CHOICE CUTS

Course management

I remember getting blasted on commentary for laying up at Leopard Creek the year I finished 3rd. It was the final hole of the second round and the pin was right at the front on a virtual two-tier green. It was a 6-iron on the limit and being -4 for the day, I said: “I don’t fancy this, I’ve played 17 good holes so why do I want to be really aggressive when -4 is a good score?” So I hit lob wedge down the fairway and hit another flat out lob wedge into the green to secure a par. There are definitely times when you have to be aggressive – this wasn’t one on them.

The mental game

When you’re playing a lot, the mental side goes and you’re left thinking “my God, what was I thinking there?” That’s why you see a lot of the top players play a couple of events, have a break and come back refreshed. And that’s where you want to get to. I’m always happy when I come off the course and didn’t waste any shots or do anything stupid. Looking back on some tournaments you realise you were fatigued and as a result made a terrible mistake there, another bad one there. It’s not down to your playing, but down to your thinking.

Fitness

Sometimes I go through phases where I love the gym and then phases where I hate it – and my diet goes with it. Last year was terrible. I haven’t been disciplined, so the word for 2017 is discipline. I need to give it 100% to try and maintain it throughout the year and get more consistent at it. I just want to improve man, try to get a bit fitter, stronger and eat better – not easy for somebody who loves a pie and a pint. The reality is that practising at the course day in, day out takes its toll. And when you’re done for the day, it can be a struggle to go and get in the gym.