Chris Paisley reflects on his return to European soil
Golf-wise, there isn’t a lot of excitement to report since my last column in mid-April [which is available on www.northerngolfer.co.uk for those who missed it in the Northern Golfer Weekly email]. Following an opening run of four tournaments in the Middle East and back-to-back events in Kenya, I spent April at home in Florida with my wife Keri and daughter Ella. As I write, I’ve just finished the third event of a four-event swing back on European soil at the Made in Himmerland. My return to Europe started with a missed cut in the second event in Tenerife before a pair of T-52 finishes in the British Masters at The Belfry and here in Denmark.
Having just played four rounds here, I can still say our visit to Denmark is one of my favourite events of the season. The crowds are typically enormous here and the promoter does so much to make the tournament fun for the players and fans. Unfortunately, there were only a small number of spectators allowed due to Covid-19 this year. Restrictions were even tighter for the British Masters a few weeks ago. It was such a shame as I know the crowds would have been huge and the atmosphere electric at both events.
Unfortunately, our events feel soulless with no-one here to watch. It’s not so noticeable when you’re not in contention, but when I have been in contention there just isn’t the same buzz. I consider myself extremely lucky to be playing tournaments right now given the situation across the world, but the lack of spectators and living in the European Tour bubble has definitely made my time on the road less enjoyable than it was pre-Covid.
Having said that, the tour has done an incredible job. Having spoken to Keith Pelley and some of the people involved in organising our tournaments, you wouldn’t believe how difficult it has become just to get an event played. They are dealing with different governments and different rules every week. Some governments are accommodating, and some far from it – such as our next stop in Germany which has been delayed by two days.
As I reflect on finishing in the second half of the weekend pack for a second event in a row, I can admit my game isn’t quite firing on all cylinders, especially from tee to green. But it’s not far away.
I must have mentioned golf’s fine lines a dozen times here, but I do feel I’m close to playing some great golf. Right now, I’m in that often-frustrating period of working hard and patiently waiting for it all to click into place – much like the story my brother Andy shares on page 11. Next week in Germany would be a lovely time for everything to drop into place.
I hope you are all enjoying being back on the golf courses at home and having a copy of Northern Golfer in your hands again. Until next time…
