GOLF: Furey off to Majorca

The Pleasington professional has been left frustrated in recent weeks after missing out on the chance to compete in the Spanish and Italian Opens.

But Furey, in his first season on the European Tour, will be bidding to make his first cut in this latest tournament at Santa Ponsa after failures in South Africa, Morroco and Portugal.

Bad weather and early problems with his putting have scuppered Furey's chances so far.

But performances have steadily improved and he is feeling relaxed and confident.

"I haven't felt under any pressure to make the cuts," said Furey.

"The only time you experience pressure is when you are doing well and that's good pressure.

"I'm just going out there to play the best I can.

"The South African PGA was a disaster really because play was postponed for two days because of thunder and lightning.

"I eventually had to play two rounds in a day and missed the cut.

"Then came Morroco when the sandstorms blew up and everyone was shooting 80s.

"In Portugal I missed the cut only by three shots after scores of one over and three over.

"If I'd got a couple of birdies going then I could have made it.

"But at least I felt like I was starting to compete more."

Furey is the only club pro on the tour and it costs roughly a £1000 a week to compete in it, a tab picked up by his sponsors. But despite his lack of success early on, the Pleasington ace has enjoyed every minute of his chance to rub shoulders with Europe's best on some of the finest courses in the world.

"It has been a fantastic experience so far and I am learning so much.

"I've not felt intimidated playing amongst these top players. In fact they are very approachable.

"If you see them doing something you can go up to them and ask for a few tips.

"Tony Johnstone, for instance, who has said himself that he's the best bunker player in the world, has shown me how to take the ball as close as possible and not touch any sand.

"The courses have been very difficult. Surprisingly difficult really.

"We are playing 7200 yard courses with greens that are lightning fast.

"When you chip a ball out of the rough onto the greens its very hard to try and stop it.

"But once you get used to them at least you know if you hit a putt it is going to stay on line."

His next big assignment is likely to be the Volvo PGA at Wentworth starting on May 22.

GED Furey was set to tee off in the Turespana Masters-Balearic Open in Majorca today hoping to make up for lost time.

The Pleasington professional has been left frustrated in recent weeks after missing out on the chance to compete in the Spanish and Italian Opens.

But Furey, in his first season on the European Tour, will be bidding to make his first cut in this latest tournament at Santa Ponsa after failures in South Africa, Morocco and Portugal.

Bad weather and early problems with his putting have scuppered Furey's chances so far.

But performances have steadily improved and he is feeling relaxed and confident.

"I haven't felt under any pressure to make the cuts," said Furey.

"The only time you experience pressure is when you are doing well and that's good pressure.

"I'm just going out there to play the best I can.

"The South African PGA was a disaster really because play was postponed for two days because of thunder and lightning.

"I eventually had to play two rounds in a day and missed the cut.

"Then came Morocco when the sandstorms blew up and everyone was shooting 80s.

"In Portugal I missed the cut only by three shots after scores of one over and three over.

"If I'd got a couple of birdies going, then I could have made it.

"But at least I felt like I was starting to compete more."

Furey is the only club pro on the tour and it costs roughly a £1,000 a week to compete in it, a tab picked up by his sponsors.

But despite his lack of success early on, the Pleasington ace has enjoyed every minute of his chance to rub shoulders with Europe's best on some of the finest courses in the world.

"It has been a fantastic experience so far and I am learning so much.

"I've not felt intimidated playing amongst these top players. In fact they are very approachable.

"If you see them doing something you can go up to them and ask for a few tips.

"Tony Johnstone, for instance, who has said himself that he's the best bunker player in the world, has shown me how to take the ball as close as possible and not touch any sand.

"The courses have been very difficult. Surprisingly difficult really.

"We are playing 7,200 yard courses with greens that are lightning fast.

"When you chip a ball out of the rough onto the greens its very hard to try and stop it.

"But once you get used to them at least you know if you hit a putt it is going to stay on line."

His next big assignment is likely to be the Volvo PGA at Wentworth starting on May 22.

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