Moving Forward

I shot rounds of 73-75 in my Sectional US Open qualifier, leaving me in the middle of the pack. My heart was set on making this the year of my first major. Unfortunately, the stars were not aligned properly and neither was my golf swing. I spent the day battling missed shots and deep rough en route toward the disappointing finish.

I am back on the road in Newport, RI this week for a Johnny Walker Tour event. The tournament is a 36 hole competition on Monday and Tuesday. I believe my hard work coupled with patience and desire will yield great success. This could be the week that yields a new era in my career; one in which I challenge myself on a weekly basis and play without fear, only feeling of enjoyment and visions of success.

US Open

Following a disappointing finish at the Cape Cod Open, I'm in Purchase, NY for the sectional US Open qualifier (final qualifier before the Open). I've made some adjustments in my swing to prepare for Monday's 36 hole battle and believe the Cape Cod Open gave me a learning opportunity to correct mistakes that I would have made in the US Open qualifier. This gives me a better chance for success come Monday. The event is contested on Century CC and Old Oaks CC, two traditional northeast layouts in immaculate condition.The green speed will be at US Open rates with enough break to make some putts comical. Hitting the ball on the low side of the hole and putting extremely well are crucial to a successful qualifier.

I play my final practice round today at Old Oaks CC and begin my final quest for a spot in the 2009 Open at 7:45 am.

Cape Cod Open Round 1

A trip around the course in 74 strokes on a cool, damp day with gentle breezes, left me determined: determined that I would not let a bad score dishearten me; determined that I would not allow a few poor iron shots to dictate my confidence and resolve; determined that a few more missed birdie efforts than usual would not deter me from wanting to make more; most importantly, determined that I would not let my score at the halfway mark of the 36 hole Cape Cod Open, leave me feeling that a victory was impossible. The leader is 7 ahead of me at 67 and I have never overcome such a defect, moving onward to a victory.

I guess this will have to be a day of firsts.

To The Big Show

This coming week I am playing in the Cape Cod Open on Wednesday and Thursday. It is a 36 hole event contested on Old Barnstable CC and Hyannis Golf Club. This event is a great money making opportunity and additionally, simulation practice for the US Open qualifier on June 8 in Purchase, NY. I've been playing well for the last week and a half at home and am excited for these coming events.

The US Open qualifier is typically held on comparable course conditions to the US Open itself. This year, the Open is held at Bethpage Black Course, which became the first truly public venue to ever host the championship in 2002. Having walked the grounds during the previous Open, I am excited to experience the course inside the ropes and get my first shot at a major championship. As much as I'm looking forward to the qualifier, I am working productively and focusing on what I can do to improve every day.

More to come, much more...

The US Open

My halfway stop in a northern trip to New Hampshire left me at my Alma mater, Notre Dame. The Warren Course at ND was hosting the first stage of US Open qualifying and I believed it was my best opportunity for success having played it hundreds of times in my career at ND. I also hold the course record of 63 and was looking for a repeat performance of that special day in 2005.

It was a promising day from the opening: a handful of great friends from school came out to support me and acted as forecaddies and my moral support. With Jim Kubinski, the coach of the golf team, as my "pro jock" (caddy), we grinded our way through a day of swirling winds, tucked pins and deep rough, coming out even with the course at a score of 70. Even with the course propelled me ahead of the field in a tie for
2nd place and gives me a spot in the final stage of US Open qualifying.

My final stage will be held in Purchase, NY the week before the Open, at the revered Bethpage Black Course.

It felt like being home again at ND and I'm sure those familiar feelings contributed to an eagle and birdie on the 5th and 6th holes. I made three straight bogies on the course's most challenging stretch between 9-11 and steadied my wavering ship, bringing it home in even par.

Thank you to my ND family for your support and love this week. I'm looking forward to the continued challenge of seeking a chance to contend in the US Open; the event Jack Nicklaus described as the "hardest golf tournament on the planet to win" and the major championship "Tin Cup" Roy McCavoy coined, "the most democratic. Shoot the lowest score and you have a spot in the Open." I am one solid day of golf away from playing in a major and another dream catching opportunity.

New Clothing Sponsor: Pin High Golf

As I move closer towards PGA Tour success, I will do so stylishly. I have forged a partnership with Pin High Golf, an apparel company committed to the highest level of product excellence. They are "the ultimate in golf apparel."

Spencer Sebastian, President of Pin High Golf North America, contacted me during the Nationwide Tour event in Louisiana. After a long conversation, it was clear our respective goals parallel one another. This rapport created enough excitement on both ends to establish a mutually beneficial relationship and I will wear Pin High Golf apparel as I continue to compete.

My excitement grew when I recently received my first order. When I hit my first shots in the new clothes, I knew I made a great decision to team up with Spencer. Pin High Golf shirts are the most aesthetically brilliant and comfortable shirts I've ever worn. I felt like I was under par before I even teed it up.

To see photos from the first shoot, copy and paste this link into your navigation bar:
http://markbaldwingolf.googlepages.com/pinhighgolfphotos

Please visit the Pin High Golf website: www.pinhigh.ca

Coming Attractions

This week I played multiple Minor League Tour events in south Florida where I posted a few less than noteworthy performances. I made an eagle in each round and I've been beating the fields in my par 5 scoring. My ball striking has been steadily improving and I've been encouraged by my daily, overall potential to shoot low scores. My short game, which has been the dominant facet of my game for months, let me down this week, but I know that is where the disappointment ends.

I have a new found craving to compete since playing the Nationwide Louisiana Open. It's becoming an insatiable addiction and I have set lofty goals for myself for 2009. I believe they are realistic if I continue to dedicate all my energy toward this endeavor. One of these goals includes winning a Nationwide Tour event, an opportunity that will present itself soon enough as I plan to make the venture to the Nationwide South Georgia Classic the week after next.

Check back this week for stories of triumph on the south Florida mini-tour circuit. Until then, enjoy the greatest week in pro golf: Masters week.