So Close

I played confidently and relaxed throughout most of my tournament experience and hit an array of high quality shots. I ended up missing the cut by one stroke finishing at even par after scores of 69-73. After a double bogey on the last hole, I was left disheartened and extremely disappointed. There are far more positives to take from the week than disappointments and I need to use this as fuel for my coming weeks. I can't wait to for my next opportunity. The most important lesson of the week came when I was tied for 13th after 26 holes of play. I thought: I belong out here. I will have the chance to win out here. My game continues to improve and my results are dictating that I am closer to my goals than ever before. This is encouraging and I will find the success that I so highly coveted this week, imminently. Thanks again for all the support and I will be back in a similar position with a better result soon!

1st Round Tee Time

...Has been delayed due to bad weather until 3:40 local time (4:40 eastern) this afternoon. You can follow my progress throughout the round at www.pgatour.com (then click on nationwide tour tab) or www.laopen.com. Thanks for your support!

Nationwide Preparation

What a week so far! I played with PGA Tour winner and Masters runner-up Len Mattice yesterday in my practice round on Le Triumph GC. A former caddy of The King, Arnold Palmer lugged my bag around the course, telling me legendary tales of "Mr. Palmer."

The golf course is very challenging. With five daunting par 3s, and four long par 5s, the course places a premium on short game. Success this week will require acute iron play and deft touch around the short grass.

I am filled with excitement for tomorrow's opening round. I tee off in the final group at 2:25. If I am able to remain calm and avoid the distractions of leader boards, big names and crowds, I may also find myself playing in Sunday's final group!!

Nationwide Tour's LA Open

I came, I played and I conquered...the Nationwide Tour Monday qualifier for the Louisiana Open. With solid ball striking and a few pure rolls of the magic wand, I shot -6, 66 in a 20 mph wind on a 7250 yard golf course, to win medalist status by 2 strokes. I will give more specific details in tomorrow's post following a practice day at Le Triumph. This means I am playing this week's Nationwide event featuring 10 former winners on the PGA Tour, highlighted by major winner, Mark Brooks. A top 25 finish gets an exemption into the following week's tournament. A win gains me status on the Nationwide Tour for numerous years to come. It's time to improve my life and I have a great opportunity to do so this week. Check back for more detailed posts as the week moves forward.

Recent Results and Future Plans

Since my victory on the Minor League Tour, I have finished 4th and 5th in two, one day events with scores of 69 and 72. I have elevated my skills, decision making and goals in the past month. I was planning on taking on Canadian Tour Q-School this week, but as the expense outweighs the benefit currently and I am playing well, I will make the 12 hour drive to Lafayette, LA for a Nationwide Tour qualifier.

The qualifier takes place on Monday at two separate sites. The 7 low scores from each site advance to the tournament. A top-25 finish in the tournament gets an exemption into the following week's event and a win gets an exemption on tour for the year. I am gearing my efforts toward the latter effort.

The most important aspect of improving is realizing poor performance can yield motivation and information if perceived properly. My bad days and rounds are necessary contributions to this process. Handling these days with grace and viewing them as challenges, is going to improve scores and keep me competitive during adverse golf situations. I've proven I can shoot low scores on good days, turning a round of 73-75 into 70-71 is crucial to compete at the next level. As golf has battered my emotions around from Kota Kinabulu to California, I am less distracted in a negative way by these obstacles. That clarity alone is a big leap toward hurdling these barriers.

I am ready for the next level of success and looking forward to achieving it very soon. This is the challenge and I am excited for coming opportunities to make dreams reality.