Frustration is short-term – solving the puzzle of long-term success is still my priority
There is not too much to update you on regarding my results at the moment – though I did pick up my third top-10 finish of the season in the British Challenge at St Mellion in August. Aside from that result, it continues to be a pretty frustrating summer, but I am still working hard to solve the puzzle.
I have two more regular season events – in France and China in October – before the Challenge Tour Grand Final in Spain in November. I need a strong finish in one of those regular season events to secure a place at the Grand Final, and ultimately give myself a chance of getting inside the top-20 in the order of merit to earn a DP World Tour card. If I am not successful, I have an opportunity to regain my card at Q School at the end of the year. These outcome goals are obviously important to me, but I am trying to get into the mindset of becoming the best golfer I possibly can. That is the priority as I know if I can do that, the results will take care of themselves.
I have found myself appreciating longevity in this sport in recent years. It has obviously been a tough period on the course, and I have found out just how easy it is to fall down the ladder.
Graeme Storm just played his 500th, and final, event on the DP World Tour. Fittingly it was at the French Open – which he won in 2007. Graeme has put together a long career at the highest level, and I have a lot of respect and appreciation for someone who can maintain a high level of golf over such a long period. His consistency from 2005-2017 was so impressive when you look at the numbers. He’ll go down as one of the region’s best players ever and I hope he can look back on his time as a player with fondness and pride. Congratulations Stormy!
As I write, we’re building up to the Ryder Cup in Rome. It is a week off for me and I will be spending as much time as possible watching – as my kids will allow. It should be a great contest. The teams are very equally matched and it is amazing how much stronger our team looks than it did a year ago. The emergence of Ludvig Åberg is a huge plus – what a swing, and what a player we have on our hands! I am fully on the bandwagon and expect him to be world number one by this time next year. I think the home advantage will get us over the line, but it’s going to be close. Let’s see how those predictions hold up by the time you read this!
Chris Paisley
Challenge Tour player
