"It would make a great story," said Cindy Cote, Canadian PGA Tour official.
She handed me a rules sheet for the week and I nodded. "Yes it will," I said. I smiled and headed off to walk the front nine of the second qualifying course for the Canadian PGA Tour. The day's light was fading, but I was determined to use every last bit of it.
About 24 hours earlier I was in New Orleans and by chance, had received word that Canadian Tour Q-School had a player withdraw. The tournament was a day and a half away. Surely I couldn't make it to Tampa, play two practice rounds and be prepared for four grueling rounds of competition in one day!
Without a moment's hesitation, and with the support of my golf coach and family, I drove down I-10 with the Allman Brothers' "Jessica" blaring. 10 hours later, I slept at a rest stop in Florida and by late morning, arrived at Hernando Oaks GC in Brooksville, FL. I was to play a practice round at Hernando Oaks and walk a few holes on Southern Hills Plantation CC, the second tournament site.
The impulsive decision to capitalize on this opportunity led to status on the Canadian PGA Tour for the 2010 season. After days of miserable weather and numerous delays, the event was shortened to a 36 hole competition. I posted rounds of 74-69 for -1, 11th place finish. The top 16 finishers were awarded the opportunity to compete on the Canadian tour this year.
Sometimes in life, but almost always in golf, acting on your first instinct pays off. These bets always make a great story.
2 comments:
Well, even with a long drive and probably a not so comfortable night in an Explore, only to have to deal with about 4 inches of rain and windy weather; all the hard work as paid off. Congratulations Mark on the Canadian PGA tour.
Even though the weather was terrible, it might be appropriate to say it worked out in your favor this time. I did keep wondering if your rounds got moved back to over the weekend.
Now I have to check out your tour schedule.
Good luck
~Bill konrad
Mark Joseph, I always follow your progress online and by phone, but this is my first time in the comment box!
Well done on the Cantour. Maybe we can get together inVancouver-Uncle Graham is in WA!
Much Love
Auntie Erline
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