Jake Shepherd, winner of the 2011 MENA Golf Tour Order of Merit title, is ready to make a fresh start this year.
The 22-year-old from England won the Tour Championship in Al Ain last year to finish as the top pro, and his reward was spots in this year’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Hassan Trophy in Morocco – both events on the European Tour.
And Shepherd, who admitted to being rusty following a couple of injuries during the season, said: “There is no pressure really. From tomorrow onwards, it starts again. I won’t be the champion anymore, the year’s reign is done. I will have to earn it once again.
“I need to satisfy my own expectations. A little bit of pressure will be there, but I know I have to start from scratch.
“Obviously, the goal is to try and finish among top three on the Order of Merit and win a ticket to the Dubai Desert Classic. I am not putting undue pressure on me and will take things as they come.”
Shepherd said he started preparing properly only last week after two months of injury – a head injury, followed by a back injury.
“Interestingly, it happened here in Dubai. I was trying to get my residence visa and went for my medical. It was very hot and after I gave my blood for the test, I walked out and knocked my head on the deck. That kept me out for a while, and then I started lifting some weights and an imbalance tweaked something in my back,” said Shepherd.
“So, I played my first real event only last week and my game is rusty. I need to play my way into form. I am not going to look at it as a setback. I will think it was a well-earned rest. As long as I am thinking well on the course, I will be happy.”
Shepherd believes his MENA Tour win has helped him massively in his short career as a pro golfer.
“When I won last year, I was only 11 months into my professional career. It was my first major win and the things that came with it – getting to play in Dubai and Morocco – were fantastic experiences. It definitely helped my profile, as also with the finances to help me keep on the road. But most of all, it did a world of difference to my confidence,” added Shepherd.
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