Richie Ramsay discusses his aims for the year ahead

CARBON’S DP World Tour ambassador Richie Ramsay’s plans for the Middle East suffered an injury setback in Dubai. But the Scot is determined to make up for lost time. We caught up with Richie during a break in his schedule to discuss his aims for a year in which Europe and the USA fight it out for the Ryder Cup on Italian soil.

“It was disappointing missing the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, particularly as it is a Rolex Series event. But I injured my back in the pro-am and couldn’t risk doing it long-term damage.

“It was very frustrating because I’m coming off a successful season, with a win at the Cazoo, making the finale in Dubai and finishing in the top 20 on the Order of Merit. Obviously, the aim is to build on that.

“I have been working on getting my swing speed up to scratch, focusing on the technical side of the swing and the technical/mental side of my putting stroke.

“Those are the three aspects of my game I have identified. If I can improve each by even one or two percent, then I will make gains in the right area.

“If I am happy with my overall game then good things will flow from it.

“As a professional golfer you always have to target improvements. As in most lines of work, if you stay still, you’ll move backwards. That’s just a given.

“I always believe in training as if you’re Number 1 but with the mentality of a Number 2. You need to have a purpose, a drive, in front of you.

“Covid was a big eye opener for me, when I didn’t have my golf to work towards. Even going to the gym and ticking things off there gives me a feel-good factor so I have learned to enjoy the journey a bit more.

“When it was taken away by the pandemic, it was a timely reminder of how much I like my job and how good it is for me outside of work.

“It’s cool going to a gym as part of my job. A lot of people would be envious of that.

“Then I get to play golf. Sure, it is under a lot of pressure, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s where you test yourself.

“It’s a Ryder Cup year of course and you can’t avoid it. There is already so much chatter around it, in the locker rooms and in the media.

“A lot of the top European players know they will be in captain Luke Donald’s team. But there will be some places up for grabs and we'll have to see how the LIV situation pans out.

“It's the guys on the periphery nearer the time of selection who will have to handle the pressure.

“I set out to be the best I can be every day and if I don’t get picked for that team at least I can walk away and say I gave it my best shot.

“Then, if I miss out, I can live with it, my conscience would be clear. I could accept it just wasn’t to be.

“You always hear people saying they could have made the team. Like you hear some club golfers saying they could have been a Tour player. But they didn’t give their all in chasing their goals.

“When I was at my peak the Ryder Cup teams were just so strong. I would have loved to have played in a Seve Trophy – now the Hero Challenge - which is really the first step towards making the Ryder Cup.

“Never say never. I would love to play in a team event again.

“Anyone who has played in national squads will tell you how much they like it.