Path to Professional Golf: May 2015 Update

In an effort to keep family/friends, colleagues, and business partners up-to-date on the journey to (and through) professional golf, I will be posting periodic updates of tournament results and progress.

It’s been one month since I left my banking job and began pursuing professional golf full time.  I think it’s human nature, and perhaps a function of today’s instant gratification world, that we tend to want results now.  Although sometimes challenging, I remain focused on improving over time and trusting the process rather than getting too caught-up in near-term results at this point.  I believe that if I continue to put in work in the right areas, the results will follow.

So far, the tournament results have been below my standards, but I’m pleased with the progress in my game after just a month.  I’ve been focusing largely on short-game, and while it will remain a priority, I’ll begin allocating more time to the long-game in the month ahead.

May 2015 Results

1) Wells Fargo Championship Pre-Qualifier – In early May, I competed in the pre-qualifier for the PGA Tour event in Charlotte.  For those who are not aware, many PGA Tour events have a Monday qualifier where (usually 3 to 5) spots are available for that week’s event.  Individuals without tour status must earn a spot in the Monday qualifier through a pre-qualifier event held the week before the event.

After a poor tee shot left me +2 through 7, I eagled my 9th hole to make the turn at even par.  I played pretty solid golf on the back 9, but one mistake and a cold putter resulted in a round of 74, two back of the cut line of 72.

2) US Open Local Qualifier – A good start left me -1 through 5 holes, but a few mental mistakes led to 3 bogeys in 4 holes to finish the front 9 at +2.  Knowing an under-par score would be needed to advance, aggressive putting led to a few 3-putt bogeys on the back 9 and a score of 77.

3) North Carolina State Amateur Championship Qualifier – A solid day of ball striking was spoiled by an untimely triple bogey and a number of back-9 birdie putts that burned the edges.  My round of 74 fell two shy of the 72 needed to advance.

I’ve posted some good scores in recent practice rounds and am looking forward to a few events and qualifiers in June!  I will be maintaining my current Amateur status in June.