He’s dominated the Australian golf circuit before but now Greg Chalmers seeks a higher echelon and sees Riviera Country Club as a golden opportunity to break through in the US.
After finishing inside the top 10 last season on the iconic Los Angeles course, the West Australian product known affectionately as “Snake” tees it up at the Northern Trust Open quietly confident.
At 195th in the world rankings and coming off a terrible effort at Pebble Beach last week he doesn’t factor in most expert picks but he’s only two weeks removed from playing in the final group on Saturday in the Phoenix Open and he leads the US tour in putting.
Ultimately he finished in a tie for 15th but after a solid session with coach Col Swatton this week his confidence has swollen.
“I feel like getting some work in with Col this week has really helped. Last time I did that was before Phoenix and I played well there so I am confident I can get back on track here,” Chalmers said.
“The next step is always to win a tournament. I had a nice couple of days in Phoenix but didn’t do well enough on the weekend so I need to get in contention more often and see how I deal with that.
“I’ll do a better job next time I get that chance.”
With four wins in Australia on his resume including two Australian Opens, Chalmers is no stranger to success but admits breaking through in the USA is a much tougher proposition.
He’s played 342 events since his 1998 debut without a victory.
“I feel a difference because there is a difference. There is more on the line,” he said.
“Going home to Australia there is a level of comfort because you are home and because if you fail or succeed it really doesn’t change a huge amount for you.
“But over here if you fail or succeed there are a lot more benefits and also more downside if you don’t.”
Like world No.10 Jason Day, Chalmers works with FocusBand, a method of wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) brain training to improve focus.
“The key is to handle the big moments at this level and the players who are in that moment more often are the ones who deal with it the best.
“So far I am moderately pleased with how the season has gone, but I have bigger goals then what I have ticked off.
“I love this golf course as it has a real Australian feel about it and I enjoy it when it is firm and we should have that this week. I think Australians enjoy a course where there is a little more thinking going on and you don’t just have to smash it to compete. I’m quietly confident and excited for the week.”
