First event of the year…

After my last event in Thailand in December it has been a pretty quiet spell for me back at home in Abu Dhabi with only a few Pro Am’s to play in to keep the competitive edge up. This week I returned to Pakistan to see my good friend Hamza, who is the ambassador for Rumanza Golf Club where the event was held this week and he invited me and 3 other European guys to compete on the Pakistan Tour event.

It’s always fun coming back to Pakistan and this has been my 5th visit. Don’t get me wrong it is so far away from what I am used to in regards to food, accommodation and travel, but whenever I visit the people and hospitality is fantastic and this trip was no different. The golf course is based outside the city of Multan and in comparison to other cities in Pakistan is pretty quiet but coming from Abu Dhabi it can be a little shock to the system of just how populous the country is.

The Golf course this week at Rumanza is superb and the facility is top notch and not really what you would expect as it could fit into any new development around the world. I was lucky enough to open the course 2 years ago in a Pro Am that had the designer Nick Faldo, Graeme McDowell, Charlie Hull and a host of other players, so was great to come back and see the huge developments in the course, clubhouse and soon to be opening hotel.

Unfortunately the week didn’t start great and a rolled knee on the first day lead to a massively aggravated and swollen knee which was not pleasant. Luckily Two visits to the hospital for physio and strapping allowed me to stay out on the course. Probably a few too many painkillers and anti inflammatory pills where taken but after such a long break I was desperate to play as I knew the game was pretty good from my practice over the past couple of months. Rounds of 70,71,70 for a -5 total and third place finish was a pretty solid result and a nice way to start the year. Will have to take the next week or so off to see if the knee recovers but the staff at the hospital were confident with a bit of time I will be good to go which is reassuring but time will tell.

A massive thanks goes out to Rumanza Golf Club and DHA Multan for there lovely hospitality and a really well run event. Not forgetting his excellency Hamza for the invite and my top caddy, Nasser who is officially the latest Bournemouth fan in Pakistan.

Will keep you all posted how the knee holds up but hopefully should be back in action in two weeks for a clutch event in Ras Al Khaimah.

Have a great week,

Cheers, Luke