Legends Reno-Tahoe Open

My flight to Reno arrived Monday afternoon, after picking up my car and checking into the hotel it was early evening. I went out to grab some food and turned in early. Reno is a smaller version of Las Vegas, with casinos and shows going on everywhere and it really gets going when the sun goes down. Its also similar to Vegas with the weather, it was mid 90's when I arrived and stayed hot.

I went to the course early to play on Tuesday. The host course this week was Montreux G&CC which is located in the Galena Forest at the foot of Mt. Rose, with many holes having a direct view of the mountain which was stunning. It was nice to see some sunshine after last week's rain even it was a hard walk with the course being pretty hilly. The course was in good shape, with a nice selection of holes. Although the course was long in places it didn't play anywhere near its yardage because of the altitude and heat, it's amazing how much further the ball travels in these conditions. Steve Elkington joined me for the back nine and it was nice get a little local knowledge from a tour veteran. I first met Steve at the world matchplay at Wentworth a few years back and I find him a really good guy.

I called into the golf club on Wednesday morning to collect my new golf bag, which had been delivered. I have designed it myself; it has The Ferrie Foundation logo on the side panels and Matfen Hall above my name as well as a few personal touches. I hope you like it as I think it looks fantastic. It has panels that zip on and off so you can change the design and sponsors as they come along. With the Pro-Am being played on Wednesday I spent the day looking around Reno, I thought it best to conserve my energy for what would be a tough walking week in the heat so I didn't stay out too long.

I played early Thursday on the most perfect day and got off to a terrible start, with the course being in the mountains the balls can fly up to 10% further than normal, my second shot at my first hole from the fairway flew 170 yards with a 9 iron! I ended up making a double, not what I had in mind. I played well all day and made a few birdies and a few bogeys, which had me end the day with a level par 72. After the start it wasn't too bad but I felt like it could have been better.

Friday was an afternoon start. It was far windier than the day before and made club selection even more difficult. I played pretty good and gave myself plenty of chances but made next to none of them. I ended up shooting another 72 which made the cut on the mark.

Saturday was an early start; it was another disappointing day of plenty of good shots and no putts made. I ended up shooting 75, which would make for another early start on Sunday. I didn't play that well and finished the week with a 78.

This trip has been much the same as the rest of the year, some very good golf let down by a couple of bad shots. It's so disappointing to feel as though things are so close to being spectacular. I am sat in the airport in Reno waiting for a flight to Houston to connect to a flight to Manchester right now. I will be home by Tuesday lunchtime. My play hasn't been good enough to get into the Fed Ex Cup playoffs so I have a bit of a break now. It will be good to get home as I've been away for eight weeks; I have enjoyed everything about the PGA Tour except for being away so much and for so long. With not being fully exempt I can't really pick and choose where I play and this makes it very hard.

I am going to play in The Rock, the PGA North Region's flagship tournament at my home course of Matfen Hall, August 25-27th and spend time finalising the details for my golf day on September 17th