For most of the 2018 season Victor Dubuisson was at home in Andorra, a small country between Spain and France, after a perforated ear drum forced him to take some time away from the game.
With the 2019 Race to Dubai now under way in Hong Kong, Victor returns to action and writes this week’s Player Blog.
It’s been seven months since I have played on the European Tour because of my injury.It has given me some perspective and the chance for a new attitude towards golf. For me, golf is a job now. Well, more like a job than a hobby. I've changed the way I spend my time off the course, how I prepare for practice, and the way I approach everything in general is with a more professional outlook.
I haven't played at all for seven months. It’s the longest time I’ve had away from the game since I was a child and I’ve missed it, especially playing tournaments. When you are not doing anything, it becomes a bit boring after a few months, so I am really looking forward to competing again this week.
I’ve been practising for the last month. I missed golf more than maybe I thought I would. At first you start missing the travel and having your routine. When I arrived at the course this week it was great to see the guys again, and the staff as well, because you do spend so much time together.
I returned to training for the first time in six years. Before I ate whatever I wanted and never went to the gym. Now I am running a lot and working out regularly. I feel much better in terms of my breathing, whether that be on the course or with my swing, it feels much easier, and I feel more flexible as well. I’ve also lost a lot of weight, so I need to take four or five weeks to put some of that back on as muscle. My club head speed has increased but I don't have as much force, or power behind it like in the past, so I need to work on that but ultimately, I feel much better on and off the course.
Also, no more wine!That is a tough one but now I have a simple diet. When I was treated for my ear my doctor recommended some other lifestyle changes and it has had such a positive impact for me so far.
My passion is definitely fishing and my boat - Pulp Fiction. That has helped me while I have been injured. It’s important for me to be on the water. I find it's a good way to free your mind, to get some fresh air and to spend some time in nature. When I’m fishing, I get a rush of adrenaline and that is what I love about it. I was lucky enough to catch a tuna that was 550 pounds - it was tough work - a hard fight when you are trying to catch a fish that big, but it certainly doesn’t match winning on the European Tour.
I watched every shot of The Ryder Cup.Every day, every shot. Maybe because I knew Le Golf National so well from playing it so many times over the years, but it was also amazing to see the course set up for the drama of match play. I felt very proud to see France stage such a big event and deliver it so brilliantly to everyone watching around the world.
I was also happy for Tommy Fleetwood. We started playing on the Tour at the same time, we had the same agent and we played together as amateurs, so we have shared a lot over the years. I know he has worked really hard and the last two seasons he has been rewarded, he has played some fantastic golf to get to where he is now. He played really well in Paris, and for me, it felt a little bit like when I was at Gleneagles for the first time. I played really good golf and it is one of the best moments I’ve had so far in my career. So, I was very happy Tommy played this way because he deserves it.
I will definitely play a lot this season. The schedule is looking good, so I will play the events in the Middle East and see how everything goes from there. I’m looking forward to playing a lot this year, I’ve missed the game and I’m excited for where this season can go…
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