Coming Through in the Cluth

I don't often feel like I weathered a storm after I played. I don't often feel the need to breathe a sigh of relief. Today I did.

The conditions were hot and windy. The grain in the bumpy, inconsistent bermuda greens took many putts for detours around the hole. For 17 holes, almost all my birdie putts fell pray to these challenges. I struck the ball well today and gave myself the chance to shoot a great score had the putts fallen. After bogeying 17, I felt -1 may be the cut and I had dropped to even par for the tournament. I needed a birdie on the 9th (my 18th because I started on the back nine today).

I hit a brilliant 3-wood, splitting the narrow fairway lined with water, bunkers and o.b. stakes. I punched a 9-iron under the wind to the front hole location. 10 feet left. After surveying the putt I committed to the line and hit the ball squarely in the middle of the putter. I looked up to watch the ball fall into the center of the cup, assuring me a chance to play the weekend in my first Canadian Tour event of the year.

My round had so much potential, and it was exhausting remaining patient for 17 holes before I was able to watch a birdie putt fall in the hole. It was a full day's work, but making birdie on the final hole to secure a chance to play the weekend and make a paycheck, was worth the wait.

Five or six under par is very attainable. If I can shoot a low round tomorrow, I will have a chance to make a run at the lead come Sunday afternoon, and that will be really exciting.