If you haven't had the chance to look through the website I have updated most of the site and have added some photos for you to look at and see what I was up to last year on my travels across America.

I had a fairly quiet week at home, it seems that even when you know you are going away and plan you always end up running around at the last minute. With a couple of trips to the local tip as the bin men hadn't been over Christmas and the taking down of our tree and decorations I was kept busy around the house.

I had my last session with John on Tuesday and we had a good chat about the season ahead. I am usually reluctant to get back out playing as I enjoy my time at home but with the weather showing no sign of changing anytime soon I was counting the days down to getting away to the sun to play.

I flew out of Newcastle on Saturday afternoon and it was great to only have one flight to Dubai, it's a shame that it was nearly an hour late taking off, but I did see a familiar face, Graeme Storm was sat in the row in front of me and we had a good catch up while the plane stood on the runway.

When we landed in Dubai we had a two hour drive to Abu Dhabi and I got to bed at 4am local time, so I didn't get up until midday. I went for lunch in the hotel grounds and sat outside in the nice weather, which was around 70's. I spent the rest of the day relaxing as tomorrow will be an early start and with the four hour time difference will feel even earlier. I'm looking forward to getting to the golf course and to hopefully starting a successful season.

I am delighted to be able to tell you that I have become an Ambassador for Marie Curie Cancer Care and will be helping to raise the profile of the charity where I can. If any one is interested in attending the North Regions Masked Ball at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on Saturday March 14th then contact Jane Dennison on 0191 2191234 for tickets.