Friday, October 31, 2008

Delivering the Knockout Blow

It was a frustrating day of even par, 72. I had very few birdie chances and spent the majority of my day trying to get the ball "up and down (chip on and 1 putt)" to save par. I was unable to move any closer to the cut line and as a result, will need to play one of the best rounds of my life tomorrow to advance-- and I'm due.

That low round will show up at the most opportune of moments tomorrow. The imminent story of my journey to the Big Show will only be enhanced by the story of how on Nov. 1, I advanced through qualifying by shooting the course record and the low round of my life...my theme song tomorrow is Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."

I'll have great news to post tomorrow night, until then, keep the faith.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Work to do in Round 3

A round of 72 left me in a tie for 51st through two rounds. I was -4 through 12 holes and dropped 4 shots on my way to the clubhouse. I did however, close out the round with a 35 foot par saving putt. I have to put together a low round tomorrow to be in contention for the final round, but after many great shots in the past few days, I feel great about my chances. I need only put those great shots together in the right combinations and ride a wave of momentum to place myself back within the cut line (24 and ties). I play tomorrow at 9:06, and with a year of hard work at my back, I'll spring back off the ropes.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Round 1

Round 1 can be summarized by solid ball striking and opportunity creation. I was not able to capitalize on many of those eagle and birdie bids, but it is comforting to know that when my putter gets hot this week, my ball striking will be there to lend my scorecard support.

I shot -1, 71 on an ideal day with little wind and soft greens. These perfect scoring conditions left me tied for 47th, although position after round 1 in this 4 round tournament is not overly important.

There is no 2 round cut and 23 players and ties, will advance to the next stage of qualifying.

I play at 10:24 tomorrow and plan on hearing the perfect music of the ball falling into the hole frequently.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Q-School

I've played two practice rounds at San Juan Oaks in Hollister, Ca. and spent the past two years preparing to qualify for the PGA Tour. This is the beginning of the most grueling, demanding and pressure packed tournaments in golf and I couldn't be more excited.

The course this week will play about 7200 yards and is set in the rolling hills of the Silicon Valley. It requires precise iron play and deft touch around the greens. Off the tee it gives me an immediate advantage as it begs long drivers to unleash their drives in the generous fairways. The challenge comes between holes 14-18, where split fairways, multiple hazards and desert await.

I couldn't have asked for a higher quality of play during my practice rounds, nor could I have asked for a more beautiful region of the country to make my life long dream a reality. This should be a very special week.

Round 1 begins at 9:18 tomorrow morning...

Q-School

I've played two practice rounds at San Juan Oaks in Hollister, Ca. and spent the past two years preparing to qualify for the PGA Tour. This is the begining of the most grueling, demanding and pressure packed tournaments in golf and I couldn't be more excited.

The course this week will play about 7200 yards and is set in the rolling hills of the Silicon Valley. It requires precise iron play and deft touch around the greens. Off the tee it gives me an immediate advantage as it begs long drivers to unleash their drives in the generous fairways. The challenge comes between holes 14-18, where split fairways, multiple hazards and desert await.

I couldn't have asked for a higher quality of play during my practice rounds, nor could I have asked for a more beautiful region of the country to make my life long dream a reality. This should be a very special week.

Round 1 begins at 9:18 tomorrow morning...

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Update

In the last month since my Q-School pre-Qualifier, I have traveled south to Atlanta, Birmingham, Chattanooga and New Orleans. I practiced with a college teammate on a similar path as my own in Atlanta. I made my way over to Birmingham to work on my swing with my coach. Chattanooga hosted a Monday qualifier for a Nationwide Tour event in which, I shot 68 and missed qualifying by one stroke. I am writing this post from New Orleans where I will practice until I leave for my next Q-School stage this Thursday.

My ball striking has improved since I've returned from the Korean Tour and I am banking on a few closer birdie opportunities lead to lower scores in Q-School. I will embark to San Juan Oaks in Hollister, CA for my coming Q-School stage. I will get out there and being writing regularly with a full course scouting report and daily updates.

It is "crunch time" in the world of mini-tour golf with everyone vying for a spot among golf's elite. This fall, I intend to elevate myself to that status.