I had an early appointment with the dentist on Tuesday, after a quick clean and polish I was on my way and off out for lunch.

On Wednesday I played with three juniors from Matfen, Will, Chris and Patrick. We had a good day and laughed a lot, but most importantly Will didn't crash the buggy, although the battery did die on the first one and he had to have it replaced! Just as we shook hands on the 18th green the heavens opened so we were very lucky. I cooked burgers and steak on my bbq for dinner, I felt a bit foolish as it was raining but it tasted good so was well worth it.

On Thursday afternoon I played a round of golf with the winner of a Today's Golfer magazine competition. Paul had driven from Kent and his prize was two nights stay at Matfen, a lesson with my coach John and a game of golf with me for him and a friend. Today's Golfer reporter Jock also came to play and interviewed me on the way around. I hope they enjoyed their stay and enjoyed the hotel and its facilities.

On Friday I was on the tee at 8am with my friend Ray and a couple of his friends at Morpeth golf club. It was nice to play another local course as I spend most of my time at Matfen when I'm at home, the only difference is I get a buggy at Matfen and had to walk, but it was nice for a change. Again I managed to miss the bad weather and only got caught in a shower on the last hole.

I was supposed to play again first thing on Saturday morning but after the torrential rain from Friday lunchtime I didn't hold much hope, but was surprised to be told the water was over the bridges on the course. I tried to get to a friends house for a party in the evening but when I got to the turn off the road was closed and the water was so deep that it was to the top of the road signs, some six feet deep! I then sat in a traffic jam for two hours as the A1 was closed ahead. As I sat there Mountain Search and Rescue teams, fire engines and a couple of dinghy's came past, I eventually got to turn around. The river had burst its banks in my town and as I drove past it seemed as though most of the town had come out for a look, there were wellies of all colours and patterns on show. I came home and watched the boxing but it wasn't really worth waiting up to watch Amir Khan.

I went out for Sunday lunch and then went shopping; the rest of the day was spent making plans for my trip back to America in a couple of weeks. I am looking forward to getting back to America to complete this years schedule; I am also looking forward to some dry, sunny weather.