Pro Golf Update: January 2016

After arriving in Arizona in mid-January, I quickly went to work on my game.  Given the holidays, final camper preparations and the cross-country drive, I hadn’t spent much time on the course in a few weeks.

The week of preparations went well, as I focused on playing practice rounds and working on my short game each day.

The big day finally came and it was time to put my game to the test.  Standing on the first tee in my inaugural tournament as a professional, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.  It had been 4-months since my last competitive event and it was the first time putting the swing changes to the test under real pressure.

“It’s just another round of golf,” I told myself.  After smacking a 3-wood down the left side of the fairway, I was off! Though I played reasonably well during both of the rounds, my lack of play showed with a few big misses and in turn too many mistakes to post the scores needed.

In my second event, overall scoring improved and I took some good steps forward.  Though I still struggled with a few key mistakes each day (10 penalty strokes total for three days is never a good thing), I showed signs of the golf I’m capable of playing.  This was highlighted by a 5-under start through 11 holes in round two, before giving back those strokes in the final holes.

I also entered the pre-qualifier for the PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open.  It turned out to be my best ball striking day since our move to Arizona.  Though I had eight looks at birdie from inside 15 feet, my putter seemingly took the day off as I only converted two (both tap ins).  Still, I felt good about the progress I made and put together a solid round overall.  Sometimes the putts just don’t drop!

I’m beginning to feel more comfortable each time I tee it up in competition.  It’s a learning process. It will take time and patience.  I’ll be looking forward to continuing to work hard, learn from my mistakes, and improve with each event.

January Pro Golf Results

Dreamchasers Tour – Ocotillo Winter Major:  Scores:  79 – 76  //  Result:  Missed Cut

Dreamchasers Tour – Lone Tree Open:  Scores:  74 – 71 – 77  //  Result:  T-30th

PGA Tour: Phoenix Open Pre-qualifier: Score: 72  //  Result: T-55 (Only top 5 moved on)

Golf Attire:

1st Picture: 
Light Blue Shirt: Albatross Golf Wear
White Pants: AG Green Label
Belt: gBelts

2nd Picture: 
Navy Shirt: UnderArmour
Navy Pants: Maide Golf – Bonobos
Belt & Hat: gBelts