Saturday, March 28, 2009
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!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
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!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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!!
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!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
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.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Victory at Last
On Thursday afternoon, I ended a 14 month win-less drought on the mini-tour circut! I opened up a three stroke lead with a 66 on Wednesday in a two day, Minor League Golf Tour event. The tournament was held at The Fountains CC in Lake Worth, FL just south of West Palm Beach. It was a small, but strong contingency of players ranging from Nationwide Tour members to mini-tour players.
With my close friends, the Morgans watching, I made an exciting eagle on the 570 yard par 5 12th to move to -6 for the day and closed the round in 66.
When the final round commenced, I birdied the opening hole to extend my lead, but played scramblin' man golf for the remainder of the front nine. I made four putts from holes 2-9 to save par from over 10 feet and to remain in front.
I rolled in a 35 footer for eagle on the 11th to widen the gap and create breathing room that was desperately needed. After hitting a 6 iron into a hazard and carding a double on 16, my lead was cut to one stroke with two holes remaining.
I narrowly missed a birdie on 17. I then hit a perfect 6 iron from 183 on the 470 yard, hazard-ridden, par 4 18th, to 20 feet, to put the final nail in the coffin. I closed in 72 for a final total of 138 and a two stroke victory!
My last two events, I have finished 2nd and 1st and am on the verge of playing the best golf of my career. After a year of inconsistency, my game's growth and my improvement is exciting.
To see pictures from the event and see final results, please visit: www.minorleaguegolf.com
It is great to finally say, "I'm baaaack!"
With my close friends, the Morgans watching, I made an exciting eagle on the 570 yard par 5 12th to move to -6 for the day and closed the round in 66.
When the final round commenced, I birdied the opening hole to extend my lead, but played scramblin' man golf for the remainder of the front nine. I made four putts from holes 2-9 to save par from over 10 feet and to remain in front.
I rolled in a 35 footer for eagle on the 11th to widen the gap and create breathing room that was desperately needed. After hitting a 6 iron into a hazard and carding a double on 16, my lead was cut to one stroke with two holes remaining.
I narrowly missed a birdie on 17. I then hit a perfect 6 iron from 183 on the 470 yard, hazard-ridden, par 4 18th, to 20 feet, to put the final nail in the coffin. I closed in 72 for a final total of 138 and a two stroke victory!
My last two events, I have finished 2nd and 1st and am on the verge of playing the best golf of my career. After a year of inconsistency, my game's growth and my improvement is exciting.
To see pictures from the event and see final results, please visit: www.minorleaguegolf.com
It is great to finally say, "I'm baaaack!"
Monday, February 16, 2009
Minor League Golf
I had my best tournament finish of 2009 on the Minor League Golf Tour today as I shot -5, 67 for a t-2 finish, beating multiple Nationwide Tour players. I am consistently shooting well under par again. Last week I posted -8 on John's Island West course; the course record by three shots on a course many tour players have visited. I played with the pro there, a Bristol, NH native and friend I grew up playing with at Laconia CC, Patrick Berry. He has been instrumental in creating the amazing opportunity for me to practice at John's Island and loaned me a driver that is keeping me in the fairway. I attribute my recent improvement to his generosity.
I am scheduled to play Thursday and Friday competitively. Check back for continued success as I take these low scores to the bigger professional forums of the world. 2009 is off to a great start!
I am scheduled to play Thursday and Friday competitively. Check back for continued success as I take these low scores to the bigger professional forums of the world. 2009 is off to a great start!
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