Going Low at Dakota Dunes

The wind was calm, the greens were receptive and the Dakota Dunes golf links was defenseless. I birdied my 18th hole today for a -6, 66 leaving me at -8 for the tournament.

Before teeing off, the buzz around the course was players were going low. The cut was moving to -3, then to -4 and eventually would get to -5! Feeling a bit nervous on the first tee, I popped up a 3 wood and left myself an intimidating approach shot of 210 yards to the 440 yard opening hole. I pulled out 6 iron and played a very solid shot that left me 12 feet from the hole. That would be the most challenging approach shot of the day.

I made a 15 foot eagle putt on my second hole and I was off to a quick start. I felt very comfortable all day, giving myself birdie attempt after birdie attempt (I would have 18 of them today). I hit 18 greens in regulation, the first time I've accomplished this during professional competition in over a year. It was one of those amazing and rare days when golf is actually easy because you're completely in control. I didn't convert quite as many birdie putts as I would have liked, but my putting certainly is showing signs of improvement.

Yesterday, I wrote if I continued to strike the ball well and gave myself chances, I would eventually capitalize on them and that is exactly what happened. At -8, I'm in great shape heading into weekend tied for 19th. Another great round like this tomorrow is just what the golf doctor ordered.