May 2016

Skipping the qualification of the US Open, I could rest for a day and travel on Monday afternoon in a relax mood to Sweden where it's beautifully sunny. What a pleasure!

Brian arrived today at 1.00 PM and we could from there do our homework on and around the greens, and on the range.

Bro Hof is a long and modern stadium course, quite open with a lot of lakes, to spice it more. You'll need to find the best lines from the tee.

Will play at 12.40 Thursday with two top 10 in Wentworth: Tyrell Hatton and Romain Wattel

Wentworth, Sunday 29 May 2016

Pictures by Philippe Gaudy: Gallery - BMW Championship and click the day!

Not the kind of final day I've dreamed of, in fact I never found the confidence on the greens. On the first and the second I thought I had hit two good putts and no one dropped in. After so many attempts in the next holes, I became insecure about lines and speed, that's when you end up making errors.

Direction Sweden now, I'm not playing the qualification (36 holes) of the US Open tomorrow as I want to take some rest before Sweden where the course is long and demanding. The next stretch will also be important with Germany - France - Scotland, trying also to qualify for the Open during those tournaments.

Wentworth, Saturday 28 May 2016

Pictures by Philippe Gaudy: Gallery - BMW Championship and click the day!

Started as a great round till nine, -4, then 3 bogeys came refreshing a nice oiled momentum. The bogey on 10 was the momentum killer, in fact the ball spon too much in the air and came just short and ended in the bank between the green and the front bunker.

Nevertheless I came back nicely in the game and finished with a score in the 60's, always an achievement here at Wentworth. In total, 7 birdies is a good sign... 68, 3rd score of the day...

Tomorrow will be interesting, i need to pursue the good vibes and the confidence building since Mauritius. 

Great gallery today, I was surprised by the amount of spectators that followed us... Great english crowd and a lot of Belgians also, thanks for the attendance...

Belgium won from Switzerland in Football 1-2, I'll now cheer for David Goffin at Roland Garros!

Wentworth, Friday 27 May 2016

Pictures by Philippe Gaudy: Gallery - BMW Championship and click the day!

Not an easy day for scoring... More wind... Less -6 or -7 rounds today. For my part it was more a tribute to Seve Ballesteros than my own game. Didn't touch many greens nor fairways but had great recoveries, short game and putting. 25 putts, not my usual stats...

This Wentworth course is very demanding, 13-14-15 remain a tough stretch of holes, the 16th green is the most tormented one on the course... Off the tee it's never easy, the wind is omnipresent, the bunkering is heavy and only par 3's are not dog legs...

Let's rest to make a decent week-end!

Wentworth, Thursday 26 May 2016

Pictures by Philippe Gaudy: Gallery - BMW Championship and click the day!

Very frustrating round, never felt the right speed on the greens. It seemed that they were slower than yesterday. Played steadily the first 12 holes, touching nearly all greens but never found the momentum. The eagle missed on 12 was a killer, the ball jumped out of the hole and I followed with two bogeys...

Definitely need to find the mojo on the greens tomorrow as fast as I can, I'm playing too good to be over par...

Wentworth, Wednesday 25 May 2016

Great pro-am day today with Peter Swann, Brian O'Driscoll (ex captain of the Irish Rugby team and a legend of that sport) and the famous Neil Horan (from the One Direction group). in fact we won the overall ranking, and the afternoon ranking, great job guys. Also, more than 36.000 pounds raised for the Research against cancer for Children, another great initiative from BMW.

This championship in Wentworth is our flagship event and I must say that all players are proud of this event. The hospitality infrastructures are just unbelievable and the crowd is always enormous...

A key moment for the European Tour but also an important rendez-vous for the players! The greens are surprisingly very firm and quite fast, pin positions will play a big role this week! 

Wentworth, Monday 23 May 2016

Great day on The Berkshire GC with Tom De Raedt and his friends. What a nice genuine "old style" course, the kind of 18 holes we would like more in Belgium. Nothing fancy but a beautiful use of the land, trees and heather, space to breath, 6 par 5 - 6 par 4 and 6 par 3's and lovely people to run the club. 5 min from famous Sunningdale and Wentworth, this was a discovery and a great one, thanks Tom!

We were playing under a bright sun and this was really enjoyable after 2 weeks in very demanding weather...

Staying this week with Marcel Siem and Thomas Pieters in a beautiful house in charming Surrey, we all hope for a decent week of golf, all three very curious to discover the new changes on the courses...

K Club, Sunday 22 May 2016

Not enough greens and not enough birdies today. Really never created a momentum with one or two birdies in a row to make a move on the leaderboard. But then you need to stay patient. My approaches were very good and I could build on a strong par defense. My confidence is building, take the positive out of this tournament.

My 3 last finishes are 15 - 3 - 25, let's continue in the same vein, building for Rio!

K Club, Friday 20 May 2016

Speaking about the wrong draw, this is a superb one! Rain for nearly 32 holes and the other draw have played 36 holes dry! The fact is that it's quite cold here also, rain and cold is not a pleasant cocktail.

But still in there... Some tee shots are very tough at the K Club, big trees and water are also playing an important role, really a Ryder Cup course... Gonna give it a go this week-end!

Next week, on the pro-am in Wentworth, The European Tour asked me to play with Tim Henman, the tennis player, and Niall Horan, the One Direction group member... Always loved the serve and voley game of Timothy and I remember some fine matches between Tim and our Xavier Malisse, who won twice in Majors against Tim! A lot to talk about... And Niall Horan will provide us a nice group of supporters... Looking forward to. "Hey, David Park (European Tour Players Relations), I'm your man, see you on Wednesday for the pro-am! Thanks for the company..."

K Club, Thursday 19 May 2016

How cold and wet it was this morning! Nevertheless, I had a good start in the pouring rain in a strong wind and when the rain stopped I had still two good chances to make birdies on holes 8 and 9 (I started on 10). So a good round not a great one, I will finish the day in the pack...

The sun is shining now, the course is soft so the scores will be better this afternoon...

K Club, Tuesday 17 May 2016

A great course, a great and emotional Ryder Cup here at the K Club, all ingredients are present for a good tournament, really looking forward to.

What a striking contrast between the Mauritian coast and the inland Kildare! There are some swing adjustments to be made, the ball must fly here and, in Mauritius the uncommon strong winds forced us to play links golf. But Anahita is still a wonderful paradise...

Rory is the hero here and I must say that I give all credit for supporting this event the way he does. The venue and the prize-money are just great, this is a boost for the European Tour...

Anahita, Sunday 15 May 2016

The worst you can have is two quick hook on the two first tees. There goes your confidence and your flow away! The worst 11 holes stretch for a while... but on 12 the gods of golf send me some composure and I was back on track. Tough course under this wind, Anahita bited a lot of players today, and I was among them, but I managed to finish strongly, birdies on 16 and 17 could also fall...

Podium, jump to 67th place on the Race to Dubai... Let's build from that in Ireland next week!

Anahita, Saturday 14 May 2016

Out of rythm, since the first tee, bad irons shots as a consequence... I didn't figure it out but Mich explained me after the round that I was too slow on the upswing and tried to catch up by going faster on the downswing. That error costs me 5 strokes on par 3. Pathetic!

But Mich cheered me up because the 5 birdies are always a good sign in the third round. Even if the leader looked very solid there are still an handful players who can win the Trophy. So I'm still in the hunt, just a matter on recovering my Friday's feeling... Tomorrow I need a low one from the start, to put pressure on the leaders...

Once again the course protected his par very well, the pin placements and the wind were helping the defense, only 12 players under par today, and 5 on the leaderboard... A great tournament...

Anahita, Friday, 13 May 2016

This is the golf at my best. In match play today, I could have been a really tough opponent to beat because I was in the zone, showing a rare display of great shots in heavy wind conditions.

-7, new course record, Mich said it is worth a -12 in a normal wind conditions.

I confess: yesterday was a round to forget, done! The practice afterwords with Mich seemed efficient...

Anahita, Monday 9 May 2016

What a pleasure to be on Tour this week! Anahita is my second home and I have the feeling to play at home...

I'm sure my colleagues will appreciate the setting on the beautiful tropical coast of Mauritius but the icing on the cake remains the quality of the design of our manicured course. Ernie Els is the architect of this award winning golf course and at the first sight I knew that he had done a superb work. Since then I have always the same pleasure to be on those links...

This is our last tournament outside Europe for a while, let's enjoy the tension of a tournament in Paradise...

Beijing, Sunday 1 May 2016

Finishing 15^th in Beijing is always a good result even if there was more to take. On Sunday I could never create the momentum and the two first bogeys didn't give me the boost of confidence that I needed.

Nevertheless I was up there till Sunday, the stats are good and the game is in shape.

Some great news before a 3 days training in Finca Cortesin where I will also join Patrick Renard (CEO Knauf) for the President's Tournament (tournament between the CEO's of France and Belgium).

Beijing, Tuesday 26 April 2016

Volvo has always been my lucky companion through my career. Per Ericsson has witnessed all my victories, he handled me my two Trophies, Thanks again Per. Per is Head of the Volvo involvement in professional Golf, a great friend of the European Tour.

Topwin GC is our host this week and is in great shape, my victory in 2011 was in Luxehills.

Tee time at 12:10 (Local Time) on Thursday

Genzon, Friday 22 April 2016

Unlucky here in Shenzen, disrupted tournament due to thunderstorms, long days, waiting and more waiting...

2^nd round tomorrow at 6.50 local time...

Valderrama, Friday 15 April 2016

The +5 yesterday was a killer and today with the wind I never found the mojo, with a much too early double bogey after a promising birdie.

Tomorrow Finca Cortesin and Sunday off to China!

Valderrama, Wednesday 13 April 2016

History has been made on this legendary course, the Ryder Cup in 1997 captained by Seve Ballesteros and a number of Volvo Masters.

Tough course indeed, no room for any mistake, very demanding from the tee, small undulated greens, all the ingredients designed by Robert Trent Jones to create then the best European course!

Thanks to Sergio Garcia to give an hand to the European Tour to give us such a wonderful event!

A lot of players are back in Europe from the Masters after the incredible Green Jacket won by Danny Willett. Awesome performance Danny!

Jupiter, Friday 8 April 2016

This training week comes to an end. After the successful eye surgery, I'm very pleased of the result.

Off to Valderrama now for the Spanish Open!

Washington, Friday April 1 2016

Incredible, surgery (100% successful) yesterday and today I'm invited by Harry Huang, the surgeon who made a great job yesterday, to play Congressionnal with Rick Elion, always good for real round of golf!

I have great memories here, playing the US open and the ATT on the PGA Tour...

Seeing with my "new eyes" without lenses or contacts is an incredible experience... I love it! Many thanks Harry, Julie and Rick (the Elion's).

Tomorrow I wil fly over to Florida, West Palm Beach, at the Bears Golf Club, for a serious week of training with Mich and Vince. In 10 days we will be in Valderrama for the Spanish open organized by The Sergio Garcia Foundation...

Discover the XR 16 recruitement 

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All my thoughts to the victims and their families,

So thankful to all medical and first aid staff and police-army forces,

So proud of the solidarity and the composure demonstrated by all Belgians,

Brussels, we are strong!

Hua Hin, Sunday 13 March

My new Callaway driver XR16 Sub Zero worked well this week, and even if I didn't play the par5's as well as I need, I succeed to be long with a lot of greens in Regulation... My first top 10 this season, the 22 birdies helped for sure...

Time now for 4 weeks without tournaments, but I will take advantage to undergo an eye surgery to correct my myopia... Then a strong training before the demanding Valderrama for the Spanish Open!

But first some holidays in Sydney to visit a person dear to my heart...

Hua Hin, Saturday 12 March

Tomorrow I should be able to avoid all those bogeys and score a lot of birdies...

Today was the attacking day...7 birdies but too many bogeys...  Let's do it on Sunday!

Hua Hin, Sunday 6 March

After a great week of sport and rest in Phuket, I'm ready for the next tournament. Hua Hin feels a litlle bit like home...

Crossfit in the morning at Unit 27 with a pleasant sparring partner is always a winner!

Great play for the Europeans at Doral!

Perth, Thursday 25 February 2016

Sad news this morning, RIP Cédric Moens, passionnate golfer, gone much too early, all my thoughts to his family...

Kuala Lumpur, Monday 15 February 2016

Arrived today, early morning though, at the Royal Selangor Golf Club. Safely in the field now, even if I was among the reserves. You pay always a bad year the year after on the European Tour. Being a reserve is like being refused in a Night club... Not the best feeling...

A 30 degrees difference is a nice feature compared to Northern Europe, that's why I packed very light for the next 6 weeks, no woolen V-necks or jumpers needed... nice!

With Brian today, we will focus on our driving! When the drive works well, everything works well...

Saddyat Beach, Monday 8 February 2016

Giving back is a natural duty for us Golf Professionals.

But having such a wonderful day with Gary Player is also an enjoyment and a pleasure to help charities... Great experience...

Back to rainy Belgium on Tuesday...

Dubai, Saturday 6 February 2016

Much better... Let's get some more confidence building up tomorrow with a good 4^th round.

The left shoulder drill was spot on, a classic default in my putting stroke. 29 putts today, and, as Brian said, birdies on 2,3,17 and 18 could have fallen...

Every day is different but let's hope to have a good one tomorrow...

Dubai, Friday 5 February 2016

Still frustrating feeling after having touched 16 greens, but with Brian we found a little dysfunction in my left shoulder going too much to the left of the line of play. Hope this will be the fix to bring my putts under the 30 tomorrow and Sunday!

Touched by the passing of Dave Renwick, a 15 year friendship on Tour, he spent many years alongside Olazabal, Elkington, Westwood or Vijay... Rest in Peace Ol'Buddy...

GALLERY: Pictures from today's game (red shirt) and practice days (black shirts), thanks to Frank Vuysteke

Dubai, Tuesday 2 February 2016

After a few days of rest, another cool day in perspective to fully recover.

Shooting at 4PM with Callaway to present you the new products.

Tomorrow will be the technical fine tuning day, surely with the driver...

Dubai, Sunday 31 January 2016

Time to take a forced rest to recover from a virus infection. It was cold and windy in Qatar and my health did suffer from it... from South Africa I'm suffering from several virus infection, it's the third week in a row that I clearly feel it; the Doctor here in the Emirates says that we need to take serious rest to fully recover but it's not the right timing to do it.

4 days of rest before the Desert Classic, let's heal... and I'm not the only one to suffer from it...

Qatar, Thursday 28 January 2016

After a slow start, the eagle on 10 gave me the right boost for my back nine. Strong winds this afternoon, big difference with this morning!

These conditions are perfect for "Chippy" Lawrie, he won here already! I'm a great fan of Paul, we played together in Medinah. It's gonna be good sporting moment on Friday ... But there are so many good players also on the run and still a long streak of 36 holes to be played...

Qatar, Wednesday 27 January 2016

Clean sheet, best round so far in 2016, a step in the right direction.

Sandy wind, chilly out there, I'm pleased to hit 17 greens and to have birdied all par 5's, good signs of the overall shape of my game.

The weather forecast for tomorrow gives even more wind in the afternoon, so we gonna have to hang out there strong in those circumstances and the same will apply for the rest of the week, typical Qatar!

Happy Birthday Thomas Pieters!

Qatar, Monday 25 January 2016

Another good track this week, also designed by Peter Harradine, where the wind plays always an important role. It's a striker's course, always won by a big guns like Garcia, Stenson, Bjorn, Grace , Karlsson...

Attention: the tournament begins on Wednesday and finishes on Saturday!

Playing with Frenchman and long time friend Greg Havret and fellow Challenge Tour winner in 2009 at 7.40 AM Local time.

Abu Dhabi, Sunday 24 January 2016

And what about the 2 last rounds of Thomas Pieters... He deserved to win... But will win very soon, be prepared!

Great training with Jérôme this week-end, I need to forget that first round and score deeper in the next ones...

Abu Dhabi, Thursday 21 January 2016

Way too conservative. I wanted to do a clean sheet, like a nice student, and I was way too far from the pins. But that doesn't mean that the swing and the game are not in good shape. On the contrary...

So tomorrow, I will modify my strategy, not a kamikaze one of course, it's not my style, but a slight more aggressive iron game so that I will be able to sharpen my putting and go for more birdies! Jerôme is quite enthusiastic about the quality of my game, not much to fine tune, really insisting about the quality of our preparation. Not happy with the score but really optimistic with the next rounds.

Abu Dhabi, Wednesday 20 January 2016

Abu Dhabi Golf Club this week! What a great course, in immaculate conditions. Designed by Peter Harradine, this is a great lay-out that will request a perfect driving.

The shaft for the driving will be the Speeder 757 Evolution II Tour X Fujikura in the Callaway Big Bertha. Tested in Florida, it's still the master choice here in Abu Dhabi. My team looks quite happy of my display during the practice days, that's already a good start of the season!

From 3 Belgians, we are only two. Thomas Detry is back in his University Illinois with 40° difference. Pedro Pieters and myself are quite happy to play the Desert Swing under a beautiful sunny blue sky!

Dubai, Saturday 16 January 2016

Still going strong. 18 Holes at 7.30 (wake up at 6.00) and a lot of practice in the afternoon on the great practice infrastructure of Jumeirah golf at the European Tour Performance Institute. Thank you Mark Gregson, Mathew and Tim for your support.

Weather is perfect, Earth Course is very competitive, we will be ready.

Pedro Pieters looks in great shape also and Coach Small will receive a Thomas Detry in superb form. He learned a lot in 8 days, fully trained with Mich, Jérôme and Richard!

We will move to Abu Dhabi on Monday afternoon with one more round at Jumeirah on Monday morning.

Mich, Jérôme and Vince are staying in Abu Dhabi for a few more days...

Dubai, Wednesday 13 January 2016

A bit of a serious flu since Monday, but I'll be ready for the trainings and the matches with the 2 Thomas's. Today, great Tom Detry anniversary on the Earth Course (Jumeirah Golf) with a 68, great job from Mich and Jérôme to upgrade Tom's game!

The Els was great yesterday, thanks to Els Club direction for their warm welcome and the great shape of the course.

Looking forward to the strong Belgium side, will be impressive here at Dubai. 3 Bombers in action!

Jo'Burg, Thursday 7 January 2016

Right shoulder pain, like a knife stroke in it after a couple holes this morning, my right hand began to sleep also. very quickly it appeared that I couldn't finish the day.

It's a pity but the physio's comfort me in saying that after their manipulation and a few days of rest I wouldn't suffer from it next week... Training camp next week in Dubai is safe, even if we would have liked to grab more information after this first tournament. This is not the start I wanted, but I played solidly during the Pro-Am and Marcel Siem endured a heavy defeat in our match on Wednesday. So the game is there...

A few days of rest in Dubai and from Sunday we start our training camp!

Jo'Burg, Wednesday 6 January 2016

Finally, there we go on the opening tournament of my 2016 season,

The course is quite nice but very narrow, we'll need some cautious play...

Distance are very difficult to judge because of the altitude, golf balls are flying miles thanks to less air resistance. And because it's windy, club and shot selection for the long players is always quite tough, surely for the ones with high trajectories...

Good to have a tournament between training camps, it will give some feedback for next week work...

Brian is in great shape, let's start the season!

Miami, Saturday 2 January 2016

All my best wishes for 2016, heath and happiness for sure!

Leaving Miami now for Johannesburg to play my first event of the season. Looking forward to this season with RIO 2016 in sight...

Thank you all in advance for your support in 2016, I hope to give you very good moments...

West Palm, Saturday 19 December 2015

Arrived here two days ago with Vince and Mich for a solid training camp. The Bears is a perfect place to practice with tournaments conditions on the practice and on the course. Tough conditions for the moment with the wind blowing hard. By the way, Jack Nicklaus renew the greens here to make them even harder.

Emphasis on the driving. Mich wants me to work my first and "second serve". When the wind will calm down, we will also test the difference between the ProV1 and ProV1x, in term of flights and length.

Callaway 2 iron is definitely in the bag, quite pleased with his efficiency.

Julie and Rick Elion arrived also for three days of work together, quite an intense start of this training camp.

Amata, Sunday 13 December 2015

Finally, I've got my round in the sixties. 68 today, a great round to finish my last tournament of 2015!

Good Job Mich, Vince, Jerôme, Pete, Rich, Blaise, Serge, Luc, you were all better than me this year. Get ready for 2016, I will be up to the task. Great menu: Rio, Ryder Cup... Looking forward to.

Tonight I'll fly back to Brussels for a 2 days program, Christmas night with my family 10 days before the real Christmas and an urgent visit to the dentist...Then another flight in the opposite direction: Florida with Mich and Vince for some more training, testing the new golfballs for 2016, some new equipment also, to be ready for the new season... No pain no gain would say Rich... Of course he's right...

Amata, Saturday 12 December 2015

Mission sixties failed... Started well but after a few birdies attempts, I struggled on 9 and 10 and had to wait the end of the round to finish in style. One more attempt tomorrow for a score beginning with 6 and jump higher on the leaderboard...

Amata, Friday 11 December 2015

A great iron day, really hot, with 17 greens in regulation but a really cold day with the putter. Two seventies, played differently, now it's time to play in the sixties. Still some work to do on the driving, Mich said. He's amazing, always finding room to improve. "That's where you build your confidence, he pointed"... Two more days to climb the ladder of the scoreboard and to join some other Europeans...

Amata, Thursday 10 December 2015

Solid round. One bad drive on the 3^rd (out of Bounds), then nice bombing on fairways. Great approaches on 4-5-6 for pars. Never easy to read the grain properly on the greens, Jamie and Sergio had less problem with it, but nevertheless still in good position with this kind of first round.

Tomorrow, quite happy to play earlier, because the heat and humidity played some role at the end of the round...

Amata, Monday 7 December 2015

Bye, bye, Anahita in Mauritus, see you in May on the European Tour just before the BMW PGA Ch'ip in Wentworth.

Arrived yesterday in Bangkok to meet the tournament organization. Great participation, nice people and a superb course. Huge venue on the Asian Tour for Thailand with also 4 spots for the British Open and 1 spot for the WGC Bridgestone!

Today with Thomas Bjorn and Brian Nilsson, we pay a visit a Buddhist temple. We feel it's something we need to do. Each time we come in Thailand, the atmosphere is such that you feel that your place is there, in respect of the peaceful culture and the hospitality of the land and the Thai people.

Mich Vanmeerbeek arrived today, our work begins this afternoon, this is my last tournament in 2015 and also the last step of my 2016 preparation...

Great Belgian results in sport: Red Lions in final, Joachim Gerard in tennis winner at the Masters in London and Fanny Lecluyse european champion in swimming... Rio 2016...

Anahita, Monday 30 November 2015

Long journey but safely arrived in beautiful Anahita for their Golf Masters, a great preparation before the European Tour comes here in May.

Emotional message from Emile Vanstiphout, Jos'brother, who 'll send me Jos'book that will be on the book shelves in 2016.

Sydney, Sunday 29 November 2015

Well, I really need to hit more greens to score in those circumstances, 18th is always good in this period of time,

But how difficult is it to leave Australia? It's always to short and I know I will spend once day more time here... Love the people and the country...

Now flying to Anahita in Mauritius, the paradise for golfers where the Resort organizes a big tournament. Not as big as the European Tour who will stop there for an official tournament counting for the Race to Dubai! Woaw!

Sydney, Saturday 28 November 2015

This 3^rd day is a first round reminder with too many birdies chances and too many greens missed...

All my thoughts to the Belgian tennis world. Come on Belgium in the Davis Cup final, the double will be key...

And I want to salute the memory of Philippe Washer, wonderful talented sportsman, tennis and golf and close to the Leopold Club in Brussels. Washer - Brichant, a legendary tennis double pair that can inspire our national pair against the Murray brothers today. Come on Belgium!

Sydney, Friday 27 November 2015

After a frustrating first round with too many green missed and a cold putter, I'm quite pleased with today's round playing with Adam Scott. High quality long game with the difficult side winds, it isn't easy but I could find some mojo on the scoring side with 6 birdies today... Happy to see the Belgian flag high up again!

I must admit that it's quite enjoyable to play in Australia, thank you Trevor Herden for this invite and congrats for the quality of your Open...

This afternoon chilling out in Sydney with some Australian friends...

Sydney, Tuesday 24 November 2015

Another beautiful city in the world, Sydney is one of a kind, great atmosphere and quality of life. This is my first contact with The Australian Golf Club. Quite an historical course but redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1977... Superb maintained modern course with small undulated greens, strong wind, by the way, it will be tough to go low with that wind... Brian told me that's really a second shot course because of the small greens surrounded by dangerous run offs, even is the course is playing quite long. If the wind continues to blow, they might put some tees forward...

Tee time on Thursday 12.10 with Adam Scott and John Senden, who can dream of a better 3 ball? I couldn't ... and Brian couldn't also, he worked for John for 2 years on the European Tour ... Aussie gang... ;o)

Last time I played with Adam, it was the 3rd day at the Doral, and he won the Masters 4 weeks later!

The other good news is that it's summer here, quite happy to always have my Recuperat-ion drinks, great minerals for an optimal recuperation and clear-sightedness thanks Dr Serge Balon-Perin...

Melbourne, Friday 20 November 2015

Well, this was a rusty start... Tournament golf is quite different than training golf, surely if you change continent and season... And this is a top tournament on a great course...

So nice to see old friends like Brett Rumford and John Senden, only to name two of them...

Time for practice now to upgrade my competitiveness,

New week, we're flying to Sydney for the next tournament.

Brian took me to Kingston heath in the afternoon, another legend course, where my game is already upgrading... Round after round we go...

Melbourne, Tuesday 17 November 2015

Good'day...

What a pleasure to be back in Australia, my second Homeland! So keen and eager to play The Uniqlo masters on gem of a golfcourse. There is here a resemblance with Royal Melbourne, one of my favorite golf course, and I know that I will face a strong test of golf!

I want to thank David Rollo for this opportunity to play the Uniqlo masters on the famous Huntingdale golf course, and I'm also very glad to meet the crowd there...

In fact, in my mind I'm starting the 2016 season after a break of a month where I did a lot of Crossfit and Training with the Vanmeerbeek gang ;o)... Looking forward to see how's my golf game because I'm quite enthusiastic... As enthusiastic as my caddie Brian Nilsson who's so happy to work on his home soil and seeing all his mates on the Australian Tour!

Well in Europe and in particular France and Belgium, they are living tough times, all my thoughts are with the bereaved families...

Brussels, Monday 9 November

After the Australian Masters, I received an invitation from the Australian Open. So happy to have the opportunity to play there this year. Australia means a lot to me and those two tournaments are ideal for me to continue my progression work to my best level. My scoring average on the 8 last tournaments was 70,18, which is already great, and I'm chasing better 4^th rounds now to make top 10's or better. I began with Mich Vanmeerbeek and Jérôme Theunis a precise tuning work 2 weeks ago and Australia will be a good destination to put these improvements in my game under the gun. It will take some time but my coaches smartly enough have spread the tunings in three parts: now, in Florida in December and in Dubai in January! In total 6 weeks of training.

After Australia, I will fly to Anahita for their tournament before another important rendez-vous, The Thailand Golf Challenge where I asked Mich to coach me for the tournament.

Aberdeen, Wednesday 4 November 2015

A lot to do in those 3 weeks between my last tournament and the next one in Australia (19-22 Nov). Crossfit every day with Richard Vanmeerbeek at the Power Factory, training with Mich and Jérôme, new passports, a meeting with Rolex and the new CEO in Belgium, a visit to the dentist and my Doc Serge Balon Perin, a shooting in Aberdeen for my equipment partner (clothes) DUNNING...

Program for next week is also tight, everything must be done before my departure on the 14th Nov for Melbourne, nice date by the way ;o)

My schedule is done till the Olympic games, we won't do the same mistakes as in 2015 in the beginning of the year where March and April killed my momentum ... and finally my season even if the 70,18 scoring in the last 8 tournaments was a good finish. We are now working for a better scoring on the Sunday's and 2016 should be promising.

Great news from my fellow players the 2 Thomasses. Detry and his Illinois team won at East Cup lake and receive a lot of coverage at the Golf Channel, Pieters will do well in China, HSBC and surely the BMW masters, these courses are perfectly fitting his game, so is the final in Dubai...

Vilamoura, Sunday 18 October 2015

Never found the speed on the greens, from the first hole. The numerous birdie chances missed on the front nine was very frustrating and on 11, the 3 putts was a killer, so was the bogey on 16...

Without birdies I couldn't achieve my goal: finishing in the top 3 that would have gave me access to Turkye for the first stage of the final series. So, no final series in 2015. Next tournament on the European Tour: the South African Open in January 2016!

Till that: rest, training, tournaments in Asia and Mauritius...

Thank you for your support during this difficult year!

Vilamoura, Saturday 17 October 2015

Tough conditions but solid game, could have seized opportunities on 2 or 3 birdies attempts, surely on 13 and 14 and the bogey on 16 was clearly one that could be avoided... It was my first hole...

Tomorrow, same schedule, Breakfast at 6.00, shotgun at 8.00... Hoping the weather gets not to nasty, like last year... Playing with Thomas Pieters, Bombers together trying to go as low as possible...

Vilamoura, Friday 16 October 2015

16 good holes and 2 holes with 3 balls in water... Painful...

Shotgun start at 8.00 AM (for everybody), an heavy storm is on his way from Madeira and will hit the Algarve around 13.00, I hope they are wright and that we will be safe for then...

Thomas Pieters is in a driving seat perfectly placed after 2 rounds, who knows, he can win his 3rd event in 5 tournaments!

Finger crossed for a low round tomorrow, a good one will bring me to Turkye... Let's aim for that opportunity..

Vilamoura, Thursday 15 October 2015

Always good to make clear that Belgians are not only good in Football, tennis, or Hockey...

Good round even if 2 or 3 drives were off line on the back nine. 4 putts more could have fall in, certainly on the 2 last holes... But it's a good start on a course that suits my eyes even if the rough is quite punishing!

Thomas Pieters is there also. Good to be together against so many players. Tomorrow is another day and like they like to say on television: "it's never easy to follow a great score with another good one!"...

The Road is so long till Sunday night and the weather forecast looks so bad for the week-end, that patience will be needed. We had already some fog delay this morning... Tomorrow 12.40 from the first tee.

Vilamoura, Wednesday 14 October 2015

Pro-Am day with a wonderful sunshine and an exceptional blue sky as the Algarve coast can produce! But bad weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday. I hope we can avoid last year scenario... It's so nice just now...

Vilamoura, Tuesday 13 October 2015

Fine tuning today on the range and on the putting green. Some driving session on the range, spend also some time with Alex Levy discussing about drivers and driving...

Great night with Thomas Pieters, Vincent and Pedro Oriol, the Spanish player from Madrid. We had the chance to follow the match. The 3-1 was nice to follow on television... One message to Wesley Sonck: "Next time Thomas and myself are in Belgium for a match of our National Team, we are counting on you for some cool tickets. Don't worry Wesley, we'll do the same for you for golf".

Sunday, 11 October 2015

Just paying the price of playing too many tournaments, i clearly ran out of steam, legs too tired and it becomes then very difficult to keep my swing in rhythm. And then it's open doors to offline shots on the tees... It's sad, but it's sport!

Thursday, 8 October 2015

The Marquess is a tough test in wet conditions. So difficult to judge the spin on the greens... I needed to chip and putt from outside the green quite a lot. Some were fringe work other from a little further.

Overall good to finish the day with a bogey free round. No as much birdies I would hope so but it's a patient walk till Sunday night... My first holes were scrappy, not enough fairways and not enough greens, had to play my best to avoid to give a shot to the course there...

Two Belgians are on top of the distance today, Thomas 311 yards and myself 304,5, the Callaway Belgian Bombers have done it again... Unfortunately, we don't have the opportunity to play many drives. Too many trees and doglegs are preventing to choose tight lines... We have both high trajectories, that's the key to make huge differences from the tee.

Wednesday, 7 October 2015

When they set up a big tournament in England, it's always pinpoint organized! Congrats... And on a pro-am day, it's already full of spectators (in France they are closed Wednesday, Kids cannot enter, I can't understand that).

The Marquess course course is a wonderful designed course on a perfect piece of undulated woodland. Even if it rained heavily till this morning, the course and the greens are in perfect shape. I found it very difficult to find the lines on those undulated greens, tough to read!

I took my old wedges for this tournament because I don't want to use new grooves to avoid the huge backspin caused by the wetness of the greens (but still they are fast!). My new wedges will wait for firmer surfaces...

I had great fun to play the pro-am today, with a good team, even if I could have made more birdies, but I was still in learning process on those treacherous greens...

Yesterday with a few fellow players, we went to visit the Red Bull Formula 1 center, 5 minutes from Woburn. It is so amazing. it's so big, so secret, so professional, so technological, so many engineers, ... They are manufacturing on site all their thousands pieces to build their cars, imagine how big it is... Really impressive...

St Andrews, Sunday 4 October 2015

After a double bogey thanks to 4 putts on my first hole, the 10th at St Andrews, I needed to squeeze the Old Course on the following 17 holes and the 7 following birdies were very welcome. This was a hot cut line at -6. The good news came at the 8th (my 17th hole) were I holed a 30 meters putt...

Quite cold this morning before my 4th round... Starting at the 10th again!

St Andrews, Friday 2 October 2015

Two rounds with some fine ball striking but also with a cold putter. A warmer one tomorrow and we play on Sunday! Carnoustie and Kingsbarns were superb courses but tomorrow I'll play one of my favorite in this planet: The Old Course of St Andrews, the Mecca of golf! Really looking forward...

St Andrews, Wednesday 30 September 2015

The home of Golf is an absolute Gem during the Indian summer. The light, the sky, the colors, the sea, the links, the club-house are unbelievable when the weather is as gorgeous as it is since the beginning of the week...

The format is a pro-am on 3 different courses, I'll play them in the following order: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews. The cut will be decided on Saturday night and the 4th round will be played on the St Andrews Links. As it is a 1+1 pro-am, I'll play with M. Jeremy Ord, Founder and Chairman of the Dimension Data company, an internationally well known South African company, each day against another pair of players.

Tomorrow start at Carnoustie at 10.17.

Sunday, 27 September 2015

When the birdies doesn't come early when you need them, then frustration and impatience are bogey's best friends...

A great back nine.... "proper" as we say in Brussels...

Thanks Mich for your help, this will pay in the future...

Saturday, 26 September 2015

Bad day @ work. Total off day. Only 11 greens in regulation and 7 putts below 6 feet have shaved the cup...When it's not your day...It's a pity, it was raining slightly, the course had no defense, I could have scored low, instead it's +2. Tomorrow much better!

Friday, 25 September 2015

A strategic round where I needed to go low but also to avoid the mistakes I did on 2 homes yesterday. The early birdies were welcome, but then I couldn't score on the 2 next par 5's. On the back nine, I had 2 key holes. The first was the eagle on 12, in 2 on the green and the second was the birdie on 17. As I was -5 and the cut would be -3 at that moment, I could lay up on 18 and accept the bogey avoiding a more penal score on that difficult hole. The 18 is a par 4 but is played in 4,65 during the second round which is very high!

Time now to refuel the body and the mind before the week-end after those 2 nerve-racking days...

Thursday, 24 September 2015

2 holes to forget, 3 drives missed, and 16 other good holes... +1 with 6 birdies, not easy! The hard lesson of tournament golf... I'll need to concentrate on the good moments trying to forget the bad ones... Minus 5 tomorrow is the minimum to have a chance playing in the week-end... Mich is enthusiastic to try the challenge with me, we'll see...

Wednesday, 23 September 2015

After playing the pro-am, it seems that this Bernhard Langer designed course will be under intense attack by the players this week. A lot of birdies opportunity even if the course is not short by no means, but at this time of the season, the ranking becomes so important that players are super-motivated on scoring! Even Beckenbauer, the patron of this course, will be very buzzy in defending this par 71 of nearly 6600 meters...

Present here in Bad Griesbach, Mich is quite happy of the work done since the KLM, my long game becomes sharper and sharper and that will help all the work I'm doing on the greens... finger crossed!

Monza, Saturday 20 September 2015

There was definitely more to seize out of that Italian Open. But I couldn't find my mojo back on the greens. The long game is getting stronger and I will need more consistency on the greens next week in Germany to be on the podium...

Monza, Friday 18 September 2015 after round

Not in rythm for the first 11 holes but succeed to find if back before the end of the round... Still there for the last 2 rounds...

Monza, Friday 18 September 2015

What a nice feeling to see those golfballs falling finally in the hole...

Now I hope to keep the mojo going... Italy, Italy, Italy...

Monza, Wednesday 16 September 2015

Really alongside the famous F1 track in Monza, the Golf Club Milano is an old course (1928) perfectly tree lined. The course is not long but quite narrow. The perfect set for Francesco Molinari, Jimenez or Morrisson. For me , it will be "iron time" from the tees with some difficult strategy decisions on par 5's: trying to gain length from the tee or not... 1 more day to decide.

Great atmosphere in Italy as always, the food, the place, the cars, Milan and the Italians... It's Marco Crespi home course, he will give us some delicious tips for some restaurant at night.

Rolex plays a great role at the Open d'Italia and, with the years we became good friends playing together the pro-am...

Zoute, Monday 14 September 2015

Some Portfolio Management today in Royal Zoute, 18 holes with 2pm clients...

Always nice to meet my old friends Philippe Feller (2pm CEO) and Quentin d'Ursel, by far the best Belgian golfplayer in Monaco ;o)))

Tomorrow early flight to Milan...

Zandvoort, Sunday 13 September 2015

Awesome Thomas Pieters. Superb win in Holland (double pleasure)!

Zandvoort, Sunday 13 September 2015

Struggled yesterday, little better today but another cold day with the putter...

Young Pieters can have his day again and take that win also, I've told that on Tuesday during the press conference but nobody took it seriously... Watch him close today!

Zandvoort, Saturday 12 September 2015

Speaking about an off-day... Only 12 greens in regulation, more bogeys than birdies, 2 over par... Unfortunately, a day to forget before tomorrow...

Zandvoort, Friday 10 September 2015

A good second round with a warmer putter. 29 putts instead of 35 makes the difference. Altough I had a shaky start with a few ugly swings on Thursday, my last 10 holes yesterday were played with a good striking. It was quite windy in the late afternoon, the sea breeze was strong.

Today I kept the same mood but made some important modification that Mich proposed after the first round. And he was pinpoint pertinent as it was a good round, with 5 birdies and without any bogey. I'll take that everyday...

Zandvoort, Wednesday 9 September 2015

9 holes in the morning with Jacquelin and Bourdy and a long session on the driving range. I had asked Mich Vanmeerbeek to give his advice and on the swing and on the driver. He had to fine tune my position in front of the ball, the position of the ball and the action of the arms with less movement of te body, the 4 keys. Kennemer is quite narrow, very demanding for Bombers. The wind also plays a strong role in the scoring. So I need low, mid low and normal flights with the driver, with not much deviation. The new head Callaway Big Bertha 816 allows me to vary the height of the flights. I can't tee very low anymore but nevertheless, I have a great control of the flights. My good old Ian Dryden (from the Callaway truck) put a new Fujikura Speeder Motore VC 7.2 X, a black shaft. So I'm pretty excited with this new weapon.

Even next week at the Italian Open in Monza, the fairways will be narrow and tree lined, so I'm looking forward to see its behaviour in Monza too...

Tee off at 13.35 from the first.

Tonight the KLM Open has made some reservation in restaurants in Amsterdam and I will take my US agent Lance Young for dinner, a first time in Amsterdam for Lance, a must to do it with "parrain"! ;o) in a very nice italian restaurant...

Zandvoort, Tuesday 8 September 2015

Lovely day on the old Kennemer Links. Had one of the longest practice session ever before a pro-am: from 10.00 to 15.00! Daan Slooter, promoter of the KLM, has developed that great concept: 9 holes pro-am at 16.30. I had the opportunity to play with a member of the Royal Family Prof. Mr Pieter van Vollenhoven... We had a great game, and my famous partner liked the Belgian style: I played -6 in 9 holes, 4 birdies and 1 eagle! I used the new Big Bertha driver with a new shaft and it made wonders on the narrow Holland track...

Another day of practice tomorrow, I will play the last 9 holes at 9.55 with some French players and will give another go to the new driver to see how he behaves two days in a row...

With Thomas we were invited to a press conference. The Holland press is amazed about their neighbours who keep winning on Tour, we liked it and they were even more amazed that we get so good along together. We explained that this is Belgium summed up in two guys. There was also the fact that the Red Devils won again and Oranje lost last week-end. I could gently laugh about it with Ruud Gullit who likes to come on the Range and have a chat with us...

Overall a great atmosphere here in Kennemer, the course is in good shape with the exception of thousands of rabbits holes... I predict a lot of work for the referees... Great weather forecast till Friday!

I'll play Thursday from the first tee at 13.35 and Friday from the 10th at 8.35...

Knokke, Sunday 6 September 2015

Great event organised for the benefit of three charities by Andy Hancock and his team (VAAV). Good crowd today in Knokke to witness our match between Thomas Pieters and Marcel Siem. Spectators really enjoyed the format, they saw a lot of good shots, a superb spirit and great comments...

I started slow today but finished in style, but Thomas won the match with a birdie on 18. We played fast, it was enjoyable. Good old Royal Zoute is always a pleasure, Marcel Siem did appreciate the course even if we could see that the fairways suffered from a dry summer.

Prague, Sunday 30 August 2015

And what about that Win of Thomas, strong play, Belgian flag high, very of him, great stuff!!!! There will be a smell of champaign in the plane now...;o))

For my part, My swing had an off day, nothing clicked... but finally a good week when changing a putting grip!

Concentrating now for next week Kings of Golf playing with a new Champion and my good old friend Marcel...

Everybody at Royal Zoute next Sunday, 14h for 18 holes of Bombers Golf, 3 winners on the course...

Prague, Saturday 29 August 2015

A good 15 first holes before 2 bad shots at the end and 2 bogeys, but a win of 30 places today... Tomorrow will be windy day, they say... but I will try to go low as my efforts on the greens are paying off... It's not yet the full confidence but we're building up...

Thomas is still going strong, this course suits him really well, we'll cheer him up tomorrow!

Very sad day for my coach Jérôme as he lost his father last night, all my thoughts for him and his family...

Prague, Friday 28 August 2015

Very nervously tiring afternoon when you need to wait for 6 hours if you're in or not... But I had time to spend on the puttinggreen with Brian on those 15 feet putts that shaved the hole during the 2 first rounds...

Thomas had find the holes rather easily, good course for him, he has definitely a great opportunity to chase his first win. Pierre (we call him Piet) is also with us for the week-end. Belgians are known now for being Bombers on the course. Three musketeers for the week-end.

I heard it's good weather for the last day of the International Juniors in Ravenstein, good luck for everybody there. Our Junior Bombers are rather tired, as usual they played too much in the summer...

Prague, Thursday 27 August 2015

Stick to my new putting technique, not yet successful, but we'll keep knocking on that door...

Pieters has found the birdies, it's maybe his tournament, he also likes the long courses. Go Thomas..

Prague, Tuesday 25 August 2015

Arrived yesterday night with Thomas Pieters. We practiced together today.

Prague is a lovely city. This tournament a once again a great effort done by a continental country...

Worked hard last week-end with my team to adjust my putting. I finally accepted Jérôme (backed a long time ago by Mich) vision on correcting my flow lines (aiming too much to the left). So I will go for the Cross Handed putting grip. My team is quite enthusiastic about it, so is Brian too!

With the Odyssey staff (thanks Seamus), we find a perfect grip Super stroke, FLAT SO 1.0.

Other players like Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler (on short putts) or Jim Furyk are using this same technique... Not easy to step from my traditionnal grip to the new one, but the enthusiasm around me must receive a real go!

Thursday 13.05 with Peter Uilhein and Greg Bourdy.

Himmerland GC, Friday 21 August 2015

-1 that could have been much better, a tricky lie on my 18th and the ball ended in the pond... Playing very good, with 15 greens in regulation...

Great atmosphere here in Denmark where the public plays a wonderful role. Hole 16 is the place to be... This tournament is a perfect example of the future of golf on the continent. Emphasis on the public, good course, fun for everybody! This is also THE week for my friends Thomas Bjorn and Thorbjorn Olesen (His real first name is Jacob)!

Good practice session with Thomas after the game, we're playing close to each other...

Unfortunately Thomas Detry lost in play-off on the second round of the US Amateur...Good tournament though... On his learning process, getting better each week... Great work last 2 weeks with our coaching team: Mich and Jérôme. He's ready now for his last University year in Illinois...

Brussels, Sunday 9 August 2015

There are some good news, Shane Lowry' splendid win that can be overcast by very sad news. RIP Brian McFeat, I'm quite sad to hear the passing of the One & Only Brian McFeat, a real character, one of the guys that made everyday life on The European Tour what it is... I have known Brian since my first day on Tour and will miss our weekly 5 min chats from now on. Thx for all u have done my friend

Brussels, Saturday 8 August 2015

Well done Belgian Champions Junior Bombers! Finger crossed for Thomas Detry...

Brussels, Friday 7 August 2015

I've played with Thomas Pieters in Houthalen without my coaches because they are in Slovakia at the Penati Golf Resort with Thomas Detry. Come on Belgium!!! Mich and Jérôme are with him for his second big upgrade week in the year. the first one was in Dubai in January and the second is now during this European Individual Championship. Since his return mid June, Thomas Detry is coached to reach a new level of performance, this is all part of a big plan to enhance his potential. Like for all the Junior Bombers this is a exciting process...

Mathieu Feron is doing quite well like other Juniors that we are following...

For my part, I'm excited in playing in the the next tournaments on the European tour, it's gonna be intense but I will be prepared and motivated to score well ... September will be important!

Aberdeen Saturday 1 August 2015

Tried everything but I needed more birdies. Marc Warren had a perfect match play display around the turn, with 3 birdies nearly in a row. After that he didn't open the door and all my birdie chances went passed the hole...

Nevertheless, a good tournament.

Two weeks of break before Denmark and Prague!

Aberdeen, Friday 31 July 2015

Solid golf today, great win for the confidence. Tomorrow, another solid player to play against: Marc Warren.

Murcar golf is a great test. Not a long course, that's why I'm the last of the long hitters, but the rough is penal... and the temperatures are still on the winter side... Strong breeze also...

I hope to play 2 rounds today, match play at his best!

Aberdeen, Thursday 30 July 1015

Must salute Paul Lawrie for this tournament, great initiative.

Won my first match against an always solid Greg Bourdy but Scotland and match play makes me also play quite solidly. The work done in the last week begans to pay off.

The team welcomes this week Brians' wife and my dad in real scottish weather...

Crans Montana, Monday 20 July 2015

Played the Flory van Donck Pro-Am today here in Crans Montana. For me it's a different Monday start than usual, but I would have rather played a Monday finish at the Open!

Good memories here last year, so in the mood for a good week!

Gullane, Sunday 12 July 2015

Played good golf but didn't hole as many putts as I wanted to, I really needed more birdies on the front nine. 3 birdies and 1 eagle on the front nine is not enough during this tournament. One week of training now, before Switzerland in Crans-Montana, my next tournament.

Gullane, Friday 10 July 2015

Gone with the first tee-offs this morning, I had to wait till the last player came in to be sure on playing the week-end or not. I was so disappointed yesterday night after that having scored +3, that this morning I had made the check out  at the hotel (what I never do!) at 5.00 in the morning. My luggage had to wait for me in the changing room...

On the second tee, a par 5, I made a great drive, followed by an iron shot on the green. 2 quite putts and I could finally wrote down my first birdie on the the tournament. Then I cruised with some pars, not feeling totally confident on the greens before the back nine where I came closer to the flags and more successful with the birdies. Still missed birdies on 10-14 and 17 (beautiful tee shot 7 feet from the hole). The finishing hole was kindlier and I made there an important birdie (6 meters putt!!!). Quite happy to make this cut.

Let's play links golf this week-end!

Gullane, Tuesday 7 July 2015

Arrived yesterday night, early start today, at 7 on the course...

Really excited to discover this course, never played this one, but I heard so many great comments,

Links Golf is always a different story, two days now to adapt my game...

Brussels, 4th July 2015

A lovely Independence Day to all my fellow American friends...

Golf National, Friday 3 July 2015

The 1 and 2nd hole killed me... hopefully I could show some birdies to the Belgian crowd, thanks to them all, it was very hot, they all were courageous! Congrats and have a safe trip home...

A week-end in Belgium and I'll fly Monday to Scotland!

Golf National, Thursday 2 July 2015

Thunderstorms in the morning didn't bring much luck on the greens... Not enough birdies, too easy bogeys.

I need to make a few birdies tomorrow to be able to play on the week-end... and it will be once again quite hot... these are very long days...

Golf National, Wednesday 1 July 2015

7.30 on the range with Mich Vanmeerbeek and Pete Cowen, do you think I was surrounded by enough quality persons? Quite interesting hearing those two speaking the same language...

Well, it(s so hot here, 35° no wind, that I decided to practce till 11.30 before it gets too hot...

Tomorrow 8.50 at the 10!

PICTURES BY Philippe Gaudy (Gallery/Open de France/ Tuesday + Wednesday)

Golf National, Tuesday 30 June 2015

Great pro-am day with a lovely Rolex team. Always fun to chat with people coming from different horizons...

The course is immaculate, dry and fast. they did a great job cleaning some surroundings...

I learned that they hired a Spanish greenkeeper, congrats for the work!

München, Friday 26 June 2015

-2 was not enough... The 16th killed my card but I tried everything on the 2 next holes...

Home for the week-end, then Paris and the golf National for a very hot week, suncream and and a lot of water mandatory.

München, Thursday 25 June 2015

First round, 1 under with 6 birdies. The game is still better than the score, patience,

München, Tuesday 23 June 2015

This is the first phase of an important trio: Germany - France - Scotland. In the past, I only performed well in Scotland, just before the Open. The BMW here in München is super organized tournament under the supervision of Marco Kaussler, who will be in charge of the Ryder Cup race in 2022 for Germany!

Great field, a lot of big guns who returned from Chambers Bay, and a strong german armada!

I feel good, in good form, I had a great break last week, Jérome Theunis is with me this week to check the technical part of the game, before those 3 weeks, Mich will be there next week!

München, The Kings of Distance, 18 June 2015

A big hitters'day organized by Callaway in München, they call it the "Kings of Distance"!

Not the most pleasing weather but a great atmosphere with Englishman Joe Miller, the unbeatable long hitter, Alvaro Quiros and Thomas Pieters. We all had great fun and the pubic loved it, proud to be a member of the Callaway staff players, a really good organized event.

Nice to see another Callaway man on top of the leaderbord at Chambers Bay: Henrik Stenson.

Brussels, 17 June 2015

Great coaching day and a nice round at Royal Waterloo where the course is in splendid conditions. Played there with my father, Brian Nilsson and Rick Elion, we all had great fun.

Tomorrow, Munchen, with the Callaway Kings of Distance! The big hitter Joe Miller will be there also, he's unbeatable... Young Pieters will be there also and the 4th player will be Alvaro Quiros! Quite heavy European Tour powder!!!

On Friday, I'll have the opportunity to play with the 11th player in the World Ranking (Amateurs): Thomas Detry. Looking forward to that training session with Mich and Jérôme sharing experiences with TD...

Brussels, 16 June 2015

After a disappointing last week of tournament on that well organized Lyoness Open in Austria, time to break after 5 weeks on Tour. It's US open time in Chambers Bay. This course makes a lot of buzz, interesting to see how this Major will be played... This course looks more like a British open venue, it's a bit strange for the USGA, but certainly open minded. I'm looking forward to see the outcome and the comments...

Fine to see great weather in Belgium, the Belgian Challenge Tour had also great conditions. This sunshine is perfect for the Knauf day today and a good chance to see the new club house again and to strive against those fast and undulated greens... Allways great welcome in Sart Tilman...

Diamond CC, Thursday 11 June 2015

Played ok all day, it's quite firm here on this Diamond course, I'm only using the Callaway "Mini Driver". Unfortunately I had an horrible bounce on the 14th par 3 a few feet off the green with a 4 iron. Stuck in a bush, mu only option was to come back to the tee and playing a unplayable ball, another 4 iron and 2 putts. 4 birdies on the back nine secured me a -2 score...

Diamond CC, Tuesday 9 June 2015

We, players, are quite fortunate to have so many countries organizing an event with such a wonderful energy. In this case it's Green energy! The promotors are doing their very best for the tournament success. We are in Bernd Wiesberger country and his game is in great shape for the moment. He's a momentum player and when he begans a birdie streak, there's a lot of red figures coming on his card... Spectacular player. The Austrian will share my tee time in company with a very nice and gentle player out France : Gary Stal.

I'm really looking forward to play this event because I need to ignate my "momentum" on the Tour, a couple of top 10 will help before the important threesome: Germany, France and Scotland!

Malmö, Sunday 7 June 2015

Finished 7th, holed a nice putt on the 72nd hole. Good tournament, still too many opportunities left on the greens, surely, the 2 first days, but Sweden has always been nice to me. another examples that golfers always play well in same circumstances...

Tomorrow flight to Vienna, trying to build some momentum before the Germany - France - Scotland stretch!

Malmö, Saturday 6 June 2015

Two weeks now with a lot of wind... This is my best scoring day since a while... On more round...

Malmö, Friday 5 June 2015

Finally! I'm so close...

Malmö, Tuesday 2 June 2015

A bit warmer than Ireland but so so weather, the forecast is better, told me Brian.

Great program, a lot of public and Junior golf, always nice here in Sweden, very educated public also, a pleasure to be in contact with. Makes this Open quite special!

I enjoyed Thomas Detry podium at the NCAA individuals last night, Illinois finishing first of the 72 holes qualification. three more good days of match play and they can become champion!

County Down, Friday 29 May 2015

One weak tee shot on my 18 hole and the cut is missed by one! Very disappointed because my game is much better than my score would show. Time to keep on practicing, I'm off to Gleneagles to a great practice range and Monday I'll fly to Sweden.

Changed my program and I'm delighted to play in Austria in two weeks. The Lyoness Austrian Open, here I come. I'm playing too well and need to transform my game into scoring low... I will make a break during the US Open week...

County Down, Thursday 28 May 2015

Tough day out there! One regret: the 12, the par 5 where par or birdie are better issues than the bogey signed on my card. Didn't as many greens I would have hoped so. It's a course you need to respect or it punishes you inevitably...

Played my 2 Iron from the tees very often against the wind, too tight fairways and too much wing to try for the driver.... the Callaway mini Driver is very efficient...

Let's hope for some decent weather tomorrow morning!

County Down, Wednesday 27 May 2015

First of all, this is a legendary piece of land for golf. Protected by the imposing Mourne mountain and along the Dundrum Bay, the site is eye catching. Also a natural reserve, the links are famous, they've been designed by Old Tom Morris, Harry Colt (Royal Zoute also) and Donald Steel, a trio of illustrious names.

The light here can be like nowhere else.

The Slieve Donard hotel is part of the legend, so many great golfers, famed or anonymous, have stopped here to play Royal County Down.

BUT when the wind blows like it is now, that beautiful lady becomes a Beast!!! I previewed it and asked in the trucks a 1 iron 2 weeks ago in Spain. it's in the bag again! If the weather stays like that, you'll see scores in the 80's!

Pro-am this afternoon, a bit late but I'm playing also late on Thursday.

Walton Heath, Monday 25 May 2015

Well, I must admit that I felt quite tired in the afternoon. Looking back to the morning round, I had to sustain the momentum but killed it with a double bogey... Anyway, it was a good try for this US Open...

Short night again before taking the plane for Belfast at 7.15 tomorrow morning... Really looking forward to play Royal County Down one of the nicest links on earth!

Wentworth, Sunday 24 May 2015

Overall a great week... on 17 holes! My game is building up and even if the 11th hole has been costly (6 strokes lost), this tiring week ends up with a top 25 on our biggest event in Europe (except The Open).

But tomorrow, 36 holes US Open qualification. Tee time at 8.30 with my good friend Emiliano Grillo. A good flight. Emiliano is one of my favourite young striker of the ball...

Thanks to the Belgian supporters and Frank for the pictures...

Great win from An, 65 to win the BMW PGA in Wentworth, congrats.

This is our Flagship tournament, congrats also to BMW for hosting such a nice event, the tented Village and the organisation were really Waow! Really proud to be a member of the European Tour!

Wentworth, Saturday 23 May 2015

A bit disapointed on birdies on the first 9. Another birdie that didn't drop on 10 annoyed me till the 11th tee and I lost my 3 wood tee shot and scored a double bogey. But overall, this tournament is so far encouraging, not a bad idea to find some form back during our flagship tournament.

Great crowd once again.

Wentworth, Friday 22 May 2015

It was not easy to put on those greens this afternoon, thery were marked and very slow. It rained this morning and the poa wad growing unevenly like usual with that type of grass.

Good to make it for the week-end...

More Pictures on the GALLERY from Frank Vuylsteke

Wentworth, Thursday 21 May 2015

Lovely display of long game today... I could have signed a card of 65 if I hadn't lost my confidence on the short putts in the last 5 holes... Could have done with a better finish! Good for an afternoon wth lots of drills...

Let's have a better day tomorrrow even if it's never easy on the afternoon marked greens...

Wentworth, Tuesday 19 May 2015

Today is the launching of the 2015 Kings of Golf! As you know, the organizers asked me to invite two players for a spectacular 18 holes at Royal Zoute. This year, I'm going for a Bombers encounter. For some hot driving, I'm glad to invite Marcel Siem and Thomas Pieters. The German will be under some pression surrounded by the big hitting Belgians but nobody better than him can compete in that kind of situation.

Fore more info: Kings of Golf, Royal Zoute, 5-6 September, www.kingsofgolf.be

I arrived here on Saturday night and practiced on Sunday and had an 18 holes match against Marcel Siem who never refuses a good match with good stakes! He's a fantastic gamer but left the 18th green a bit lighter.

The quite smart Ian Dryden from Callaway made me a strong 3 wood 12° for Wentworth and gave it to me in Spain. I used it on Sunday and I'm impressed with it.

I used the same club on Monday at Walton Heath for a practice round. Played there with my buddy Tom De Raedt and his friends. We had some sunshine, a delight. Also, the strong 3 wood will definitely go in the bag after two successful tests.

Today, practice, short game and putting green drills to build that confidence that needs to be strenghtened. And also 9 more holes, maybe 18, depending the speed of play and the weather in Wentworth...

El Prat, Saturday 16 May 2015

Enjoyed the splendid weather and the quality driving range here in Barcelona to practice from 9.00 to 15.00, then flew to Wentworth to play 18 holes this Sunday and hoping also for a quite practice. As from Monday, the driving Range is packed and it's not easy to practice peacefully with the flightscope for example...

Still very disapointed about this last Friday...

More pictures on the Gallery

El Prat, Friday 15 May 2015

A nightmare from the first! It's gonna be training each day till Wentworth and also we'll pay a visit to Walton Heath to prepare the Qualification for the US Open on Monday 25 May.

El Prat, Thursday 14 May 2015

There was more than -1 to pull out this course this morning... but the game is quite good, I'm pleased with the way I'm hitting the ball. Very overcast morning today and then it became very hot, hopefully the wind is always rising around noon. Scores in the morning are better because the course is more souple thanks to the irrigation...

Tomorrow, I'll play in the afternoon with more wind and greens with a lot of markings. As I start from the first, I'll chase a few birdies before the turn. One thing for sure, it's not because the leader is at -7 that the final score will be 4 times this score, this course has a good defense...

El Prat, Wednesday 13 May 2015

Pro-Am day with the Captain of the Spanish National Team, an happy man, recently European Team Champion 2 years in a row 2013-14 (he appreciates Thomas Detry within the Belgian amateurs). Today, I fine tuned the strategy off the tee because I discovered some new tees that weren't there 4 years ago and the Tour may use them... 

Spend also some time on the range to fit a strong 3 wood for the following weeks. Wentworth is a course where I rarely can hit the driver, so I'm thinking about it and Brian Nilsson was also keen on testing this new gear...

It's still quite hot, here in Catalunya, over the 30°, 8° more than normal...

"Young Pieters" suffers from heyfever, I know the feeling, it's full of pollen in the air, he says that it doesn't bother him too much, but I can see that his eyes are a bit swollen... and it won't rain in the next days... Good luck Dude...

El Prat, Tuesday 12 May 2015

What a pleasure to be in Catalunya, on that great El Prat new course designed by Greg Norman. We arrived on Monday afternoon, and I spent straight away 3 hours on the practice range. Such a beautiful sunshine and perfect grass, I couldn't resist to work till 8.30 at night.

And today, first interview at 7.30 and then a had 9 holes and a lot of training all day long. Had lunch with young Pieters, having a lot of stories and films from his sister wedding last week-end!

Quite a tough track this week, I played here before in 2011, a few weeks after my first win in China! You can't be short on the greens or you can spin off the greens, sometimes 50 meters away...

Great to see Sergio Garcia (who nearly won the Players on Sunday), Miguel Angel Jimenez and Captain Jose Maria Olazabal, all the Spanish players are of course here. They are taking me to fantastic food places, houuuu love that!

Pro-Am tomorrow in the morning, a good opportunity to fine tune the feelings of this course...

Don't hesitate to look at the Gallery the pictures taken today by Philippe Gaudy...

Belgium, Thursday 7 May 2015

Quite a buzzy week, I enjoyed the super organized Knauf Day in Joyenval, thank you Lothar Knauf, Serge Azaïs and Yann Ditsch ... and the charity day on Wednesday at Hulencourt for "La tête hors de l'eau", always a pleasure to help children in need. Thank you Victor Swart for your contribution and Alain Brandeleer (La tête hors de l'eau) and James Beckman (Hulencourt) for the organization.

The good news for me is that my game is tuned. Yesterday night we spend some quality time with Mich at the practice range on a windy Royal Waterloo. Today, some more driving practice on a course...

On Monday, it was a real pleasure to discover the Tom Simpson designed Mortfontaine. They kept the design and the spirit of Simpson on all bunkers and greens, the heather is still all over the place. They didn't let the trees invade the course, it's still quite open, the trees are sparse. This must be an inspiration place for all the Simpson designed courses in Belgium.

Paris, Monday 4 May 2015

Back in Europe... Finally! Enjoyed some training this week in Royal Waterloo and Hulencourt but just now it's Paris for two days with my partner Knauf. And before going to Joyenval, I will enjoy 18 holes in Mortfontaine, a masterpiece designed by Tom Simpson in 1927, with my olf friend Marc Antoine Farry, the Pope of French Golf ;o)...

Great win Rory! Europe on top...Great move from Dany Willett...

By the way, Happy Birthday Rory...

Shangai, Wednesday 22 April 2015

Great memories with the Volvo China, my first win on the European Tour in 2011.

After a 2 month trip, this is my last week before a comeback to Belgium. Let's make it a good one. The good news is that I prefer the grass here in Shangai, not as grainy as last week...

Genzon GC, Tuesday 14 April 2015

What a stunning performance Jordan Spieth... Congrats for your well deserved Green Jacket! Great last round Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Paul Casey and Ian Poulter... well done Europe...

My first time here at Genzhon, Levy won here last year with Brian "Bo" Martin on his side!

Good to be back on Tour and to shake so many hands... Love it...

Royal Hills, Sunday 12 April 2015

Finished second after a playoff. Had a good day, -5, against a good field firing for low scores. -8, -6, -5's all over the score board... My only bogey came at the first playoff hole because of a drive, pushed right, I had to plays sideways under a tree, there came the bogey... Sad but with Brian we will keep one shot in mind: the chip on 18. 26 feet downhill, a lot of players would have choosen the putter (I would also a few months ago), but I took the sandwedge and had a go at it under the presssion of the crowd. A super smooth chip that ended next to the cup!

Great experience here, everybody seems happy of their week. The European Tour starts again next week in China, really looking forward to compete again and to see my Tour friends once again, it's been a long time ago, a lot of stories to be shared...

The Masters is so unpredictable, last year Spieth was leading by four on Sunday morning, but Bubba won... This year Spieth is stronger and more experienced, still 4 strokes ahead... But Rose and Mickelson can take their chances...

Royal Hills Golf Resort & Spa, Saturday 11 April 2015

No wonder there are so many good Thai golf players! The country has his own Tour with a great organization and superb courses. The standards are quite high and the level of performance is demanding. To play well you need your A game!

I seized the opportunity to be invited (I'm quite lucky and thankful to Singha), at the Singha Classic 2015 at Royal Hills Gold Resort & Spa because it's perfectly placed on my schedule, just after a too long break and just before the Chinese swing, next week and the week after... I'm back on track and solved the jetlag problematic...

Thailand is my second house, I enjoyed those two last weeks! Brian Nilsson and his lovely wife Fhon are making this week very special: golf, charity with juniors, food, music, friends, can't be thankful enough for their hospitality.

It's also Masters week, not easy too follow with the jet lag but Jordan is impressive, and I'm quite pleased to see Rose, Garcia and my good friend Hoffman up on the board, and I must say that Tiger's performance after those tough months is also spectacular.

Personally, I feel fine during this tournament so far after 3 rounds at -9 (18 birdies yet). The new driver Callaway Big Bertha Alpha Double Diamond makes wonders with the Mitsubishi Rayon XT 80 Flex 80 shaft (a 1/4 inch shorter). Mich Vanmeerbeek was right: with each new driver's head you need a different shaft to match with it, finally we've find the good blend and I like it very much... Today, I hitted all fairways that's why I had only one bogey... One more round to go on Sunday...

Phuket, Friday 27 March 2015

Those 3 weeks in Florida were very interesting. Played golf every day, sometimes more than 36 holes. The Bears in Jupiter next to West Palm Beach has everything a Touring Pro needs for his training with greens up to 13 on the stimpmeter! Thank you very much, Sandro Piaget, for your welcome at your home and for your commitment on being a perfect sparring partner, it was not easy to take your money on the golf course.

Mikko Ilonen, Alexander Noren, Thomas Pieters, Alexander Levy (and some others US Tour pro's) were also tough opponents to beat but the Swiss Belgian Team booked a lot of success... 

Played a few time with the very competitive Michael Jordan, tough to beat because of the quality of his short game, an asset for somebody who hates to loose... What a sense of competitiveness in the heat of the game, you could feel you were playing with a great champion!!! Loved your music and your cigar MJ...

A new Callaway driver may find his way into my bag, the Double Black Diamond with a new shaft has proved his efficency so far, I will test him on the Singha Tour in Bangkok before the 2 tournaments in China. To be confirmed.

Played with young Pieters at the Bears and he displayed some impressive bunker shots, he's really amazing in the sand!. Another Belgian doing well in Florida is Thomas Detry, 3rd at the Floridian, once more highest ranked player of his team, Illinois, N° 1 team in the States for the moment. He's building his game up, the serious stuff begins in May!

Going to bay Hill, I gathered with my "family" on the PGA Tour, the boys from the Callaway truck, fun to to see them, they were my island of smiles when I had tough times over there...

Discovered the new Titleist ball at the Honda Classic and they are already in the bag, another great Pro V1x this 2015 millesime.

My Program: Masters week, I'll play on the Singha Tour in Bangkok followed by the 2 tournaments in China.

Tomorrow: Come on Belgium ... in Football (our Football not the US one).

Sunday, 8 March 2015

Arrived here on Thursday after a last goodbye to a great Lady...

Time to practice to be ready in China, after a first tournament in Bangkok on the Singha Tour where I received an invitation thanks to Brian Nilsson 's wife, my next two tournaments will be the Schenzen and Volvo China Open,

Hope to see maybe the two Thomas's (Pieters and Detry) who are also in the States. So proud of Detry's win in Louisiana at -13 with 66 on the last round and a 6 strokes margin...

Here at the Bears, I will try some new equipment from DUNNING and a member of the Callaway staff will present me the new drivers to test. Looking forward to find a new tool, we will arrive in 2 month in the hart of the season when the Tour will land in Europe, and I want to play the new drivers for that period.

Tuesday, 10 February 2015

After those 4 first tournaments, time for a break with Raph Jacquelin, a mixt of hollyday and sport to keep the fitness.

Then more than three  weeks at The Bears in Florida before two good weeks in Thailand with a training week together with Marcel Siem and a tournament on the Singha Tour around Bangkok as final preparation before the two tournaments in China... But this calendar may change in accordance on how I'm playing...

Kuala Lumpur, Saturday 7 February 2015

After an useless Friday, that -5 of today was a good one. Starting on the 10, Brian told after the round that we could have scored birdies on each of the 9 last holes (from 1 to 9)... True that we peppered the flags and the 4 birdies left on greens were from less than 12 feet... but regrets are for journalists, we can only go forward with the real score and continue our routine till the confidence brings more regularity in the rounds...

Kuala Lumpur, Thursday 5 February 2015

It was very windy in the afternoon... not a bad opening score, one of the 5 best in the afternoon and the 5th score in total...

I lost a ball on the 18th but managed to make a birdie with the second ball... 'k ben content...

Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Vincent: Time is flying by, 4th tournament and we are already in February...

Total different atmosphere in hot and humid Asia, the green vegetation, the food, the culture... That's what Nicolas likes on The European Tour, the ever changing scenery and setting...

Today was the pro-am day, unusual on a Tuesday but good to check the course before another preparation day...

Starting times are out, Nicolas is playing with Alvaro Quiros and the 20 years old Black Mountain GC Thai Professional Jazz Janewattananond, a long hitter starting times for the crowd...

Dubai, Sunday 1 February 2015

Some good streaks and some bad ones, but this Desert swing is still a good start of the season. The swing is ok, the short game is improving and I will need a lot of putting drills to recover my full confidence. My workplan and routines are clearly defined, repetition, intensity and commitment are the values that will lift my game to the upper level.

Flying  to Malaysia now, going from a dry climat to a warm and humid one... Good memories there in Kuala Lumpur where I could have won last year without the brillant display of Lee Westwood!

Dubai, Friday 30 January 2015

Everything was not pink today, a black day with the putter ... 2 more days to go low...

Dubai, Thursday 29 January 2015

Solid round. All credit on Mich Vanmeerbeek for the quality of my long game. This Emirates course asks for long and precise driving with also great long irons. That's why you see guys like McIlroy, Westwood, Gallacher Kaymer, etc, playing well... Not my first 65 here but it was 14 years ago, during my first participation in 2001, Mich was already there and I was more than a rookie...

Young Pieters looked to appreciate this course also, his strong long game is the key here!

All the big guns are there, up on the leaderboard, and a long way to go...

Dubai, Wednesday 28 January 2015

Pro-am day today on an early shot gun tee times, I like that. Mich Vanmeerbeek did the last fine tuning on my swing. We discussed also on the best landing zones on the par 5. Because of the wind change - 180° change, from the land in the morning and a stronger breeze from the see, the wind swap starting between 10 and 11 AM - we need to find the right strategy with the two winds. On the 4 par 5's, I have 3 blind landing zones, sometimes the 3 wood will be used with less chance to get in 2 on the greens because those par 5's are well defended against long driving...

Very strong field here at the Emirates this week: Stenson, Kaymer, McIrloy, Mc Dowell, Oosthuizen, Garcia, Els, Gallacher, Illonen or Grace. With all those names, it's a little Major on the European Tour!

Dubai, Sunday 25 January 2015

A good arabian week-end (Friday-Saturday), finished 13th. it could have been better because I was going for the low score at the end. A bit unfortunate on 16 (no birdie), 7 feet on 17 for birdie (lip out) and 15 feet for eagle on 18...

Once again great to play with the Big Easy Ernie Els, the perfect partner, with his incredible inspiring rythm...

Flew Saturday night to Dubai, good to have one day off, before the last desert week on the Emirates course!

Doha Thursday 22 January 2015

Off a very bad start, driving wise. Double on the first hole and necer been near the flag on my regulation shots. I thought that I never would made the cut, I misses so many cuts by one on the last 2 years...

But, you know, Doha is not a piece of cake, even without wind, it proved to be a tough test, cut at -1!

Tomorrow I'll need to find fairways, then pins, then birdies... to climb this ladder...

Doha, Wednesday 21 January 2015

Well, well, well, not as windy as it can be, but enough wind to disturb the way you design your shots in Qatar than the high shots we can play in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Not that warm neither...

2 shorts putts missed asked for a long session on the putting green after the round, all set now...

Abu Dhabi, Monday 19 January 2015

What a scenario, what an extraodinary performance from Gary Stal, such a lovely person, well deserved on the way he mastered the greens in Abu Dhabi!

Good tournament for Thomas Pieters, top 5 finish is always a key of great form.

My 4 days were uneven, scoring wise. The long game is getting there whilst the putter is still a bit rusty... But overall, i'm not disapointed, the confidence is building, the preparation was appropriate, let's go next week to the more windy Doha to confirm the progress in my game.

By the way, the desert stretch is a great start to the season and I found it also brillant to see the Commercial Bank extend their sponsorship of the @CBQatarMasters for another 3 years...

Abu Dhabi, Thursday 15 January 2015

Good start of the season, and "Young" Pieters (his surname on Tour) had even a much better one!

Great course, not too much wind, not to demanding, precise driving was compulsory...

The birdie on the first tournament hole of the year had a special taste, not as good as my first chip of the year on the 4th (Hole 13). Never been overdrived ;0))) today, with a few bombs and a costly quiet drive blocked at the 11th (Hole 2), good for my first double bogey of the season :0(((.

No bogeys ;0) today and 29 putts, to be confirmed in a near future...

Abu Dhabi, Wednesday 14 January 2015

Great to be back on the Europeantour. 

I arrived here in Abu Dhabi on Monday night with all my team: Mich, Jérôme and Vincent. We were last week in Dubai where we had a 6 days golf camp at the Emirates and Jumeirah Golf. Before that, I did a 12 days crossfit camp in Phuket (Thailand) on the Unit 27.

The Dubai camp was important to prepare the 2015 season. From driving to putting, all my game has been fine tuned, we did a lot of work also with the help of Pete Cowen and Mike Walker. We had also two invitees: Hughues Joannes and Thomas Detry!  They worked hard and appreciated the quality of work and the infrastructures (Thanks Wayne Johnson) we had choosed for this week. And on top of that the weather has been perfect all week.

Last week-end in Dubai we also met Thomas Pieters and his Illinois coach Mike Small (who also is the coach of the University Illinois team for Thomas Detry). So it was very profitable for Mike to learn what Tom Detry is working with us and I told Mike that I won't be surprised that Tom D. will have a great year, his game is really upgrading, I'm excited to follow his progress through the year... We played together with Thorbjorn Olesen who was also impressed by the game of our young Belgian Amateur!

Today I play the pro-am, let's move into a competitive mood, it's been nearly 2 months, I feel a little rusty but looking forward to that first round on Thursday with my Spanish friend and long hitter Alvaro Quiros!

Thailand, Thursday 1 January 2015

Best wishes for this new year, happiness, heath and success, that all your dreams come true!

Hulencourt, Wednesday 17 December 2014

Last coaching day of the year with the Bombers with the hole staff (Mich, Jérôme, Blaise) and our guest star Dr Serge Balon-Perin, the well known Sport doctor specialized in nutrition. What to eat, what to drink, when to do it, Dr Balon Perin told us what all junior sportsmen should do. Earlier sportsmen have good diet, the better it is for their career and their health and fitness!

We did also some fitness. Since September we are working on our posture, not only in front of the ball, but also at school, on a chair, in the street... quite important, we'll keep on eye on it in 2015!

in the afternoon, Jérôme and Mich worked with all the Bombers on their putting and their swing, hopefully we had no rain and mild temperatures!

And in the morning, I met the Belgian press for a debriefing of 2014 and a preview of 2015!

With all the coaches, we would like to thank Hulencourt GC and Philippe Feller (2PM), who was present tonight, for their help on the success of this 2014 Junior Bombers' year!

Thursday, 11 December 2014

It's for me quite difficult, certainly for somebody like me who travels so much, having all my European Tour communications and  the travel flights arrangement done by emails, to always have the right Mobile phone packages and to know all the roaming rules country by country. Proximus client service helped me out with different issues I had recently and I'm therefore quite thankful to them! When Belgian companies are good, we need to tell it!

Dominique Leroy, CEO Proximus, we don't know each other but if you need any help in the golf world, don't hesitate, my team and myself will be there!

Thursday, 4  December 2014

Played -2 today during the Afrasian Masters at Anahita in Mauritius, 1 stroke less than Heini Otto -3...

But before flying to Mauritius, and even if I didn't have much time in Belgium, I went to Spa to see the evolution of a real estate project that I share with Bertrand Baguette (Pilot Racing Super GT) and the duo Laurent Minguet and Serge Lejeune: "les Villas de Balmoral".

It's exciting because the three first appartments are nearly totally finished now (in total 4 villa's and 30 appartments). I quite like the look and feel and the atmosphere of the Resort. I did learn a lot during the building, like all the engeneering: Efficient insulation, double flow ventilation, heat pumps and boilers running on wood pellets live side by side in the same logical and discreet system, the open fires and high quality building materials of these thirty flats are certified as energy-saving.

Don't hesitate to have a look at the website and the photo galleries: www.villasbalmoral.be

Anahita, Sunday 30 November 2014

Always an enjoyment to be in Anahita.

It has been a long season and it's quite nice to finish in Mauritius! This is a Pro-Am week where I will have the pleasure to play in shorts (I love to play golf in shorts).

I'm there with my new Big Bertha Double Diamond and I think that my amateur mates will love some of the lines that I'll play from the tees on this Ernie Els track. Great course, beautiful greens and the holes along the reef are simply gorgeous.

Let's wrap up this 2014 season ... finally in a relaxed mood!

Dubai, Sunday 23 November 2014

A decent last round in 67 shots... Let's roll on, 2015 is ahead, 2 great years in perspective with the Olympic Games and The Ryder Cup... This 2014 season was quite difficult  sport wise and personal wise. Great last 3 months, I saved the season but now happy to look forward to the new year in 6 weeks time...

I'll fly tonight to NY to choose all my gear (clothes) for 2015 at Dunning. Will meet Frank Dunning and look what they prepared for next year!

Watch out the European Tour website in the next days, they prepared a film to talk about the Driving distance award... I need to thank all the Callaway staff for my new Big Bertha Alpha Double Diamond driver, my new mate for 2015 (same shaft - new head)! The Belgian Bomber best friend more than ever!

New week, one more tournament before Abu Dhabi 2015, the Afrasian Masters on Anahita Four Seasons Mauritius. Won that tournament once and I need a win this year, so...

Dubai, Saturday 22 November 2014

You know what? I'm exhausted... Slept very badly, had sour legs this morning. But some birdies were falling in the front nine before I had a slump and made 4 bogeys, the one on 10 killed my momentum...

Still one day to score a -4 on this course and finish at -5... and maybe more if the ball rolls for me... With a very slow tempo, I don't feel that much pain on my left foot with the driver...

I sicerely want to thank the numerous Belgians who followed me today, sorry for teeing so early!

I learned this today: they are 3.000 Belgians in the Emirates and Belgium is the 3rd economical partner of the UAE thanks mainly to Besix and the Dredging business...The Emirates flights are 90% full from Brussels to Dubai since they began 6 weeks ago...A success!

Dubai, Friday 21 Novembre 2014

The same day... I could easily be 5 under but I managed the par 5's poorly, surely on the driving. The left foot is still in the way, I keep too much weight on the right foot and I have then the tendency to draw the ball too much...

Still two rounds to go...

Dubai, Thursday 20 November 2014

And yet another frustrating day where more birdies could fall in my basket... But the long game is wonderfully in shape, so I'm still really up there, I had 2 shots who finished in a divot, and didn't receive any good break on the greens... The pain at the left foot bothered me on 2 or 3 shots but it will not stop me to try to climb the ladder of the leaderboard in the next days...

A lot of Belgians here, a few good friends also, I even made a few pictures with nice Belgian ladies at the DP World hospitality, always a pleasure !

After the round I had the honor to have dinner with the legendary Sir Jackie Stewart with all the Rolex staff, Arnaud Boetsch, Arnaud Laborde and Jean-Noël Bioul, and some of the European directors like George O'Grady our Chief executive. 

Dubai, Wednesday 19 November 2014

Vincent: Finally great weather on Tour, perfect timing because the top 60 players of the European are here  playing their Grand Final. Of course, we know already that king Rory won't be threatened but the battle will be heroic!

Unfortunately, Nicolas hurted his left foot, the physio's use cryogenics to help reduce the inflammation, but he can walk 18 holes and swing...

The course is in immaculate condition, the greens are fantastic, best of the year, rolling beautifully, fast and true. The track is quite long and the Greg Norman's 120 bunkers with their big faces are quite impressive.

Tomorrow 8.50 am Dubai time with Kristoffer Broberg.

Antalya, Sunday 16 November 2014

Finally some better scoring this week, even with 2 bad drives on 18 and 1. 8 birdies today, so in shape before Dubai. Patience was the word, I needed 72 holes to get in red figures!

Always good to hear some stories from Colin Montgomerie, he was also the designer of this course and we had a good time...

Antalya, Saturday 15 November 2014

Second round under par in tough circumstances, I had a bad 4 holes 6-7-8-9 before the turn but 5 birdies on the other 14 holes was nice. With the rain and the cold humid air, the golfball didn't flew as far (maybe 15 to 20 meters lost on each drive), so we all had to check the distances and the club selection again...

Sunday, the weather will be better, let's make a good score in preparation of Dubai.

Antalya, Friday 14 November 2014

Birthday today, but ugly weather, play is suspended till tomorrow 8.00 (local Time) . We will keep the same groups for the 3rd round and my starting time is at 10.45 local time with Marc Warren and Tommy Fleetwood.

Off a great start but went in the water at the 6th and missed some opportunities on 5, 7 and 10. 3 putted the 11 under a gusting rainy storm situation just before the play was suspended. Still 6 holes to play!

Antalya, Thursday 13 November 2014

Frustrating putting day and after 12 greens in regulation, 3 golf balls in a row in the water hazard on 4 and the day was totally crashed...

Tomorrow revenge...

Antalya, Tuesday 11 November 2014

I had a 4 o'clock AM message telling that my luggage was been found and that it would be at 7 AM at the hotel... And that's was right, well done Turkish Airlines!

I enjoyed to play the pro-am on a course that's much more competitive than last year. The rough is so tough, 20 cm deep, where the ball sits always at the bottom, quite demanding! Also the greens are much firmer and faster than last year. It has become  a real test off the tee and I don't think that we'll go as deep as -24 like the last edition... many slopes on the green and as they are fast, they are not easy at all to score on!

Antalya, Monday 10 November 2014

Well, s... happens, but it's the third time recently that my luggage didn't arrive! After 8 hours of search nobody can still locate it!!!! A little desperate right now...

Lake Malaren, Sunday 2 November 2014

Before this tournament, I would have signed for a Top 10. My level of confidence on the green is not yet at 75% but the putting on Thursday and Friday was good. When things toughened up on Saturday and after having shaved the 4 first holes, I felt that my confidence was not yet optimal.

But Rome was not made in one day. And I need to emphasize on the positive: Jump of 20 places at R2D 39^th now, jump on the World Ranking, N°1 in Driving Distance thanks to my CALLAWAY Driver, N°7 in Green in regulation...

Newt week, rest week in Phuket Thailand  before the two last tournaments of the Final Series in Belek and Dubai.

Lake Malaren, Saturday 1 November 2014

When the putter is cold, 34 putts, a nightmare... but there is a 4th day...

Lake Malaren, Friday 31 October 2014

Vincent: Good timing for Nicolas. He's in good form when the course suits really his game. It rained a lot and even if the tees are forward today, the course is still playing quite long. After finding the fairways, Nicolas displayed a great iron game on his second shots. It's only half way, 36 more holes to be played and a lot of players in great form. Since mid-September some players are showing some great golf like Alex Levy of course, Marcel Siem, Romain Wattel, Mikko Ilonen or Branden Grace. And what about the Ryder Cup stars, like McDowell, Bjorn, Donaldson, Rose or Dubuisson. They all can finish with -16 for the next two rounds.

No cut, but the third round will be an attacking round, that's for sure!

Lake Malaren, Tuesday 28 October 2014

There we go for the Final Series... After a great week in Thailand, back on track with a great field of players. Good to see Marcel, Justin,  Gonzalo, Thorbjorn, Francesco and all the others...

Lake Malaren is a great course!

Chiang Mai - Hua Hin - The Nilsson's

This is a week that I need so badly: yoga, meditation, nature, wilderness, food, friends, more food, dog and more friends. A week where I find my inner center.... thank you Fohn and Brian for your true friendship...

Next Monday: off to Shangay to play the BMW Masters, the first leg of the Race to Dubai Playoff's!

European Tour announced that the Top 69 players after Perth will be selected...

Hong Kong, Friday 17 October 2014

After a solid -4 yesterday, I had for the first time a great night of sleep but waked up totally dizzy, maybe an after-effects of the jetlag??? No juice, no adrenaline, weak mind, weak body, impossible to score...

Ok, no need to complain, just accepting the situation... I'll fly tomorrow to Bangkok with Fohn and Brian for a Thai Week before the BMW Masters!

Hong Kong, Tuesday 14 October 2014

Good news, all my bags found, they will arrive tomorrow with the next flight from Frankfurt... Pfiouuuu

This was a comment when they didn't find yet my bags:

Making such a long flight and arriving here in Hong Kong without any luggage is a nightmare. This is certainly the most expensive ticket in Business Class that I ever bought, you can buy a car with that kind of money, and I couldn't practice today... I'm playing in one of the main flight with Miguel A. Jimenez (last year winner) and Kiradech Aphibarnrat on Thursday, how the hell can they not find my luggage, a black bag and an enormous travel golfbag!!! Third time this year, a year of all kind of records it seems...I hate that situation!

Frankfurt, Monday 13 October 2014

On my way to Hong Kong... some good news: 130^th World Ranking and 58^th on the Race to Dubai... On the move and still 4 tournaments to go...

Vilamoura, Sunday 12 october 2014

So this day began well but turrned out to be a nightmare for the golfcourse, the super heavy rain we had around 1.30 killed the greens and the bunkers...

The decision was to cancel the third round and to keep the results as after 36 holes with 75% of the Prize Money distributed!

Vilamoura, Friday 10 October 2014

Vincent: What an awkward day: we had rain, rain and more rain. It only rains for 4 days in Algarve and it's now. What a pity because it's a wonderful tournament. I think that the tournament will only be played on 54 holes, Nicolas will play 2 more holes tomorrow at 8.00 to complete his 2nd round and the other players will have also to complete their 2nd round... Not easy to find your rythm in those circumstances (very difficult during 18 and 1), well not for everybody because Alexander Levy signed a superb 61, he will be on the lead Sunday morning and will rest tomorrow all day...

Vilamoura, Thursday 9 October 2014

Vincent: Story of the day: a great try for 59! Finally -11, best score ever for Nico, -9 was his best in tournament... A solid display from 1 to 18 with a hot finish after the eagle on 15 because the fantom of 59 became a possible reality. Great rythm all day, 17 greens, 2 eagles, 7 birdies, no bogeys...

Vilamoura, Wednesday 8 october 2014

Kings of Golf by Optima what a success and what an opportunity to have those wonderful personnalities in Belgium! thanks again to the public, Andy Hancock and his VAAV crew, the Marshalls, the RZGC staff and Jos, Léopold Lippens (my preferred Maire in the world) and last but not least Jeroen Pikeur... the cornerstone of the Kings of Golf.

Travelled here with Thomas Pieters whom we play the golf to Rio on Monday in la Tournette. An olympic day with all the COIB partners, always a pleasure.

Time to tackle that Victoria course this week. This is the last tournament in Europe for this season. These last ones are very important for many players on different rankings. I'll have a go to reach the R2D finals...

Here is an overview of my program for the coming weeks (subject to change according to intermediate results):

• European Tour: Portugal, Hong Kong, Perth,
• Asia: Thailand (Chiangmai) and Japan (Dunlop)

More details in my schedule

Monday Thomas Pieters and me will participate in an event set up by the COIB-BOIC, with an eye on the next games in Rio where golf and rugby will be the most recent addition to the sports already represented, and replacing softball and baseball.

This promotional day will take place in Château de La Tournette Monday 6 October.

Tuesday, 23 september 2014

So happy that Miguel Angel Jimenez accepted our invitation to play the Kings of Golf. This will be a wonderful 4 BBB for all Belgian golfers and for our charities. More than 30 years of history of the European Tour and the Ryder Cup will be present at Royal Zoute. I'm really grateful to Sam, Txema and Miguel to spend this afternoon of golf on Sunday 6 october.

More personally, I'm relieved to be back in a position to win again on Tour. It was quite close in Wales and that birdie on 17 could have open the doors of the play-off. Anyway Joost Luiten was in super form this week after a strong build up with a 4^th place in Italy, and a 5^th at the KLM, there are no secrets...

Great day in Royal Zoute with partner 2PM. I had the pleasure to hand them pictures of the Junior Bombers who had a solid summer, 2 pictures that will find proudly a place on their wall of the new 2PM offices in Knokke.

RYDER CUP week. So happy to be there with the team in Gleneagles. I will follow them very closely with a micro of the BBC radio in the hand, I'm really looking forward to! GO EUROPE...

Celtic Manor, Thursday 18 September 2014

My trustful CALLAWAY driver did it again. 447 yards longest drive on 18 in Celtic Manor. Longest drive ever on the European Tour! But more important, I made an eagle on that hole for some mojo on my game...

Anyway, it's in the Record book!

Today 66 -5

Celtic Manor, Tuesday 16 September 2014

Vincent: "After a good week in Holland, Nicolas flew this morning to Wales to play the ISPS Handa Wales Open on the famous Celtic Manor course. There's already a pre-Ryder Cup flavor because this course was the scene of the 38th edition of the Ryder Cup in 2010. Europe won 16 1/2 - 11 1/2 against USA and the European Captain was Colin Montgomerie.

Speaking about next week's Ryder cup, 4 players from the European Team will be in Celtic Manor: Lee Westwood, Stephen Gallacher, Thomas Bjorn ans Welshman Jamie Donaldson (who never won yet his national open...)!"

For Nicolas this open played on a very challenging course is another opportunity to make some move on the Race to Dubai order of Merit...

Kennemer, Tuesday 9 September 2014

After two days in Belgium, I arrived safely in Zandvoort to play the KLM Open. Thanks Daan Slooter for your invite, you know that I have a great respect for your (your team) capacity to organize such a big event so close to our country. All my congrats to you, dear neighbours. I'm a great fan of all tournaments organized on the European continent, our craddle of golf!

I enjoyed quite a lot those two days spent with friends, it was refreshing to be back on homesoil even if can't complain of this Swiss week. On Monday at Ravenstein with the Business club of the Leopold Club (field hockey) invited by Softimat, the company of good friend Bernard Lescot. And on Tuesday, Knauf had the brillant idea to bring some invitees together at the Naxhelet Golf Club. What a discovery! I'm so proud to witness that, in Belgium, some people who bravely build such ambitious golf course with splendid infrastructure. A future jewel on the Belgian crown... Félicitations Françoise and Bernard Jolly! Like always this Knauf golf day was perfectly organized by Lothar Knauf, Serge Azaïs and Patrick Renard. They are members of my golfing family! Thanks for your support.

Kennemer week = intense week. Wednesday: Training early morning then Press conference then Pro-Am at 1.00 PM!

Crans-Montana, Monday 1 September 2014

[Vincent:] Flory Van Donck pro-Am today. Flory was a Pro here in Crans, he was the teacher of Olivier Barras, a great young Swiss player, 8 times Swiss champion, who unfortunately lost his life during a car crash on the Monza circuit in 1964...

By the way, did you know that Flory has been also, and for a long time, coach on the National German amateur Team?

Crans is not an easy course for Nicolas, the golfballs are flying so far at this altitude, difficult to control the exact distance. The main concern will be on the greens, Nicolas needs to regain confidence and lower his putting average, even if the long game is great and that he's hitting a lot of greens... But for now all is in the putting...

Change in the schedule: the KLM Open is in, good to play at our neighbors in Kennemer.

Brussels, Monday 25 August 2014

Even if the Belgian weather is in super form, this Monday was a great moment meeting Thierry Neuville, Andre Lotterer, this week-end heroes. This Stars and Drives day is a great initiative by Monroe to bring some motor sport and sport(wo)men in general (Xavier Malisse, Philipe Saive and many others). Special Congrats to Thierry for his extraordinar win in the WRC Rally in Germany. A real stunt!

Very early start tomorriow to Italy, for a great tournament site: Circolo do golf Torino La Mandria. This is the home of the Brothers Molinari, a rare quality place! I love the food, the language, the course and the people...

Prague, Monday 18 August 2014

One good day last week and then a sore neck on Friday that turned worst on Saturday. Could only do 1/2 swings and no envy whatshowever to withdraw from the tournament..

Now in Prague, trying to be fit for this tournament who looks like a great nex venue on the European Tour. Thi is the future of the European Tour. So quite glad to be there...

Brussels, Monday 11 August 2014

Vincent: After an important fine tuning with Mich Vanmeerbeek last week in St Nom la Bretèche, Nicolas is ready to return on Tour tomorrow. Direction Denmark, for the Made in Denmark Open. Mich and Nicolas worked a lot on the putting routine with a new line on the ball to ensure a right set up. All the tunings are implemented to recover Nicolas' confidence on the greens.

Program: 4 weeks tournaments in a row: Denmark, Prague, Torino and Crans-sur-Sierre. After that, a week off before Wales and the Kings of Golf, the Charity at Royal Zoute with Txema Olazabal.

Congrats Rory McIroy and Cheers the Belgian Flag today

Superb defense by Sergio Garcia at Hoylake but Rory was untouchable...

Speaking about the Belgian Flag, what about the win of Pierre Relecom in Switzerland yesterday!

1 Month Break preparing the next 4 Tournaments on the European Tour

• DANISH OPEN
• CZECH OPEN
• ITALIAN OPEN
• SWISS OPEN
  

Aberdeen, Wednesday 9 July 2014

Vincent: well, yesterday night was Marcel Siem night. A lot of european golf pro's are keen footballers or at least passionnate fans.

Back to golf, this tournament is quite important for all those players who wants to find one of the last three spots available to participate at The Open.

For Nicolas, finding the confidence to score on the greens is a must to grab one of these spots and to perform at the Open also. But the B plan is not the end of the world, there is a lot of golf yet to be played this year. If Nicolas doesn't get in the British, he will enjoy 2 weeks of hollyday and 2 weeks of training before the Danish Open in August! The purpose is to have his A game from tee to green to be able to make his confidence growing in August to insure a strong end of the year! The real new start in Europe will be in August...

Golf National, Friday 4 July 2014

Vincent: to all our american friends, happy Independence Day, To Marcel Siem: congrats für die Mannshaft

Nicolas will play this week-end in Paris, it's all about confidence, certainly on the greens since a few weeks... Good training with an inspired Brian on the puting green...

The Golf National is quite demanding but maybe not for Kevin Stadler cruising at -10 and holing tons of putts (he was playing in front of us).

Thanks for all the Belgian visitors! Thanks for Lance Young (Excel) to visit us in Europe...

Pleased to see Julien Brun (Amateur) making the cut... we played together on Tuesday, lovely player, great personality...

Golf National, Tuesday 1 July 2014

Vincent: Nicolas arrived in Paris on Saturday and had a lot of putting since then after the disapointing results at the US open and Germany...

Two good long training days, Nicolas played 9 holes with Thomas Pieters and made a match Belgium France against two young but brillant french players Julien Brun and Leonard Bem. Julien finished quite strong with a birdie on 18 to force a french win!

Rolex Pro-Am this Wednesday afternoon, the course seems perfect with super fast greens and heavy rough...

And on Thursday great threesome with Cicco Molinari (Francesco) and Alvaro Quiros (since Nicolas and Alvaro played together in the European Royal Trophy Team they call themselves "partner")!

Football: AND WHAT ABOUT THAT WIN AGAINST A GREAT US TEAM!!!!!!! Belgians are brave!

KINGS Of GOLF presented by OPTIMA - Royal Zoute 4-5 October with Jose Maria Olazabal and Sam Torrance

Nicolas: I arrived here in Köln on Monday morning with Jérôme, quite happy to be back on the European Tour and even more happy to announce you that Jose Maria Olazabal will join Sam Torrance and myself for the Kings of Golf, 2^nd edition, in Royal Zoute on the 4 and 5^th October.

It's a real honor and a great pleasure to have "my captain" joining us for the week-end after the Ryder Cup. Txema is a wonderful man and an extraordinary competitor, it will be a great week-end for golf in Belgium and also for the 3 charities we will be playing for.

Thanks again for all the companies supporting that project!

Visit the tournament's site...

Pinehurst, Tuesday June 10 2014

Vincent writing: What a lovely course with beautiful holes but so penalizing on and around the greens. All greens are bowled and very firm! I won't be surprised that 12 greens in regulation is a good average... Nicolas doesn't have the feeling that the final score will be under par... The second shots are long towards tiny landing zone on greens, you need to find the postage stamps to be able to stop the ball without falling off the greens.

It reminds us the spirit of some of the courses around London with a lot of heather zones, maybe Houthalen if you add 20ha and 750 meters length. There is no rough here, only sand and plants, or trees... So, you are on the fairway or on sand and maybe unplayable because of a plant...

Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore redesign the rough to recover the native state of sand areas that were present when Donald Ross designed it! Great respect of the spirit of the game ...

Nicolas played 9 holes this morning at 6.45 from the 10TH and will play 9 others around 2.30 PM. Nicolas tried different clubs around the greens. The grass (the grain) is against you when chipping from below the bowls. 2 iron, 6 iron, 54° wedge, putter, 3 wood are all used... If it's wet in the morning, the putter won't work off the greens...

This course is extra long, they kept only two par 5 and we have par 4's over 480 meters!!! It's a par 70! Even if it's a second shot course because of the greens, the driving will be Nicolas' key this week. With a  confortable driving you'll find fairways and will be closer to the greens than playing defensive to secure fairways.... this is one of the strategic equation to solve here at Pinehurst another will be to choose the right club to chip around the greens!

Nicolas played 9 holes in the afternoon with Justin Rose and Ryan Moore. Great display of shots, Sean Foley, Justin'coach, is a real fan of Nicolas'game...

Special training in Gleneagles from Wednesday till Sunday

Next tournaments: US Open - BMW International Germany Open - Alstom Open de France - Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open

Muirfield Village, Monday 26 May 2014

Played 18 holes today in Wentworth and the course is already quite firm...

Partners were, Siem, Wiesberger and Olesen... Good fun...

Girona, Sunday 16 May 2014

Congrats Thomas Pieters !!!!!! Great performance... Now ahead to Wenworth and the BMW PGA Championship!

Hulencourt, Wednesday 7 May 2014

Very intersting afternoon with some 40 slides on the Golfers Mind with the Junior Bombers and some training on the course afterwards.

Philippe Feller and David Verbrugghe, 2PM Directors, joined us in Hulencourt this Wednesday. 2PM is my partner for the Junior Bombers...

30 PICTURES (click Gallery and then Junior Bombers 2PM Golf Hulencourt)

New Website in a few weeks - No blog management available

Visit Tournament's site - see left

Thank you for your understanding,

Nicolas

Kuala Lumpur, Sunday 20 April 2014

After a few holes I felt this was not an attacking day for me, I was not comfortable enough on the greens... And this course can bite back on the back nine... I decided to play on my experience and apply the "catenaccio"... Nothing fancy but without letting strokes slipping. I could go for the -12 but I decided to wait the 18^th. I hit a good one but just caught the pre rough, so I couldn't go for the green in 2. My 3^rd was a bit pumped... from there I needed to secure the 2^nd place.

61 at the Race 2 Dubai after 1 tournament and I might come back in the top 100...

I needed to change my flights, will stay in Kuala Lumpur till Monday night and then off to Hong Kong to reach Shenzen and the Volvo China Open...

Just an eye blink to my faithful team who organized me a great week before flying here... Good job guys.

And what about 2 Belgian Flags up there! Even in New York you'll find some happy smiles this morning at Excel Sports!

Kuala Lumpur, Saturday 19 April 2014

Again that 72 is a good one even if I had preferred shooting much lower. But, you know I was nervous playing with Lee Westwood last off (my putting was shaky) and it was the hottest day of the week... Some suffers less than others, for me it's time that the tournament ends, it's really draining!

Tomorrow??? Well all will depend on how I can score on the first nine. Those three par 5's (3-5-10), need to be played under par, I'll need an early cushion, because tomorrow with the huge audience expected, the flags and the humid heath, there are gonna be bogeys on the card...

Hope is not enough on Tour... I 'll need a good driving and a lot of greens, this is my pace setter game...

Kuala Lumpur, Friday 18 April 2014

Started the momentum again during the 8 first holes but was surprised then by some putts staying short in line and lost my mojo on the back nine due also to two drives that went to the left...

But not far from the leader, good to be back in the hunt...

Kuala Lumpur, Thursday 17 April 2014

Last week was a great one, I could put everything in perspective. I'm swinging well for the moment and already scored well on the Pro-Am with 7 birdies and 1 eagle... 

Good round today, -6 with 8 birdies, even if my driving wasn't good at the practice this morning, I was able to steer a kind of second serv' during the all round but couldn't make birdies on some par 5's... Fixed it with Brian after the round, so we're all good for tomorrow... We did some drills also on the putting green.

Hope I can get rid of my soar throat and escape some annual angina... I cross my fingers since Wednesday afternoon...

Light fitness with Emilio this afternoon... I'm not in super power form but I like to do the job...

See the pictures of the practice and first round (pics by Fohn)

Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday 15 April 2014

Early morning practice round (18 holes) with Havret and Wiesberger, happy to be here even if it's super warm and humid. Early is the key, there are often thunderstorms in the afternoon...

Brian came with his lovely wife Fohn, long time no see but always a pleasure! I didn't come alone neither...

Happy to be here on the European tour, the Tour of diversity... very refreshing even with the temperatures here...

Play solidly today, I saw an happy Brian after a few shots ;o), tomorrow drills, pro-am and a few duties for the organizers now that they have two belgians on their tournament, a world "premiere" ;o)! Tom is not alone anymore, we'll boost him, godverdoemme (this is not a Malaysian word)!

Brussels, Sunday 13 April 2014

Fun day at Hulencourt with the Junior Bombers yesterday. wanted to show them some serious golf, everybody from the tips, in stroke play! Played -8, -4 on each loop. I hope they learned a lot about trajectories, strategy, thinking around the course, attitude (I saw one too slow, one who couldn't stop grumbling and moaning, one who couldn't chip, one with too low trajectories...), Mich and jérome will fix that....

Junior Bombers is about learning, sharing the passion of golf and the values of sport...

Great night with Jerome and family and Vince with a sushi session in front of the Masters... And the winner will be...? Will it be for a past winner Bubba, the young Spieth (I liked his scoring yesterday) or, like usual,  The famous legend of the Masters will make his own choice in the last 9 with, wht not?, an experienced player like Kooch, Bjorn or Vince's favorite Jimenez? Vince is looking forward to see the Andalusian receiving the green jacket with a glass of Bordeaux and a real cuban cigar in front of millions of spectators. I must admit this would be an unforgettable moment, with a speach that nobody would understand. But the way Miguel Angel plays for so many years, he certainly deserves a Major! Super player with an incredible touch...

Tonight, I will be in the plane for Malaysia (I'll fly Etihad, guess why?), so no Masters final in a confortable couch for me, but I wish every golfer to have a great night to follow the last 9 holes... a thriller in perspective!

Brussels, Saturday 12 April 2014

Yesterday, before looking at the Masters, I had another visit to my physio, it's all good. Nothing hurts anymore. I was already able to train again on Wednesday after Blaise's green light. A lot of distance control shots with the flightscope from 40 to 120 meters with Vince and Jérôme calling the shots. in fact we have decided to drill two types of shots: the 3 to 4,5 meters putt and the wedges between 70 and 120 meters.

Richard is also happy on my overall physical form, on the European Tour i will have the help of Emilio, the Spanish trainer of Txema, Gonzalo and other Spanish players!

Great news: today we'll having a training at Hulencourt with the Junior Bombers. Mich is quite enthusiastic with the progress of the bombers, we will see that together on the range and on the course. Thanks again 2PM for giving us a great help for this initiative...

Tomorrow Sunday, I'll fly from Paris to Malaysia, for a long stretch in Asia, then in the USA (Wells Fargo in Charlotte) before coming back in Europe to play Spain and the BMW PGA Ch'ip in Wentworth, I know it's a lot of travelling but that's what I need, the variety of different cultures...

Houston, Friday 4 April 2014

On the advices of the physio's here in Houston, it's better to stop playing. Since yesterday on the beginning of the round, I felt a pain in my neck, I was far from swinging at 100%, afraid to provoke a more important injury. We couldn't solve it overnight and this morning on the range I decided to withdraw from the tournament.

It was 5 tournaments in a row, with a lot of training and exhibitions and no great results, my body needs some break, that's what it means I think.

I need to solve this very quickly. Blaise Erpicum is the man, more than anyone, he knows how to heal my body and certainly this neck pain. So I will fly back to Brussels to solve this problem straight away.

Message to the tournament organisers and volunteers at the Shell Houston:  "Thanks for providing us with the fantastic venue, and looking after us the way your people did. I hope I can compete in Houston (great course by the way) again in the future."

Next week will be oo and I'll wait the medical decision to fix my schedule...

Houston, Wednesday 2 April 2014

Here is my new bag:

Driver Callaway Big Bertha with the same blue Motore Speeder X flex shaft

3 wood Callaway Big Bertha 14° Fujikura 100 gr X flex

irons 3-9 Callaway Prototype x flex (Iron 2 Mizuno Fli-hi 18°)

Wedges Callaway Mac Daddy 53-58-60°

Putter Odyssey White Hot Mallet Pro V-Lie

Tonight, Baseball match to support the Houston ASTROS...

Houston, Tuesday 1 April 2014

Mich arrived yesterday and today we played and trained. He was quite happy how I'm swinging the club, we also had a great short game session. The Callaway new wedges are in the bag, Roger Cleveland made a super job, I liked them straight away!

After the driver, the 3 wood is also in the bag, the Callaway engineers worked with the shaft industry and they found a 100gr shaft that match perfectly with the Big Bertha 3 wood head. I have all the shots I want and need, this is an edge.

San Antonio, Friday 27 March 2014

Very disapointing start. Missing some fairways but nevertheless, I had twice 2 meters to save par and I missed them. Then I lost a ball on a recovery shot, an event that happend once every 5 years, hit a branch and the ball disappeard.

Good fight from the 9, to keep the ball in play from the tee. I began to hit more greens and was able to finish in style with my first (and very late) eagle of the year.

It's gonna be a week-end of work instead a week-end of competition...

San Antonio, Thursday 26 March 2014

Very foggy, 2h30 delayed start, and conditions not so simple...

Good start, followed by a drive that cost 3 strokes, with a good bunker shot single putt for 6! And  bogey on the following, damned. Then had just a bad 3 putt on the last par 3.

Had some good drives like on the 5^th hole 5 hit with the driver (312m), or my longest of the day, 352 meters.

Good challenge tomorrow to play in the week-end!

Chris Liley in on the bag, I'll join Brian back in Malaysia in 2 weeks... Chris and me worked together in 2003 and 2004, 9 years now that he's been working for Raph Jacquelin...

San Antonio, Tuesday 25 March 2014

Arrived in texas yesterday night from West Palm Beach. I had a fine Sunday at The Bears Club, playing 36 holes with Pierre Relecom who was invited by his friend and fellow pro on Tour, Sandro Piaget. The three of us, we had a great day, Pierre's game is in good shape.

First time in San Antonio, well known thanks to their basket ball team with Tony Parker playing there now for 12 years! 

Quite an history, this tournament is played since 1922, let's discover it...

Bay Hill, Friday 20 March 2014

There was much more than a 74 and 75, I need to find my confidence back and I'm working on it with Julie... I will come back here at Arnold Palmer's tournament to have a revenge against the course, I can beat it but the course won this time...

After a ride to Jupiter, I'm in Admirals Cove for 2 days before flying to San Antonio to the Valro Texas Open! This is a new tournament for me.

Bay Hill, Thursday 19 March 2014

Once again, good and bad shots in succession, too many bogeys, I'll need to go low on Friday!

Bay Hill, Wednesday 19 March 2014

Pro-am day. Sunny Day! Had a great team with a lovely spirit, Harry Arnett played quite well and his humor was a great asset to the team! 

Met a bunch of young Belgian players at the Westwood academy under supervision of Sean Daoust and Thomas Mambourg.

Last fine tuning after the pro-am...

Bay Hill, Tuesday 18 March 2014

Played 9 holes, even with the heavy rain yesterday, the greens are quite firm already... This is the particularity of Bay Hill: very firm and fast greens...

From the tee, you need to find the right lines, that's what Tiger did so well and won 8 times here! The week-end is always much tougher because of the firmness of the greens...

At night, great dinner with the Excel Team...

Orlando, Monday 17 March 2014

Playing professional golf is  7 day on 7 business. Today, wake-up call at 6.00 to be at the Bay Hill GC at 7.00 to take our golf equipment for the Morning Drive show on Golf Channel. The Tour truck is not yet unloaded, unable to pick our stuff... the show is live, so, no time to waste. But it was a good experience, everything goes so fast, you see them all rushing from one set to another, no piece of cake! 

Thunderstorms and rain all day here in Orlando, no golf and at night we attend an Callaway event "on line on internet" with Gay Woodland, Matt Every, Patrick Reed and Henrik Stenson at Annika Sorenstam Academy.  We spend a nice time together...

All our thoughts to Antoine Martin family in Belgium (Royal Hainaut), we received the bad news, he was a lovely passionate young golfer. It hurts...

Innisbrook, Sunday 16 March 2014

Better display than the score will tell, I'm closer and closer to what I want to achieve... Already with my mind into next tournament: The Bay Hill Invitational. Indeed I needed to receive an invite from the organization and Mister Arnold Palmer. I have a great respect for the man, the player and certainly how he change the game of golf since he's the man who attracted in the 50's the crowd (Arnie's Army) and the television: his power, brilliance and charisma change it al...

Went yesterday night to a ice hockey match with Julie and Brian, always a great intensity, I love it.

This afternoon, with Brian, we drove from Tampa to Orlando, Vince arrived also, ready to step to another tournament.

Tomorrow at 7:00 AM Morning Drive at Golf Channel, my first golf channel studio, really looking forward to...

Innisbrook, Thursday 13 March 2014

Good solid round, only 4 greens missed and 2 in the last 2 holes... I enjoyed the par on 18, -2 is a better image of the overall quality of my game... "k'ben content" like they say in Brussels down town...

It's really quite a test of golf, and not only the Snake Pit (16-17-18th hole), the wind playing his role also...It's gonna be a long and demanding tournament... but we witnessed it very quickly after a few holes in the beginning of the week...

Innisbrook, Tuesday 11 March 2014

I agree with Brian Analysis: "The winner will be around -10"... This is a tough course, different than others in Florida, not as flat. Big ondulations and treelined with fast greens. The three last holes (Par 4, par 3, par 4) are called The Snake Pit. Obviously, there are bogey traps.

For me driving will be the key, the course is narrow and has a lot of doglegs, tree lines have to be avoided...

This tournament is quite well organized by the Copperheads Charities Inc. Vincent explained me all the advantages when tournaments are run by a group of people representing charities. I do not understand why we don't do that in Belgium.  It's a global Win-Win operation: Charities and Golf are the winners. The Copperheads in more than 30 years have raised more than 30 millions US dollars for 70 charities in the Tampa Region. It's great... That's why Companies (sponsors) and volunteers enjoy their participation at all the golf tournaments on the PGA Tour... The PGA Tour in the USA has already raised over 2 Billion USD for Charities, that's the secret of their success in sponsorship! Just do it Belgium... it's also good for golf in our country... To be followed!

Innisbrook, Monday 10 March 2014

Arrived in the middle of the night with a 3 hours delay flight. Hopefully the Valet parking is working 24/24, that's the uSA at their best...

Don't know the course, but I heard a lot of flattering comments...

Puerto Rico, Sunday 9 March 2014

My 3rd 67 of the year but my first on a 4th round. Had a lot of green and birdie opportunity like the first 2 days. I had to be lower after 36 holes with the game in hand! 6 birdies today and on all par 5, a good example of what I want to achieve...

Best finish under par of the year (-9), great stats... Keep on working ... not easy ... long term but good direction!

Some changes made on my calendar, I'll fly to the Volvo China to try to make a dubble there in April (more to come). I'll try my chances on the 2 tours, I feel that I need to play a lot to make all the improvements, so why not playing also on the European Tour...

Puerto Rico, Saturday 8 March 2014

This was a bad round with a bad start! A round to forget...

Puerto Rico, Friday 7 March 2014

Pleased about the par 5's and certainly for the 18th, good to finish with a birdie. But I will need more birdies this week-end...

Puerto Rico, Thursday 6 March 2014

Story of the day: 4 birdies and 2 bogeys and was not enough effective on par 5's. But quite a solid game with this wind!

Some Europeans are here also like my old friend Marcel Siem or Rafa Cabrera Bello and Alvaro Quiros. Good fun to be together here in Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico, Wednesday 5 March 2014

Pro-Am day at 1:00 PM and tomorrow early tee off with Ryo Ishikawa and Robert Karlsson.

Great country with a nice combination of South America and the States...

Jupiter, FL, Friday 28 February 2014

Flew today to Miami and drove to Jupiter (West Palm Beach) for two days of training at the Bears. Julie arrives today also. I will stay at The Admirals Cove with old friend Bobby, who certainly has a bunch of stories for me, I'm sure.

Thank you for all your messages on my web site, really appreciate it. Some ask me what Majors I will play. Well I have to qualify for the Masters and the British Open and I'm already in the field for the US Open and the USPGA.

Here is my schedule for the next months:

• 3 tournaments in a row: Puerto Rico, Valspar and Bay Hill
• 1 week off
• 3-6 April        Houston Open Texas
• 7-13 April      BREAK during the Masters, sponsors days
• 14-20 April  2^nd week Training (The Bears Jupiter)
• 21-27 April   Zurich (New Orleans) finished 8^th last year!
• 1 - 4 May        Wells Fargo Quail Hollow
• 8 - 11 May    The Players Sawgrass (First appearance)
• 2 weeks in Europe
• Training, sponsors days and
  
• 22 - 25 May   Wentworth BMW Championship

• 28 May - 1 June   The Memorial, Dublin Ohio
• 2 - 8 June      Week of training (visit of the USPGA host course Valhalla in Kentucky)
• 12 - 15 June  US Open
• 19 - 22 June  Travelers (to be confirmed)
• 26 - 29 June  AT&T Congressional

Brussels, Tuesday 18 February 2014

Happy come back to Europe, meeting friends after 2 months abroad,

Looking back at those 4 first tournaments, I have mixed feelings; the first is that I'm so near and yet so far and the second is that I played with the leaders in each tournament. One issue is recurrent with me: learning is always tough, and it hurts, any little mistake is so costly; one can regard this as the counterpart of my talent. But adapting is a rule of nature and we already made a lot of big moves in my career, that's where golf becomes a science, like business, like raising children, like all necessary decision. And I must admit that I'm surrounded by a strong team willing to invest with me in the future. It's really a long term investment. Long term doesn't mean lie down, rest up, long term means adapt to future requirements. What is good now will not be efficient tomorrow. When I was the first in Belgium to be a long hitter, people didn't understand the reason... Now everybody wants to be long...

Long term means to anticipate, means being vigilant, like an animal in the nature, like any farmer or workman in his business. Now it's not easy in a world with so many rankings with everything going so fast, that's why you need to be very effective, you need to be surrounded by a team with thinking and action to take the right decisions at the right time! 

That's our philosophy with all our initiatives, like the Junior Bombers, they are in for the long term and our financial partner 2PM understands that perfectly!

Los Angeles, Friday 14 February 2014

That triple on Thursday killed my week, I was playing so well, cruising like we have planned but, on that 2nd shot on 7, couldn't regroup my mind on a 100% basis for that little 9 iron with a soso lie that went in the bunker...

I batlled on Friday but couldn't make the needed birdies where I had obvious chances on 3, 4, 6 and then came that awful hole 7 with too many bad shots and the 2 three putts on 9 and 12. Birdies on 3 - 4 would have definitively help!

The same hole took 5 strokes... unforgivable...

Now 2 weeks off, reload the batteries, good food, cardio, crossfit, nutritionnist, dentist, ... to be ready for my next 3 tournaments: Puerto Rico, Valspar and Bay Hill!

So far as the results could tell, but so near... I'll win this year!

Los Angeles, Thursday 13 February 2014

Play well for 15 holes and then went distracted on my 2nd on 16 by a marschall struggling with a score marker. Not a 100 % shot and I felt in the bunker in a nasty place.Tried to get out but the ball came back just where I played the previous one... Triple bogey... Doesn't reflect the quality of my game, without that severe penalization, I would have never 3 putted the 18th. it was then really dark, I was so upset... -2 or 3 was so good, right in the thick of it!

Will need my A game during 18 holes this Friday to be here during the week-end!

Los Angeles, Wednesday 12 February 2014

Great old course, with small greens, big trees everywhere and some undulations. It's so amazing to find such golf course in such big city as Los Angeles. In fact we arrived on Monday afternoon...

With Mich Vanmeerbeek since the middle of last week, we have been working a lot the striking.

Played 18 holes with Olesen, Fdez-Castano and Cicco Molinari (Francesco). Good to hear all the stories from Europe. It's the first tournament in the States for Olesen and Molinari this year...

Overall a long day with the Stockton's and the Callaway staff on the range and a photo shoot for Dunning with my new polo's... My 2014 outfit has come out and I'm looking forward to wear it!

Dinner at night with Julie Elion who gave me my homework for the week...

Wednesday was a short day but with good practice session with some extra work with Julie in early afternoon. Tomorrow late start, I like them on Thursday because I prefer to play earlier, you play faster, on a cut day.

Palm Springs, Wednesday, 5 February 2014

After a good rest on Monday, with Jerome we went practicing the short game and yesterday we fixed the driver. Tomorrow Mich arrives in Palm Springs and we will work the striking and the driving... I will need my A game in Riviera because it's a tough old course with very small greens  quite well defended... Precision is a must in Riviera...

Scottsdale, Sunday 2 February 2014

The birdies didn't come early and that's what I needed today to boost my round. Anyway, a lot of good things  this week: the putting, the birdies, the management of the 16th, the crowd, my intentional concentration (not yet 18 holes but better each round),...

It must admit that the batteries were low, 3 weeks in a row with all the work (proposed by Julie Elion) I have to do on the course, is quite demanding, certainly here with the record crowd in Scottsdale!

Next week off, some training here in Scottsdale with Jerome and then from Thursday in Palm Springs with Michel Vanmeerbeek! Riviera Northern Trust is my next tournament and I really looking forward to because I feel that I'm stronger tournament after tournament ...I said twice "hello" to the leaders, I know the feeling and I'll keep knocking at that door...

Scottsdale, Saturday 1 February 2014

I's rather forgot this day... Bad mojo, bad mood, material problem, bad state of mind = bad score... The frustration is high. Arriving here, I knew that my a lot of tee shots fitted perfectly my old Razr Hawk, I know that club for 5 years now and it's certainly a trustful and successful club! So, frustration today...

Scottsdale, Friday 31 January 2014

Very frustrating to play with a damaged driver and not easy to use only your 3 wood and have to stop your momentum.

But I will remember those 6 birdies and certainly the one on 16 surrounded by 20.000 people! What a awesome moment, a great feeling. Once again I will capitalize on those and not on the bad holes (because of a bad drive). That's why I could sign a good round today, capitalizing on good shots.

Good stats today also... But I must admit I ran out of gas in the end, a bit tired...

Scottsdale, Thursday 30 January 2014

Message from Vincent B.: "What are odds of breaking 2 drivers (the N°1 and the reserve one) in the same practice session??? The reserve one 5 min before tee off. Julie Elion went to Hunter Mahan's locker to take some super glue to fix the 2^nd driver (only solution because the Callaway truck is already gone)! Hope it works for 18 holes...

The chocolates are in the Thunderbirds (the organizers) fridge and will be delivered at 11.00 at the 16^th tee.

Canal+ crew had all that fuzz on tape, good for their story"

Nicolas: How to made a disappointing 69! 6 birdies, one Triple and 1 bogey.

In fact there are two ways to see that score, one is to base your opinion only on 2 holes and the other one is to remember the 16 holes were I was cruising quite nicely... Two drives to the left today after so many drives to the right at Torrey Pines, but these two were costly, 3 strokes (the other one is one putt). The three putt on 15 was full of anger, I admit. A little distraction on the 15^th Tee appeared to be very expensive, I'll learned from that. better now than on Sunday!

My short game was once again very efficient, another satisfaction of the day. Ready for tomorrow.

The "Chocolade van Brugge" were awesome on 16, spectators adored them. I wonder how many were googling to know why Belgium is the real country of Chocolate! We are the best! Period.

I made my mind after this round: 1. I have learned today, 2. I also know that patience is my best friend, 3. I've the faith that I'm so near... And what about a good fitness session to sweat all this...Go...

Scottsdale, Wednesday 29 January 2014

Had a great practice round yesterday, Jerome was quite happy with the goals reached: reading the greens properly and choosing the right landing spots on chip shots. There will be some chipping around here and certainly at the end of the round: H15 is a reachable par 5, the 16 is the stadium hole (162 yards par 3), the 17 is a reachable par 4 (just over 300 meters) with the drive but with a very tricky short game situation with the water nearby, Hole 18 is also a risky business certainly from the tee with the water to the left and the sand to the right! Great job from Tom Weiskopf to design that par 71 i 1986, one of the first Stadium course.

Canl +, Interieur Sport program, is making a reportage here of the Waste Management, the biggest event in Sport with more than 500.000 visitors during the week. Partying is a sport environment is what the crowd have made it. The sphere is electric... Surely on the well known 16th!

Fredje, a belgian of course, from Chocolade van Brugge will get me some Belgian chocolats to distribute to the public to do some buzz around Belgium!

The french crew from "Interieur Sport" are great professionnals, they know their job, respect my intimacy and my work during my preparation...

Scottsdale, Tuesday 28 January 2014

Arrived yesterday by car through the South Californian Mountains and the Arizona Desert with Brian and Jeffrey (Gonzalo Fdez-Castano caddie).

Jerome Theunis arrived also to work with me this week, one of the most difficult week of the year spectators wise.

Torrey Pines, Sunday 26 January 2014

Started very well, composed and attacking but could only make 1 birdie. little disapointment on 6 also where I couldn't make the birdie... The bogey on 9 was a killer of momentum, the ball did a 360° around the hole and refused to drop... After that, I struggled for par and had another painfull bogey after a good drive on 12.

Had an eagle chance on 13 that didn't drop neither and went 1 meter too long on 14 that killed my second momentum. massive drive on 15 but with a bad lie in the middle of the fairway...

Missed birdie on 16 and 18 and bogeyed the 17th...for the win this week, i needed my A game, a better striking.

After all, a lot of positives this week, I'm on my way, I need to keep the good work....

Next week, The Waste Management in Scottsdale!

Torrey Pines, Saturday 25 January 2014

It's like I spended 36 holes in the rough today! Torrey Pines was playing very tough today, with the firmer greens and the pin positions, but at the other hand I didn't find enough fairways, I must admit that I spend a lot of energy playing in the last game, my swing was a little tired, so were my legs...

Played with two nice guys. First time I met Jordan Spieth and he's quite cool, I like his personnality. Steward Cink had a bad day but remain quite composed, a lot of experience and cool nerves...

had dinner tonight with Gonzalo Fdez Castano, he's a great guy and I'm sure he will succeed here in the USA, he's based now in Miami with his family...

Torrey Pines, Friday 24 January 2014

This second day was a better one: 5 birdies no bogeys...Not too far from the lead... First cut of the year on the PGA Tour, after my first tournament last week. That South Course is one of the most demanding golf course...

Tomorrow at 9:45 (local time) with Jordan Spieth and Steward Cink...

Today was a good putting day, a lot of improvement done, very pleased....

Torrey Pines, Thursday 23 January 2014

-3 on the North course, the score is ok but there was more... I'm not happy, still too defensive on par 5. Putted very well today, just unlucky twice on 10 and 12. The birdie putt on 18 was sloppy after a great chip from the rough... So I'm disappointed, certainly that I could have a bigger cushion before the South course round.

Torrey Pines, Wednesday 22 January 2014

Pro-Am on the South course with 4 nice amateur. Great fun discussing a lot about golf, the birdies didn't fall as we wanted but we enjoyed the course and also the Ocean fog that played hide-and-seek with the sun, typically San Diego weather... The Amateurs didn't enjoy the rough though, deep and so difficult to play out...

Tomorrow I'll start from the North course at 9.00. To make a good score on this track that will be redesigned by Phil Mickelson in 2015, you'll need to hit a lot of fairways... Just a reminder: the North had last year on the Pga Tour the lowest stats on fairway hits !!!! And with the kind of rough we have this year, some will be surprised...

Torrey Pines, Tuesday 21 January 2014

Plays 27 holes with Victor Dubuisson and somme of them with Jason Day. 2 courses here in Torrey Pines; the North and the South. The latter is the famous one quite long and demanding. But they both on the cliffs of Torrey Pines with amazing vues. The rough is quite thick on both courses, by the way I never played the North as demanding...

Tonight we were invited by Mark Steinberg (Excel Sports) together with Gary Woodland, Justin Thomas and Chris Williams...

Wednesday: pro-am day on the South Course...

Torrey Pines, Monday 20 January 2014

Drove this morning from Palm Springs to South California Torrey Pines. The weather is gordious, all surfers were out today, it was Martin Luther King day, they could enjoy all day the big wave in front of Del Mar....

Went to the Callaway truck to finetune some new clubs (a set od reserve irons), a new Mack daddy 54° and some work on the Big bertha driver. We had dinner with Lance Young (Excel) and the Callaway crew... always nice evenings.

Tomorrow first practice day, on the North course as I will play the South course on Wednesday during the Pro-Am.

PGA West, Saturday 18 January 2014

On this Palmer Course today I could have gone much lower, 2 eagle putts missed, a lot of birdies chances missed and 3 horrible bogeys on 8, 9 and 17!

Once again I need to be much more aggressive even if it costs some bogeys... I need more birdies earlier in the round...

This cut is missed, lets prepare Torrey Pines!

PGA West, Friday 17 January 2014

Played the Jack Nicklaus private Course today with Bo Van Pelt and scored -5, a bogey free round even if I drove into the water hazard on the 8, my 17th hole (a par 5). 

Today the purpose was to play the par 5's much better, check... Still some drives lost to the right, a short putt missed, one or two pins played with much too much spin on the ball. But overall pleased with this round that bring me back in the tournament.

Will play tomorrow the 3rd round pro-am, once again with Bo Van Pelt, but on the Arnold Palmer private course of PGA West. Between you and me, I'm enjoying playing with Bo, great hitter of the ball and cool player.

As Bo Van Pelt has Dutch origins, everyday americans with Belgian origins are coming to see me and tell me that there parents or grandparents are coming from Brussels or Oostkamp, or Antwerp or Wavre... But none of them speaks one the Belgian languages, they totally americanized, even if some of them tell that they have a Belgian flag on their car, or that they are proud to see a Belgian on the PGA tour... Amazing, no?

Tomorrow will be the cut, after 54 holes... It's gonna be a very low one...

One thing is certain, it will be sunny, very warm under an immaculate blue sky, surrounded by beautiful mountains... and slow...

PGA West, Thursday 16 January 2014

I took a good start but after too many bunkers and no success on par 5, I couldn't get the momentum back and couldn't make the birdies. Tomorrow I'll need to change a litlle my strategy, I have a night to think over...

PGA West, Wednesday 15 January 2014

Pro-Am day today, always good fun when you have a nice team!

We saw some Big Horns today next to the 16th tee where the tee is designed in the mountain. They came to graze the good grass in the rough. It seems that's a very rare moment to have them so close...

Overall I'm ready for tomorrow's first round of the Humana Challenge...

PGA West, Tuesday 14 January 2014

I discovered the Jack Nicklaus course today and enjoyed meeting Dave Stockton again on the putting green. Palm Springs has a perfect weather, cold in the morning and 20° from 9 to 5, sunny and blue sky without any cloud... The light and brightness are just wonderful and the surrounding mountains are changing colors through the day... I love it...

I found a very intersting Callaway Mac Daddy 2 wedge 60°, spoke with Roger Cleveland about it and played 18 holes with it practicing around each green and he might be invited in the bag on Thursday

I worked also with Julie Elion on the course and finished the day with a workout in and around the physio truck with some "dubble unders" that made Brian jealous...

PGA West, Monday 13 January 2014

Arrival on Sunday in Palm Springs after a great flight shared with Gary Player. Gary is invited by former President Clinton at the Humana Challenge.

Today, Monday, we played La Quinta, one of the three courses used by the tournament, I'll play there on Thursday with Bo Van Pelt, each with an amateur, as the Humana is a big Pro-Am on 3 consecutive days before a final 18 holes on Sunday with the 70 best players having made the cut on Saturday night, this time only between pro's...

Did a few fine tuning with the Callaway engineers for my driver and 3 wood...and I'm quite happy with the tools!

Anahita Mauritius, Saturday 11 January 2014

Physically in top form and swinging smoothly, I'm looking forward to fly tonight to the USA to play my first tournament of the season. Quite a long trip, 23 hours of flight in total. Stop over in Dubai and a 16h30 flight from Dubai to Los Angeles. Also a 12 hours time difference... Vincent is staying with me for the first tournaments. Mich is returning to Europe, job done, he'll join me later at Riviera.

I will be playing my new driver, the Callaway Big Bertha Alpha and the new 3 wood Callaway Big Bertha.

My team remains unchanged with the exception of the arrival of Sports Psy Julie Elion. She will help me finding my way of life in the States, feeling more comfortable in that environment and performing on a higher level.

Same partners also, you already knew about the arrival of my new partners Shenstone Green and Dunning.

Bye Bye beautiful Anahita in Mauritius, back to work now!

From Anahita Mauritius, from the deepest off my heart, all my best wishes for 2014!

Royal Trophy, Sunday 22 December 2013

And the winner is .... EUROPE! So happy for Captain Olazabal who deserved this win... We knew that it would be the last match who would decide the outcome of the match... Kiradech and Jaidee played incredibly with  11 birdies together for the 2 first matches, we were then 4 points behind! And then the blue European team reversed the trend and I felt very rapidly that I would have the destiny of the match. Last year, Olazabal designed to play the playoff and Asia made the birdie for the win! I had a revenge and a strong will to bring the victory to our legendary Captain... I told Tchema that like during the Seve Trophy I would beat Casey, this time he could count to my point also. The birdie on 15 was a winner, then I applied the Catenaccio rule, no room for any error, full commitment on each shot, giving my opponent no hope at all for a mistake!

Two wins with Olazabal this year, a good way to finish the year, a tough year by no means, but I will enter 2014 stronger than I ever be...

Holiday now in Anahita - Mauritius, a few days with my parents till Christmas and then back to work the 27^th with the arrival of Rich Vanmeerbeek, Vince will follow the 29^th and Mich the 2^nd of January together with my girlfriend (to heal me after the training sessions of my three team mates).

On the 11^th January Mauritius-Los Angeles, quite a long journey before playing my first tournament on the 2014 schedule, the Humana Challenge, the tournament supported by the former President of the USA, Bill Clinton.

In any case, to you all, from the bottom of my heart, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and an Happy New Year...

Royal Trophy, Monday 16 December 2013

Bye bye Brussels, off to China for the Royal Trophy and captain Olazabal with the European team.

By the way, we planned a new schedule starting at the Hunama on the PGA tour, straight away to the States from Anahita Mauritius: Humana at PGA West, Farmers at Torrey Pines and the exciting Waste Management in Scottsdale, the West Coast swing...

Brussels, Sunday 15 December 2013

Yesterday, I made a last goodbye to Jos Vanstiphout with Ernie Els and Mark Roe present also. Very emotional ...

Since Thursday, I'm working with Julie Elion, sport psy, to prepare the next season as good as I can. My hole team is involved and we love it. Great to work with such a professional, I like our relationship and the work we are doing together. Julie lives in Washington DC and works with only 5 players at the time and on a long run. Phil Mickelson, Gary Woodland and Charl Schwarzel are also working with Julie. The purpose is finding my way in the States and specially on the PGA Tour. A lot of issues are involved, but it's quite interesting to work in team like that.

Brussels, Wednesday 11 December 2013

Nice work this morning with Richard Vanmeerbeek and Emilio Pereira (Spanish trainer) at the Power factory Crossfit.

In the afternoon fine tuning of my new Callaway irons with Nippon Shafts at the Fitting studio in Sterrebeek with Eddy. Good checK of all my lofts and lies.

Yesterday afternoon, visit at the Hulencourt indoor to meet Jerome Theunis, great to hit balls with the flightscope and to check my new iron set.

Brussels, Saturday 7 December 2013

Sad news, Jos Vanstiphout left us yesterday. A big belgian name on the European tour...what a career! We'll miss you Jos!

Bruges, Sunday 1 December 2013

And what about a nice trip to Bruges for 3 days to celebrate my come back in Belgium...

Melbourne, Saturday 23 November 2013

Finishing with a long putt for birdie and a par round is worth a smile! I just have to blame that 76, otherwise this 25th place is an encouraging one... Ok now two days of sightseeing around Melbourne with my childhood friend Chris Legein who traveled with me here, then Bahrein for the GP Grand Prix invited by pilots André Letterer and Bertand Baguette...

After that, back to some private life and also back to work...

Cheers to the Junior Bombers training in cold Belgium in Hulencourt GC.

Melbourne, Saturday 23 November 2013

Played well today, I liked my back nine with 3 birdies... This course is a gem, it's a pitty I'm not 100 % because it's a delight to test your skills around this masterpiece. The greens are really unbelievable, hard and fast... One more round here in Royal Melbourne tomorrow...

Melbourne, Friday 22 November 2013

One day is not the other, I don't blame the bogey but well the two double bogey... Two more days in Melbourne...

Melbourne, Thursday 21 November 2013

A good finish with 3 birdies on the last 5 holes, good for 70 and a Belgian Flag on the 9th place. Very inspiring but demanding course, not easy at all to score on...

Melbourne, Wednesday 20 November 2013

I have great memories in Australia and Royal Melbourne is a masterpiece of golf design. The best par 3's in the world have been designed by the legendary Alister McKenzie, also the golfarchitect of Augusta National and other masterpieces like Cypress Point.

Pro-Am day today.

The World Cup has an individual ranking with world ranking points and a team ranking. it's a new format. Belgium has no team, Thomas Pieters is not yet qualified for this kind of tournament.

This my last tournament in single for the year, I will play the Royal Trophy just before Christmas, a team event opposing Europe vs Asia. Looking forward to finish this long, too long season for me.

Dubai, Sunday 17 November 2013

What a win for Stenson! -8 today with an extraordinar eagle on 18, he's the N°1 this season, without a doubt... Congrats Henrik!

And another 71 for me, this time with a good finish. Still with a cold putter but I managed to finish with the par total. And once again it was not easy, to play with the frustration of not holing enough birdies.

I need to thank all the Belgian crowd that walked with me the 4 days. they have been fantastic...

Now, direction Abu Dhabi to fly directly tonight to Melbourne for the World Cup!

Dubai, Saturday 16 November 2013

Even in the Dubai warmth, my putter stays cold... I changed putter this morning, went for an Odyssey Mallet, but it didn't help... I certainly left, at the minimum, 6 to 8 birdies on the greens, like on 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18, all normal birdies putts. 2013 is like this, nothing is dropping!

Hopefully, next week is the last tournament of the 2013 season and after it, we will then begin a new story...

Dubai, Friday 15 November 2013

A good birthday -1, even if -3 was in the putter, but an awful +2 today, with a very cold putter. It's a pity because the display of long game was great with 15 greens in regulation again.

We change my routine for a better alignment but il feels so weird that I couldn't find any confidence in my putting. Not my best day at all...

Fingers crossed for Thomas Pieters but he will succceed!

Dubai, Wednesday 13 November 2013

"Come on Thomas, keep your chin up, the road is still long, don't look at scoreboards, keep going for birdies, one hole after the other, accept the bogeys and trust your long game!".

Quite warm here in Dubai, over 30°, played yesterday the Pro-Am,  with a great Rolex team, we finished in the prizes. The prizegiving was at night at the "European Tour" cocktail at the Atlntis hotel to celebrate the end of the season... 

Some pictures this morning with all the ambassadors Rolex because Rolex announce an extension of their partnership with the Europeantour and the Ryder Cup!

The Montgomerie Antalaya, Sunday 10 November 2013

There are weeks like that... I hated that double just when I was cruising...

Did you know that Dubuisson, we call him "Dubuche" or "Dubush", has a Belgian passport as well because his father is a Belgian! Well done, great achievement man.

The Montgomerie Antalaya, Saturday 9 November 2013

A great day for France and a very bad one for me... so angry at myself...

The Montgomerie Antalaya, Friday 8 November 2013

Feeling a little better with 6 birdies today, 12th score of the day, this looks more like it!

Indeed Tiger's 9 birdies and 9 pars deserves some respect!

The battle between Poulter and Stenson is quite exciting...

Now that I grab a few places to come in the top 50 of this tournament, I need 2 more good rounds...

The Montgomerie Antalaya, Thursday 7 November 2013

Not the kind of start you hope! I've three putted 3 times in the 4 first holes, I'm 1 over and I should be 2 under! Due to the rain, the greens are much slower, I'm not confortable on them! Shaky start it was...

After 13 holes I'm level par... We will finish tomorrow and move on with the second round just after...

The Montgomerie Antalaya, Wednesday 6 November 2013

Beautiful setting here in Antalaya, the hotel is class and the course is interesting. The Race to Dubai final Series are making a lot of buzz...

Mich is with me preparing this tournament, we had 18 holes pro-am yesterday and I will play 9 holes today... I have a few new shots to test from tomorrow, it will be interesting...

Very happy about Thomas Pieters, he succeed QS2, his great ball striking helped him on a difficult course when the wind is blowing, surely on the last round. We'll make again contact together before the finals next week...

New pictures in the Gallery about the Seve Trophy, gooooood memories...

Dubai, Sunday 3 october 2013

Well, I did like this week, I needed it. Thanks Rich for your investment, you're such a great teatcher. Thanks Mich for the short game work. The last weeks, I received so much information around it that I needed to know what is my personal adapted short game technique. As I wanted a more spinny reaction on the second bounce, I needed to shorten my swing. Txema Olazabal showed me the way, the way Seve learned him his secrets.

Mich has made me understand what are the most compatible elements to use, in function with my game, my grip and my natural shots and rythm. All players are chipping slightly differently, always in accordance with their king od swingers (grip, position, tempo, speed, ...). Now we have all agreed on the "Colsaerts" way of chipping, a technique indeed inspired by the different coaches I consulted like Txema, Tony Johnstone or Paul McGinley... But now to master it, I will need at least 1 year of practice, on the range, on the course and finally during competition.

Tomorrow, with Mich, we are flying to Turkey. It's in fact the first step of a trilogy to close the season 2013.

Dubai, Tuesday 29 October 2013

One week here in Dubai to start the 2014 preparation... 58th now at the World Ranking, anyway 2014 is my main goal. Short term objectives are not the real goals... I paid my dues in 2013 to learn that ...

Rich, Vince and Mich have written the program... let's go for it!

Shanghai, Sunday 26 October 2013

More birdies today! Finally... After having shaved so many holes, some accepted to drop, still a few drives that cost too many strokes. I badly need that training week because it's not fun playing that way...

Direction Dubai for a week with my team...

Shanghai, Saturday 25 October 2013

Still need more birdies and more greens in regulation... one more round to beat this par...

Shanghai, Friday 24 0ctober 2013

Very disappointed with my game, not enough fairways, not enough greens hit and not enough birdies, certainly when the conditions are windy and difficult. Normally these conditions suit my long game but not this week, so frustration and disappointment, a kind of anticlimax at the start of the final series on the Race to Dubai.

The good news is that next week, we are beginning the preparation program for 2014. From Monday 28 Oct, with my team we have planned a 12 weeks program, starting with fitness (Rich Vanmeerbeek) and technique (Mich Vanmeerbeek). We've chosen Dubai for this first week of intensive training before my next tournament in Turkey.

Shanghai, Tuesday 22 october 2013

Brian Nilsson finally arrived in Shanghai after a Visa problem in Hong Kong, 24 hour delay...

Lake Malaren is a nice course hosting the first tournament of the Final Series. I will play 3 of the 4 and will follow by the World Cup On Royal Melbourne, a course designed by the very famous and illustrious Alister McKenzie, architect also of Augusta National and Cypress Point...

Callaway 2014 and a Trip around the World

After a great week in Las Vegas with Callaway and an impressive crew of very rock and roll photographers and cameramen from LA (I was really impressed by the huge set up, the scenes, scenarios, very professional), I'm now in Tokyo waiting for my flight to Shanghai (Las Vegas - Los Angeles - Tokyo - Shanghai).

I discovered the Callaway 2014 products line and it'sgoing to be exciting, the brand is really doing well...

Hulencourt, Wednesday 16 October 2013

Jérome Theunis and the Golf D'Hulencourt invited us at the Golf d'Hulencourt the 13 and 16 October. Great place for our Junior Bombers, we could work very efficiently with Mich and Jérôme the short and long game. They nearly all are selected now in the VVG or AFG squads. Good news, it means that we absolutely have to continue our project, together with 2PM...

With their new strategy, the Golf d'Hulencourt can become a "place to be" for competitive golf in Belgium. With Jérôme Theunis as Head Professionnal, the club is in good hands...

Oceanico - Algarve, Sunday 13 October 2013

Only two birdies is not enough, my putting was still cold even if I had chances in the beginning of the round. After 4 or 5 holes, the wind get very present and it was much more demanding to go for the pins. 15th place is not enough to jum in the top 50...

Oceanico - Algarve, Saturday 12 October 2013

67 today, the wind get up after 6 holes and changed the course... Didn't drive well between hole 3 and 7 and didn't hole putts after, but I must admit that I was a bit too far from the pins.

Will need a 65 or less tomorrow to shake the leaders, that's the target now we will see what the day will give us.

Sad date this 12 October, Rita 2 years ago and Jean-Pierre last year left us on a 12 October...

Tonight, Gonzalo Fdez-Castano takes us to a special restaurant... great food here in Algarve, I love it...

Oceânico - Algarve, Friday 11 October 2013

67 today despite an ugly double bogey on 17. Played very steady for 16 holes and then a big hesitation between 2 clubs made me make a bad shot in the water right. But I'm there not far from the lead, still 36 holes to go!

Great weather here in Algarve, the most beautiful blue sky on earth!

Played very well yesterday from tee to green but couldn't really catch the slow speed of the green... they look reasonably fast but they aren't actually.

Yesterday night, I had one of the most interesting chipping session with the master himself, Jose Maria Olazabal. Two hours of pure enjoyment. Chema was intense and passionate in the sharing of his knowledge, a rare moment of Grace. I did love it.

Oceânico - Algarve, Wednesday 9 October 2013

The last tournament in Europe but not the last on the European Tour. It's also an important one for the players like me who need to be in the top 50 OWGR to be eligible for the WGC HSBC, but also for all the ones who want to be in the top 60 to enter the Final series in China, Turkey and Dubai. Spectacle and suspense guaranteed. Great field thus here in Vilamoura!

Good course designed in 2004 by Arnold Palmer, great weather, superb food, everything we like in Europe!

Yesterday night we did a monster paella to celebrate the amazing career of Christian Cevaer, he was a over-performer, all credit to Christian! Wishing you a well deserved after career in the coaching!

Paris, Sunday 6 October 2013

Yeahhhhhh, for the first time in 6 edition, The Continent won! All credit to Txema Olazabal our Captain. We fought hard for our inspiring captain... 

My match against Paul Casey was a tough one, he's in great form and won a lot of points for GB&I. But I promised Txema to bring him a point after my week Saturday foursomes record. Begon with two birdies but had a slump in the middle of the round, from 9 to 12. Some putts could have dropped for birdies on 13 and 16. But a decisive birdie was on 15 to halve the hole thanks to a long 3rd shot at the flag. On 17, I left an eagle putt just 5 cm short to win and needed a par on 18 to bring my point to the team. 

Great feeling, great atmosphere in the Team...

Paris, Friday 4 October 2013

Important win, said Captain Olazabal! I played great today...

GB&I played well and could have square the match...

Tomorrow morning with Gonzo (once again but I love this partnership) against Lawrie and Gallacher (once again) in foursome...

Paris, Thursday 3 October 2013

Brillant Gonzo today, hot putter... I came back in the game later...

Tomorrow we play Paul Lawrie and Stephen Gallacher, a strong pair!

I love those team competition, and the course is in perfect condition, quite inspiring...

Paris, Wednesday 2 October 2013

Pro-am day yesterday, we had our first meeting with Captain Tchema and a dinner together, we will play 9-12 or 18 holes this Wednesday with another meeting at 1PM to make the final pairings for Thursday, where we will play 5 matches in 4BBB.

Paris, Tuesday 1 October 2013

Drove from Ravenstein yesterday night after a very pleasant afternoon with Bernard Lescot and his Leopold Club of enterprises (Royal Leo was my hockey club).

Today, first day of the Seve Trophy, we are playing in a pro-am at 1.00.

I really like those team events, so it's with pleasure that I will spend this week with Captain Olazabal who also selected me for the Royal Trophy at the end of the year...

After this very busy week in Belgium, I feel totally fit (tx Blaise), 100% ready for the next important weeks. My team is also ready, Vince, Mich, Jérôme, Blaise and Brian. October and November, 2 important months to go.

For the Seve Trophy, it's always interesting to puzzle with the pairings, this is Txema Olazabal's work, first pairings announced tomorrow.

Knokke le Zoute, Saturday 29 September 2013

Kings of Golf: Great day, great public, great organization, good money for the charities, great for golf in Belgium!

Knokke Le Zoute, Friday 27 September 2013

Nice interview on Sporting Telenet tonight and then direction Knokke Le Zoute.

Tonight I will support Cédric Dumont op de Grote Sprong in Brugge!

Kapellen, Wednesday 25 September 2013

Happy Anniversary Royal Antwerp, 125 years old, see you today!

Kings of Golf - A week-end in Royal Zoute with Sergio, Sam and Ian!

Next week in Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche near Versailles Paris, for the Seve Trophy a 4 days of Tournament, I'll be ready Captain Olazabal...

Royal Zoute, Monday 23 September 2013

The European Tour called me today during the 2PM day at Royal Zoute: "You're in the continental selection!".

Great announcement because it was my main objective in Italy: making the Team for the Seve Trophy and playing once again for Captain Txema Olazabal.

Italy stays a good memory and if if was at 100%, I could have certainly won but my batteries were too low and I missed too many shots on the three last days... I must also admit that I had no break of luck at all all day! Anyway, it's a good tournament and certainly a great course, a nice culture and a perfect gastronomy.

Torino, Sabato 21 Settembre 2013

Good moments and some bad ones... some bad lies, it was no placing today (didn't know why?)...

Too far from some pins, but putted well today once again... didn't like my 2nd and 3rd shots on 18...

But still in the hunt, just there, ready for some action tomorrow... This course is not surrending at all, nobody yet at -15...

Torino, Venerdi 20 Settembre 2013

A very intens day, a lot of public, like for a Sunday... B Game today but still in the hunt. Great putting since Akron. Saturday's game at 11.50.

Torino, Giovedi 19 Settembre 2013

A clean start with 6 birdies in a row, then a shaky beginning of the back nine, some tough pin position, and 2 or 3 putts that could have go in for birdies like 14, 16 and 17. But the last hole gave me the -7, in position before the next days. Did some interviews and charity things for the Italian Open and Rolex and went for some practice before a well deserved "siesta". Tonight, I'll do at a clinic with Edoardo Molinari. Long day but it's important to sustain the European Tour organizers!

Torino, Mercoledi 18 Settembre 2013

Pro-Am with a Rolex team today, always nice to spend 5 hours with nice people, having fun and playing great golf, thanks Clara, Suzanne and Jerry, ohhh, no, John (Director Maui Jim)!

Not yet the full carburation but I stoped the antibiotics today. I hope for a progressive physical form increase...

La Mandria is a quite good test of golf, the greens are huge and undulated and the rough is very punishing! It might be more severe than the neighbour course I Roveri and the scores might be not as good as last year...

Will play Thursday at 8.20 with Cicco (or Franky) Molinari and Bernd Wiesberger.

By the way: Don't believe all you read in the press, I can still be qualified for the Seve Trophy In Paris!

Torino, Martedi 17 Settembre 2013

Superb weather here in Torino (Turin Italy). Played only a few holes today on a splendid course with great greens. Simple design but beautiful... Why can't we have more courses like that in Belgium!!!!

I had a long putting session, an interview or two, a chat with Retief Goosen and tonight I'm invited by the fratelli Molinari in a "piccolo ristorante pero delicioso"!!!! Nothing beats intalian gastronomy...

La Mandria is their home course! Playing with Francesco on Thursday at 8.20 from the 10th. Good to be here, I over like this Open that Flory Van Donck has won 4 times (it's the 70th edition). The President of the club, Lorenzo Silva, has played with Philippe Toussaint that beats him in Villa d'Este by 3/2! The former President was the famous Engineer Sergio Pininfarina, a legend in the automobile design indusrtry (i.a. his partnership with Enzo Ferrari, ...).

Torino, Lunedi 16 Settembre 2013

Siamo arrivati oggi a Torino!

Brussels, Saturday 14 September 2013

Went to the doctor yesterday who confirms the "Angine Blanche" but changed the medication with a more pertinent antibiotic! I had rest all day and my first solid food since Wednesday! Time for some television (KLM, Furyk 59, Anderlect good first half, Pieters 3rd round, ...)...

Can't wait for the Italian Open...

Kennemer, Friday 13 September 2013

Anginitis too severe, still fever, body not working, even worse than yesterday, the doctor agrees that it's stupid to try to play a round today, so I withdraw from the tournament...

After 4 weeks without tournament this is not the return I was hoping for. My game is in super shape... But I need to accept this kind of hurdle in a life of a sportman.

I really hope to be totally fit for Italy next week.

Kennemer, Thursday 12 September 2013

Since yesteday, anginitis, fever all night also... Went to the tournament direction this morning before my start to tell the situation...

No legs, no much concentration, very heavy clubs but a good rythm and a some game...

Good for 14 holes but 5 hours was much too long and I completely fell apart on the 3 last holes. No legs at all, no concentration and a terrible 18 with a ball in the woods from the tee and a unplayable ball near the green and 2 putts.

It's a pitty for that 18th hole  but I was exhausted... let's see what tomorrow brings...

Kennemer, Tuesday 10 September 2013

What a climate change! So much rain, heavy winds and cold temperatures... if the wind stays like this, it's gonna be a tough challenge...

Played 9 holes this morning with Thomas Pieters, you could see that he loved it... There 's so much to learn out there and I payed enough to learn, so it's a pleasure to share it with him...

I love the European Tour and it's my turn to support the tournament. For the dutch television, Daan Slooter organized an "neary" (nearest to the pin) on the beach with severe winds in our face and an original sand green. Dyson, Luiten, Matteo (to be pronounced Ma-tteo) and others were competing... Guess who won with a secret creative low shot???

We did more training in the afternoon, Jay was freezing but my putting and my short game are looking allright. Menu for tomorrow:

- 8.00 training

 - 11.00 press conference

- 13.00 Pro-Am

Starting time on Thursday: 8.15 Tee 10 and on Friday 13.15 (1.15 PM) on the 1rst tee. Tom is starting 70 min after me, from the same tee.

Kennemer, Monday 9 September 2013

Long time no see ;o)

4 weeks off with one week in NY to play the Notah Begay charity event. Great fun, well organized, I do appreciate a lot Notah's commitment.

Time to be on Tour again. The KLM Open is played in Kennemer, a links course near Amsterdam. Good to be on a links course, good to be in Holland so close of Brussels. A lot of respect for our neighbors! Daan Slooter manage this event with energy and passion and I sustain all his efforts as much as I can. I will participate to two events tomorrow and Wednesday... This is good for golf in Europe!

Message to all golf fans in Belgium: do not hesitate to come here on the coast in Zandvoort, it's close and it's a fine tournament. Thomas Pieters is in the field, he received an invite, he's young, he's learning his job and will need all your support also!

We had a meeting this morning at Royal Waterloo, with all the team (Mich, Djay, Vincent) where we fine tuned my swing. Djay is with me to prepare the tournament... Can't wait to debut this new Race to Ryder Cup year. This is my main goal for the next 12 months, to make the Ryder Cup team!

Monday 19 August 2013

Second week of rest. Will spend a few days in Euskal Herria (the Pays Basque, Basque country). No golf but physio exercices to be totally fit for my next tournament, the KLM Open in Holland.

47e on the World Ranking now. Quite normal after the 3 last tournaments with 2 missed cuts...

Next program: KLM Open, Italian Open, Kings of Golf, Portuguese Open...

By the way with a 45th place at the Wyndham I would have been in the Fedex Cup... This is for next year.

USPGA, Sunday 8 August 2013

Missed by one. I know the story. I need to rest for one month, heal totally from my neck and shoulder injuries. Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from the Wyndham and the Fedex Cup. The Fedex was my second goal of the year. Unsuccessful there...

I will come back in september to play the KLM and then the Italian Open...

USPGA, Wednesday 7 August 2013

Fine tuning day today. 9 holes with the Italians, "Manny" Manassero and "Cicco" Molinari, the back nine, and a short practice session on all shot I will need here at Oak Hill.

Definitely, it will be a "locker driver" week. I stand with my strategy even if it will rain and it will blow more than during the practice days. i will drive with my new Callaway 3 wood XHot or with irons. I feel good and confortable with my game.

But this course is very demanding, with deep and dense rough and firm greens...

USPGA, Tuesday 6 August 2013

Oak Hill is certainly one of the toughest challenge of the year. The length, the rough, the firmness of the greens are very severe. Fairways and greens will be so important for this tournament.

My driving was not brilliant at the WGC. With the help of the Callaway technicians, we decide to build a strong 3 wood, Callaway Xhot Deep Face with an Aldila Tour ATX85 2.8 X. The driver might stay in the locker.

Great 3 ball on Thursday with Brandt Snedeker and Jason Day...

Akron Ohio, Sunday 4 August 2013

2 ways to see it: score wise = bad tournament, coaching wise = on my way: "Rome wasn't build in a day" , the road of progress is long, hard to live but also interesting...  I have the support of my yeam. They're all there already for the USPGA...

Other week, other challenge, but still on the new road we choose...

Akron Ohio, Saturday 3 August 2013

Happy Birthday Vince!

Akron Ohio, Friday 2 August 2013

Some good some bad, one of these rounds that could have been more costly... Not quite as the 61 of Tiger!

Nevertheless, one birdie more and one bogey less than yesterday. Improvement in the score but still too many bad shots like on the stretch 4-5-6...

And a bomb also, 390 yards off the tee...

Akron Ohio, Thursday 1 August 2013

Great start, then I lost my swing for 9 holes and putted quite well to save only 4 bogeys... I saw an happy Mich after 18 holes because he noticed a very interesting improvement in my game: "Much more exciting to watch when you hole these putts..." were his words.

This course is prepared like a Major, with narrow fairways and super fast greens, you need your A game, and I had it for 9 holes only. You can't be wild off the tee here, instantly punished... I can tell...

Watch those first 10 today for the next week Major, the USPGA, they won't be far away.

Akron Ohio, Tuesday 30 July 2013

There we go for the 3rd WGC of the year on a very demanding driving course. A lot of 3 wood for me as it is pretty narrow and long...

I have a revenge to take from last season, these two "majors" in a row were not good experiences, I really want to finish higher this year...

Thanks for the success

This edition was brillant: organisation, weather, course, public, press and performance!

Piet Van den Bussche and his team has made it work once again, this was the biggest event in golf in 2013 with more than 2.000 spectators!

Thanks to the solid games of my opponents, Thomas Detry and Thomas Pieters, we played some great golf. -11 between Pieters and myself!

Thanks to my birdie on 18 to go at -6, I could break the course record. 66 is to beat now (with a double bogey on 8 where my ball stayed in a tree... unplayable + 1 penalty stroke).

Thanks you all for being already 1500 to have reserved your ticket in Damme

Thanks to Golf.be for their organization and to Damme GCC for hosting this Giving back Event.

It's all about helping the Juniors and inspire them,

It's also about sustain the future careers of Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry,

And it's about meeting our fans and spending a golfing day together in a great atmosphere,

Thanks to all the partners and volunteers who will help us Wednesday,

I'm really excited, let's have fun!

Muirfield, Friday 19 July 2013

1 stroke above the cut, 15 was a nightmare!

Debriefing later with my team.

A new chapter has to begin!

Muirfield, Thursday 18 July 2013

That second shot on 15 killed my plan. I wanted to stay to the 17 at +1, make a birdie at 17 and finish in par. Lost versus my plan 2 strokes at 15 and 2 at 17 and ended +4. Very disapointed!

Now the battle is not over... But in the afternoon the warmth and the sunshine make this course, fairways and greens, so fast and hard that the challenge will be very tough.

Let's see if I can sneak into the top 70 tomorrow.

Muirfield, Wednesday 17 July 2013

We played 5 holes, the ones we didn't play yesterday, to be sure to have analyzed all the possibilities. Tomorrow morning with Brian, knowing how the wind is reacting, we'll take 10 min to define our strategy on each hole. Doubts are golfers ennemies, and we will do everything to have a clear mind and strong decisions!

Good practice session on the range, short but efficient, on the chipping green and on the putting green where Mich inisited on a wider stance and a faster rythm. Quite happy of my game in general but the Open in Muirfield is certainly one the toughest challenge in the World of Golf since 1892!

Muirfield, Tuesday 16 July 2013

We played later today, 14 holes and a little practice.

Made up a new 2 iron, I had the feeling to need a different gear to fit for Muirfield. The Fairways are so fast and firm, that I won't be able to hit a driver or a 3 wood. You can't fool the course here, bunkers and thick rough are taking care of any tentative shots...

Mich is quite happy with my game and I must say that I see Muirfield with another feeling, we are getting accustomed with the design and all the pitfalls of this Major course: the first with two loops of nine holes, one clockwise and one counter clockwise! Here, you never play more than 3 holes with the same wind: also the first design to do so. It's also at Muirfield, on this course, that in 1892 The Open was first played in 72 holes in 4 days...

Muirfield, Monday 15 July 2013

Its was sunny and blue sky today, but gosh how difficult this course is, so tough, okay the wind was blowing quite hard... But amazingly, the players around me didn't seem to have the same feeling. But anyway, this test is more brutal than the US Open Merion Golf Course... Maybe it was only a first opinion after 18 holes but I'm convinced that this a serious challenge... And it was beautiful weather, windy of course but sunny...so not a typical British Open weather...

By the way, the rough is unplayable.

And it will be so difficult to be near the pins...

Well I can be wrong but that's my first feeling, we'll see during the tournament...

Tee time are out, and very originally, I play with Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson... like at the US Open...

Vince, Mich and Blaise are here.

Tonight we had a great Callaway gig at the Renaisance Golf Club, Alvaro Quiros was quite funny, made me laugh and all the guests, he won the bunker competition but I won the Driving contest and the club speed contest... The Belgian Bomber rules...

Castle Stuart, Sunday 14 July 2013

Ok, 8th place, good for another top 10 this year. Shaved too many holes the first 3 days to play for the win, and on the 3rd my ball strucked the cup of the hole (flag) on my 2nd shot and went back nto deep rough: good for a bogey, unlucky...

Now short flight to Edinburgh to prepare for The Open...

The difference is great, how faster we're playing in Europe, I enjoyed it...

Castel Stuart, Saturday 13 July 2013

Another 68, i'm climbing the ranking on my rythm, still with a very solid game without anything flamboyant...

Some wind tomorrow could change the scores here. A lot of players enjoyed the easy conditions but this golfcourse can bite back... We'll see on Sunday.

Castle Stuart, Friday 12 July 2013

Needed that 68 today, but there was more to take out there. 6 shots out of the lead 2 days to go...

33 greens in regulation on 36 (17 today), but a bit too far from the pins and too many putts,

This weather is fantastic but not challenging enough for the shots to the greens and many players can go for birdies. But nevertheless I'm pleased, so is certainly Mich, and Blaise also, who were concerned about my swing due to my neck problem last week. 

If my next only 2 bogeys are on the 4th, I'll take it!

Castle Stuart, Thursday 11 July 2013

Very clean round, too clean, could have made 6 birdies more on this very quiet and beautiful day. -4 or -5 would have been a better and realistic score with 16 greens in regulation. Never easy to score low after a week off and a first round on a links course since so long...

Castle Stuart, Tuesday 9 July 2013

Arrived in Scotland for the Scottish Open on  this beautiful liks course. Will play 9 holes with Thomas who arrived at 2AM after a long trip... Welcome on life on Tour Tom!

Tomorrow I'll play the Pro-Am with a charity purpose, the Tour and David Park prepared a new Tartan trouser to wear during the pro-am!

Brussels, 7 July 2013

Last Crossfit session of the week, nearly all team was there: Blaise, Vincent and his son, Mich in a halterophily session. Great BBQ just after at the Crossfit Power factory (Thanks William).

Some chipping this afternoon before flying to Scotland tomorrow to Inverness for the Scottish Open.

Enjoyed this sunny weather in Brussels and the company of Lance Young from Excel Sport, a company we will work together, a good partnership that we have already experienced since 6 months. The three first Europeans in Mark Steinberg stable are Justin Rose, Thomas Pieters and myself...

Great finish of Thomas in Paris, top 30, good experience and good money on his account, also important when you're young.

Brussels, 5 July 2013

And what about the great rounds of Thomas Pieters at the Open de France! Receiving an invite and making the cut is a huge achievement for a young player, the kind of start he wanted to have. Great to have another Belgian on Tour, Belgium is not big in size but big in talent! Thomas and myself, it's the same "team"...

Brussels, 4 July 2013

To all my American friends, I wish you all a wonderful Independence Day!

Brussels, 2 July 2013

US PGA Tour is secured for 2014, that was the purpose of this last month. Priority to this objective that's why I'm not playing the Open de France. But I'm cheering for Thomas Pieters... Not an easy task as only Belgian... with this special course, the noise, the crowd, the media's... Anyway if he needs, our mobile phones are open for any advice...  We have already given the major ones...

Crossfit week with Richard and a visit to Rolex this afternoon, I couldn't resist to buy a new model...

Congressional, Sunday 30 June 2013

A round without birdie is always a sign that I played without juice. Played too many tournaments recently, I was mentally drained, but now with 14 tournaments and 672.000 dollars, my US card is secured for 2014. Still 3 tournaments to go for me for this special PGA Tour season: British Open, WGC Bridgestone and USPGA, 3 big tournaments, before the Fedex Cup playoffs.

I can now concentrate only on each tournaments without others concerns: minimal numbers of tournament to be played (15) and minimal money ranking top 125 to secure my card for 2014. So I have 3 more tournaments to improve my situation but with less stress.

This first semester of the year was very demanding but also rich in things to learn, we learned more that we actually performed but Rome was not built in 6 months.

This week will be a crossfit week with Richard, a day with my partner Knauf and some rest before the Scottish Open followed by the British Open.

Congressional, Saturday 29 June 2013

And then came the 11^th... lost 6 strokes in 5 holes. On a long and warm day, an error of distraction at the wrong time...

But two good birdies just after the bad streak and I'm still there in the hunt. This course is a tough opponent, this Sunday nobody will fly out the starting blocks. Greens will get firmer and more than ever I will use my high trajectories but, yes, you'll need first to find the fairways...

Congressional, Friday 28 June 2013

Played 7 holes, then had to come back to the club house, then back on the course, then back inside. Heavy rain, storms, lightning, we have had it all...

Back on the course tomorrow Saturday at 7.00 AM.

Long and tiring days...

Tonight, a strong Five Guys or a Chipotle?

Congressional, Thursday 27 June 2013

Good round, maybe saved by a good putt on the 10th , my first hole, to save a bogey after a ball in the water hazard. -2 at the end of the round. This blue course is set up like a US Open, maybe not as narrow but pretty long and tough.

The weather, warm and humid, is not my favorite. Quite exhausted. It's really time that I have a week-off to load the batteries with crossfit, rest, friends and some belgian gastronomy like "croquettes crevettes"...

Congressional, Tuesday 25 June 2013

Congressional is a tough long test with long irons to the greens... But I like it... Played a nice practice round with Charles Howell, I enjoyed it. Unfortunately thunderstorms are on the menu at this period of the year. We are just between a very hot stream from the south and some cold air from Canada, if you see what I mean...

I have a story for you...

A few years ago, Vince and Mich taught a Kid from Belgium to play golf. It was in Royal Hainaut. His name is Antoine. Golf is a hell of a wonderful sport. Playing golf as a professional like I do since I'm 18 years old is a battle. Well, Antoine is facing his own battle to recover his health. During the next weeks and months, I will be playing some important tournaments like the British Open, the US PGA, the WGC and maybe the Fedex play offs. But the first step of this long season 2013 is to secure my card on the PGA Tour for 2013. Starting this week on this super tough track of Congressional. This is a message for Antoine, and all kids dealing with health problems, golfers or not, just be with me in the next weeks and months, let's face our challenges together and we will meet at the end of season for a good drink. The Junior Bombers will be there also. I will see you there Antoine...

TPC River Highlands, Saturday 21 June

Cut missed, not much to say honestly but I need to confess that I felt this Friday morning the after effect of last week. I was exhausted, bad Karma...

The good news is that I will spend the week-end with friends in family style...

Newt week, direction Washington for the AT&T at Congressional GC. Played there two years ago the US Open; quite a long course, certainly if the fairways are soft...

I enjoyed the NBA finals, what a great match and suspense... Lebron James and Dwayne Wade were just great! A true moment of sport.

Cheers to the Red Lions in Field Hockey, congrats for your final in the World League...

TPC River Highlands, Tuesday 18 June

What a nice last day at the US Open! A nice story with an happy end! That birdie/par finish on 17 and 18 is a sweet revenge for the Saturday and the misfortune on 18. It was a really tough test but fair. I must admit that the USGA has done a great job choosing Merion, it's a gem of a course, well prepared for the most testing Major and finally quite fair. All credit to Mike Davis, the Executive Director of the US Open.

Yesterday after my round we went to the Airport to catch the flight to Connecticut and The Travelers Championship - we took 5 min to stop by a Five Guys ;o) - on TPC River Highlands.

Don't know the course, but when I see the last winners list, the length of the course, I have a first idea of how's this course...

Congrats to Justin Rose, so happy that he won, we had a chat Sunday morning at breakfast and I thought he could do well.

Merion, Saturday 15 June 2013

Start at 2.18 pm (20.18 Central European time).

Wind is up, the sun is shining (28 °), Merion is drying up, greens were glazed... You can barely sink a tee in the greens, it's 100% sand, nearly concrete...

I played with Charl Schwartzel and Hunter Mahan, all 3 of the same generation...

Started badly with a double bogey and finished horribly with a triple. I had my problems and bad lucks for the tournament... That's done! Didn't putt so well as the two previous days, my eyes didn't work so efficiently and I didn't make the ball to roll as I wanted.

But there are two ways of seeing things: I can wallow on self-pity or I believe on a 4^th strong round. I'll opt for the second solution. Who knows what can happen if I play 3 or 4 under par tomorrow. That final stretch is so tough that a lead of 1 or 2 strokes can disappear after 1 shot! Yes I could have played better, but yes I keep my chances tomorrow. This was another very long day, tonight I did practice till 8.45 PM to find my Mojo on the greens...

Merion, Friday 14 June 2013

Waow this course with a swirling wind is so demanding. Happy to be in "the heat of the game", two long more days... Merion in these conditions is an incredible test!

Happy also to have finished my two rounds today.

Only 8 rounds under par in 2 days, and "la crème de la crème" is on the starting list.

Merion, Thursday 13 June 2013

Great start today from the 11^th with a clutch putt at the 12th for par! Then 2 good birdies and pars before the play was suspended. Three and a half hours and a lot of rain later and we could get back on the course. With the change of conditions, I played sloppy and made a couple of bogeys. Couldn't hit the fairways and the greens for a few holes.

And another clutch putt on 6 helped me to finish neatly. Very pleased with the 69.

People should stop telling this course is short. First of all it's a masterpiece of design. Second, there are more pitfalls here than anywhere else. Third, the rough is super penalizing and the greens are glazing fast. Fourth, the conditions are continually changing because of the winds and the rain, you need to adapt your feelings on how the greens and the ball will react. Finally, there is the softness of the greens and fairways. High clubhead speed players, like myself, need to assess the spin, and this is very difficult to control...

So Merion has so many weapons to defend his pars, it's a real tough challenge...

Merion, Wednesday 12 June 2013

Another great practice day, Mich flew back this afternoon to Europe with a relieved soul. "it's the best build up in Majors we had, Nicolas, you're striking the ball better than ever and your short game is sharp, I can leave you and Vince in peace".

By the way, this golf is a masterpiece in architecture. No architect could have his diploma without studying this course. Now, Merion will bite you, that's for sure! We are going to suffer, the greens are already faster, 13,2 on the stimpeter! Lightning fast... 

Tomorrow the forecast is horrible: rain and thunderstorms between 3 AM and 10 AM.

Anyway, the wake up call is on 4.00 AM, we will leave at 4.45 to be at 5.15 at the course, practice, have breakfast and be at the shuttle 45 min before the start. We have to ride from the West course to the East course... 20 min transport...

Merion, Tuesday 11 June 2013

Finally the sun came up but the course suffered, the greens are quite soft... all the surroundings of the tournament are muddy, it's unbelievable how much it rained... The forecast is ok for Wednesday but very bad for Thursday... Played 10 holes today and had a splendid practice session. Isao Aoki came to see because my strokes sounded really great !

Merion, Monday 10 June 2013

Wake up 5.30 to play at 7.00 for 9 holes to prepare the game on Thursday, but it was raining, then pouring and at 6.15 AM came the thunderstorms. We couldn't play a hole before 11.00. So we came back at the club in the afternoon and it didn't stop raining and lightning. I just had time to make a tee shot on 14! Completely washed, even our bones were humid.

The course is severely damaged by the rain that won't stop before 2.00AM tonight. I need to cancel my round at Pine Valley tomorrow because we need to play 18 holes tomorrow, to feel how's the course in wet conditions. The forecast is ok for Tuesday and Wednesday but rainy again on Thursday. Fortunately, we'll have a quite sunny week end from Friday...We'll see...

Merion, Sunday 9 June 2013

Great day of practice. Woke up at 6.00, on the first tee at 7.30 for 18 holes... Mich and Vince were also very enthusiast about that course. You can already forget one thing: this is not a short course!!! This is a bloody "striker" course...

This place reminds us the surroundings of London. So is the nature around here. Pennsylvania is beautiful, old trees, rolling land, creeks, rivers... Merion is an awesome piece of parkland and a splendid course, tough, super tough but inspiring.

I played alone (with Mich, Vince and Brian) for 18 holes and we enjoyed every step, every shot, every eye catching view. But hell, we're gonna suffer on these holes. Mike Davis, executive director of the USGA, has done a wonderful job. This is a real "Major" test of golf on a course designed and opened around 1911...

Played really well, Mich is quite happy with the way I'm playing, I have the course in the eye and that's quite positive. We had a long session on and around the putting green and the vibes are interesting!

New York, Friday 7 June 2013

Guess who will share my starting time on Thursday at 7.00AM ?

Bubba and Dustin, inspiring isn't it!

Pittsburgh, Tuesday 4 June 2013

Since last Saturday, I'm really in a training mood. After having lost my confidence on hole 2 last Thursday, I had quite a difficult round on 3 holes (+8)... The 72 on Friday was one of the best round of the day, this 72 means more than a good round. It's a new start with all the stuff we decide to work on the putting. "Djay" (Theunis) is with me to make me practice everyday before the US Open. Personnally, I'm a much better practicer when I'm with a trainer... really need those sessions...

Our trip from Dublin Ohio started on Monday where we played 18 holes and practiced at the Firestone Golf club in Akron where I will play the WGC Bridgestone at the end of July.

Today, I'll play Oakmont, one of the most prestigious course in the States, really looking forward to...

From Wednesday we will be around New York to test some of their best courses...

Latest news: I finally found the real name of my coaching junior team: The Junior Bombers! They'll have their third training, and Mich was happy of the last one, some of the bodies are moving in the right way with a fast club, swinging freely, and stroking some bombs... they'll have training tomorrow...

The Memorial, Saturday 1 June 2013

INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCES OF THE TWO BELGIANS THOMAS PIETERS AND THOMAS DETRY, THEY ARE IN FINAL OF THE NCAA WITH THEIR ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY TEAL AGAINST ALABAMA. FINAL TOMORROW. PROUD BELGIANS!!!!

The Memorial, Friday 31 May 2013

I tell you this: 72 on this golf course is a hell of a good score. The greens are so fast that you can totally loose your confidence like it happened to me yesterday on the second hole... A training week-end for me...

The Memorial, Thursday 30 May 2013

Really suffered today on those lightning fast greens...

The Memorial, Wednesday 29 May 2013

Great day of putting, with Dave Stockton and Djay Theunis...

Standing taller and keeping the blade alongside the green (low), it's always the same story but I had to change my routine for my alignment, this is maybe the cause of my putting problems. By the way, a new putter is in the bag, the Odyssey White Hot 2 ball blade.

Great chat with Tom Watson on the Range...

And what a surpirse when Jack Nicklaus asked me to come tp his clinic. he wanted me to show some "bombers" drive and also some special ones, like my low ones, someting I'm the only to be able to do (dixit Nicklaus)...

See the pics on the range

Wentworth, Sunday 26 May 2013

Finished strongly at -4 total, but but a bitter taste of missed opportunities. I could have been much higher in the ranking...

I'll fly on Monday to the States to play the Memorial Tournament in Dublin Ohio, Jack Nicklaus'course. It's a beautiful track with exceptional greens. It's gonna be a hard working week with the putter...

Wentworth, Saturday 25 May 2013

My worst start in this tournament. I couldn't find the right lines on the greens that were slower than the 2 first days. One more day to make a revenge on the greens on this Sunday with Raphaël Jacquelin, nicknamed "The President"... 

Wentworth, Friday 24 May 2013

Very solid round today in awful weather. It was freezing cold and raining. In need of making more putts to be really in contention, but overall I'm quite happy with my chipping and long game. The course is playing quite difficult with the wind and the rain...

I stayed patient after my 3 putts on the 9 and the meter putt missed for birdie at the 10^th. The 11^th was a key hole, made birdie there as I was down after that chance missed on 10. That birdie was some mental issue!

Wentworth, Thursday 23 May 2013

Typically a par that could have been a -4. The good draw was in the morning, we had showers, cold and a 1 hour suspension! Too many putts but a superb long game. A score to confirm tomorrow.

Wentworth, Wednesday 22 May 2013

It's so cold since 2 days here in Wentworth. Pretty intense program on Tuesday: played 9 holes, had 4 interviews, a meeting with George O'Grady with Luke, Sergio, Rory, Peter, Paul, Graeme, Lee, Ian, ... players members on the PGA Tour and a meeting with the Team and Captain Jose Maria Olazabal for the captain's gift, a Rolex watch with the result in Medinah engraved on the back of it.  And later, the European Tour night with the awards presentation and a also the celebration of the Miracle in Medinah... Great moment...

I found unfair for Sergio to be interviewed on Tiger, he was surprised and tried some humor but miscued and offended Tiger because it was not the place and the moment to make some humor... Everything went too quick, but once again why does an american interviewer from golf channel on stage bother him with personal affairs during a European Team Ryder Cup celebration? It's a tough world when you have to be smart in public in instant seconds. I really found it unfair, an European interviewer wouldn't have talked about his relations with Tiger, it was inappropriate to go personal and Sergio felt in the trap of misinterpretation... Sergio felt so bad all day and he didn't sleep at night...

Today was the pro-am at 8.00, wake-up at 5.45 and played with a great team and we finished 2nd. The course is playing quite long, the bunkers are playing tough with very little sand in them and the greens are not so fast because of the cold weather and the rain.

They expect a rude weather forecast with low temperatures, rain and high north winds... Not really enjoyable, certainly from a spectator point of view, and we have always a quite good gallery here!

Wentworth, Monday 20 May 2013

Arrived yesterday night in London. This morning, with Mich we'll go to the club for a long putting session, Mich has some items to suggest...

This afternoon, some shopping in London because I need a new smoking shirt, my old one is getting too small. Tomorrow night is the great Night of the European Tour with the awards presentation and a special celebration for the "Miracle at Medinah", the win at the Ryder Cup.

This week is quite a buzzy week, all the best european players are here, so officials, press, brands, sponsors, tournament organizers, promotors, everybody gathers to Wentworth the week of the PGA Championship. This is the flagship of european golf, the biggest tournament on the european tour with the British Open!

Thracian Cliffs, Saturday 18 May 2013

It's over. Graeme made the putts on the front nine and he deserves the win. I had some key putts this afternoon that I had to make, like the one on 16. You can't win a match against the 8^th in the world, without holing 2 or 3 putts from over than 10 feet...

The match in the morning was strange as Gonzalo came back in the game in the last holes, hopefully the 18^th was for me!

Beautiful setting but not a course that suits my game as Finca did, a bit tricky here like that 17^th green...

Next week: BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth

Thracian cliffs, Friday 17 May 2013

A much better round today than than against Branden where I didn't enter in the match, and when I did it was too late... This win was important, I can now build up in the competition where I will need to make more putts... certainly against Gonzalo, a tough opponent. Tomorrow 8.45!

 Thracian Cliffs, Wednesday 15 May 2013

Finally 18 holes On that demanding Thracian course. Pleased with my game, Mich also. These 18 holes were played in a Pro-Am format. Then we played 9 more holes afterwards with different chips and putts on each hole. i'm as ready as I can.

Tomorrow first match against Branden Grace, a tough opponent...

By the way, 2 luggages are still missing...

Thracian Cliffs, Tuesday 14 May 2013

And finally my clubs arrived! I lost 2 days of training. tomorrow will be my only training day but it's pro-am, so I can't practice the course and try trajectories as I need to. great sitting here, beautiful place but it would be even nicer with sunny sky! It rain this morning and the wind is now blowing like hell.

I was looking forward to this tournament not only because I'm a past winner but also because it's the first tournament of an important stretch of the season with the PGA at Wentworth, The Memorial and US open in the States and then the British Open, the WGC Bridgestone and the USPGA in less than 2 month. That's when you need to be sharp and that you must make your season!

Golf bag found in Brussels Airport

Thanks to Brussels Airlines department of communications, 3 ladies searched for a long time but they found the golf clubs because it's oversize and very heavy, the workers had it put aside!

Thanks to everybody who helped us, we had a lot of support, it's a great relief to have my golf clubs back.

Now, if some union or strikers wants to participate to my expenses, they already may know that it's is more than a one year salary of a worker! Useless expenses...

You need to know that my mother took my reserve golf bag from Paris to Sofia. The flight in Paris was cancelled, she arrived in Sofia at 12.00 at night and the luggage never arrived. So now I need to find a third plan with a private jet tomorrow morning to bring my golf clubs and some clothes: what a waste of energy and money... 2 training days also wasted! Thanks Swissport!

MY LUGGAGE IS BLOCKED in Brussels Airport

Does somebody know somenone from Brussels Airport or SN Brussels Airlines to make possible that my people would have access to the luggage and take them back. Somebody would then travel from Paris or Amsterdam to bring them to me!
Thanks for communicating with my manager Vincent Borremans present in Brussels: 0475/700.759
How can you be unlucky defending a world Title...

Brussels, Thursday 12 May 2013

Ready to fly to Bulgaria tomorrow morning. Great weather there, I heard, much better than the cold rain over here.

We had a great meeting with the team yesterday night, restaurant and a walk at a Brussels Kermesse (I could not say no to "smoutebollen").

Some interesting football matches this afternoon and just after another session with Blaise and I'll be ok...

Brussels, Wednesday 8 May 2013

Today was the announcement of The Kings of Golf, a new golf event in Royal Zoute on 28 and 29 september. The tournament will be a charity Skins game in favor of three Charities, each player defending one of his choice.

A whiff of Ryder Cup will float in the air with Sergio Garcia and Sam Torrance joining me on Sunday for a Clinic and a 10 holes (the back nine) tournament. Quality show guaranteed with the 3 par 5's and the 11^th, the par 3 with a brand new green and new tees!

The Kings of Golf by Optima is organized by Andy Hancock and his company VAAV Communication.

The press conference took place at the B19 Business Center in Uccle, a nice initiative of my friend John Bogaerts!

For more info's: KingsOfGolf.be

Brussels, Tuesday 7 May 2013

Tomorow, press conference around a new golf event in September! More to come tomorrow...

My days are quite full, Vincent has a solid program for me: dentist, crossfit with Richard, Blaise Erpicum, Doctor Balon Perin, Press day, etc...

Answers to some questions:

The Players: just in the middle of a transatlantic flight between the US and Europe and after already 4 tournaments, it was time to take a break.

Open de France: is not in our schedule. It can change but I think we will rather prepare the British Open!

Brussels, Saturday 4 May 2013

Came back sooner than expected, missed the cut. This gave me the opportunity to follow the second day of the selection of the Junior team that we are gonna teach for 2 years thanks to the help of my partner 2PM (Portfolio Management).

Here are the selected players: Anna Theuwis (Millenium), Maxime Anciaux (RWGC), Matthis Besard (Waregem Golf), Jarno Tollenaire (Pierpont), Jef Vannieuwkerke (Ieper golf), Alexander Kane (Brabantse), Lowie Verbeke (De Kluizen), Charles Roeland (RWGC) et Lucas Henveaux (Sart Tilman).

Welcome to them and congrats to all the juniors who came to the selections. Good luck to all of you!

Charlotte, Friday 3 May 2013

Awful round, no comment!

Charlotte, Thursday 2 May 2013

-2 today after a great start. From the 8th, the greens are quite different, bumpier and slower. Couldn't attack those putt. I attack once and had 3 putts on 13. But I played well certainly at the end of the round as the three last holes are quite demanding.

The golfcourse had many issues with the greens, it's gonna be very special with different speed of grass (slow greens in general) and 3 to 4 greens severely damaged in the last months.

Since last week, I have two news items in and around the bag: I play the Callaway Xhot 3 wood 3 Deep I nearly don't need a driver with this bomber. I had to find the right balance in the shape of the head and the shaft to be able to work the ball as I want. The manufacturers want to build equipment that goes as straight as possible, but I want to work the trajectories.  Finally we find a deadly weapon, it's in the bag with the same shaft than my previous 3 wood.

Shoes; I tried with success the new Footjoy contour Casual shoes, so I will again play those Footjoy's at the Wells Fargo. I really appreciate the stability, the lightness and the confort of those spikeless shoes!

New Orleans, Sunday 28  - Monday 29 April 2013

Monday: And what about that bunker shot on the 72nd hole for an eagle and a top 10, my second on the PGA Tour with my 9th place at the WGC Accenture. 8th place at -13, quite happy before the next tournament in Quail Hollow for the Wells Fargo championship.

Many Thanks to the juniors who came to the selection in Sterrebeek: Philippine, Anna, Maxime, Mathieu, Matthis, Lowie, Seppe, Alexander, Donald, Edouard, Alexandre, Ioann, Bruno, Victor and Jarno!

Sunday: Great day this Sunday, in Belgium it will be the first day that my team will discover the juniors that want to join the NCCT (Nicolas Colsaerts Junior Team). I hope you guys have nice weather! Speaking about Juniors, I'm delighted with the individual performance of Thomas Pieters (Winner) and Thomas Detry (8th) at the Big Ten Championship in the USA. Belgium on his way...

Yesterday, a bogey free round. Journalists like that... We prefer a round with a lot of birdies... But on 2 par 5's I had to make birdies but didn't. With -4, I was in a better shape to play the 4th round but that is history and I can only concentrate on my next shot: the drive on the 1rst hole this Sunday!. There are a lot of water hazards and enormous fairway bunkers here, that's a first key: stay away from them and then play close to the pins (2nd key). Greens are excellent, and my putting is confident.

New Orleans, Friday 26 April 2013

Latest news: did all kids that applied for a selection for the Nicolas Colsaerts Coaching Team receive an invitation? If not apply through this site!

Friday

I was cruising nicely today, I like the way I played my way around this TPC course (except for 17^th), great duo with Brian once again, square with DiMarco at -6...

Thursday

Great come back home! I enjoyed the personality of Chris DiMarco. The guy has so many stories on Tour, second at the Masters (in playoff against Tiger), the US Open (historic battle with Tiger) and 2^nd at the USPGA, WGC Accenture and the WGC Bridgestone. DiMarco is a real bulldog, a fighter on the course, someone it is a pleasure to play with!

Are you a passionate Belgian junior golfer between 10 and 12 years old?

As a "giving back" project to Belgian junior golfers, I organise a coaching team program called the Nicolas Colsaerts Coaching Team. My coaches led by Mich Vanmeerbeek will coach, for a first period of at least 2 years, a limited group of players, girls and boys, between 10 and 12 (9-13) years. One little team: the best way to learn and improve.

So if you are passionate, willing to improve, ready to work with a big heart and an inner flame and if you understand the values of sport, you may be selected and discover another world, our way to golf!

If you're happy with your own pro, this program is unfortunately not for you since you can't progress with 2 different coaching.

You can enter the two selections this week-end on the Golf.be web site where you will have more info.

Special thanks to 2PM, Philippe Feller, who was directly seduced by this "giving back" action to Juniors, "You do a great investment there!" he told me. 

You can always contact Vincent Borremans through this website, he's the NCCT Manager...

Augusta, Saturday 13 April 2013

The course was too demanding for my kind of conservative strategy. With those pins and with this kind of wind I had to be more precise with my second shots. Once again some of my shots landed 4 meters from the pin and ended on 15 meters of it. These shots are the reason of my disapointment. Of course there are positive elements, like the fact that I was perfectly prepared for it, I swung the club as good as ever, my chipping was great and I was not nervous on the first tee.

Experience and complying with another way of playing the shots to the green is the key of further success in Augusta and in general on the PGA Tour. And with my team, we made it clear that the second shots strategy is the key for a better scoring. I need to change my state of mind on those shots, the first step has been done yesterday night when we debriefed from those two rounds and the 7 tournaments played on the PGA Tour. This Masters closed a first chapter of the season. So, from Monday we open a second chapter with a new set of mind for the second shots.

And we begin with a change of program putting the Wells Fargo on the schedule and we won't play the Players Championship in Sawgrass. The purpose is to give me the chance to practice that new strategy for 3 weeks in a row. Then I'll take a week break and fly to Europe to play the Volvo World Match Play, the BMW PGA at Wentworth before coming back to the States to compete at the Memorial in Dublin Ohio, Jack Nicklaus' tournament!

Speaking about Augusta, I must admit that this is the tournament that I want to win. I love the setting, the design and the natural beauty. This course is quite inspirational, I love it. I must mention the public. This crowd is perfectly educated and it's a real joy to play amongst them. The fact that the weather was pretty nice here in Augusta add a lot of pleasure of being here. Looking forward to come back in 365 days with more tools to tackle the severity of these greens, really can't wait...

I hope you all like this last version of my website, I try to keep it simple but efficient for the viewers and my partners. By now, smartphones and tablets can open my website in a easy readable way! Of course it's not the most glamour or technological website but it's made in house by my team, and I like that.

Augusta, Thursday 11 April 2013

Posting a +2 today. As a first round, being caught by some Augusta tricks like on 6 where my ball came back from the upper level and got off the green 20 meters back. I needed 3 attempts (chips) to catch the upper level pin and fortunately made the putt for 5 on this par 3. Another Augusta trick: on the 8, downwind the ball doesn't stop on the green and my third shots stopped finally 15 meters from the pin. Experience is really a key word here.

Part from that I displayed a great long game through the all round. examples: 2 par 5 in 2 in the back nine: driver 8 iron on the 13 and driver 9 iron on the 15! But my best shot is the 7 iron from the trees on the right of 11. In general, I'm quite happy of my game today. And I wasn't too nervous on the first tee which is great! Tomorrow I'll need to be less conservative on the green. I decided today to avoid downhills Putts, I succeed but tomorrow I will need more birdies opportunities.

Rules: 50 first players and ties + all score 10 strokes from the leader will be the cut.

Augusta, Wednesday 10 April 2013

What a pleasure it was to play these 9 holes with Ernie Els and Tchema Olazabal. Great fun also with my father as caddy and mother as chief photographer...

A prety cool day before the 4 days competition, the swing is as good it can get and the mind is optimal... Now Augusta is a drama theater and everything can happen, I just have to accept it. That will be the key for tomorrow.

Tonight it's really hot, thunderstorms are on their way... always weather surprises at Augusta...

Today a late wake up, a smooth training session and I've played the 9 holes par 3 tournament ... with my father as caddy. I'll make sure not to win it... you know the legend!

Another beautiful sunny day but the fresh air is gone and it's gonna be a very warm tonight!

Did meet the Belgian press yesterday, Marc Vermeiren and Jan-Peter Baert from Het Belang Van Limburg and Gazet Van Antwerpen.

Augusta, Tuesday 8 April 2013

Maybe my best preparation day for a Major! Yesterday was maybe my worst... Quite delighted tonight!

Augusta, Tuesday 8 April 2013

Never seen so many spectators on a Monday, the golf course was packed, it was impressive. This is another dimension of a Major. I must say that I was surprised by the difference between a quiet Sunday round and a packed Monday.

I'll play 9 holes today (the back nine) since I played the front nine yesterday. The weather is good, a reason why so many people enjoy a day at Augusta.

Today is a working day, fine-tuning all parts of my game to be ready on Thursday. But you can feel that the heat is on...

Augusta, Sunday 7 April 2013

We arrived at Augusta National on a sunny Saturday afternoon... This place is the most beautiful setting I know. The charm is everywhere, from the natural beauty to the mythical stories of this tournament. I'm in love with the Masters and this is certainly the Major I wanna put on my CV.

Beside the dream and the will, there is a demon hided in each tee and green and to perform or survive, you need to tame it, to master it! Each shot is so demanding... it's the crossroad between enjoyment and suffering. And it can be so painful. Each year the Masters delivers his lot of drama's and only one "over the moon" delight, the one of the new Green Jacket winner.

On Sunday I played it for the first time in one stretch of 18 holes... Well it's so hilly that even Mich was surprised to be tired... What you don't see on TV is that this fantastic rolling land is much more severe than what everybody think. Example: on the second shot on 18, you don't see the green... In fact, in Augusta there is not a single flat hole.

With the length (6800 meters), the rough, the new trees (11-14), the course is quite long and driving will be so important: you need to be long and straight otherwise you'll have no shot to the green, or at least a shot to the only part on the green that permits only 2 putts. Another thing nobody says on television: the uphill putts are very difficult because the difference between an uphill and downhill putt is so huge. On some holes you just touch the ball with the toe of the putter and on the next you need to hit it very firmly (like on 6).

The speed of the greens is still playable on practice days, and this lasts till Wednesday. At 3PM the course closes and the mowers will come in action. They do 2 cuts on Wednesday afternoon and 1 on Thursday early morning. First tee off is at 8.15 so they have enough time to do the job. From Wednesday they cut from the green to the tee, so each shot will be played against the grain.

This Sunday morning was amazing, we entered at 8.00 AM with Mich and Vince (we may not come earlier) and we had breakfast in the Clubhouse in front of the first tee and the open valley panorama that splits the two loops of 9 holes. And who entered and say hello: Mrs Condoleezza Rice (former US Secretary of State) with a fellow member, then entered Phil Mickelson... This is what you encounter in Augusta National and we were there for 32 seconds, not a place seen elsewhere.

We are profoundly amazed by the charm of the place, the quietness and the passion for golf. The Masters is organized by the Members in respect of the will of Bobby Jones and Clifford Robberts, the two founders. Each year they strive to improve the tournament and this with since 1934 with enormous budgets. The result is perfection. Of course, they have their own rules, very different than all the other tournaments. But if you accept the spirit of their philosophy, it's much easier to comply with all these rules. Respect is the key word. Nothing else in golf is in the same time as beautiful, qualitative and competitive. That's my opinion and that's why I'm in love with The Masters!

Jupiter, Friday 3 April 2013

And you know what??????

Thanks to Jack jr, I met Mr Jack Nicklaus today and we went through the strategy of the 18 holes with the 4 different pin positions and the different winds. A moment of grace and true intelligence. I enjoyed every second of this meeting. We could feel the intensity of this man, so wise, so sensible and sharp! Golf experience at his best.

And I would have loved to have filmed the faces of Vince and Mich, crying of inner joy, listening to their hero and learning things that they never had read about Jack Nicklaus. And they are two encyclopedia's...

In fact we were chatting this morning with one of the founders of The Bears and Jack Jr came and joined us. And speaking about the 1986 Masters where he caddied for his father, we asked if he had an advice for Augusta National. He reflected for a moment and responded: "I would talk to my father, that's my advice! If you are interested, yes, then I phone him, he would love to speak to you about it". That's how the golf stories are written at The Bears... The rest was one of the highlight of my humble golf-life experience...

Jupiter, Friday 3 April 2013

After two days, my game is back even if the first holes on Wednesday were rusty, Mich put it together again in no time and yesterday my long game was already in great shape. Wednesday night we had a nice dinner with Nick Price and Bob Rotella; it was all about past experiences, strategy, how to play the course, ... A night to remember...

Ernie Els, George Coetzee, Louis Oosthuizen and Branden Grace played here yesterday, just before a violent thunderstorm...

Today, Friday, my last training day at the Bears.  Playing, putting and chipping are on the menu. Tomorrow morning, we fly to Augusta.

Jupiter, Tuesday 2 April 2013

Back in business! Good to see Mich and Vince and ready to play again. But this break was very useful: ski, great food, splendid Alps, super visit at Rolex, great fun at 2PM 'offices with some nice and elegant meetings... A good dive in old Europe is always a great breath of fresh air.

At the Bears now, for three days of training with the Masters in mind. One green is scarely fast and we are looking forward to commit for our Georgian objective. Mich seems more than ready, with Vince, together they had plenty of time to write down the Masters strategy.

I must say that I feel great, Blaise Erpicum was quite happy with the way my body and mind were in shape... only good news...

Kompany, Hazard, Witsel, de Bruyne, Dembele and Co in Macedonia

Belgium needs to win this match. Even in the Alps, cheering for our National soccer team, the boys are great, we need to back them up!

There are no easy matches, and Belgium deserves to be in Rio, come on Marc Wilmots...

Gooaaaaaallllllllll De Bruynnnnneeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

Goaaaaaaaalllllllllll Hazard!!! 0-2 Pure Class

Congrats guys... Important win!!!!!!!!!

Augusta, Tuesday 12 March 2013

Ready for my first venue at Augusta National, I'm thrilled. Just waiting for Brian Nilsson at Augusta Airport and then we can go to the club.

Tomorrow I'll play also 9 holes and then 2 weeks off in Europe for rest, great food, friends, Alps, visiting Rolex and come back in Jupiter at the Bears to prepare the Masters with my team. They say that the greens will be at 15 on the stimpmeter, this is crazy. On Tour we play at 11 or 12, sometimes 13, but 15 is simply awesome!

Really looking forward to the Masters but before those 2 weeks off are gonna be a little paradise!

Miami Doral, Sunday 10 March 2013

It was tough playing today, you had to have those hardpan fast greens in the eyes. I didn't have it like yesterday and it costs me 2 or 3 strokes. But one top 10 at the Accenture and one Top 20 at the Cadillac are my two best results in WGC's tournaments. Finally not a bad start in the States, but still glad to come back in Europe to get my mental fitness in shape where I wanted to be.

Miami Doral, Saturday 9 March 2013

My best 3rd round on the PGA Tour, all credit to my team for the hard work since the Honda Classic: Richard VM and Blaise Erpicum to put me in good physical shape, Bob Rotella and of course Mich who worked hard to put all the pieces of my swing in place. I hope to have the same amount of energy for tomorrow. 

One more round to finish this first stretch of the season!

Miami Doral, Friday 8 March 2013

Another round under par, even if I had a bad stretch of 3 bogeys and a ball in the water on the par 5 8th. Even if I was unfortunate to drive 40 yards over the green on 16 because I hit the car path near the green, I was given it too much on the tee. I was so angry after the three putt on 15 that I put some rage in the 16th tee drive... it's a pity because I was cruising nicely from the 17th (my 8th hole) till that 8th (my 17th hole).

Tomorrow an 11.05 start with Aussie Adam Scott, I'm looking forward to it!

Hit 16 of the greens in regulation today, hope to do the same tomorrow with 4 putts less than today... 2 more competitive days before 3 weeks off, I need to give every atom of energy left in the 2 last rounds.

Miami Doral, Thursday 7 March 2013

As exhausted as I am, we had to put up a strategy for this last tournament before my break. The strategy was to spend as little energy as I could. Didn't push on the accelerator on tee, went for the middle of the greens and went for the distance on greens... I only accelerated on 2 drives and wanted to avoid any problem. Each time you are in the rough or not on the green, you burn energy and concentration. And I'm quite low in energy, so I do need to spare myself. "Tu me fais des swings à du 2 à l'heure, hein fieu", these were the last words of Mich before my tee off.

Of course I didn't have much opportunities for birdies and indeed I could make the ones on 10-16-17 and 18. Not too confident in my reading, I was influenced by the putts of my fellow competitors. And that appears to be wrong choices. Tomorrow, I wil stick to my first decisions.

there was also that match play attitude to play against the course and Bob Rotella emphasize about patience. And all those strategies worked today at Doral. it was great weather, quite calm, and the big guns went for -6 and -5... 

For the distance lovers, i accelerate one on 16 and touched the green at 346 yards from the tee, but my ball went in deep bermuda 2 yards from the green. Birdie missed. I don't blame the Odyssey Tank putter, it worked fine, I just have to pay attention in downhill putts because it's a heavier tool... The Tank will be in the bag tomorrow...

Miami Doral, Wednesday 6 March 2013

Pictures of the WGC in the GALLERY by Philipe Gaudy

Great news, my team has got their phone number working again. Belgacom finally put their best engineer on the run and they solve the problem. We need to keep that red line in good place in our memory because this adventure may never happen again! It's not because we are Belgians that we can't be super efficient and professionnal like in other countries. My team and I, we are fighting our blood out on the Tours to have that Belgian flag shining as high as possible, why would excellence not be the goal of everybody, certainly in those "big" companies owned partly by the State!!!

Like yesterday, I played 9 holes, the back nine, this time with Peter Hanson. Bob Rotella joined us and we had a good chat about what can happend this week. Tony Johnstone joined me on the putting green for another chat. All my old buddies seems to gather around me this week...

Did some work with Mich on alignment to square my club face on my iron game. I have that tendency to open it slightly. So that's done, the long game is fixed.

The Odyssey Tank putter will be in the bag tomorrow, so is the Blue shaft on my Callaway driver 9,5° Razr Hawk head (the longest on Tour). Bob Vokey brought me my new Vokey TVD design K60° with 3° bounce. My 54° is a SM4 spin milled 4 with 12° bounce.

Miami Doral, Tuesday 5 March 2013

Played 9 holes early this morning with the "squadra azurra", Francesco Molinari and Matteo Manassero.

Tried a new putter given to me by Roger Cleveland 2 weeks ago, an Odyssey Tank 7, with an interesting counterweight. It has a putter head a little like Luke's putter. We get quite good along and he might enter the bag!

These WGC are quite incredible tournaments: I had the pleasure to personally meet a lot a great names this morning, they came to see my ninth hole: Nick Price, Mark Mc Nulty, Tony Johnstone. After that I had a nice chat with Butch Harmon, Peter Harrisson and Nick Raffaelle from Callaway, Jean-Noël Bioul and Arnaud Laborde from Rolex (thanks for the lunch gentlemen). On the Range, Bob Vokey made me a new 60°wedge.

Then at 4.00 Pm I had an interview with Golf Channel and Tim Rosaforte. I love Tim, he's a fine passionate lover of the game, I like the way he makes his interview always with some old school stories about the history of the game. This time we spoke about Flory Van Donck.

Then I did a radio spot for Callaway and at 5.30 Pm we have a meeting with all the european players of The Ryder Cup for a special award to come...but this is secret!

Thanks once again to Belgacom for having lost Mich' phone number and now Philippe Gaudy one's. Vince has recovered his (after 6 days of technical problems!!!!). And now his Twitter account has been hacked. This is all surrealistic. But that Belgacom's problem makes me mad, being able to reach my team at any time is crucial to me. How the hell in 2013 can they show such a lack of professionalism!

The Bears Jupiter, Monday 4 March

There isn't a better healer than a good game of golf with some friends. Margil Gutmer, friend but also a sponsor of mine and head of the 3e Bureau, followed me last week, so I invited him for 18 holes at the Bears with our friend Pascal Dryon. It's beautiful weather, with a quite cold north wind and a magnificent blue sky. That's what I needed as transition before going to the Doral Blue Monster course tonight.

I will definitely need a good break to find my freshness and sharpness back. Those 2 months were very tiring with the bad weather and the frustrations, even with those 2 top 10's...

Mich is arriving today, the Trio (with Vince) is back on track for a week where I will give all the energy I have left, before those weeks of vacation in the Mountains...

PGA National, Sunday 3 March 2013

Very frustrating to play like this. Not enough on fairways and not enough birdies, I'll need a break after the Doral...

PGA National, Saturday 2 March 2013

By no means an easy day for scoring, but honestly, I didn't play well, surely on the first 9 with 4 bogeys. I finded my game back at 5 holes from the end, just before the Bear Trap! My long game was erratic, missing fairways and greens...

Bob Rotella suggested me to try some techniques, I made a mess of it, but that's part of a learning process... Finally, it was a difficult day for everybody and I can still jump some places tomorrow...

PGA National, Friday 1 March 2013

A 71 that could have been a 67, happy to make the cut but also unhappy of the score...

This afternoon, i went to the Bears and invited Marc Farry for 18 holes. After a few holes, we met Ernie Els and a some holes later it as Michael Jordan, another member at The Bears.

After the game with Marc, Doc Bob Rotella joined me for a long chat, analyzing my game and how I could handle the frustration of playing better than my score tells... Two more rounds to work it out this week-end...

PGA National, Thursday 28 February 2013

Great round from the 7th hole with a nice finish. Certainly a competitive course!

Tomorrow waking up at 4.30AM, 5.20 at the golf at the physio with Blaise who arrived late tonight with Vince...

PGA National, Wednesday 27 February 2013

Did a Golfweek interview and picture session and practiced lightly. First time here at PGA National, and it's true that the 15-16-17 holes, called the Bear Trap, is quite a demanding 3 holes ! The par 3 17 is certainly the most difficult hole on the course with water in front and at the right of the green. With a nasty bunker and some heavy slopes left of it, it's the green or nothing. The problem is that the wind is really blowing hard from the left.

It's a Jack Nicklaus design.

Super glad of this week with Rich, I like those fitness session...

Playing from the first at 11.45 AM.

PGA National, Monday 25 February 2013

The strongest man at the Accenture was Kuchar...

Back now on the east coast, for two tournaments in a row, the Honda Classic and the WGC at Doral.

96th on the Fedex Cup now, a top 100 finally reached... some jump also on the European Tour, 30th now... and on the Worldranking 40th now...

Joined by Rich yesterday, we will play Jack Nicklaus' charity today at the Bears Club...

Tucson, Sunday 24 February 2013

Matt Kuchar had a great start and I couldn't make any birdie early. You can't win against a world class player without birdies in the 6 first holes... Well done Kooch!

But it's a good week for me. This is a classical process in golf when you to play well one round during a week, then 2 rounds in a row, then 3, then 4 and you make a chance to win a tournament. You can't beat time during a learning process. New Tour ou  new tournaments or new clubs, it's all taking time and patience.

Nearly every week will be new this year, so I don't have any stupid expectations, I just need to find my grove, my rythm of competing.

Richard is arriving this Sunday for a week of work, Blaise will arrive later, together with Vincent on Thursday. It's the Honda Classic this week. We will work at Admiral's Cove in Jupiter, 10 min from PGA National where the Honda is played.

On Monday, I'll be at the Bears Club to play the Charity event of Jack Nicklaus. Quite a buzzy week in perspective.

Tucson, Saturday 23 February 2013

Playing very well since a few weeks, it had to go my way one of these days. I feel confortable into those tough conditions. Nice match in perspective with Matt Kuchar today! 

Garmisch Partenkirschen, Wednesday 20 February 2013

What is this? Are we in Aspen, Garmisch or Val d'Isère? I was so cold when play was stopped, i nearly lost 4 fingers on the 9th. Play will be resumed tomorrow... Snowball time in the desert...

Tucson, Monday 18 February 2013

Early morning here and already on duty with Ron Kapriske from Golf Digest. Later today, I'll be interviewed by Jennifer Chafitz for ESPN.

Brian and myself drove through the desert on Sunday. A long drive together, ideal to burry that last Friday afternoon, with a wrong club used on the par 3 16. I took a 8 instead of a 9 iron and flew over the green unplayable in the bunker's lip. We were so mad after the round, both having made that mistakes on 16...

I don't yet feel totally home on this Tour, but it's a question of weeks... It's gonna be like on the European Tour a few years ago:  some tension building for the cut, then some tension to make good Saturday's, then finally adding a 4th good round in a row. I know the process now...

On Wednesday, I'll play Bill Haas in the first round. Nobody is easy when you play against the best in the world, Bill is in great shape for the moment and I don't have the same posivitive vibes... But sport is not a science, with a good break in the beginning of the round I can suddenly find my confidence back on the greens and become quite an efficient opponent against any of the players here! My long game is as sharp as ever and this is a strong weapon on a match play formula... My driving is awesome, that's another strong asset!

After the WGC Accenture, I'll play the Honda Classic at the PGA National. On Monday, I have been invited by Jack Nicklaus to participate at his Charity Event at the Bears Club. Rich Vanmeerbeek will be with me during the Honda Classic.

The other change in my schedule will be the week off during the Bay Hill Arnold Palmer Invitational. In fact, after the WGC Doral, I'll play on Monday the Charity of Ernie Els and on Tuesday I'll go the Augusta National GC to play a practice round on Wednesday. At night I'll come back to Europe for a week off with some friends. I will come back on the PGA Tour to play the Shell Houston!

For the material geeks, with Mich we decided to play with the yellow shaft and the 8,5° Callaway Razr Hawk head! That's the club I used in Durban and last week, it will be in the bag for the next weeks... A super efficient bomber weapon!

Los Angeles, Friday 15 February 2013

Bad finish, naturally very disappointed. I'm not yet feeling at home on this Tour, I need more time, more tournaments,... I'll play the Honda Classic the week after the Accenture!

Los Angeles, Thursday 14 February 2013

Great display of long game, 5 nice birdies but some three putts when on the green but too far from the pin... "Safe on the green" doesn't exist here on the PGA Tour!

Los Angeles, Tuesday 12 February 2013

Roger Cleveland took us to the very private Los Angeles Country Club. A gem in the center of the city, here reigns an atmosphere of Pine Valley...

Program today: 18 holes at Riviera and at least 9 holes with Dave Stockton...

Some European players are coming back like Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell...

Los Angeles, Monday 11 February 2013

Great working week with Mich at Callaway and on different golf courses. Roger Cleveland (founder of the Cleveland brand and designer of the Callaway Tour X Prototype irons and wedges) took us playing a great round of golf. This is quite spirit...

We went also to the Grand Del Mar to work and we found that a 3 wood could fit in the bag... to be confirmed...

We are talking a lot of golf equipment here but most of my time is spent on fine tuning golf shots, using also our new and interesting Foresight GC2A on wedge distances...

Los Angeles is not a city where you can chill, Los Angeles is Sin City, for night birds, and is therefore not the best place for a sportsman to hang out drinking water and apple juice...

San Diego, Thursday 7 February 2013

Drove yesterday through the desert back to the West coast and San Diego to pick up Mich at the Airport. This morning at 9.00, session at ECPC (Callaway in Carlsbad) to continue our experimentation around the driver and the 3 wood. Also we'll have a learning session around the Foresight radar GC2A, a portable radar made by Foresight in San Diego that I can use by myself when traveling.

Vince and Jérome made their report after the 2 first weeks and Mich comes up with elements to continue our learning process. Vincent pointed it very clearly: "Americans are doing better than Europeans in Majors because their tournaments on the PGA Tour are so close of being each a real Major". A Major doesn't look like any tournament on the European soil (excepted maybe of the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth). We never have  those greens and course preparation, we do not know such huge infrastructure, we have see more than one hundred thousand spectators during the week. Here, every week, the tournament have the taste of a Major. So when the Zach Johnson, Webb Simpson, Keegan Bradley, Ben Curtis, Todd Hamilton, Shaun Micheel, Trevor Immelman (AFS), Lucas Glover, Geoff Ogilvie (Aus), Stewart Cink, Rich Beem or Yang Yong-eun are winning, they have been prepared on the PGA Tour to perform in such environment...

Once again, we have to learn everything by ourselves, that's why you need experience, that's why you need a team, that's why you need some white hair and wrinkles around you...

TPC Scottsdale, Friday 1 February 2013

My worst round this year, I struggled with the speed of the green from the 1rst. This in usual on the PGATour where day after day the greens are getting faster. This is something I need to ged used very quickly. 15 greens in regulation, 3 triple putts and no birdies. I was so mad...

TPC Scottsdale, Thursday 31 January 2013

Had my A game today, great rhythm, using my favorites low controlled drives...

-6 with a ball in the water on a par 5 and an unplayable ball under a bush with a penalty stroke on hole 1, I take the score, my best this year on the PGA Tour. Putted better, I had my fair amount of birdies and an eagle on 17 where I drove the green. Still, I left a few occasions something Phil Mickelson didn't do today with this -11!

I just launched 1 big drive, on the 18, to carry the water and the bunker on the left, 290 meters carry. It's not a type of course you can fire from the tee. Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, the golf architects, are masters in making you believe it is wide but in fact it isn't. Water and bunkers are strategically placed.

After the very cold weather and the frost comes the sun. Everything becomes harder and crusty... The greens are already firm and fast, with this cold wind and the sunshine after, we can have glazed surfaces on the next days.

Tomorrow will be another story playing the 16^th in the afternoon. This hole is crazy, quite impressive, with those 20.000 noisy fans who do not drink only soda's or tea in this Coliseum...

TPC Scottsdale, Wednesday 30 January 2013

Short day on the golf course but long sessions on the putting green with Junior Stockton, the oldest son of Dave S. Played 9 holes with the father yesterday and had a good session on the putting green today. Still the concern to keep the left back hand towards the hole without lifting the putter. Adjusting the right hand smoothly and keeping that left shoulder lower are 2 keys for me to roll the ball properly.

Had a chat with some Callaway, Fujikura and Mamiya technicians. I try a new combination but still the Razr 9,5 Blue Fujikura shaft remains the first choice. Additional tests at the Callaway center next week with Mich Vanmeerbeek.

Playing with Brendan De Jonge, great strong Zimbabwean player. We have known each other since 15 years. The third is JB Holmes, another long hitter. Played with him at The Memorial in 2012.

Finally the temperatures have shown some progress. The sun had a warming effect, what a pleasure...

TPC Scottsdale, Tuesday 29 January 2013

Well, that last day at Torrey Pines took me to a tied 44^th place.

After the last 9 holes on Monday, we headed to Arizona by car, a 6 hour drive in the mountains and the desert, with some beautiful panorama's.

There is still a freezing wave around here in Arizona. There was frost on the cars this morning, between 0 and 5 degrees C. Blue sky, bright sun but a very cold wind. The forecast is better but only for the week-end.

TPC Scottsdale is a beautiful course, superbly designed. And of course there is that 16th hole, the stadium hole where people gets so crazy and noisy. I found it exaggerate but Vince keeps saying that's the future of golf to bring more people to tournament. The key for golf... more people involved!

It's called "The Coliseum of golf" and the motto is: "Bring the Noise"!

Tonight we had a Callaway XHot new driver launch. In the presence of the press we (with Gary Woodland, Luke List and Andres Gonzales) launched some missile balls on the Range of Troon North Golf Course. This was followed by a party; it was nice to meet the others pros (a first-timer) from the XHot Team.

San Diego, Torrey Pines, Sunday 27 January 2013

27 holes today in a quite cold climate, starting the day on the 10th. My feeling for reading putting lines was cold also... This is my worst 14 holes since a long time, +5 then for the day, I could have broken a Torrey Pine tree from anger!

I wasn't happy with my driving too... But from the 15, finally the ball accepted to drop for birdie... and two in a row. And honestly, it could have been 4 in a row, but the ball chose the edge of the cups at 8 and 9.

Anyway, still 18 holes to play at that moment.

Between the two rounds, Vincent brought us the Callaway driver with the yellow 8X shaft (Razr 9,5). Feeling more comfortable, I started the 4th round with confidence and after 9 holes -3 for the round. Best shot of the day was my second one on the 18, my 9th (and my last shot of the day), I was in the bunker 202 meters from the flag  and had to fly over the pond. Brian proposed to lay up but I had a great lie on the sand. I smacked a 2 iron 4 meters to the flag. You should have seen the face of the spectators... But my ball stopped on the fringe with some mud on it that I was not allowed to remove. No eagle but a well deserved birdie...

I just need to finish the job tomorrow trying to climb a few more spots.

San Diego, Torrey pines, Saturday 26 January 2013

How can you be on the best climate in the USA, being washed out one day, and freezed foggy style the other day. All my support to Peter Ripa (Tournament director) and his crew who have made such a fine work to organise this Farmers Insurance Open!

A long day in a freezing fog waiting for some opening in the sky! Finally, play is cancelled at 4.00 PM...

We will play on Sunday and Monday...

One day less to discover TPC Scottsdale...

But that's life on Tour...

We practiced on the putting green for a few hours, not wasted time...

San Diego, Torrey Pines, Thursday & Friday 25 January 2013

Yesterday on the North Course, I had my worst driving ever, hitting only 1 fairway... I was swinging too fast, giving no time for the conversion before the downswing; -3 was ok but not ideal.

Today, my swing was really going well but with the rain, I struggled with the speed of the green. After 3 putting the 2^nd and the 4^th (I had a birdie putt of 3 meters), my confidence vanished, 2 other bogeys followed and the situation was looking quite bad. Then 2 good putts slipped by on the 9^th and 10^th, before two good birdies on 11 and 13. 

It rained all day and it was cold, a real Belgian weather. What a change in 48 hours!

My shot of the day was certainly my approach putt on the par 3 16. A lob shot in super wet rough that had to fly over a bunker and stop quickly after... one of my best one! This was two "approach putt" in a row (15-16). I had also a last chance for birdie on 18 after a great approach but the putt skipped to the left directly.

Ok first cut on my first tournament as a member on the PGA Tour, first Fedex points.

I thought to find sunny conditions and we had rain... One thing for sure, the field here is much stronger than in Europe...

After the round we practiced under the rain one hour on the putting green to fix it for tomorrow. 9.00 on the 10^th tee with Jason Day and Seung Noh. Jason is a cool Dude and such a great approach player, also he nearly aced the 8^th...

San Diego, Torrey Pines, Wednesday 23 January 2013

Pro-Am day here at The Farmers Insurance Open. The sun disappeared and the forecast is rain...

I'm playing the North Course at 9:10. And the longer South Course Friday at 10:10.

San Diego, Torrey Pines, Tuesday 22 january 2013

Practice round on the South course today, TV interview Live at 3.00 PM, players meeting at 5.00 with different issues like anchoring the club...

Waaawww, on the South those greens are as hard as concrete and as fast as a pool table. this is a real big test of golf. the South Course is "an iron fist in a velvet glove. Tough test on a one of the most beautiful natural scene: the Pacific coast, the cliffs, the pines, and the beaches... I love it!

San Diego, Torrey Pines, Monday 21 January 2013

Great day at the Ely Callaway Performance Center to fix all my clubs. A lot of confirmations. We'll change for the 9,5° Razr Hawk head, I'll loose some yardages but I'll gain in maneuverability.

Thank you Randy, John, Nick R.,Nick A., Lio, Bjoern at the ECPM for your skills and the time you spend with us!

San Diego, Torrey Pines, Sunday, 20 January 2013

Arrived yesterday night. Vincent, Jérôme and Brian also arrived the same night. This morning, we had breakfast together in Del Mar and had a walk on the pacific beaches just under the cliffs of Torrey Pines. Beautiful weather on one of the most beautiful coasts, a real pleasure. 18 holes today on one of the two courses (North and South) of Torrey Pines and tomorrow a long session of club tuning at the Ely Callaway Performance Center in Carlsbad.

West Palm Beach, Thursday 16 January 2013

Member at Jack Nicklaus "Bear's Club", one of the best place on earth to practice! Yeahhhh

Fellow members: Ernie, Rory, Donald, Dustin...

Today, one day with Bob Rotella at his home in Jupiter, the first step in my american adventure. Set up of the mind and to be prepared on what can happen here are crucial issues.

West Palm Beach, Tuesday 15 January 2013

Cheers to Paul McGingley, the new Ryder Cup Captain of the European team. It's a great choice, he's got all the support of the players. Paul has shown real efficiency and a strong sense of strategy. Good luck, Paul!

Durban, 13^th January 2013

That 18^th hole in Durban has been quite gentle all week... That green seems to be the only one to accept my longer birdie putts. It was a long week but for a competition comeback, a top 10 is always a nice result ... even if I could have scored better. But this is history now and I'm very glad to fly to the States. In fact I'm quite happy to have followed my team's proposition to skip Abu Dhabi and go as soon as possible on the PGA Tour.

Next week will be another preparation session. First in West Palm Beach, I'll spend a day with Bob Rotella and two days with Dave Stockton before flying to San Diego playing Torrey Pines and going to the Callaway Performance Center to fix some potential new drivers. New challenge ... Quite excited!!!!!

Durban, 12^th January 2013

Strange day, not my A swing, that's for sure, not my A putting also, didn't hole a putt on behalve on the 18! Great saves from everywhere, like on 18 where my drive landed 1 meter from the out of bounds. But I made the birdie thanks to my only great putt (3 meters). Always good to finish by a birdie for an under par round. -1 today and it's was like it was +5 or +6. It was a long battle, surely when you're not on the fairways and the greens...

A great last day on the European Tour tomorrow before flying for the States can be a nice start of the season.

A day without rain should be nice for tomorrow... The good news is that I will play with Ernie Els for the second time, that's really great! I will enjoy it more than Thursday when there were so many news things to handle...

Does somebody know why there were so many people on the 3rd tee today and yesterday? Just kidding... Today I snapped it and needed 3 strokes to find the fairway for a good bogey at the end. I had a much better one on the 9th, just 40 meters from the green... Tomorrow, I'll have Ernie's comments before I'll tee off, for sure. Something new for me, all that attention and shouting "Come on Bomber" on the Tee... Good preparation before the Phoenix Open in 2 weeks where 500.000 spectators will be present: The greatest show in golf!

Durban, 11^th January 2013

A little too many new items for my first round: heavy rain, new driver, playing with Ernie, new cap, new shirt, new bag, bad neck for 3 days, no real practice round...

Feeling better today, even if I still missed a lot of occasions. Concerning the putting, Mich told me that the technique and the speed were ok, only the reading of those slopes and grain is quite particular. Not a surprise to see Oosthuizen on the lead. They were born on that grass...

Callaway must be happy, I launched a long drive yesterday on the 3rd, 100 meters past Ernie, around 380 meters in total. The yellow shaft was still in the bag today! My best shot was on the par 3 12 my ball went in the cup and bounces back on the hole liner and jumped at 5 meters. We had to call John Paramor to rebuild the hole... I made par!

It's quite bad weather over here, it rains so much! 

Tomorrow 80.000 to 100.000 people will gather at an ANC meeting! It's gonna be crowded around here...

Durban, 9^th January 2013

Well, this was a long but interesting day. Finally the Callaway driver 8,5° with the UPS Mamyia Atta3 BK7 shaft will be in the bag tomorrow. My neck is better and it's a good news because this Durban course is quite demanding. The winner will be the best striker from tee to green. A bad drive and the par becomes impossible...

Mich and Tony Johnstone have become good friends and we worked together around the chipping green.

Tomorrow I will play with Ernie Els at 12.50, the first time we play together!

Durban, 7^th January 2013

After a great training camp in Anahita at Mauritius, we are back in business on the European Tour! Then  we'll be heading to the States for the next four months.

Our progression program is set up, we want to improve on different parts of the game. The main objectives of the year will be the putting and the long game. Dave Stockton is ready for me with a strong program to improve my long putting. I'm a great short putter and and even a better lag putter but we think that I can hole more putts from a longer range, like from 12 feet and longer. Uphill putts and "grain" putts will be also on the menu of my working plan.

As a Callaway Tour staff player now, we will bring a lot of attention on building a new driver. With Mich we found already a great combination with a 8,5° head and a UST Mamyia Atta3 shaft, but it is not yet in the bag. We will work hard at the Ely Callaway Performance Center to build the 2013 weapon that will deliver longer distance, workability and accuracy. We have already reached a longer distance (impressive) and workability blend but I'm not yet 100% sure about the accuracy factor...

Next week I'm flying to the States for another working week with Bob Rotella and Dave Stockton. Mich Vanmeerbeek is with me this week to capitalize on the work done those last 12 days. Every detail is quite important if you want to play a role against the big guns. All 4 Majors plus WGC's are on my calendar this year. I am looking forward to my first Masters visit, with a lot of humility and open eyes to learn as much as I can.

Vincent is working out a meeting with M. Jack Nicklaus in February, this is already another highlight of this 2013 season! Jack Nicklaus is a legend and an example. Vincent and Mich have grown in the game inspired by the Golden Bear, they told me so many stories about him that I can not wait to meet Mister Nicklaus.

The search for experience and knowledge are strong assets of our team. There's always something to learn, not everything is used but the pertinent little ingredients you put in the blend are always making the difference... No revolution but evolution, step by step...

Anahita, December 31^st, 2012

On this last day of the year, we would like to wish you all a very very happy 2013. We thank you for following us week after week, posting so many encouraging messages through this site. Be assured that we do appreciate your support.

Regarding our preparation, things are going well. Next to the physical training, we are also testing some new golf material. We have tried a new UST Mamiya shaft (for the driver); some good sensations and the figures reported by the Flightscope are good. Some more tests with different shafts will take place in the coming days.

Anahita is certainly one of the best places to stay at this time of the year. The mild climate, the exceptional infrastructure of the hotel and the kindness of the Mauritians delight our whole team.

Very sad news at this end of the year, David Petrie died after a long battle against illness.

David was highly appreciated amongst all golfers, known for his competence, intelligence and humility. It's a great loss, David was an example, in his club, at the Belgian PGA and the VVG as well.

All our thoughts to his wife and his three children in these painful moments.

Tuesday, December 25^th 2012

We wish you all a Merry Christmas...

Gone to Anahita, Mauritius, for our traditional training camp to prepare 2013! Always improve, always getting better, all the details, making progress in all parts of this demanding profession...

Keep close contact with me through this blog. Together, we have great things to discover next year! A great news arrived by mail this 24 December, on Christmas Eve... the invitation from The Board of Governors of the Augusta National Golf Club to play The Masters in 2013! Wow, this is something... a youth dream comes true...

3^rd Belgian Pro Golfer to be invited after Flory Van Donck (invited at Christmas 1957 for the 1958 edition where he finished 32^nd) and Donald Swaelens, invited the 25^th December 1974 but couldn't participate due to his illness (pancreas cancer) and died on 25^th April 1975. One of the rare players being invited at the Masters and who never showed up! Flory never received the chance to play the US Open and the PGA Championship but was quite successful at the British Open in the late 50's!

Excerpt from the Weekend Sportif (RTBF, 23-Dec-2012)

Wednesday, December 19^th 2012

Last Belgian press meeting in 2012 in the new Crossfit Power Factory where Rich is giving his workouts. Good to see everybody and have a debriefing of the 2012 season and a preview on the 2013 schedule. I'll play mostly on the PGA Tour with a clear FedexCup Playoff objective. My confirmed partners for 2013: Allegro Software, AMB Broker, Anahita, 3e Bureau, Footjoy and Titleist, Knauf, 2PM and Rolex. But there's also a new...

Announcement 1: There's a new sponsor joining my partners team... Callaway! I'm so glad to have them as partners for the driver, the irons and the putter.

Announcement 2: I'll play on the PGA Tour next year 19 tournaments and 14 on the European Tour. I'll start in Durban (South Africa) with the Volvo Champions. Then I will fly to the States for the Farmers Insurance in San Diego (Torrey Pines) and the Phoenix Waste Management in Scottsdale (Arizona).

Announcement 3: Will fly the 25^th to Anahita (Mauritius) for our traditional training camp with Rich, Mich, Jérôme and Vince. Last year I came out with some fire and shoot 63 at the Volvo Champions!

Great statement by Brian Nilsson on his facebook:

• 11 months
• 22 countries
• 33 tournaments
• 87 flights
• 1 hell of roller coaster

He's so wright...

Sunday, December 16^th 2012

Well done Asia, you play better than Europe in the Singles, 3 wins against 2 for us, so you came back 8-8! 

The Trophy has been decided on a playoff and Kim made the birdie where I couldn't make mine, the ball slipped before the hole...That 18^th green has been quite kind with me till... the play off...

Now back to Brussels for a few days before a 10 days preparation with my training team at Anahita! I can't take it easy now, then new season starts the 7th January in South-Africa on the European Tour before flying to the United States for a new challenge!

Saturday, December 15^th 2012

The level of play is unbelievable. Gonzalo lost his game 2 down and he alone was -8 for the day! In 4BBB you need to play well but also to score alternatively, it's useless to birdie the same hole! The Coreans, Gonzalo and Stenson made 22 birdies and 2 eagles (on par 4's!!!!) in total!

All credit to Marcel who had a genius 5 hole stretch with 5 birdies, he plays -8 today with an eagle on the 2nd, even with that I needed to clinch another big putt on 18 to win the hole and square the match... We played -12 today, and with our opponents we made in total 21 birdies and an eagle!

Great display of 4BBB and a good break for Europe because it was an Asian day!

Europe leads by one, 4 1/2 vs 3 1/2

Tomorrow I'll play in 2nd position against Radikech Aphibarnrat...

Friday, December 14^th 2012

I was paired with Marcel in this foursome game.

It was one of these games where making par is crucial. Not many birdies actually. But a keenly contested match anyway. We halved the last three holes to stay 1 up; I enjoyed my 16 feet putt on the 18 to secure a winning point for the team.

I was quite happy with my driving and my putting. I hope I can keep cruising the same way this week end.

Thursday, December 13^th 2012

Great to see Jose Maria again. He will now be our playing captain! Tomorrow the first day will be played in foursomes and my partner is my good friend Marcel Siem. It's an explosive team, two boomers against 2 magicians on and around the greens. The course is not long and this favors our opponents, quite normal, it's played over here. Jeev Milkha Singh and Kiradech Aphibarnrat are playing quite well on those grasses. Played some rounds with Kiradech who scored quite well and finished 6th last week-end at the Thailand Golf Championship.

The Molinari's will play together, José and Miguel also and Stenson will be paired with Gonzalo.

Go Europe, Go!

Tuesday, December 11^th 2012

Arrived today in Brunei to join my captain Tchema (Jose maria Olazabal) and the European Team. This is the famous match Europe against Asia, Seve was the initiator of this match!

Funny to see that all 8 european players are continentals! 

Its gonna be a 3 days match, every player will play each day. 4 foursomes on Friday, 4 BBB on Saturday and 8 singles on Sunday. 16 matches for 16 points!

Have you seen the Asian side? Quite a strong one, all their big guns are there!

Sunday, December 9^th 2012

They didn't drop... those putts... anyway it was a great week here in Thailand. I was pleased to play the beautiful Amata Spring course during this Thailand Championship, and it was a pleasure to meet so many nice people here...

Thursday, December 6^th 2012

Saint Nicolas has been much more generous with Charl than with me... Quite normal, you know, when South Africans are on their grass they play blindly, so comfortably...

Wednesday, December 5^th 2012

Tee time at 7.35 (00.35 European time) with Schwarzel and Aphibarnrat.

Amata Spring is quite a long course here in Bangkok, that's why organizers have brought all the big hitters on the game. Bubba Watson is here, and also Luke List the longest hitter on the web.com this year... But there are a lot of great players here, quite a strong field on this official tournament of the Asian Tour.

Thailand is a great country, I love being here. It's Brian Nillson second home land thanks to his wife who lives in Hua Hin. Cheers to the Seaside restaurant in Hua Hin, the best in town!

I love all of Thailand: The weather, the food, the countryside but most of all, the people and their famous hospitality and kindness...

Sunday, December 2^nd 2012

Another top 10 ... ;o) (Belgian Humor of course...). This tournament is one of the finest of the season and also one of the most difficult one. All credit to Martin who lives a great end of the year, the man in form, great victory at the Nedbank!

No regrets what's however on the second round. Very honestly, I needed more "juice" on that demanding course and conditions, it has been hot, then windy and finally rainy.

I will remember this week with my parents in an extraordinary Sun City for a long time... Hope to be there next year with more power in my engine!

Tonight a little flight to Jo'Burg and another flight to Bangkok with a stop in Dubai.

Saturday, December 1^st 2012

Brian and me are tired, we need rest, this game at that level with those tough golfcourse is extremely demanding. But we are hanging in, trying for some nice streaks like that eagle - birdie on 9 - 10. I'm only one stroke of the 8th place, tomorrow wil tell what place I can achieve...

But the real sporting fact of the week is made by Mich's father, Roger Vanmeerbeek, who became the day of his 77th birthday, the 30th November, Doctor in Kynesiology at KULeuven. After 6 years of hard work, he succeed to have the highest degree in sport science. His subject: "More sweat, less blood" or a review on 50 years of sports in the Belgian Army. Roger: accept my sincerest congrats ! Mich and Richard are very proud of their father and granfather!

Friday, November 30^th 2012

A much more windy day made things complicate today. And I could not find the right roll on the greens which were somewhat slower today.

Thursday, November 29^th 2012

What a crowd! This is really enjoyable golf, a short strong field, a demanding course, and a lot of people around you! Good driving is essential here. I took my driver only 4 times out of the bag and favored the 3 wood instead. Brian was right:"scoring will not be too funny here!". Each par is a win... 2 putts slipped on the edge, but that's part of the story as I had an excellent short game on those difficult contours around the greens.

First time with my parents in South Africa! I invite them as a Christmas present. Nature as his best, wildlife and such an amazing Resort. They're enjoying here...

Yesterday during the pro-am, Gary Player came to say hello to every team. We had a long chat about golf, he even asked me to hit my driver to see the flight of a 300 meters shot...

   The cover page of Golf Européen, Issue December 2012

Sunday, November 25^th 2012

And what about Rory's finish! N°1 in the world, highly deserved! Respect...

-3 for me, very unlucky on greens, but it has been a very long and tiring season, and I'm lacking freshness... And I have been paying dearly on the putting surface...

This Monday, flight to South Africa and the famous Nedbank Challenge in Sun City, with 11 others contenders. My first time there but I can't wait playing it.

Saturday, November 24^th 2012

Very, very, very disappointed: 35 putts! Good long game but I was blind on the greens. 28 putts on Thursday, 27 on Friday and ... 35 putts. 6 or 7 strokes difference.

Let's concentrate for tomorrow.

Friday, November 23^rd 2012

Great start and finish, and a little bit of ups and down in between...

Would need to avoid those bogeys from tomorrow. 3 strokes behind is a gap that I will need to keep as closest as possible. Some will fire tomorrow!

Will play again with Justin Rose tomorrow, another contender who can go low this weekend. Rory, Luke, Bradon, Peter, there're all there...

Also present a lot of Belgians behind the ropes. Patrick Renard and Pierre Thomas from Knauf arrived today with a bunch of people from Liège (Royal Sart Tilman), welcome to them...

Thursday, November 22^nd 2012

-4, great display of long game and putting, nice bunch of birdies, one regret: the putt on 17 that refuses to drop after one of my best iron shot on a par 3. Played with Lee Westwood who had a brilliant back nine. Always a pleasure to share a round with him...

Delighted to see some Belgians here in Dubai, like Quentin d'Ursel representing 2PM or Marie Anne Toussaint, the sister of Philippe Toussaint, winner on the European Tour in 1974 and much more people, thank you for your support here at Jumeirah guys.

I'm a little surprised by the scoring, better than I tought. The course is playing longer but the greens are really, really good. You can trust the lines, they have a beautiful roll and putting in such conditions is a real pleasure.

Tonight we (our team) had a dinner with Jean-Noël Bioul, head of sponsoring activities with Rolex, very interesting as usual!

Wednesday, November 21^st 2012

The winner for the driver is the blue shaft, the good old faithful blue shaft. The blue is unbeatable for the "stinger", the low trajectory, one of my key shot when the fairway is narrow or the wind is in the face or from the side.

Tomorrow with Lee Westwood, a 2 ball at 11.50 (Dubai Time), on a course that's much longer than last year, the trees and vegetation have also grown... We'll the scoring tomorrow to see if it has an important effect...

Tuesday, November 20^th 2012

Hey, for golf equipment geeks, I have tested a new Callaway driver and played today during the ROLEX Pro-Am with a new shaft: the UST Mamiya Atlas 3 7tx with a Callaway RAZR Hawk head 8,5 loft. Always having an edge is the motivation and this combination might be in the bag tomorrow for more competitiveness. 

Belgians are arriving here in Dubai, some names tomorrow...

Played the Rolex Pro-Am today with Jean-Noël Bioul, Lionel Chamoulaud (Dir Sport France Télévision) and Christian Bohn (Secr Gen Swiss Golf Association). The Swiss have a great structure for developing their high level players, quite an inspiration for Belgium...

Monday, November 19^th 2012

Quite a pleasure to be here with my hole team: Mich, Blaise, Vince, Jérôme and Philippe (the Photographer -  see the gallery on my website each day this week). Great first practice session. We did mainly the short game with Jérôme and it helped a lot (ball position too far back in the stance, left shoulder too high, body tilted to the right)...

Nice meeting with Jeroen Bossaert, journalist at The Laatste Nieuws, who came here specially for this interview... He was already present at the Ryder Cup, it's gonna be my only long interview this week, good for him!

Beautiful weather here in Dubai. tomorrow I'll play the Earth Course of Jumeirah golf during the Rolex Pro-Am. Cheers to Jean-Noel Bioul, head of Rolex sponsoring worldwide, lovely man, sincerely thanks for your help, your confidence and your sincere partnership!

Sunday, November 18^th 2012

Finishing with a par with too many putts today, but a good overall game. In good mood before flying to Dubai for the final of the Race to Dubai. Japanese people, Japan and the Dunlop Phoenix Open were an amazing experience, so enjoyable!

Saturday, November 17^th 2012

Not an easy scoring day, quite narrow here an my driving was not that accurate and a putt or two may have fallen in the cup today...

Friday, November 16^th 2012

Vince had a meeting today with the Team of tennisman David Goffin to share experiences. Quite interesting for both parties... I still have a great memory of his match against Federer at Roland Garros ... Goffin is still young, 21 y, 45th in the world, he deserves some help to climb the world ladder, Belgian Companies don't hesitate too long, Belgian competence and skills can be a trademark and help your brand!

Pars, birdies and bogeys at the Dunlop Phoenix Open, holes 10 and 11 are costly after 2 days, but the 18^th is kinder... Still 2 days to go. Luke has found his way on this course, he will be not easy to catch up!

Thursday, November 15^th 2012

Thanks for all your messages, 30 candles in Japan was great!

Wednesday, November 14^th 2012

This course reminds me Hilversum, treelined and narrow. Nature and views are quite nice, the greens are good but a little sandy. My approaches are stopping very quickly because of the sand, I'll need to adjust my shots.

Had a 3 hours practice session with a lot of 3 wood tests, and a new shaft for drivers... Japan still makes the best shafts in the world...

I launched a few drives where the radar showed a carry of 340 meters!!! The local media were amazed and made all a buzz.

I'm really enjoying life in Japan, quite nice emotions, like that traditional Tea Ceremony the other day. Because I'm lucky to be guided by local people, I'm discovering the true Japan and it's extraordinary...

Rich is quite happy also, the hotel provides the best crossfit - fitness furnitures he has ever seen in an hotel. So we sweat twice a day...

Monday, November 12^th 2012

Japan is amazing, so interesting, deeply enjoyable to discover and to learn! This is a life experience, love it!

First day of golf here in Miyazaki, discovering my first course here in Japan,

Vince send me the good news about the PGA Tour next year, he needs to receive the confirmation from the Tour himself before having a toast on 2013! Even if the response is positive, I will still play global in Europe, USA, Africa and Asia... a global golfer... happy to play all over the world!

Wednesday, November 7^th 2012

After 3 days in Hong-Kong, together with Rich, we flew to Tokyo, Japan, before heading to Miyazaki in order to play the Dunlop Phoenix Open. This is my first event in Japan and my first experience on Japanese soil too. I'm really looking forward to it.

Crossfit for 10 days with Rich to be fully ready for the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

On Monday, I will know for sure if I'm still in the Top 125 on the PGA Tour final Order Merit. Still 122^nd, if 4 players jump over me, I won't have my card... this is sport! But it won't be the end of the world as I would still be able to receive at least 7 invitations on the PGA Tour, plus the majors and the WGC's...

Sunday, November 4^th 2012

There are courses you have an eye for, others not. It was the case with this one. I never had the right eye and consequently I never felt comfortable nor confident... Nothing to do with it; it is the reason why it's the same player seldom wins week after week. It's a tournament golf rule where some feel at home on certain golf courses. It is quite difficult to determine all the reasons: design, grass, light, weather, etc., the vibes, I don't know but it's a reality...

There is another golf rule never written in books. It's when it's "your week", a week when you see all shots and they come out of the club, weeks where everything seems to come so fluently, naturally, when also all good bounces and rub of the greens seems to come in your way. That's when some unexpected player wins a Major, it is just "his week"!

This WGC HSBC will move next year to the US PGA Fedex cup ranking, great news! It will count for both tours...

Friday, November 2^nd 2012

Not confortable with the grain on the greens. Not easy to play in full confidence, too much hesitation.

I understand why South Africans do so well, they are home here on those greens... Great rounds from Louis and Ernie.

Thursday, November 1^st 2012

Not the start I wanted for this tournament but a good finish to settle my game for the next days.

Wednesday, October 31^st 2012

Tomorrow playing with Justin Rose and Brandt Snedeker at 10.10 our time!

Tuesday, October 30^th 2012

This is the last of the 8 Majors and WGC's of the year! Great American presence here with a lot of the Ryder Cup's players. I feel ok, my game is in good shape.

Mich is back in Europe and Vince is in Miami preparing next season.

Sunday, October 27^th 2012

Saturday, I was really playing on a momentum, but a long wait on the 16th tee broke my concentration. And in 10 minutes I lost 4 shots. After the double on 16, and another long wait on the 17th tee, I was in doubt about the club selection on that par 3. After the decision, I didn't play the shot 100%. I recovered for that ball in the water on 17 (double bogey), and  I finished with a great par on 18.

Unfortunately, my confidence was a little shaken and I payed it on Sunday morning with a 3 putt at the first. After a few lost shots, I recovered my momentum till the 17 where I'm still between two clubs... I played on the green but much too far from the pin... and another 3 putts.

So is the bottle half full or half empty. Well I played wonderfully well for 70 holes, without that loss of concerntration at the end of the 3rd day, I would be higher in the ranking. But, once again this is experience, once in the momentum, I need to learn to recover it, easy said, not easy done... The botlle is definitely half full!

Like I said the overall game is great, my driving is superb, so are my irons and my putting, we worked a lot on my putting routine... Mich is quite optimistic, he's totally happy on my game, al adjustments payed off this week...

Friday, october 26th 2012

Another good round, played maybe a little better than the -4, but this is golf. With such a field, from the start you need to develop your A game. Drove quite well today...

I'm there in the hunt and even if I'm seven off the lead, there are still 36 holes to go...

Thursday,  October 25^th 2012

Slow start, a bit too far from the pins and 2 greens missed at the end of the front 9, but there after I did a great par on 10 after a drive in deep rough. From then I played very solidly, with a great birdie on 18 for a total of -3.

It was important to finish in style, to keep the contact with the lead. The course was shortened today but still you play long irons to the greens.

Tuesday, October 23^rd 2012

Typical Jack Nicklaus course, long track, wet fairways (it rained recently here), wide greens with slopes and levels and lakes everywhere.

Swing comes all right, two more days to work to be fine on Thursday.

No cut this week, 70 players invited.

It was nice to see all players back since the Ryder Cup; Medinah created a special bond between us. Marco Kraussler from BMW made a picture of our European team players here at Lake Malaren, always fun.

Sunday, October 21^st 2012

Arrived in Shanghai after quite a long trip, and a 15 hours flight.

Mich arrived this morning also. We are back on the European Tour with a clear objective, make a nice finish on the three last tournaments, trying to make a top 10 at the end of the year. I will only play 3 tournaments as many others will play 5 tournaments. I'll have one week off after the WGC HSBC and will play for the first time in Japan, the Dunlop Phoenix Open. The two tournaments I won't play are Singapore and Hong Kong.

After the Far East tournaments I will be heading to Dubai for the DP World Championship, the final of the European Tour.

Vince Kompany, Marc Wilmots, well done guys, great quotes, great tweets! Belgium is our country, we are all proud to fight for our colours... Together we are better!

Tuesday, October 16^th 2012

Sorry for not editing more news but we are all quite affected by the brutal and unexpected death of our friend Jean-Pierre Hautier. All our thoughts to his family.

I'm currently testing and fine tuning clubs at the Ely Callaway Performance Center in Carlsbad (Ca). I'll fly on Saturday to China to play the BMW Masters to try to finish the Race to Dubai in style...

Friday, October 12^th 2012

I'm so sad!!! R.I.P. Jean-Pierre Hautier...

Thanks for being faithful all those years... you did your share for Belgium golf...

We are thinking of your family.

I'm so sad... no comment about the tournament.

Thursday, October 11^th 2012

Gentle 65, good putting sensations, great recoveries, the kind of first round you like to have when you start a tournament. The Fry's.com is quite important for a lot of players and you feel the special atmosphere all around.

And it was raining out here, that means a change in the conditions, different greens, different winds, the right moment to secure a good score because I knew that not everyone on the PGA Tour is used to belgian rainy conditions. But Nick O'Hern is!

Today 6 birdies and no bogeys, even when I wasn't playing quite well around the middle of the round I could come hone with good ups and downs for par...

Wednesday, October 10^th 2012

Sorry for the silence, but after all the Ryder Cup Buzz, I wanted to be alone, to regroup, in order to prepare the end of the season. I went to Carmel California (the Spirit of the 17 miles drive) till Sunday and came here on Monday.

Great place in California, the CordeValle Golf Club. Member of the Fall series, this is the kind of tournament we need in Europe, great week, great atmosphere, great course, great organization, lovely people, ...

Nicolas about the Frys.com and the PGA Tour - First impression

As you know, we'll try to secure a full card for next year. There's still a lot to learn, experience to gain, to climb the next steps...

Received some great news from Vince. Yesterday; he received his first email from Augusta National. He called me and said with some emotions in his voice: "I was at the office, I read it, text you guys directly to share that precious moment, then I took a drink, sat down and smiled alone...".

Vince is working hard to build an exciting end of season and two great news arrived already: the Nedbank Challenge in Sun City South Africa (29 Nov - 2 Dec) and the Royal Trophy (Europe vs Asia 13-16 Dec) in Brunei. The Nedbank is a 12 players tournament won last year by Lee Westwood. Great purses! The second one is a Match between Europe and Asia; Jose Maria Olazabal is the Captain, so you can fancy that I'm enjoying playing that match.

And in between, there is an option but not yet finalized...

Tuesday, October 2^nd 2012

Press conference this morning with the European Tour in Heathrow with Jose Maria Olazabal, followed by a return to Belgium in the afternoon with a special Welcome from Belgian supporters.

Some rest now, and I need it badly, before flying back to San Francisco on Thursday for the Frys.com, on the PGA Tour, another important tournament with a view toward 2013.

Monday, October 1^st 2012

Arrived very late in London with the team, nice flight with the Cup in our hands and 192 persons: players, family, officials and caddies.

Jose Maria Olazabal asks me to stay with him Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari for a press conference, so my arrival in Brussels will be after 17.00.

Don't forget to look at the pictures in my Gallery, taken by Philippe Gaudy.

My proper team arrived also with me with the exception of Mich who came back 12 hours earlier. Brian Nilsson is back to Thailand to join Fhon, his wife. He's been wonderful the whole week. They all be great, I was perfectly prepared with just a lack on experience on the greens that were faster day after day. On Sunday it was the fastest greens I ever putted on... Need some learning, Friday they were just as I liked them.

Great party yesterday in our hotel with the 12 players and the captain, no details, no details... But I lost my voice, just to tell you how much we shout and song in Medinah... What an incredible experience, I'm not the same man and I can thank enough Xhema (Tchema Olazabal) for having selected me and permitted to witness from the inside all those moments.

You tie relations with players like nowhere else on Tours. This is a special bond between Ryder Cup players, and this is real... I Love that!

Sunday, September 30^th 2012

We won, it's so emotional! I never felt so much pressure in my life and experienced greens that fast. It is time now to celebrate with the team in Chicago and during our flight back to London tomorrow...

Saturday, September 29^th 2012

2 hard matches today. I didn't find the right pace of the greens but was also not lucky at all with some putts.

Tomorrow Dustin Jonhson in single...

Friday, September 28th 2012

Was this powerful, or not! I'm here to bring points for Europe, and that's what I did today with 8 birdies and 1 eagle during the 18 holes against Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker.

But this round was exceptionnal, outstanding!

Thursday, September 27th 2012

And now that the golf begins, ... finally....

Wednesday, September 26^th 2012

What a long day: 7.30 AM press conference and 11.00 end of the Gala presentation with Justin Timberlake and the legendary group Chicago!

We played 9 holes in foursome, I played with Paul Lawrie. After lunch, I had a long practice session to find my posture on my iron shots.

Tomorrow last training day and the opening ceremony. The intensity is clearly growing, it's already a long week, but I never witnessed such a buzz!

Tuesday, September 25^th 2012

First practice day, I must admit that I was nervous when hitting my first shot! But it felt so nice, to be there after the official pictures, videos, ...

The crowd is already huge...

The course is beautiful, the greens are lightening fast and this is my greatest concern. A lot of ridges on them, very tricky to know. Two more days to get used to them.

Monday, September 24^th 2012

My first Ryder Cup and I'm in the heart of it. Flying from London with the Official delegation was already something. Then the arrival at the private airport at Rockford, escorted to the hotel by the police, police at the hotel's entrance and police at the team's floor.

The Ryder Cup is a huge machine, an enormous organization.

Then, the outfits placed in our rooms, not as trendy as those I wear usually...

Tonight we had the first meeting and the dinner together.

Tomorrow it starts very early. Our program is full, every day, no free time, that's the first thing that came up to me. Wake up at 6.00. Pictures and video before 8.00 and on the course at 8.15!

My full team is here with me: Mich, Vince, Jérôme, Blaise and my parents.

Friday, September 21^st 2012

Great choice to come over here. Valderrama is a must when you want to measure up your game. Greens were especially prepared to be very fast. Thanks to Javier Reviriego and Christian for their cooperation. 

We had some more FlightScope work with the three wedges: pitching, 54 and 60 degrees. We found some good solutions.

We played also at Finca Cortesin on Thursday, it was quite windy and the challenge remains tough here. But the course and the surroundings are beautiful. And the hotel is a must in Europe, the beauty and athmosphere that I like, and a a very smiling and efficient service. It's all about people guys...

Tuesday, September 18^th 2012

Finca Cortesin is one of the best place in the world, I feel so good here! Andalusia at its best... Mich, Rich and Vince are here with me. The program is from 7.30 till 22.30: fruit, gym, breakfast, golf on the course, lunch, golf (technique), gym, massage, dinner, sleep...

We pay a visit to Valderrama, and we will do it every day, to practice on their fabulous greens. We went to their short course 9 holes (did you know that they had a 9 holes short course) and had some fun, great greens just a bit too wet (too much spin), but quite interesting. We met our good friend Paul Vdh, member there, and shared some "Jamon rations". Paul is not only a sponsor (VDH Books), he's also a great friend who understands the requirements of our job.

Then, thanks to Javier (Valderrama Head Manager) and Christian (Valderrama Manager), we had the opportunity to practice on a polo pitch, flat and over 300 meters long. With our FlightScope, we checked all our distances from the 60° wedge till the 6 Iron. Quite interesting... A long session but don't get us wrong, we are not over-analyzing all the data. Feel is the most important thing, and my staff didn't tell me about the details, but only what was useful. With my 60°, I have a 57m distance swing and a 70m distance swing. With my 8 iron, I have a 155m swing and a 165m swing. I have actually two clear distance swings with each club (it depends on the intensity) and in between it's feeling that's working to get me at the right distance. It's much more complex than only distance, it's also a matter of type of grass, lie, wind, type of target, trajectory. GOLF IS A MATTER OF SHOTMAKING. With all those years of play, learning and understanding, my eyes are choosing very quickly the shots, and are telling my hands and body what to do. For me, golf begins when you hit the ball, not before, it's the way you hit it that makes the ball go where you want...

Monday, September 17^th 2012

In Royal Zoute thanks to 2PM who invited their clients (and I'm one of them). Quentin d'Ursel and Philippe Feller organized a lovely day for their guests to share the pleasure to be together and chat about asset management.

Leo Lippens was among us, and in great shape. He delivered a super speech only he can produce, he's such a "toffe pey" !

Sunday, September 16^th 2012

Great start, than 2 bad swings at holes 10 and 11 and the momentum was broken. Good finish tough and finally happy of my week with another top 5, the 10th top 10 of the season (11 with Wyndham on the PGA Tour).

Quite happy with my game, we are on time in terms of level of the game 1 week before flying to Chicago, -17 in three days, with a putting routine that begins to be consistent and efficient (main goal of the week).

It's always a pity to leave Italy, I Roveri and the Bella Rosina hotel are great places and the food is unbeatable in Italy, surely if Costantino Rocca shows you the real osteria's (like Passami il Sale in Veneria betwen Torino and the Golfcourse).

Just one stop today with my friends of 2PM Asset managers (client day at Royal Zoute) and tonight we'll be at Finca Cortesin for the final preparation before the Ryder Cup.

Saturday, September 15^th 2012

Promise kept, the course has been attacked...

There are still some more shots to gain, we'll see if they fall tomorrow.

The plan is working, I'm progressing where we decide to, I'll be ready!

There are 18 more holes to go, and a lot of pretenders... I won't change my objectives and stick to my preparation plan. All we worked on (putting, wedging) is paying off, great coaching once again!

Friday, September 14^th 2012

Brian was right, -4 was an accurate cut targer. So at -2 after 13 holes, I decide to put some turbo in my game and it paid off...

Two more days of practice, Mich gave me some homework to follow our preparation plan before flying to Chicago. 

I want to dedicate this week to a good friend diver, Alain B.   Together, you and me Alain, we will attack that course with my Croco (Lacoste ;o) ) on our side this time!

Thursday, September 13^th 2012

Cool for 11 holes, and then unlucky on 12 and 17. Stomach cramps all the afternoon, a day to forget scoring wise but Mich was happy about the work done.

We'll see what tomorrow brings... rather optimistic... Never felt so strong in my life, I'm hitting the ball miles...

Wednesday, September 12^th 2012

Pro-Am day with a Rolex Team, great fun... Tough course for amateurs, quite long.

My long game and my putting were particularly sharp today.

Tomorrow, some Ryder Cup tee-off with Francesco Molinari and Martin Kaymer...

Tuesday, September 11^th 2012

Driiiiiing, 4.30 AM the taxi rang to take me to Brussels Airport, direction Torino for the BMW Italian Open. Italy is a beautiful country with a great food. Italian food is never as good than in Italy. More tasty, more simple, better ingredients, respectful of the tradition...

Royal Park is a tree lined parkland course, finished 3^rd here two years ago. We have two goals in our preparation for Medinah: driving and playing a treelined like course and define a more precise routine in my putting. Rich is here with me for three days of physical work. I must say that I began to feel the difference.

Yesterday in Sart Tilman, Knauf organized a day for his clients and relations and 18 holes in the afternoon with a numerous presence of the members. Great afternoon, people liked it.

One of the Knauf' clients was this morning invited at a breakfast in the presence of Elio Di Rupo. Our Prime Minister said to his invitees: "Gentlemen, don't hesitate to participate at Nicolas Colsaerts' carreer". Where that came from??? Since a few days, Di Rupo must have received many comments from his European colleagues and he had to get interested in golf in Belgium. Yes, Mr Prime Minister we have brought the Belgian flag up there!

Sunday, September 9^th 2012

Thank you all for having visited me in Hilversum. My long game was magical, I hope you enjoyed my drives on the 12 and 18, I did also, but... I would have preferred a better score on those holes, -10 would have been a nice finish but my goal is not that much the final result. We are working to be in great shape at the end of the month in Chicago and we are on time.

Next week Italy. On the beautiful Royal Park Circolo del golf in Torino, I will continue my preparation with a special focus on my putting routine.

Tomorrow, I'll be with my friends of Knauf before flying to Turin on Tuesday early morning.

Because, football and golf are a good mix and If you love football, pay a visit on the Twitter or Facebook accounts of John Baete...

Saturday, September 8^th 2012

Yesterday I was not the only one with a belgian flag in the hands: cheers to the Red Devils (0-2 in Wales), the Borlée brothers and the medalists at the Paralympics...

Cheers to Wesley Sonck, a good fan, who was here yesterday and chatted with Vince...

Friday, September 7th 2012

A good round with solid shots off the tee, some great second shots, some too short, but my putting was back. A great session last night: better grip, better routine, hands higher, ... it paid off!

Good to show to the Captain that his players are showing that they will be in great shape at the end of the month.

Once again a lot of Belgians here... But not only, I receive now more and more support from the crowds wherever I go.

This afternoon, like every day since we arrived here in Hilversum, Richard takes me to a Gym in town for my daily workout. After heavy squat sessions last week, my legs are getting stronger and Rich now is taking me to another level. One thing is sure, I will be physically ready for 3 Ryder Cups in a row!

Thursday, September 6^th 2012

Great Belgian crowd today! I played well all day but the putter was pretty cold. We fixed it on the putting green after the round, little tuning in the left hand grip, in the stroke and the routine. Pretty confident for the second round. Friday, I'll play at 8.20, quite early...

The course is in great shape, great look with the blossomy heather at this time of the year...

It was one of the first time I was playing with Martin, nice guy, I enjoyed it.  With him and with Tchema we had some chat on the course... Ryder Cup was the subject... of course...

Wednesday, September 5^th 2012

Press conference today followed by 18 holes pro-am. Mich, Jérôme and Richard are on my side. This week makes part of my preparation for the Ryder Cup.

Great news for Belgian golfers: Enghien Golf Club received the authorization to go from 9 to 18 holes (a 6 year battle) and near the coast a new 27 holes will open this week-end, 18 holes championship course and a 9 holes short course (after a 12 years battle). Welcome to them! They were so patient and courageous... It's so tough and unfair to build course in Belgium... Laws must be changed, the ones who wrote these laws hated golf... it's easier to build nuclear weapons than let some grass growing with some sand and water! Would you believe that...

Enghien: Golf Club d'Enghien

Koksijde: Koksijde Golf ter Hille

Tuesday, September 4^th 2012

What a pleasure to see a splendid sunshine in Hilversum after last year's nightmare! The KLM, Daan Slooter and his team, the volunteers deserve a great open.

Will play with El Capitan Tchema Olazabal and Martin Kaymer, a first scent of the Ryder Cup. The Captain wants his players acting together, "don't see any sign of pairings, said Olazabal".

On Sunday, I played a few holes on an excellent La Marache course in Royal Waterloo, fast and hard greens, the way greens need to be played!

On Monday, meeting with our partner Softimat Popsy in Ravenstein, always a pleasure to play there on a sunny day.

Saturday, September 1^st 2012

Coming back to Brussels I had to take some rest. Great Press conference on Wednesday, and from Thursday, back in the gym with Rich Vanmeerbeek. Tough first day, gosh, but it has to be done. I need more rest also to load my batteries before starting to Holland and play the KLM. I hope the people will have good weather, they deserve it after the very floaded 2011 edition. It was hard working in rainy conditions for the greenkeeping staff and the organization. A sunny week will be more than welcome this time!

Tuesday, August 28^th 2012

Thank you for all support and messages... this announcement means so much to me, it's was quite emotional. I gave all my energy this last 2 months, quite exhausting surely on the mental side.

When the phone rang on Sunday night at 10 PM and I saw +44 number, I knew that it was special. Jose Maria asked me to come at the Gleneagles hotel and he announced me the news. Even if I was confident, the words of the Captain were such a relief. 2 months of hard work granted by a invitation in the European Ryder Cup Team, waowww...

A dream comes true... When I participated at the Junior Ryder Cup in 1997 and 1999, I said to myself that I wanted one day to be playing with the big guys...

This Monday, I was invited to participate at the press conference after the official announcement. You maybe saw it on TV, it was amazing, the set-up, all these peoples, all the cameras... Impressive...

The Ryder Cup is like no other tournament in the world of golf, it's the third most media-related event in sport!

Time now to prepare, Vince and Mich have the plan prepared, we discuss it this afternoon and then all the team will be on duty: Jérôme, Richard, Blaise, ...

Tomorrow Press conference to meet the Belgian Press.

Sunday, August 26^th 2012

I gave my best shot! My last drop of energy has been injected in this week tournament... Now it's up to Olazabal to do his job. I gave 100%, all I had! What a summer... Sincerely, I was exhausted this week. Impossible for me to feel those putts, with more freshness I could do much better... but this is history...

Tonight, we'll have a nice dinner at Anne and Erich's place, Greg Havret and Benjamin Hebert have joined us to share the famous scallops of Jane's cuisine... A perfect program to prepare ourselves for the announcement tomorrow at 12.00 (British time). Some flyfishing also tomorrow morning before heading for the Gleneagles Hotel where Tchema will do his announcement in front of the television and the Press! 

Saturday, August 25^th 2012

I fought like a dog... it's so tiring when the putts don't drop after all that work... I could have been much lower, they have to drop one of these days. But I can tell that I send some bombs today, and even I struggled on 8-9 and 10, I regroup from the 12 and drove the 14! Ok, let's attack that course tomorrow, even if I think to that Ryder Cup every 10 min, I want to show one more round how much I want to be in the team....

Friday, August 24^th 2012

Difficult day, a lot of rain, very wet fairways, muddy lies, not my best rythm, but at the end of the day happy to finish like I did. Unlucky on hole 7, bogey, birdies refused on 6-8-9-10...but even if I couldn't made a very possible birdie on 16, I'm quite happy to finish with 3 birdies on the 5 last holes.

Still a lot of buzz around the Ryder Cup here, everybody tries to know what is in Tchema's mind. Ollie have made it clear: "Nobody will influence me"! (Tchema and Ollie are Olazabal surnames).

Still a long way to go, 36 holes on a very tiring course... This is sure, I will need some rest after this tournament.

Hopefully, I'm living in a great athmosphere, so peaceful at Anne and Erich's place (Collearn in Auchterarder). It's a little paradise here, just what I need to recover all my energy: family, great food, great people around me (cheers Jane, Amy and Alan)!

Thursday, August 23^rd 2012

Played in control with nos stress through the 18 holes, that's was I was looking for. -3 for the round, with some other putts that could fall, is the start that I needed. The course is long, wet and it was quite windy this morning. A lot of buzz this week, with tv camera's everywhere and interviews, a lot around the next Ryder Cup of course.

Wednesday, August 22^nd 2012

Pro-Am today with Sandy Jones, Chief Executive of the British PGA and the PGA of Europe! Great game even if we had 3 showers and some wind. Press conference after, then lunch, practice till 5.00 PM. Long day 11.30 hours on the golf club. Time now for some fly-fishing ...

Tuesday, August 21^st 2012

After a great result at the Wyndham, I arrived today in Scotland to play the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. Didn't play any hole today, I will discover the modification on the course that Jack Nicklaus made in order to prepare the Ryder Cup in 2014. With Mich we went through all the shots. The swing is ok .

Tomorrow pro-am at 9.00 and then practice and at 5.00 PM I'll have a go to some fly fishing with John McCallum the butcher in Auchterarder, with Anne Emsens and Erich where we stay in 'Collearn".

Sunday, August 19^th 2012

This is the most tiring summer in my career. I will resume play this Monday at 9.00 and then reschedule all my flights and connections; I will arrive normally Tuesday in Gleneagles. Pro-Am on Wednesday to recover from the jet lag and then again 4 days of what will certainly be an intense tournament. I had a Five Guys tonight, so I'll be in good shape for the end of this 4^th round ;o)... if the rain finally stops!

Friday, August 17^th 2012

Nice patience today, 5 birdies, no bogeys, good to finish with a birdie after a long tiring day!

Thursday, August 16^th 2012

Arrived here thanks to an invitation of Mark Brazil, who used to be the captain of the American Junior Ryder Cup Team. Mark is the tournament Director of the Wyndham Championship.

It's hot and humid here. The course is well designed but the rough is quite thick! Every shot that leaves the short grass is severely punished. A lot a features reminds me (and Brian also naturally) to Queensland (Australia). Fairways are drying out so... I'll be using my driver only 4 or 5 times. 

Really appreciate the organization of the PGA Tour, and certainly the number and kindness of the volunteers. It makes life here quite efficient. With Brian, we had some meals at our traditionnals Chipotle and Bonefish, two of our preferred franchise restaurants in the States.

Played ok today, went on a fair amount of fairways and greens! -3, 67 on that par 70!

Sunday, August 12^th 2012

CHEERS RORY! What a solid 66 to win your 2^nd Major. Congrats...

Friday, August 10^th 2012

Cold wedging, cold putting, sad story for me here on Kiawah Ocean course... Too bad my long game was back on track...

Thursday, August 9^th 2012

+1 in the wind where 3 more putts could fall in on 11-13 and 16 for birdies, is not a bad start. I played beautifully from hole 3 till the next bogey on 14. Playing in the afternoon was not a gimme. No wind at all in the morning but a good breeze in the afternoon. Totally different game, I can garantee you! That wind had a positive impact on the very warm and humid atmosfere here in Kiawah Island.

It's a great three ball with Rickie and Charl. Tomorrow wake up at 5.00, playing at 7.50 from the 10th tee.

Wednesday, August 8^th 2012

Early wake up 5.45, trying to avoid the thunderstorms and play 18 holes today. Great session yesterday with Mich, Dave Stockton and Bob Rotella...

Thunderstorm and rain at 10.30. Play suspended, but I managed to play 9 holes before, the back nine... No wind but with high temperatures and millions of mosquitoes!

Tuesday, August 7^th 2012

First of all, Kiawah Island is a beautiful natural setting. But then, temperatures are quite high with a warm wind. It feels like 40° C.

The back nine is quite demanding, this is a strong challenge like always in Majors...

Today the wind has changed 3 times from directions, we had a lot of  thunderstorms...

Sunday, August 5^th 2012

Good last round with the 3 first holes played in the pouring rain! Good preparation for Kiawah Island!

Saturday, August 4^th 2012

Pairings for the PGA Championship have been sent: I'll play Rickie Fowler and Charl Schwarzel. First time with Rickie. Looking forward to that one in Kiawah Island!

Friday, August 3^rd 2012

Happy Birthday Vince!

I'm back again, more greens today, 68. You need to hit the fairways and greens here to have the slightest chance to score... After the two bogeys on 1, I was really frustrated from that 3 putts where the first one refused to drop after taking the lip (270 degrees)... An other bogey on 3! After that, I played just the way I wanted. Still two rounds to go, with Jérôme, we are ready for a intense week-end.

Tuesday, July 31^st 2012

Very fast greens + long course + hot temperatures = you need experience here in Firestone. Longest par 70 on PGA Tour, longest par 5 on PGA Tour (667 yards 16th), only 2 par 5 and a very demanding stretch of par 4's. I'm a rookie here and I need to gather as much experience and local knowledge as I can!

The rough around the green is quite heavy, and we had a great session with Jérôme. Lob shots will be an interesting tool around the greens.

Interviewed and filmed today by the European tour...

Monday, July 30^th 2012

Super fast greens, pace will be so important this week. Long course, tree lined.

We had a great session with Dave Stockton and his son, very useful for us. Jerome liked it too.

This afternoon, session with GolfDigest, my first one. With Ron Kapriske, chief editor, and Marty Hackel. Pictures with the very high speed camera and a surprising picture in Lacoste outfit.

Sunday, July 29^th 2012

On our way to Akron Ohio for the third WGC of the year, one week before the US PGA. I'm with Jérôme Theunis this week, a very buzzy week with some important interviews with the European Tour and GolfDigest, Chief Editor Ron Kapriske and editor Marty Hackel.

Tuesday, July 24^th 2012

What a beautiful day! Together with 2000 friends, a lot of Juniors, my team in Ternesse Golf Club will remain a super memory. And what an organization; Piet Vandenbussche and Golf.be are absolute magicians.

Many thanks to the greenkeeping staff; the course and specially the greens were fantastic, thanks to the speed I could set the new course record 68. Many thanks also to all volunteers and marshalls, from the parking, the course book (Leo) to the crew on the course. Many thanks to the club house and all the club's staff.

Many thanks to all the spectators who made this day so wonderful and our partners for their support: SLV Lights, 2PM (Asset Management), Rolex, AMB Brokers (Industrial real Estate) and Titleist Footjoy. Thanks also Patrick Brose (Critères) and Michel Verheughe (Super Color) for all their prints, boards and cubes, Lacoste for their prizes, and please forgive me if I forget here one or two persons...

Pictures available here!

Sunday, July 22^th 2012

And what about that 65 in the last round! A dream of a round! Sorry the Belgian National day was today!

By the way, my opening 65 is only been beaten by Adam Scott and Brandt Snedeker 64's!

Nicolas and Friends in Ternesse the 24 th July: we are over the 2000 persons! Yeahhhhhhh

I hope all juniors will be there!

Saturday, July 21^th 2012

Cheers to all Belgians! Special day, I'm wearing the flag 365 days a year!

Sunshine this morning in Lytham St Annes!

Couldn't make more than +2 today, a bit unlucky on the green, but some quite nice display from the 12^th!

Quite happy how I finish even if I shaved so many holes for birdies...

Friday, July 20^th 2012

Off day! That wind change (from the east - totally opposite than yesterday) completely disoriented my game, I wanted to apply a similar kind of game plan and I couldn't. I payed.

The players in the afternoon had no wind and no rain, that was the good combination.

But I'm there for the week-end! And I had my bad day...

Thursday, July 19^th 2012

Great day, from yesterday night during my practice session, I'm really swinging well. This is another great round in a Major. Not much to say, the figures on my card explains all. The eagle on the 2nd (I'm the first eagle on that particular hole in the history of the Open) was played with a 8 iron from 174 meters wind helping. Another great shot was my second from the fairway bunker on 17!

Since Monday, we have elected Portofino as our restaurant for the week. Superb italian food, thanks for the smile Giordana, thanks for the table Joe!

Tomorrow tee off 8.58 

Wednesday, July 18^th 2012

Wind is coming up, seriously blowing. This is another course. Tanguy Legein has joined us, he was caddying Arnaud Langenaeken in 1996. Tanguy was 14 years old at that time! Arnaud made the cut 72-71-77-78 par 71. There was no wind in Lytham in 1996. The course is now longer and the par is 70.

Finally a great day of preparation, my posture, my swing, my rhythm and my strategy are setlled, I'm ready for tomorrow!

 FYEO - a picture that makes some buzz over here... (by Golf Punk Magazine)

Tuesday, July 17^th 2012

Arrived Sunday, late afternoon, Vince, Mich and Blaise the day after but without their luggage thanks to the efficiency of our National Airport. We have rented a little house 2 km from Lytham where we all sleep and live when not on the course. Weather here in Lytham is awful, rain, rain and more rain. Even the water table (subterranean water) is full, so the bunkers are all wet because of the water due to the soil unable to absorb any more!

Great day of practice. Wake up at 5.00 AM. On the practice at 5.45AM, breakfast at 6.30AM and on the course at 7.00... Practice round with Anders Hansen and the winner of the French Open, Marcel Siem. After that some deep session on the driving range, for example to choose the right wedge to use in the wet sand. Because there is always some strong side wind here in Lytham, the driving needs also to be adapted to find the right trajectories... and the fairways.

Lytham is a special course with 200 bunkers scattered on the 18 holes, and those difficult par 4's surely on the beginning of the round and on the end. It's a par 70 over 6.400 meters long with only 2 par 5's.

On Wednesday, we will do the opposite: practice in the morning and some holes in the afternoon. In fact, I will play at 2.00 PM with two previous winners here in Lytham: Tom Lehman (1996) and David Duval (2001)!

Sunday, July 15^th 2012

Scottish open is over and a new week is already coming. I'm looking forward to this British open, third Major of the year. With Marcel Siem and Greg Havret we will fly from Inverness to Blackpool and tonight we will be in Lytham.

Saturday, July 14^th 2012

A par day in Castle Stuart is a poor day. I thought I could find the right pace on those slow greens. But it did not happen. Quite disappointed. But a good fourth round could take me back in the first part of the leaderboard.

Thursday, July 12^th 2012

68, 4 birdies, no bogeys, solid round but a bit too far from the pins to score a very low round. Had a stiff neck after last week, the charter flight, the rain since 10 days, the cold wind, but it's a little better...

Castle Stuart is a wonderful piece of links, playing longer than last year. the guys in the morning had a cool but quiet weather and they mede most of t!

It was nice to congratulate Marcel for his win last week in Paris,

Sunday, July 8^th 2012

Congratulations Marcel, great win! The other great Sunday was signed by Francisco Molinari with that outstanding 64.

Finally, I'm happy with the end result. Missed 2 or 3 putts to be really in contention, and the rough found with my 3 wood on 13 and drive on 14 didn't help neither. But overall, I'm building my form again for the next two Majors. This french Open was pretty tiring with the wind, the rain and the rough but it was nice to have all the belgian support in Paris.

Tonight flight between Pontoise and Inverness, organized by the European Tour.

Monday, Pro-Am for charity organized by Paul Lawrie.

Saturday, July 7^th 2012

Another piece of patience today, with some costly tee shots in the rough like on the 1^st, 3^rd or 9^th. A lot of birdie attempts  on 7, 10, 11, 15, 16 to no avail. Once again not my A game but overall that 69 is a good 3^rd round. It's really tough out there, wind, rain and that heavy rough. I'm still thinking that some fairways are too narrow and the rough too penal on some holes.

I had a great meeting yesterday night with Jean Garaialde, the French best player of the 60' and 70'. He once beated Jack Nicklaus in Sweden. He was a good friend of Donald Swaelens and they traveled a lot together. Always cool to share the experience of the old glories, they have so many stories and they have been through the same kind of tournaments and emotions than we do.

Another good Belgian crowd today, happy to finish well for you all.

Tomorrow I'll dedicate my round to JPH, both of us are on a mission...

Friday, July 6^th 2012

Great Belgian crowd, I'm so proud of you!

Rain, high winds, thunderstorms, what a weather cocktail for a long day, but an happy end with finally two good birdies after so many attempts that stayed around the hole and refused to drop. I had not my best game today in difficult circumstances but some great approaches saved my day like on hole 3, 4 and 12.

So unlucky on 14 where a stone under my ball on my 3rd shot, deflected it at 45 degrees and I couldn't make the birdie after 2 solid shots.

But I'm still in the hunt, 6 shots from Marcel Siem, the leader. Marcel is playing well these last tournaments, and this is maybe his week...

Thursday, July 5^th 2012

Quite delighted to know that the Belgian tennis champion, David Goffin, will be present on July 24^th in Ternesse. One more friend that comes is always a pleasure! We have not met so far but I enjoyed watching his match against Federer. He's a golf fan so we'll have a good chat...

I had the pleasure to see a lot of Belgian supporters, from different clubs, like the Juniors from the AFG, and my partners from KNAUF, Patrick Renard and Pierre Thomas. Quite happy those two and their friends from Liège like the famous Couks!

It did rain last night but less than expected. The course remains delicate to play.

I teed-of at 8:10 from the 10 today. A good start with a birdie on 11^th, 3 pars. Then came a bogey on the tricky 15; almost birdied the 16 but on the next hole, the 17, a drive way left was sanctioned by a double bogeyed.  I let slip a birdie opportunity on the 18 but did not on the next hole (No 1); also birdied the 3^rd to be back level. The birdie on the 6^th was very welcome before the very treacherous 7^th. My 3 wood found the rough on the right and a lay up was the only possibility; I hit a (almost) perfect 9 on the left of the pin then sank the 15 foot. All of you who ever played the course will agree that making a par in such conditions was worth a birdie !

Once again, I was amazed to see the number of compatriots who probably got up in the middle of the night to be present when we teed-of ! Even if already said many times before, I do appreciate their presence and enjoy the warm support.

Some more words about the course. Not surprisingly, it is tough to play. There is not a single tee where you can feel a bit more relax. Every shot is demanding. Any mistake can turn very quickly in a bogey or worse.

Wednesday, July 4^th 2012

No play today, saving energy but a meticulous technical preparation. The bad swing stretch of last week is now forgotten, Mich was particularly attentive to all details: posture, alignment, angles, rhythm, coordination... As a result I'm quite confident to have recovered my US Open mood. Indeed, this is still a human game and tomorrow, I can feel in another mood. But even if I'm suffering from hay fever, I'm quite optimistic. And it's gonna rain tonight, good news for the hay fever. I practiced next to Lee Westwood and we had a long chat on the driving range, he also suffers from the same allergy...

I still think that players will be surprised by the difficulty of the course, any slight offline shot will be punished, and with humid rough, the only club to play will be the sandwedge. At the other hand, the greens are better than the other years, the roll is truer, doesn't swing any more.

Tuesday, July 3^th 2012

This course, Albatros, in these conditions, at the Golf National is the toughest I ever played! Fairways are so narrow and the rough is quite high. My opinion: It's too punishing when you are in the rough. Fairways 20 meters wide, a first cut of 4 meters then a higher cut (10 cm), a third cut of 16 cm and high rough up ti 1 meter.

Fairways are quite soft, the time of hard and rolling fairways is past. Watch the scores on Thursday...

Portrush, June 29th 2012

Such a bad day! I was swinging upside down... I stay here for the weekend to practice as much as I can!

Portrush, June 28^th 2012

Solid round today. 13 pars 5 birdies. From tee to green, and on the greens, everything was in place.

It was raining this morning but, at 6.00 when we arrived, huge crowd was already queuing at the gates. They are really passionate golf fans here in Ireland. Congrats!

It's so nice to play in front of so many spectators, a pleasure...

Portrush, June 27^th 2012

Everything is demanding in Portrush...

For the french speaking, great article and pictures in Le Journal du Golf L'Equipe, just click on the cover to view the pdf file.

Portrush, June 26^th 2012

Why is this course Royal? The answer is obvious, this is a king of a course! Greens, dunes, fairway and greens undulations, deep rough, hard surfaced  and fast greens, penal bunkers, 3 dimensional shots where you feel that the air is a real material having the wind playing a major role! A delight of a course...

I played 18 holes this morning in front of a huge crowd. Everyday is sold out. Ireland is another country of golf...

Great session on my short game (1h30) with Jerôme Theunis who received from Mich the feedback of my coaching during the US open. Weather is typical Irish ... or Scottish... or Belgian, cold, breezy and rainy.

After that, a super power nap before our dinner with a quite hungry Jérôme.

Tomorrow Pro-Am day.

By the way I don't understand the French Open from closing the Tuesday and Wednesday for the public. Isn't that the weirdest idea of the year on the European Tour? Several years now that they are acting like that, anyway I told them my point of view... And when you see the crowd and the enthusiasm here in Northern Ireland, you'll quickly know what I mean...

Juniors, parents and golfers, all of you are welcome...

If you want to meet me and follow a demo, book the 24 July in Ternesse Golf and Country Club (Antwerp).

We will manage something for juniors in the morning, for some VIP at noon and for juniors and everybody else in the afternoon.

I invite Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry (they are great and I want to continue to help them), two of the most talented young players in Belgium for a 18 holes tournament where we will set the (first) course record of the new remodeled Ternesse course.

If you want to attend this unique event, visit this site and register. It's free! Program and other details available on the same site.

Sunday, June 17^th 2012

Even if it was a great week with 3 full days of superb golf, that last day is quite disappointing. That deep typical San Francisco Fog killed my game. I didn't see the shots as I'm used to, couldn't feel the distance with that cold humid air reducing the ball flight. No spin, bouncing on the green, too long at the first, bogey, too short at the second, bogey, too short at the third , bogey, spinning at the fourth, bogey! Long putt for birdie on the fifth, but I was completely lost in my feeling. Webb Simpson at the other hand played here the US Amateur in 2007 and he told me that he's used to these conditions. And he makes a hell of a round! Well played and a win fully deserved.

It's difficult right now but I need to only capitalize on the positive aspects that were so numerous and forget that last day! Mich, Vince, Bob Rotella, and Dave were unanimous more than positive and happy about what I learned and how I played this US Open, so that's surely what I have to do, even if the taste is bitter right now...

Thanks for your support and all those late hours in front of your screens. I did my best!

Saturday, June 16^th 2012

I'm really enjoying this tournament!

Quite happy with my position, 4^th and 3 strokes from the lead. This course is brutal, I had 2 bad shots and I lost 2 strokes... Do you know that the greens are so firm now that there are no pitch mark anymore! This set up is like that once in 10 years...

+1 today, a lot of missed opportunities. We corrected my putting posture after the round.

4^th round with Webb Simpson at 2.40 PM.

The crowd was really noisy today; so many people around us, not easy to concentrate...

Friday, June 15^th 2012

Great day of golf, played solid from tee to green and putted very confidently. This is my first cut in 3 Majors played. A good step in my career. This round under par is to remember because this is a course that is defending his par like no others! Nice steak in the evening in San Francisco with Mich, Vince and some friends from Belgium...

Will play the 3^rd round with Graeme McDowell. He won this before in Pebble Beach, he has the experience, I'm looking forward playing with him.

Thursday, June 14^th 2012

Double bogey at 1 and 3 and by that time the 2 putts for par at the 4^th were very important. From there, at 4 over, I had 3 birdies and I bogeyed the 16. Didn't drive the ball quite well, but we fixed it at the practice at the end of the day. For lower trajectories, Mich corrected my posture with a need of being closer to the ball to play the kind of shots I wanted...

Wake up call for Friday's round will be at  5.00... Play at 7.22 AM.

Wednesday, June 13^th 2012

5.30 wake up call in the city of San Francisco, the sun would like to rise but it's quite foggy.

Last practice day to make up my plan to tackle that course. One will absolutely need to come from the fairway to have a chance to find the right spot on those diabolic greens. Because of the slopes on the greens and the slopes on some heavy undulations around the greens, you can hit the green and finish 50 meters lower, on the right, the left, the front or the back, depending on the setting. Quite a challenge...

Nice meeting with Bob Rotella yesterday, great chat, sharing of experiences, old school just the way I like it. Met also Bob Vokey; he made me some new wedges (two of them with 17 grooves instead of 14), and also Roger Cleveland, designer of my Callaway irons. This is the US Open where you can meet all those legends of the game.

Great short game session with Mich yesterday, reviewing my basics for the different types of approaches.

I feel good...

Tuesday, June 12^th 2012

Practice round with Francesco Molinari and Matteo Manassero. 10 holes from the 9^th...  After it, interview and shooting for L'Equipe and Le Journal du Golf or the Cover at The Open de France.

Tomorrow practice round with Bjorn, Goosen and Coetzee, 9 holes from the first this time.

Monday, June 11^th 2012

Went to Cypress Point thanks to Dave Stockton. What a gem, what a golf course, what a nature, this is paradise on earth for a golfer. I saw some tears in the eyes of Vince, this place under a brilliant sunshine brings some emotions out! Mich was also impressed and my parents were in "wow" mode! What Alister McEnzie designed here is magical, he founded 18 superb holes and some of them are unforgettable. Genius and class from a man who also designed Augusta National. Tomorrow and Wednesday back to The Olympic to prepare that 112th US Open, my second one!

Sunday, June 10^th 2012

First day in The Olympic, played 18 holes and chipped from all over around the 18 greens. This course is a real test of patience and shot making. All fairways are inclined and all greens are sloping one way or the other but a lot from right to left. The holes are going up and down from the 1rst to the 18th and the ball is never on feets level, nor are the feets at the same level! The greens are small, they are super fast and super firm. It's a quite demanding course and all cards with an under par score are very well played. All observers agreed on one thing, there will be not many people under par after the 4 rounds.

The other feeling is the beauty of the course, splendid trees, nice design, proximity of the Pacific sea, beautiful setting for an Open! The beauty and the beast, you can call The Olympic with those words.

Friday, June 8^th 2012

Two lovely days spent with Dave Stockton at the secret but great Titleist test center in San Diego.

Then with my parents, we took the Pacific Road from San Diego to San Francisco. Wonderful experience.

Change in program. After the US Open, I won't play the BMW International Open, but will go for Ireland, France, Scotland and British Open.

After that I'll play the Nicolas Colsaerts & Friends in Ternesse, my only Tournament round in Belgium this year...

In August I'll go for the WGC Bridgestone in Akron, the USPGA in Kiawah Island and the Johnnie Walker in Gleneagles. Due to a heavy september schedule, I won't play the Omega Masters in Crans Montana.

Sunday, June 3^rd 2012

There are many ways to play the par at Muirfield Village, I signed mine. With some virtuosity "à la Belge"...

A bunker shot in at the 4^th, a chip in at the 7, a triple (and no Westmalle) at the 10^th, followed by 4 birdies in the last six holes... just to tell the Memorial that I leave the tournament with a smiling face, knowing now much more how to tackle that splendid but demanding course.

This was my first cut on the PGA Tour, ending 25^th. I enjoyed it very much, the setting, the crowd and the presence of my crossfit " bodyguard " and friend, Richard. By the way I succeeded the double under (with jump rope twice under the feets)...

Tomorrow I'll fly to San Diego where my parents will join me for a few days practice with Dave Stockton, followed by a family trip by car on the Pacific Coast between San Diego and San Francisco.

Saturday, June 2^nd 2012

For the first time, today I felt at ease in Muirfield ... it happened on the 15. I played drive, drive and the crowd liked it: "Thanks for the entertainment" they said... I start feeling better and better in the US now, more relaxed, more familiar with this Tour and all its differences...

I didn't drive the ball as well as I can, too much wind, you need to work the ball so many times, that the normal drive doesn't come out so easy... Driving is 100 % technique... I'll need some fixes... Mich comes at the US open...

Story: On 18 I had 3 meters for birdie, Brian told me if I make the birdie there, he will offer me lifetime burgers at "Five Guys"... My favorites! And I made it! A nice story those Five guys burger restaurants. Everything started 26 years ago with 4 brothers who started a business in cooking burgers in Virginia. The Press gave them a #1 reputation in the area and from there the American dream took over. At the same time, a 5^th brother Murrell was born and it became the "Five Guys"...

Friday, June 1^st 2012

Quite a difficult day: heavy rain and then wind. Greens were not easy to find but it seems that we'll be there for the week-end. 70 and ties are going through...

Play suspended! It's raining cats and dogs. Quite unlucky on 12, my ball was deeply plugged in the bunker, 50 cm from a great shot...

Thursday, May 31^st 2012

Satisfied after this first round, the greens were quite tough to play, hard and very fast. My first 9 was a great display of shots. Played a bad 3 wood on the 11^th tee, and didn't yardage correctly the second shot: in total, went twice in the water, 2 penalty strokes, double bogey on the card. Good finish after. Par after 18 is a good score in those circumstances here at Muirfield Village...

A lot of spectators, they liked my specials... 2 iron played low and a high 3 wood out of the rough... received some "Nice Fly  Bro", "We don't see that much anymore"... it's not the kind of course where you can launch long drives, you need to be cautious.

We worked after with Rich, we had food and went early in bed... early start this Friday.

Wednesday, May 30^th 2012

The greens are getting very, very fast, the ball never stops. Main goal will be to stay under the holes, to have an uphill putt, quite different than in Europe where I like downhill putts...

During my last practice round (9 hole from the tenth this wednesday afternoon) I had two massive drives on 13 and 18 this afternoon, people like it so much here... Good chat today with Stenson and Grace... and tonight Steakhouse! Rich likes it so much when I pronounced the word steakhouse!

Richard reminded me how many "Wow's" I said when looking at the course and the shots you play here! Pure golfer's delight, what an inspirational setting, nature and golfdesign at his best!

Practiced a lot around the greens, that Kentucky Blue grass rough is new for me, I need to find the right techniques, this is all about experience, and that's why I'm here, compiling experience. Played 9 holes on Tuesday and will play 9 holes today. Long game is in shape, short game need to be adapted to the very fast greens and the grass around the greens. Strategy becomes clearer.

Really surprised by the reception received here after my win at the Volvo Match Play, people in the States followed this closely. David Leadbetter came to congratulate me and I had a long chat with Justin Rose who's becoming one of the great favorite for this tournament that he won in 2010. He played very strongly again last week in Wentworth, he's now at the top of the Race to Dubai!

Still very hot and humid, over the 30°, quite a difference from what we had the last weeks...

Tuesday, May 29^th 2012

And what a lovely course, perfection in course preparation. This is Jack Nicklaus legacy to Professionnal Golf and "la crème de la crème" of all all players are here. I'll play against long hitter JB Holmes and Englishman Brian Davis at 12.21 PM from the 1rst tee. JB Holmes tops the driving distance in Muirfield Village... I'll enjoy to play with him but won't make it a contest, this course is much more than a driving course. Nearly all holes are treelined, you need to be cautious. The finish is hard and the 12th is an exquisite par 3!

Muirfield Village is ranked 16 on Top 100 best courses in the States and 19th most difficult on 51 PGA Tour Courses!

The fact is that's it's extremely hot here, maybe it's gets better on Thursday, we'll see.

Saturday, May 26^th 2012

Vince arrived today in Belgium and found this telegram at home:

Mr Nicolas Colsaerts
c/o Mr Vincent Borremans

We are delighted to congratulate you for the wonderful victory last Sunday at the World Golf Championship in Casares. We wish you many more successes in your future competitions.

ALBERT - PAOLA

Belgium cares...

Friday, May 25^th 2012

I battled hard till the 15^th before collapsing on 16. The birdie on 15 had an opposite effect. Nervously, I melted down, my energy shut down and 16 and 17 killed my 2 days and the tournament. After yesterday, I thought I could escape the classic backlash after the intensity of last week. I was still pumped up till yesterday afternoon. Those greens asked me too much concentration. 33 putts yesterday and today also. Superb long game (missed 1 tee shot in 2 days, on the 17^th), but couldn't read their damned lines and speed on greens. This championship comes too early in the season in England, there was ugly weather for 6 weeks, no grass growth, no roll, no speed...

But I will remember the positive news: an enormous drive on 12^th: a 393 yards drive and a gap wedge after, 2 putts for birdie on that par 5, still can't figure out why the ball didn't fall for eagle. And now that I melted down, I can finally sleep, I could only sleep 5 to 6 hours a day since last Friday, where I had my last "siesta". I just need to wake up on Sunday at 9.00 to catch my plane for The Memorial in Dublin, Ohio. That's the other good news, I'll be there one day earlier and can rest on Saturday.

Ok time to finish, my eyes are closing...

Thursday, May 24^th 2012

Par today. Greens were very slow and marked this afternoon. Couldn't find the inspiration to putt like I would like. Hopefully, tomorrow morning I'll play earlier and have more chance to make some putts than today. I'm confident, still 3 rounds to go!

Some good news: Vince asked and received an invitation for me to play The Memorial Tournament, Jack Nicklaus'Tournament in Dublin Ohio. Quite pleased to visit that superb tournament played on a legendary course designed by the Golden Bear. I need those experiences. I'll be there with Rich Vanmeerbeek to work on my fitness.

Quiz of the day: what's the best Belgian performance at the PGA Championship here in Wentworth? Answer: Donald Swaelens, second to Peter Oosterhuis in 1973.

Great weather here in Wentworth...tee off at 1.15 PM Local Time.

Wednesday, May 23^th 2012

Thank you again for all your visits at my website and your messages. You break the record on Sunday and Monday!

Pro-Am day at 8.00 this morning and a lot of interviews today and yesterday.

Mich is quite happy of my swing and it's true that I have great sensations and my ball striking is probably at its best.

Now that course is quite tough but I like the changes, it's less unfair than the 2 last years. Greens need 3 more weeks of good weather with high temperatures and not much rain! Nature is quite late this year because of the poor weather in Europe. But the forecast is great, yeahhh

Had a visit of Patrick Brose and the Todtenhaupt Brothers, 3 old friends and good amateur players. It seems that Patrick will be also at the US Open where other Belgians will be present like Jonathan Hankar (friend from Royal Waterloo). Tomorrow first round at 13.15.

Tuesday, May 22^th 2012

I feel quite lucky to play from a great tournament to another. The PGA Championship in Wentworth is the biggest european event after the British Open, the setting is quite classy and history has been made through the years on that West course.

It's gonna be a long day, early wake-up, practice round, practice session to settle the swing after playing in the wind for a few days. Then interviews, press conference at the Press center and a meeting at the European Tour Headquarters (they want already to take my measurements (every player from the top 30) for an possible participation at the Ryder Cup). The Ryder Cup has started to be in the center of all discussions, not between players but certainly in the media. There is no interview without talking half of the time on the Ryder Cup.

But for now, the Ryder Cup is absolutely not my priority, I know I can be in, and I will love to be in, but it will certainly not change anything now. Getting experience in the Majors, learning how to play well in there is my main goal. This will make me stronger for all the tournaments to come...

Monday, May 21^st 2012

Thank you all for all your messages, I'm reading them all but we are exploding the number of visits on our website, on Facebook and on the phone !

What a change: top 32 OWGR and 4th at the Race to Dubai, amazing, no?

Transfer day between Malaga and London, we are quite exhausted by that week full of intensity, concentration and efforts. Vince has a lot to do, huge work, he's charging his Iphone 3 times a day. Chill night with Mich, Vince and Marcel Siem at the official hotel.

Tomorrow morning, early start again to play the course when it's not too crowded (before 8.00 AM)!

Finca Cortesin, May 20^th 2012

And what about that! World champion Match Play... What an adventure...

Room service in my suite with my parents, Mich, Brian and Vince, chilling and partying in this beautiful suite in Finca.

Cheers to all who followed me in their golfclub or at home, cheers to all trustful supporters, cheers to all who supported me here this week!

Too tired to write more... but so happy...

Finca Cortesin, May 19^th 2012

Never played so well here in Finca than this morning against Justin Rose. My game was solid as a rock and it payed off. What a difference with my match against Goosen! It was a great win that impressed many people. I had decided to start strongly to have a chance to shake him, and the strategy proved to be successful. I must say that I played several wonderful irons into some flags and my putting was confident as ever.

In the afternoon against Brandt Snedeker, I started off strongly, but on the 7^th I missed a 2 meters putt for a 5 up situation. 30 seconds later my ball went too far taken by that strong "Poniente" wind that was swirling around. I couldn't figure out where it was blowing and Snedeker took advantage of this. After 10 holes I was only 1 up anymore. Hopefully, I'm not the only one that suffered from that wind because Brandt experienced the treacherous gust blowing on the 13^th and I could win the hole. A good birdie on the 14^th and a par at the demanding 15^th and the semi-final opened their arms for the second year in a row...

With this result, I can imagine that there is a Belgian flag in the top 50 world ranking.... another good news!

Tomorrow, semi-final against the strong Scot Paul Lawrie who played beautifully all week...

Finca Cortesin, May 18^th 2012

What a day! Upside down. Never played well this morning against Retief, without an A game you don't beat a Major winner in good form. So I lost on the 18th.

Then in the middle of my afternoon siesta I get a call from the Tour in my hotel room because Goosen was up after 12 and a playoff could happen.

The quickest shower of the year and 20 minutes after, I was on the 9th tee next to Schwarzel! With both a birdie putt, I made mine and he missed his.

Finally the Belgian crowd could smile again, and that bad day turned into a great one! Sport can be amazing, no?

Finca Cortesin, May 17^th 2012

Great match with Charl, he was brilliant on 17 and 18 and the square result is quite logical even if I was 1 up after 17, but a second too long and a badly lied chip at the back of the 18, made my birdie too difficult. He did his 4 to square the match.

But it was intense, high quality shots all day and finally a squared match.

Tomorrow against Retief I will need a win to secure a qualification.

A lot of Belgian supporters here at Finca, it's always nice to have that support.

Friday, on the first tee at 8.35!

Finca Cortesin, May 16^th 2012

Finca Cortesin is one of the nicest hotel we visited on Tour. Setting, views, architecture, service, it's a beautiful place! Great course also where you'll need a strong driving in your bag!

Good practice day on Tuesday with Mich. Pleased with my game. Julien Bravard, an old friend from Biarritz joined us for a few days. Julien is Pro and specialized in clubfitting in Illbaritz. Good friend of Mich also, in the past he followed Mich as a Pro in Rigenée during 2 years.

We know now our group: Charl Schwarzel and Retief Goosen. It's amazing how many South-Africans I played with this season. It's a good way to refresh my Afrikaans...

My Anahita bag is still making the buzz on Tour, players like it...

Pro-am this morning!

Brussels, May 14^th 2012

Flying to Malaga and Finca Cortesin with a great news: 51 at the OWGR, can't be closer with the top 50 mark!

Away for 5 weeks!

Sevilla, May 6^th 2012 - check the pictures in Gallery

The guy who hit the most fairways and greens this week has won. Well done Francesco, very solid.

If you had told me earlier in the week that I would finish 7^th, I wouldn't have believed it. To finish better than 7^th I would have needed some momentum, more birdies on the par 5's on the front nine, more success on greens and more fairways and greens hit either. But after all, I can't be disappointed, it's another Top 10 in the bag.

Hopefully, I have one week off to regain some energy. Direction Biarritz to play some rounds on good greens and dry land, then I come back in Belgium to participate at the Knauf Day.

Next Program: Volvo World Match Play at Finca Cortesin, BMW PGA in Wentworth, Wales Open at the Celtic Manor.

Sevilla, May 5^th 2012 Back nine

After two hours delay, we were back on track! It was really blowing on those back nine! Missed some fairways and greens, and shaved the hole at 13, 14, 18. Made an avoidable bogey on the 15...

But these are real tough conditions, you need your A game and a great fitness to battle, all credit to the leaders... The weather forecast seems a little better for tomorrow... Maybe I can have some roll on that final day!

Sevilla, May 5^th 2012 Front nine

Play is suspended at 1.10 PM. Jerome, Vince and Philippe (our photograph) are transformed into sponges. This is an unreal weather, tropical, monsoon!!! I'm on the 5th green, marked my ball and came back to the club-house.

I feel quite sorry for the organizers and the greenkeepers of this Open. They deserve much better conditions, such a nice Open, great course and 100th anniversary!  Let's hope for sunshine for tomorrow's final day.

Sevilla, May 4^th 2012

Ups and downs on 18 holes. Everything was going smoothly till my 11^th hole (N°2 on the course) where I overclubbed my second shot. Played beautifully out of the bunker but my 3 feet putt jumped to the right (hit a little pebble) and the ball never saw the hole. I was shocked there. Quite unlucky. On the next hole, the par 3 (the 3^rd hole) I overclubbed again and made another bogey. This wind was blowing hard but at this particular moment of the day, it was gusting and surprised us more than one time. 3 strokes lost there... And I had to concentrate seriously to end with 5 par.

Level for the tournament without having much luck on the greens, it's ok even if I was -3 at one stage... the road is still long.

I receive so many compliments about my new bag. It's a real pleasure... You can see some pictures of my Anahita Mauritius bag in the Gallery (Pictures made by Philippe Gaudy).

We have had 30 minutes of sun in 36 holes... Storms and rain, a lot of rain, very good for the spanish agriculture but quite demanding for players and spectators! Cheers to the courageous people who have followed me...

My new 3 wood stays in the bag, that Rocket Ball is a monster!

Sevilla, May 3^rd 2012

Tough conditions today. Rain for 8 holes and then strong winds! Didn't play my A game. Could 't get the full concentration and let some 2nd shots slip away... In those circumstances, Par is a correct result.

Sevilla, May 2^nd 2012

Pro-Am day. On the range, we continued our work with the wedges and during the pro-am we gave a go on a new 3 wood (Taylor Made Rocket ball 14,5°). We will decide with Mich and Brian tomorrow morning if it deserves a place in the bag. There is a gain of 15 meters in length but I want to be sure that these 15 meters don't become 20 or 25 meters... 

I was quite exhausted after the round, not yet at 75 % of my energy.

This course is very demanding, Brian expects a final score around -10. The rough can make serious damage on a scorecard. Greens are still "humido" like they say here, and spin control is also a serious issue... But they were slower in the afternoon...

Kjeldsen holds a record of 62 here but there was no rough. So I don't think anybody can come any near of that kind of figure this week. They should go for a new record. By the way, the best score of each round will be awarded a Jamon 5 Jotas (Bellotta pata negra). Spaniards are naturally quite motivated to win that special tournament. They are 32 on the starting list and 32 who want to win... A lot of buzz here for the Centenary of the golf federation and you can understand why.

Sevilla, May 1^st 2012

What a pleasure to come back at this "great" european course. This is an outstanding golf course, perfectly manicured, with fast greens and a dangerous rough all over the place! This is an US Open style of preparation... Congratulations to the club.

• 1912 - 2012, 100 years of Spanish Open, a Centenary
• 1992 - 2012, 20 years anniversary for the Real Golf club de Sevilla designed by "Xhema" Jose Maria Olazabal
• 1972 - 2012, 40 years on the European Tour

It's gonna be a great occasion, I feel it. I met my old friend Gonzaga Escauriaza, the Spanish federation President (I met him at the EGA when I was Junior), he had a great smile on his face, his health is fine after an operation and the setting for this open, organized by the Federation, is absolutely perfect.

I came here this morning, early morning, 6.45, it was still dark, had breakfast with Mich, Brian and Vince, and went to hit some balls on the range watching the sunrise... No legs, no energy, still dealing with my flu. We did it smoothly and Mich gave me a great hint to find my rythm and coordination concentrating on my take away and ... it worked like magic. Then we played 9 holes, the back nine. After a quick lunch, we got back to the range to have a session with Malcolm McEnzie with a flightscope. I tried different 3 woods and Mich opened a new program with my wedge. He proposed me to hit lower trajectories (not punches but just playing with the loft of the club) that we controlled on the flightscope. The objective is to play those 100 meters shots with less energy, less work on the ball. Mich hopes also to have softer shots and less spin. It will take time but this session on the range was very convincing.

They had a lot of rain here the last days, fairways and greens are soft. Because they are so fast, balls are spinning a lot and this is a serious issue to deal with. Even if the greens are large, they will put some flags in the corner and we will struggle with the spin!

Sunday, April 29^th 2012

Sick since Friday, sore throat, no energy, no legs, no training, bad preparation for Sevilla...

Friday, April 27^th 2012

Crossfit everyday with Rich till next Monday when we'll fly to Sevilla. Good course there. I hope also for some sunshine in south of Spain, didjuuu!

Went to Lacoste yesterday, they are refreshing their "club" near the Place Vendôme where Sportsmen and women, artists and Peoples are coming to meet the brand and the new clothing Crocodile trends and designs... Always nice to be there even if we've been washed out in the afternoon by thunderstorms, heavy rains and hail stones. A nightmare on the road... next time I'll take the train!

Lunch at noon with Vince and ol'friend Bobby Low, the Belgian golfing legend in a typical Brussels restaurant. Looking forward...

Monday, April 23^rd 2012

OWGR 54 !

Sunday, April 22^nd 2012

Beijing Airport. Very happy to finish second at the Volvo China Open. Branden Grace deserves his win, he didn't make any mistake and had a wonderful touch on the greens. I had to put pressure on him from the front nine but couldn't score the birdies. Bloody speed of greens slowing up through the day annoyed me. And when I went more aggressive, like on 10 I was immediately punished by a bogey. My 2 next birdies attempts finished just short of the cup. This was the key 3 holes of the round where I played +1 and Branden -1. From then with 3 or 4 strokes ahead, Grace could cruise till the victory.

From my part, I knew from the 16^th that Richard Finch was at -17. I wanted to finish second on my own and -18 was my target. On 17 my putt was perfect and stayed in the hole all time... but it died at the edge of the cup. Then on 18, I was unfortunate to hit the wooden sleepers and my ball bounced to the other side of the fairway and went in the waterhasard. Luckily, I had a shot. Played my second to the right of the fairway to have a third one with a view towards the pin place at the very left of the green, just behind a bunker. Great approach there and then I faced a 2 meter putt, downhill, with 2 lines break. And I made it. Great moment, finishing second.

Played really well all week, extraordinary long game and some good putting, I come back to Europe with good feelings. I had a text from the Tour, I'm 8^th now on the Race to Dubai and certainly made a jump on the world ranking. More news about it when I will land tomorrow in Belgium. I maybe can have my best world ranking ever.

I had the pleasure to have 1 Belgian who came specially from Beijing. Thanks Alexis Mannès for your support. Alexis is one of our partner, owner of AMB Broker, who came in China for his business.!

Saturday, April 21^st 2012

Quiet day in Tianjin and the scoring was immediately better. A lot of 64 - 65 - 66 today. I had my 66 also, good back nine. I liked my 2nd on 17 and 3rd on 18. Birdie on 12 was a key hole, and birdie on 18 was the cherry on top. No bogeys today, very quiet round, good to play again with Branden, we have the same game. He played quite well today, 64! Tomorrow, 18 more holes...

Friday, April 20^th 2012

Played well today, some good putts also, on a cold and windy day! Quite difficult to play in the cold wind and in the fog! By the way, I wonder how it can stay foggy with such a wind!

A better up and down on the last today! Nine under, ok before the week-end...

Thursday, April 19^th 2012

So happy with my long game today! If it stays in shape in the next days, there is much more to grab than -4! Not very fortunate after two drives ended unplayable so near to the green, and that chip on 18 that dies in that upslope 5  meters before the pin! No regrets, just pleasant toughs about the quality of my game.

Playing in the morning tomorrow...

Tuesday, April 17^th 2012

Binhai Lake is a pretty new golf course designed by the famous Pete Dye. In China, they are so well inspired to choose great golf architects, each course I visit is always a fantastic lay out. With all those golf infrastructures, Chinese golf will attract in the future a lot of players... Enjoyable to play, even if the greens are a bit slow but if the wind blows, this is gonna be a tough track! 7.000 meters, some optical illusions (a trade mark of great architects), I'll need some more study to finalize my strategy. But I'm pretty fast on understanding a golf course and this one is not an exception, it's just a matter of feeling the influence of wind.

Very well organized tournament like always with Volvo and quite a tough field with Hanson, Poulter, Casey, Dyson, the Molinari's fratelli's, Gallacher, Cabrera-Bello or Paul Lawrie, just to name some of them...

Off at 12.15 (6.15 Brussels time) from the 1rst with Casey and Dyson!

Sunday, 15 April 2012

Run out of steam every day... Not exactly my favorite weather conditions. I can't eat during such round in the heat, it's too hot ... when I would need to. A bit frustrated also with all the mud balls... But my game is still better than what the score is telling (good driving and putting). I'm looking forward to defend my title in China. I don't know the course in Tianjin (different golf club, last year it was in Chengdu, the Luxehills GC) but it's gonna be exciting to remember the good memories for the same tournament organized in a different place.

There's already some buzz over there, I've been contacted to participate at the Opening ceremony, pro-ams and some press conferences. So, distraction at one hand but it's part of the duties that I would like to have more: defending titles! Also good news as Brian and myself have been offered a room for this week! Thanks Volvo, Per Eriksson (the Boss) and Anna Carlsson...

For the belgian flag fans, you'll find a familiar face on top of the driving distance stats. But my team prefers talking about the PPGIR (putt per green in regulation) which is from the beginning of the year my best ever!

Friday, 13 April 2012

Once again played better than the figures show; 2 bad shots on the end and 2 bogeys... It's quite hot and the concentration is difficult, it was 45 min too long for me. Yesterday in the afternoon, it was 1h30 too long... tough conditions for us North Europeans... Of course not everybody has the same ability to play in the moist heat, this week was better than in Singapore (2011) where it was actually even more suffocating. But I keep on climbing the ladder, still 36 holes to catch those South Africans who seem to take this weather like a duck to water !

Thursday, 12 April 2012

Played actually much better than the score will tell, just too many drives off the most tiny fairways ever played. In the first cut of rough, I found three times my ball with mud and had each time bad shots... 54 more holes left to climb the ladder of the ranking!

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

News of the day: I've been qualified through my Race to Dubai ranking after the Masters for ... the Volvo Match Play in Finca Cortesin. Lovely news sended by Vince and received after the pro-am! The other news of the day is the earthquake Tsunami in Indonesia but we didn't feel anything here...

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Well, there we go again, this time in the humid and hot climat of Malaysia. Good thing to have stop at the neighbor Thailand for a week to accomodate the body. And here also in Kuala Lumpur, the internet in the hotel is out of date, impossible to surf. I was looking for seeing some coverage of the Masters and ...nuts!

Played a few holes today, chipped for an hour and a half and putted to get the feel of the greens.

Three important tournaments ahead: Malaysia, Volvo China and Open de España, Next week I defend my title, quite a nice feeling... I come back then to Europe to play in Sevilla and will be pleased to have some Jamon a la Casa Robles o la Vineria San Telmo, Jamon Bellota, delicious...

We are coming into the hart of my season with an important BMW PGA Championship before a long stretch of tournaments with, I hope, three Majors to play, but before that I'll hope for icing on the cake: the Volvo World Match Play! I'll need some more performance...

Sunday, April 1^st 2012

Finished third, with a final 69, bogey free round. I didn't see a putt the whole week, a question of feeling. This course and this resort are quite outstanding. I had a chat with Rocco Forte and confirmed that this is a superb place.

Third place, good for a little jump in the R2D (12th) and OWGR (65th). These points will count in the short term, surely to try to be in the 60 to be directly qualified for the US Open!

Flying Monday to Thaïland, for three weeks in Asia, looking forward to Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur, a place where I can play well. Then, jump to China in Tianjin for the Volvo China Open on a new golf course, unfortunately not where I won last year... The Volvo China will be the last tournament to qualify for Finca Cortesin, I will need a win, so the task is clear... Good memories at that Volvo China Open and Volvo match Play!

Saturday, March 31^st 2012

Still needed time to find the speed on those greens. They're a bit slower than they look, and the wind had today a lot of influence on them. Talking about wind, it was one of those days where it's seriously blowing. it was Sicily in Scottish mode. I had still some problems to drive in left crosswind, but I remind the 18 at Doral and drove from then much better. But still quite happy of my game...

Great par on 8^th with a plugged ball in the right bunker!

Tomorrow, I will need to be better off the tee on those crosswind holes and find the proper speed on the greens. Patience will be also a key, like on every Sunday. 

Great message from Bob Rotella today, he looked at the coverage at Golf Channel and send me some good advices.

Will Boonen beat Cancellara, will another squeeze in for the win at the Ronde? Listen to Karl tomorrow... but keep an eye on the golf...

Friday, March 30^th 2012

Never, never got the speed of the greens today. Two bogeys and three strokes lost on the 3 first holes... It was quite cold this morning, the grass responded very specially, it was only 5° outside... It's the kind of round that could have been closed in 5 or 6 under par but unfortunately, the ball never fell in!

Speed or not there's one hole where I'm particularly inspired: the par 3 8^th, a gem of a hole. On 9 today, I had surely the longest drive: 330 meters but there again the birdie putt did not drop. But looking at the scoreboard, I'm still in good position, with still 36 holes to go...

This afternoon, surprisingly, Sky came to me to make some commentating "on the air". A new job for me. Always fun to discover the inner side of the European Tour.

As Jérôme flew back to Belgium this afternoon, Vince arrived today with my visa for China and all I need for the next 3 weeks in Asia. So we are still 2 Belgians here !

Thursday, March 29^th 2012