After a glittering amateur career followed by a strong start to life as a pro, former Walker Cup player Steven Brown takes his first steps on the Challenge Tour this year. He will be blogging for europeantour.com all the way, and in this first instalment, he fills us in on his preparations for this maiden campaign.
I must admit, being here in Egypt, doing a little warm weather training on the Alps Tour, I can’t wait to tee it up on the Challenge Tour this year.
I’ve played a few tournaments before, through sponsors’ invites, and I’ve got a good idea of what it’s all about, I just haven’t had a decent crack at playing enough to really get stuck in. So I’m really looking forward to actually having a go, playing a good run of events and seeing how I fare against the next level of competition.
Finding my feet
It has been difficult at times seeing guys like Tom Lewis, who I played Walker Cup with, having success very fast, wondering “Why am I not doing that?”, but then I realise I’ve always been like this, even in my amateur days.
I started a bit later, so I’ve always been a little behind guys my age. It took me a few seasons to get to the top of the amateur game, then a couple more to find my feet as a pro.
I wouldn’t have expected it to be any different though, it didn’t worry me. I’ve always been slow and steady rather than getting there straight away. It has been frustrating at times but I’m confident I’ll get there in the end.
Also, seeing so many of the guys I played amateur golf with, the likes of Eddie Pepperell and Tommy Fleetwood, contending on The European Tour, it shows me that if I was competing with them in the amateur game then I can’t be too far off. It’s about playing your best at the right times, and they’ve done that.
The C-word: Confidence
Last season definitely moved me on a step. I learned a lot during my first year as a pro, learned from my mistakes, and winning twice on the Alps Tour really gave me a lot of confidence, something I sometimes lacked.
You can’t just magic it up. Confidence is built through success, and last year those wins confirmed I can beat good players. I use that now too, going to tournaments knowing I can win, knowing if I play well I can come out on top.
Consistency has always been a strength of mine, so over a whole season, with a solid run of events, it is definitely going to benefit me. In 2012 I only played four times on the Challenge Tour, just twice last year, and that makes it difficult as you have to be hot on that given week.
I don’t really have any goals for the year, just to try and get better. It’s as simple as that. I’m not thinking about the Rankings, just about working hard, and the rest will take care of itself.
Third time’s a charm
I’ve not played that well in Kenya the past couple of years, but last year I really liked the course at Karen Country Club. I played OK, was just rusty, and that’s the aim of playing in Egypt beforehand this year, to get my game sharp.
Last year Kenya came before these warm-up events, and was my first start in a long time, so I definitely feel this year I will be better prepared. Also, when you’ve played the course before, it’s easier knowing what to expect, and hopefully I can learn from that.
Ringing the changes
After Qualifying School Second Stage I decided to make a few changes. I’ve moved to a new swing coach, Hugh Marr, as I knew it was the perfect time to do it with four months free to work hard on my game. I’ve also started seeing Lee Crombleholme, a psychologist, and that has really helped how I approach things mentally.
Other than that I’ve just been working hard at Wentworth, hitting the gym, getting stronger, and working hard on the range.
Roomies
I’ve not really spoken to anyone about this season. I’m rooming with Jason Palmer as he was on the Alps Tour last year and has played on the Challenge Tour before, so he’s told me a bit about it. I also know a little from guys who played last year, like my old Walker Cup teammate Jack Senior.
It’s been good to see Tyrrell Hatton doing well this year too, as when I’ve played Challenge Tour before I’ve spent a bit of time with him. Seeing him do what he has done is impressive, and very encouraging.
Here’s to 2014…
At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter how hard you work, this game is all about testing yourself against the best players, being able to make that step up and see how you do, seeing how your game holds up against better players.
Throw in the chance to graduate to The European Tour, and it’s no wonder I’m excited!
Steven Brown was speaking to Nick Totten of europeantour.com
*Brown went on to win the Alps Tour warm-up event he was playing in last week – the Red Sea El Ain Bay Open – after a closing six under par score of 66 saw him secure a one stroke victory.
