I enjoyed my five weeks away to start the New Year as the weather was much nicer than it was at home in Newcastle, which wouldn't take much. There has been very little respite since I got home, there really hasn't been a good day at all.

My trip, which started with two weeks in South Africa followed by three in the Middle East, was a bit mixed. I was pleased with the way I was hitting the ball and impressed with my new driver, I have just changed drivers for the first time in five years, I think my old driver was as well known as me on tour! I had tested it before putting it in play but it had a big act to follow and I am pleased to report that it worked well. I struggled with the grain on the greens at a couple of the events, which was very frustrating and ended up missing a couple of cuts. Missing cuts by a single shot is a bit like finishing 4th at the Olympics, its so close but still not good enough. My final event in Dubai was better, I played nicely and despite losing a ball and having my ball ricochet into the water off a spectator stand behind the ninth green to turn at 5 over par on Thursday, I made the cut and finished the week with a birdie and a eagle, which moved me up the leaderboard. I managed to fit in a little sightseeing while in Dubai, I went to see the new tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa and it lived up to its name.

I went to St Andrews last week for a couple of days with friends and had a real treat, we stayed in the Old Course hotel and after a three hour frost delay we played the Old Course, it was a nice change to play the course for fun instead of during the Dunhill.

I am enjoying my time at home, I have been watching the Six Nations Rugby and Winter Olympics, although it seems like we are getting more snow than Canada! Hopefully the weather will improve soon and give me the chance to get out and do some practice. My next event will be in Morocco in mid March so I have a bit more time at home and I am sure by then I will be ready for some warm weather.