TEE TO GREEN/REBECCA COAKLEY:Steady, consistent golf would secure me a top 30 spot and my place at the British Open

THIS WEEK we are in Switzerland for the Swiss Open and the start of a three-week run which will hopefully see me move inside the top 30 on the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit ahead of a couple of major events in July.

At the moment I’m 42nd on the money list (€12,816.90 from seven events) and need to play steady, consistent golf to earn enough money to secure places in those big events next month. The €2.2million Evian Masters takes place in France from July 22nd and is followed by the €1.7million Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale.

I played in my first British Open at Birkdale in 2005 and have competed in every one since with the exception of last year when I didn’t qualify. It would be nice to get playing it again. The atmosphere and tradition is something very special.

Last week I was home in Carlow and ideally I like to recharge the batteries but it turned out to be pretty busy. Orlaith Buckley, who works on the senior tour, is my physio and we try to hook up when we’re both at home.

I have a fitness programme for the gym and do a little bit of running – nothing major – to keep in shape. As you get older the body tends to seize up so the fitness and stretching helps and is as much about injury prevention as anything.

Last Wednesday we spent the day at Killeen Castle for the launch of the Irish Open. Martina (Gillen), Tara (Delaney) and I played and it’s a good way to get the sponsors more involved in the women’s game and to see us play. Killeen was stunning and is always in great condition.

I also went to Rosslare and played golf with my coach, Johnny Young. He works on my long game and Jussi Pitkanen, who teaches at the Pelz Academy at Killeen, takes care of my short game. A round with Johnny helps me see the way holes should be played and the different shots to hit. There is so much more to learn rather than just hitting balls on a range.

Most areas of my game have improved this year. Of course I’d love to jump up in the stats, like, say, greens in regulation. Just two more greens per round would make a massive difference.

I prepare the same way for a regular tour event as I would for a major like the British Open. I’ve learned to pace myself and make sure the work is done before the event.

In the past the pressure used to bother me but now I strive for it. Mentally, I’m stronger and that bit older. I want to feel that nervousness in my stomach. In the past it was like, “Oh my God, how do I handle this?”, but now if I get that nervous energy it means I’m in contention.

Obviously the more you get into contention the more comfortable you become with the situation; then it’s only a matter of time before you convert those situations into a win.

Some players don’t always enjoy life on tour but I do. When I’m home for a while I’m itching to get back out on the road, I enjoy the travel. Sure the long haul flights can be tricky unless you’re travelling business class.

It’s important to take time out away from the golf. If competing in Rome or Paris we always take a look around us, otherwise it just becomes all golf and hotels. A certain contingent feel guilty if they take two or three hours out; they think it’s going to be the end of their tournament. But you’re not going to forget how to swing a golf club because you did two hours less on the range.

I’m good mates with Hazel Kavanagh and my fiancé Shane Codd caddies for Becky Brewerton, so he travels with me. I get on well with my own caddie, Caolan Barron, and there are lots of girls from other countries we enjoy meeting up with. If heading out for dinner of a night it would probably be with, say, Hazel or Felicity Johnson. Everyone tends to get on very well on our tour, there is great camaraderie.

My main goal is to win a tournament and break into the top 10 on the order of merit – I’ve never been inside the 20. To win would be great as it would give me a three-year exemption. The ultimate goal is to play in next year’s Solheim Cup at Killeen.

I tied 17th on my last outing a couple of weeks ago in the Netherlands, which happened to be my 100th tournament on the European circuit. This week Switzerland starts a busy period, it’s one of my favourite venues and hopefully it will be the start of a good run.