Breaking Through

Finally, I made it in the top ten! The guys who are winning on the Gateway Tour are tough competitors. The only way to get close to them is to shoot below par all the time. That’s not easy, especially as it’s often windy on the golf courses here.

I’m headed out to Virginia Beach tomorrow for another Nationwide qualifier. Today’s move up the leader board boosted my confidence. That should help as I fight for one of the very few qualifying spots.

Oh So Close

We headed out in two separate cars to Athens, Georgia, me and J.C. Map Quest said it would take a little over 9 hours from Jupiter Florida. When we finally arrived, it was 12 hours and counting. J.C. had a flat tire about half-way there. But he had no AAA coverage. My Mum’s been a member of CAA since she was my age, so my membership through her sure came in handy!

We decided to take two cars for a couple of reasons. First, our tee times for the qualifier were at different times and at different courses, one hour’s drive apart. Second, if one of us qualified for one of the top spots and the other didn’t, then, what would we do? We’re both scheduled to play in the next Gateway Tour for April 19. So, one of us at least would have to high tail it back to Florida.

As it turned out, both of us missed the cut. I had a 71 when the cut was 69. Oh, so close! But, I felt good about my game. I am now all revved up for the next Gateway Tour.

It was a great experience to try out for a Nationwide event. One day soon, I’ll qualify.

Next is to try for a spot in the U.S Open.

Toe in The Nationwide

I’m off to a Nationwide event in Athens, Georgia. The qualifier is in-between the Grey Goose Gateway Tour schedule, so J.C. and I thought we’d give it a try.

No matter the result, I know that I’ll get lots out of the experience. A bonus is that some of the guys on the tour are from my college days. It’ll be great to see them.

Next month, I’ll be heading to Virginia. It’s a chance to qualify for the U.S. Open. You never know where these opportunities may lead unless you try!

So Clutch

It was one of those tournaments when one shot made all the difference for me. What a rocky and nerve wracking week!

In the second round, I made a double on the 16th hole putting me at + 2 for the tournament. I knew the cut was +1. On 17, I chipped it up to four feet for birdie and missed it. On 18, I had to avoid a group of 8 foot trees. So, what do I do but hit one of the trees! But, I had a clear shot. The ball landed three feet from the hole and I made a birdie. Phew----I made the cut!

As my friend J.C. Deacon often says: “it was so clutch!”