I'VE been so caught up in my own world over the past couple of weeks that I didn't even realise it was time for the Walker Cup again.

Having spent last week at Gleneagles for the Johnnie Walker Championship, I am back in Hartlepool enjoying some time off.

That does not mean I'm putting my feet up and relaxing. I have just got the keys to my new house and, as you can imagine, it's a little hectic.

I would have preferred to have gone into my two-week break before the BMW Championship in Germany with a better finish in Scotland under my belt.

I'm 25th in the Order of Merit but feel I could have improved on that at Gleneagles, where I played decent golf all week until the Sunday.

I took 34 putts in a round of 76 on the final day and that's not good enough. It cost me a high placing as I was even quite happy with myself on the Saturday.

Being in contention for fifth spot was certainly on, but my putting let me down and I lost touch with the leading pack.

IT doesn't seem five minutes since I was playing in the Walker Cup and it really is a fantastic tournament to be involved in. It's the thing you really want to do as an amateur.

It's six years ago since I holed the putt that won the trophy at Nairn in Scotland and that memory will never leave me.

I know, from spending time living north of the border, the members at Nairn remember that day because they shake my hand when I return. It really was a fantastic experience.

To know Rob Dinwiddie, from Barnard Castle, will be representing the North-East again this year is fantastic.

It's a great experience and one I am sure he will enjoy.

Thirty thousand spectators came to Nairn to watch our team beat the Americans over the two days and that just shows how highly regarded the competition is.

It will be a little different this weekend for the Great Britain and Ireland team because it's over in Chicago - the United States' backyard - but those taking part will love it.

I personally feel the British team have a good opportunity to win for the fourth successive time.

As well as Rob they also have Lloyd Saltman, who claimed the silver medal at The Open so he is in good form.

Gary Wolstenholme also brings experience to the table.

LAST week I had my fiancee Sara with me for the week at Gleneagles.

It was a nice change to spending the time on your own while you are away preparing for tournaments.

As we are slowly moving into our own house as well it allowed us to go shopping for things for the house. We'll have to leave a space for my golf clubs though!

Published: ??/??/2005