For the first time in many a year Scotland’s current five top golfers, who competed last week in the Dubai season-ender, have not had to rush off to South Africa for the opening events of a new season.
It means the clubs being packed away and no scorecard in their back pockets till at least the second week of January.
The five, and in order of their final 2022 DP World final money-list standings – Ewen Ferguson (17th), Robert MacIntyre (19th), Richie Ramsay (19th), Connor Syme (28th) and David Law (49th) – instead were remaining in Dubai to chill out with family and friends for a few days before heading home.
Ferguson was a double Tour winner this past season and while he struggled in breaking 70 in Dubai, he’s chuffed with his efforts in 2022 and no longer doubting he has what it takes to win on the DP World Tour.
He said: “I’m packing the clubs away for three weeks and I’m planning to then come back out here to Dubai in the middle of next month to practice, and get myself ready for the new season.
Best mates – Connor Syme and Ewen Ferguson looking forward to chilling out after a superb 2022 season
“I’m ending this year with two wins under my belt, so I can’t complain about that.
“Looking back, I am proud of myself because there was a time when I was beginning to doubt if I could handle the pressure out here, given I wasn’t winning on the Challenge Tour or whether I was quite ready or good enough to handle the pressure.
“I feel now I can compete out here and win, as I did this year, and I can handle the heat of being on a big stage, so I have a lot to look forward next year and with a lot of exciting things coming-up, including my first major mid next year.”
Ramsay was on a promise Monday in taking his wife Angela and No. 1 supporter daughter, Angela to LegoLand Water Park in Dubai, and only for two to 12-year-olds.
Richie Ramsay capped his season winning the Cazoo Classic at Hillside
He said: “It’s been a really good year and I’ve been that much more content off the golf course, and I find that really helps from a mental perspective when you’re on the course.
“So, I’ve been starting each week that I’m out here doing things that make me happy and while it sounds very obvious, it’s about also trying to do things a little bit better.
“That’s made the difference this year along with being consistent in my gym work, and for me that’s the key from a mental perspective. If I don’t attain that, I can get grumpy.
“If I can get my gym work done, I just feel better about myself and more energised.
“But first priority now (smiling) is I’ve promised Olivia we’d take her to a kids only water park, and she’s already buzzing about that.”
Syme’s season-ending finish was his best finish in four full seasons, with his 28th standing 37 places higher up the money list than ending 65th in 2019.
Waiting for Syme when he completed his round were his two sisters and from their smiles and hugs, clearly very proud of their brother.
“Having my family out in Dubai gave me strength to keep pushing on,” said Syme.
“So that’s my season but then knowing me, I won’t put the clubs away for very long as I am already excited in getting much better for the 2023 season. It’s been a great season and I am pretty chuffed.
“I’m heading home, chill for a few days, work out the plan for the winter break as it’s going to be a good six, seven week break, and digest on the season and see where we can improve for next year.”
Syme’s first full event of the new season, and like his four compatriots, will the the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship.
David Law ends his season with a DP World Tour career best 49th on the Race to Dubai
And David Law, with his family also out in Dubai, also finds himself for the first time in his pro career not heading south of the equator in the weeks prior to Christmas given the assurance of his Tour card for next year.
He said: “I’ve now got about seven or eight weeks off and it’s something I’ve never done before, and that is not play in tournaments at the end of one season and then head to either Australia or South Africa for events in a new season.
“Of course, money-list wise I’ve not been in that position to do that but after qualifying for the final event in Dubai, that made the decision for me. It’s also a nice position to be in and gives us some nice time to relax with our families.
“I have also learned a lot about myself this year, knowing that I am capable and I can compete in these bigger tournaments.
“And the most exciting bit, is that when I get home and access everything, it’s knowing there’s still room for improvement”.
MEANTIME ….
Just three Scots – Marc Warren, David Drysdale and Craig Howie – will tee-up in Thursday’s opening event, the Joburg Open, and among six co-sanctioned events in both South Africa and Australia prior to Christmas.
