I've certainly had an interesting few weeks - in Australia we got evacuated from the course due to floods and the driver taking myself and Robert Allenby back to the clubhouse in a buggy managed to misread the fairway and the next thing we knew we were thrown out and ended up in a bunker! Luckily we both just sustained a few bumps and bruises to the legs and had no serious injuries.

The Belly Putter is now being used as a practice putter to help me with my stroke on the greens and am back using the Scotty Cameron once more. It's been a very frustrating couple of weeks where I've practised well but haven't really performed on the golf course so it's been a disappointing end to the year with not reaching my target of getting back into the World's Top 50 - this goal remains for next year and I'm determined to get there once again.

I have, however been having more than my fair share of success on the golf course where Pro-Ams are concerned. Not only did myself and my partners win the Pro-Am at the wonderful Pearl Valley Golf Estates in Cape Town, but I also took the team prize at the 2008 Ernie Els Classic.

The latter was a resounding victory over two holes at Erinvale - it poured down with rain and that's all we managed to play before being called off the course. My partners were from one of the day's sponsors, Stonehage, and it was great to be in the company of Guiseppe, Brett and Jacques and I'm sure they'll enjoy their new clubs they won. I think Ernie's the only man I know who could make a success out of a two hole tournament, the day was held in aid of Autism charites and raised a great amount of money.  We were royally entertained the night before by Ernie and Jean Engelbrecht at the Englebrecht Els Vineyard - the wonderful wine was flowing in abundance and there were a few sore heads the next morning. 

I'm now getting ready for a big family Christmas and the boys are getting very excited about it all and I think we'll have great fun over the holidays. 

I'd like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2009 and thanks to all of you for your support over the years.  Darren.