Why Should I Be Spending Large Chunks of Time in Other Parts of The

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN For 2017 I’ve decided to do things a little differently and Why should I be spending large chunks of time you will see me concentrating on the PGA Tour a lot more. That’s always the toughest in other parts of the world, away from my family, thing to do, getting your year’s CO LUMN schedule right, and in 2016 when I could be competing on the PGA Tour? I was on the European Tour playing at the Qatar Masters at the end of January. determine the season-long even have my golf clubs sent I also teed up at the Dubai champion on the Tour? over from the US – and I’m Desert Classic and February That’s definitely my goal raring to go. saw me go to Malaysia for the for 2017. After the Farmers Insurance ages M I M Maybank Championship; then Also, playing almost I’ll be going to the Phoenix HS it was down to Australia for exclusively on the PGA Tour Open at TPC Scottsdale in the first time, where I won means I get to go back home Arizona, on 2-5 February. Back in the USA the Perth International. on the Sunday night, spend Hideki Matsuyama is the GARETH VON NELSON/ That was a good start two nights there with the defending champion there Compleat Golfer’s playing editor Louis to the year for me but family – the kids are at school and he had a great 2016, so I immediately lost now, too – and then I can head let’s hope I can also find some Oosthuizen talks us through his start to ground in the race for off again on the Tuesday to form early in the season. the year and what has changed from 2016 the FedExCup. I want start that particular week’s My world rating is important to finish in the top 30 tournament. It’s easier on to me and I’m definitely looking this year and give myself the family front and on the to go back up the rankings after a chance at the big prizes at travelling side, so for me it ending 2016 at 26th. the end of the season. was a no-brainer to make After the Phoenix Open I’m It also makes a lot more that decision for this year. giving myself a short break sense for me to play on the Instead of being in Qatar as and will be missing the AT&T PGA Tour because my family I was last year, I started off at Pebble Beach Pro-Am and lives in Palm Beach Gardens the Farmers Insurance Open at the Genesis Open. But I’ll be in Florida. So, why should Torrey Pines. Last year, Brandt in action again at The Honda I be spending large chunks Snedeker won and pocketed the Classic, which is almost in of time in other parts of the FedExCup points, and I hope to my back garden in Florida. world away from them, when make a positive start. So, altogether I’m feeling I could be competing on the I enjoyed a great break at good about the year and PGA Tour and giving myself the end of 2016, back at home hopeful that I will be able a better chance to be in the around Mossel Bay and then to fly the South African flag FedExCup Playoffs, which going up to Namibia – I didn’t with pride on the PGA Tour. As you can see, this ball is buried in some of the thickest rough I’ve come across in a while. The ball is also above my feet. Most of the time the amateur will still go towards the left of the fairway, in the direction of the hole, and they’ll try to keep the ball going forward. But what can, and often will, happen is the clubface will close on impact and you’ll end up hitting it left into the bunker here (the 18th hole at Pinnacle Point). Take your punishment and go out sideways on to the fairway, even if it’s on top of the rough, to give you a better lie for the next shot. Don’t try to get too cute with this. compleatgolfer.com 25.

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