Matt Wallace: I'd give my season a B+... now I'm dreaming of a Major next year

Dubai marks the end of a long season, and I’ve played a lot of golf.

If I had to give myself a mark out of 10 for my season, right now with the way I’m playing I’d probably give myself a one or two but, over the course of the season, it’s more like a seven or eight. And I’ll be able to reflect a bit more on that when this week is over.

Dissecting the year, I had a great chance to win a couple of tournaments, had my best finish at a Major, got to play with Tiger Woods at a Major and I’m up to 29th in the world. I’ve had some good ones, some bad ones and I’ve learned there’s still a long way to go. In grade terms, it’s maybe a B+.

But the thing is I guess I’m a frustrated sort of character where I put everything out there and, when it’s not quite going right, it does get on my nerves maybe more than it does with some other people but that’s only because I care so much.

It’s actually one of the things I’ll work on in the off-season, to bring a little more calmness. That doesn’t mean I won’t still have the fire and heart and desire to win, it’s just about getting the right balance.

Golf’s a fickle game. The last month, in particular, hasn’t been very kind to me and the frustrating thing is that I’ve played well in spells. I’ve played 13 or 14 holes of really good stuff and then had a bad streak and those bad streaks are hurting me a lot right now.

Take Turkey for example the other week. I put a bad swing in off the 10th tee, which was my first hole of the day, and made double bogey but then played the next 12 holes in six-under to get to four-under with five or six to play. But I ended the round two-over after hitting a couple of balls in the water and that’s my round gone.

But that’s the way it goes sometimes, the sharpness and consistency can dip when you play a lot of golf in a season. I’ll work on it next year and maybe have one or two more weeks off during the course of next season.

Realistically, I don’t think the aspiration is to win in Dubai this week. Don’t get me wrong, if I get in a position for that, I’m not going to shy away but I’m already working on some things for the off-season I’ll ingrain this week.

For next year, it’s about winning trophies whether it’s a Major or in fact any trophy anywhere in the world. I want to get that sensation of winning back.

I’ve also got a stag do to prepare for my best mate Ben Spencer, the England scrum-half. He FaceTimed me while packing on his way to join England at the World Cup and I’m like ‘shut up, no way’. I was buzzing for him but, at the same time, I hated watching him in the final as I knew they were going to lose at the point he came on.

But I’m delighted for Ben, he deserved the chance and to say he played in a World Cup final is something else. Now, I’m more nervous about planning my speech and his stag do then I am at any tournament!

His season’s only just starting and mine comes to a close after Dubai. The plan is not to head away on holiday. I’ve not spent much time in my new house, I just want to be at home for Christmas. I’m not quite putting the clubs away but, rather than beating balls or hitting the gym, I’m planning to do some other stuff to improve my game whether that’s yoga or a bit of meditation.

The excitement’s already there for next season and I’m looking forward to a return to the Middle East and Abu Dhabi in January. I want to go there showing a little different technique, a different mindset but also the pure drive and intensity to win.

Matt Wallace on the five battling it out for Race to Dubai glory

Bernd Wiesberger

I remember playing with him in Austria when I was still on the Alps Tour and remember thinking ‘wow, this guy is unbelievable’. This year he’s stepped up again and deserves everything he’s got, he’s playing with high confidence and it’s hard to keep up with someone playing like that. I expect him to get it done this week.

Tommy Fleetwood

I played with him in the fourth round last week and was so happy to see him win. I remember thinking if this guy doesn’t win playing like this then there’s no justice in this world. He drove it unbelievably well last week and you need to do that here in Dubai. I expect a good week from him pushing for the title.

Jon Rahm

It’s odd really as I’ve not seen much of him about on the European Tour since Ireland. It was there that I played with him and, like Tommy, he went on to win. He’s such an incredibly strong player, and strong anywhere in the world, plus with a really strong mind.

Shane Lowry

What a brilliant year he’s had with the two biggest wins of his career probably. He staked his intent in the Race to Dubai early on and then won the biggest tournament in world in the Open. So big congrats to Shane, what a player and what a guy. You won’t find a better ambassador for the Tour.

Matt Fitzpatrick

I played a bit of amateur stuff with him and he beat me - in fact he’s always done something just a bit more and better than me. He’s played Ryder Cup and won one more time on tour than me. Even his football team, Sheffield United, are doing better than mine, Man Utd. He’s a good benchmark for me player wise.