Peter Laws | Notes from the Links

How Tiger cleans up is what counts now

2009-12-15T12:08:00.001-05:00

It’s a big shock to us young guys this Tiger mess. We have learned so much from him.

Guess we are still learning by seeing how he deals with the situation.

The Accenture ad says what we are feeling: “It’s what you do next that counts.”

There could be a silver lining.

Thinking Positive About Canadians on the PGA Tour for 2010

2009-11-26T09:01:00.003-05:00

Yeah. One reader pointed out that one more Canadian player will probably make it to the PGA at the third stage. Agree.

There's some strong talent in the group of 8. Thinking positive that another will get through.

Moving in the Right Direction: More Canadians Heading Toward the PGA

2009-11-22T19:00:00.005-05:00

Looks like we’ve done well this year with eight Canadians making it through to the final stage of PGA Q-School: Graham DeLaet, Kevin-Fortin-Simard, Barrett Jarosch, Ted Brown, Julien Trudeau, David McKenzie, Jon Mills and David Hearn. We should be good to go for at least four or five on the PGA Tour in total.

Maybe more of us can edge up using Chris Baryla’s example. Get in through Nationwide Monday qualifiers.

It would be great to add even more Canadians on the PGA for 2011. There’s a lot of talent. I think we can do it.

The Wild Q-School Journey

2009-10-29T13:21:00.003-04:00

Strange things happen at PGA Q-school. Score cards go wild out of the blue. Mostly stress. The cut at 22 or 23 plus ties can vary widely. Aside from the usual like weather, a lot depends on the mix of players who chose a certain location.

At first stage this year, I missed the cut by one shot at minus 4, T-23. Me and the rest of the guys at that spot sure wished that one player above us had messed up on just one shot. Or, that that one bogey for us had never happened. There’s a lot of “if onlys”. That’s golf.

We were in the first wave which had an average cut level of almost 5. In one of the locations, the cut was minus 11. Unbelieveable!

So far in the second wave the average cut’s looking slightly higher at about minus 1 or 2. Might go lower or higher. Depends on the nerves of the different groups the last day.

I’m hoping that we’ll have some Canadian players make it through this year. It’d be nice to have at least one guy join Chris Baryla and a few more at Nationwide. This might be the year where we do it.

Back on Track

2009-09-13T13:05:00.002-04:00

Whew! Got my exempt status Can Tour card, finally. It’s been a tough couple of years sidelined by an injury last year and under the gun with a time-limited medical exemption status this year. It’s good to get back on track.

The last four days were more stressful than PGA Q-School. Not being able to compete regularly in the Can Tour puts a major hole in opportunities to play at the developmental level.

We were all stressed out. One guy completely missed his early tee time for the second round. He made the mistake of clicking into the tee times from last year—he was in the 2008 Q-school. He had to wait till the end of the day to play. His score went wild.

On the final day, one of our threesome just made it to the first hole after two of us were already walking down the fairway. A ball whizzed by us. OK he made it. But, he tripled and doubled before settling down. Cost him exempt status (made non-exempt).

Handling the mental side sure is tough. While we were having trouble keeping a lid on our emotions, Tiger got in the zone and shot a 62 in the third round of the BMW Championship. He’s a great role model.

Thinking Too Much? Do the Oppostie

2009-08-22T15:02:00.002-04:00

I sometimes look back to my amateur years as a time when I did not think too much. I just hit the ball and got the job done. Kinda an innocent time. Just a part-time “job”. There was a lot I really didn’t know or think about.

Now as a pro, “thinking too much” seems to be creeping in. Too much left-brain analyzing. Not enough right brain. The imaging and “feel” part of the game. My coaches are working with me on building up---maybe re-building--- the imaging side.

Interesting thing I have learned. The brain doesn’t know how to stop something, like thinking too much. But it can start or build more of a habit. That will cause the “bad habit” to shrivel---lack of use.

Simple idea. Hard to put into practice.

The Tiger Effect

2009-08-03T12:40:00.000-04:00

Tiger just keeps raising the bar. With his 68th PGA Tour title at the Buick Open on August 3, 2009, he’s having an effect. For us young pros, we keep learning from him. How he handles himself and how hard he works. But, if you are playing in the same tournament with him and he’s on a streak, it’s tough.

My family told me about some research last year on what it’s like for other pros when Tiger hits the gas. Their scores go higher. But when Tiger’s in a slump, the pros are OK.

It would be interesting to know what the pros have to say.

Memories of Hole-in-One Past

2009-07-27T13:46:00.001-04:00

The record four aces at the RBC Canadian Open reminds me of another July seven years ago. In the same week two days apart at the same golf course at the 3rd par 3 hole I dropped an ace and so did my mother. What are the chances of that?

Good News for Canada's Young Pro Golfers

2009-07-26T21:47:00.001-04:00

It was interesting this week to be part of RCGA’s survey on how to help young pro golfers. RCGA has had the goal in its strategic plan for a few years. I wondered if it would ever get around to doing something about it.

As an amateur I was glad and fortunate to be part of RCGA’s Player Development Programme. Along with NCAA golf experience as I attended university, the RCGA programme during the summers was icing on the cake. That’s where I made a lot of great friends who are still my buddies.

But after turning pro, we’ve pretty much been left to fend for ourselves. We’ve scrambled to figure things out. What coaches to use, what equipment is best, what opportunities to go after, how to find money to support ourselves and so on. We know now how much we would have soaked up some help from RCGA as we made the leap from amateur to pro.

With the top two amateurs in the world being Canadians and many other promising amateurs and young pros “in the pipeline”, RCGA’s timing is good. The number of Canadians on the pro circuit might double and triple fast!

Learning More About Canada

2009-07-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

The Canadian Tour is a great way to learn more about Canada. When I was an amateur I travelled a bit (Calgary and Montreal). Mainly though I got to see more of the U.S. than Canada. I was always curious about Victoria and Banff—both awesome.

The drought out West is a surprise. That’s something new to me. But, not new to people here.

Wanted U.S. Open Spot More Than I Thought

2009-06-15T19:40:00.002-04:00

You’d think I’d be fine not getting one of two spots at a U.S. Open sectional qualifier. The odds are not good. So, what’s the big deal?

The USGA received a record number of entries---9,086---the biggest since 2005. Golfers from 50 states, the District of Columbia and 71 foreign countries competed. It was a feat just making it through the local qualifying with only three spots open.

I had my hopes up going in to the last three holes as I was tracking well at -2. But, I probably got ahead of myself and the rest is history. Because I could see I might make it the way I was playing, missing a spot stung a bit more. You know, the “if onlys”….

Great experience though. Besides getting close, I’ll remember it as the day that Canadians grabbed the two spots---amateur whiz Nick Taylor and my buddy Andrew Parr. A good sign of better things to come for Canada at the PGA level.

Soggy, Windy US Open Golf Local Qualifier, Brookesville, Florida

2009-05-20T14:08:00.002-04:00

It was hard yesterday. Really wet and windy all the time. Thunderstorms threatening. The course was playing long.

With a strong field and a “blizzard” of rain going sideways, it was not looking good. I had no idea how many would make it and figured if I made par I might be lucky to be in a playoff.

Fortunately, I made some birdies in the last few holes to cinch one of the three spots. I was surprised that there weren’t more positions open. Grateful I made it.

Funny about these qualifiers. The food “sucks”. Hardly anything available at the golf club. Part of the territory, I guess.

Decisionmaking in the Eye of the Mexico Storm: Major Can Tour Headaches and Player Anxiety

2009-04-29T15:05:00.004-04:00

When I left for Mexico on April 21, there was no swine flu problem in the news. My plan was to play in three of the four Mexican tournaments. Skip the second one in San Luis Potosi. If only I’d stuck to that plan!

I changed my mind once I got to Mazatlan. Decided to play in the San Luis Potosi tournament, not the last one. Changed my flight and hotel plans. Then, the news of a problem with sickness in Mexico started to come in.

The hardest part has been what decisions to make. Leave now? Stick it out? Maybe it’s gonna be OK? Just a scare that goes away?

It’s been tough on the Can Tour staff and the players. What do you do when this has never happened before? Like those weird surprises you have on the golf course sometimes. Trying to figure things out when you have no idea what to do. Take a stab at it and see what happens.

Well, it’s been a roller coaster ride. Anyway, we’re getting outa here now. Tournament in San Luis Potosi cancelled.

Right away a rumor circulated among the players that they were going to close the border. Our anxiety went through the roof. Scrambling to change our flights was scary….at one point, it looked like there were no seats available for six days. We went wild with thoughts of not being able to get out.

We’re still worried. I don’t think we’ll relax until we’re on the airplane.

Dodging the Swine Flu in Mexico

2009-04-24T19:27:00.002-04:00

“Wash your hands!” “Don’t share the same glass!” “Cover your cough!” So my mother goes on. She can’t help herself because of her public health background. But, now that I’m in Mexico with the Canadian Tour, her pleas for keeping out of harm’s way are getting my attention.

This swine flu scare makes it tougher for travelling in Mexico. But, if we follow some of the basics, we should be alright. Today, my family doc added a few more preventive measures:
-use a saline nasal spray. Viruses and bacteria don’t like that kind of environment;
-avoid food and beverages at airports (bring my own from the resort);
-use a mask on an airplane when travelling around Mexico and when I leave Mexico. The air circulation system spreads the “bugs’ around;
-if you have to cough, do it in your sleeve.

After having a bad case of food poisoning earlier this year, I’m a convert to these simple ideas. But, easier said than done.

Messing Around With My Swing to Get More Feel

2009-04-19T20:04:00.002-04:00

When I was a young amateur, I just did it. Stepped up to the tee and got the job done. As a pro, I have started to think too much.

My first coach since I was thirteen and friend Steve Chapman had some good advice. Start “messing around” when I am practicing. Whack the ball off the tee every which way without worrying about where it is going.

It makes sense. Too much thinking is a left brain thing. “Messing around” is more right brain. If I can balance my practice habits more (both left and right), I might not have to think as much in competition.

Feel is about trust in the now. That comes from practicing letting go. Something like improv in comedy acts. It’s a bit weird to me. Still worth it though to quiet my mind.

Smart Adapting by The Gateway Tour

2009-04-05T17:40:00.002-04:00

Affordable opportunities to play golf are pure gold for developing pro golfers. In response to tougher economic conditions, I’m seeing unusual changes.

When I first started out as a pro in 2006, I enjoyed competing in jam-packed, three-day Gateway Tour events in and around the West Palm Beach area. It was a great way to work on my game without having huge travel expenses.

Now, it’s not the same. Fewer golfers have booked into the seasonal series and the ongoing events due to cost concerns. That has meant smaller purses for the effort and fewer opportunities. To keep moving ahead, many of us have turned to existing one-day and two-day events and the odd Monday qualifier here and there. It’s a bit of a scramble.

Fortunately, the guys at Gateway did some brainstorming and came up with a product to fit the times---its own version of one- and two-day events, Gateway Tour Lite. Suddenly, we’re back in business in West Palm Beach!

Rallying With A Firm Goal

2009-03-08T19:07:00.000-04:00

I needed something to get me back in the game. At the Gateway Winter Series Championship in Phoenix, Arizona my first day was not good. With nowhere to go but up, I set myself a goal: get 12 under for the tournament. It worked.

Funny how things go. I didn’t feel comfortable the first day about anything. My short game wasn’t good—not making putts. I wasn’t getting the shots up and down. Couldn’t get it together.

But I found some momentum after that. Having my eye on a clear goal really helped.

Feeling More Natural

2009-02-25T19:37:00.003-05:00

Until recently, spraying shots off into the bushes on a regular basis has made me long for the “good old days”. When I was an amateur, things seemed more natural, smooth and predictable. Now, I am back to that.

Part of the problem was that I just plain started to think too much. I realize now that it had a lot to do with not being in a coaching environment where I could get a lot of feedback----when I needed it and often.

My amateur days at Kent State and during the summers with RCGA were filled with lots of “tough love”. I lapped it up. But left on my own since---long gaps in seeing my coaches---I have tried to patch things up in my golf game. It’s been me talking to me too much!

Anyway, I am getting more frequent feedback now. It’s exactly what I need. I’m thinking less and feeling things more.

Purses Smaller, No Let Up in Competition

2009-02-19T20:42:00.001-05:00

It’s weird how things are shaping up on the mini-tours. In Florida, about half as many players have signed up. In Arizona, the numbers have gone way up. Go figure.

The downside is purses that are really uneven. In Florida, we fight for a share of $65,000. In Arizona, it’s more like $155,000. Even though we have put in the same amount of money in both places.

The upside is being able to play near home, keep expenses down and still gain some really valuable experience.

With fewer players, we have to stay sharp. The cut line is short!

Food Poisoning Stops My Momentum

2009-02-10T15:27:00.001-05:00

I’ve been working on “owning my swing” with a nearby coach. Five minutes down the road. Getting feedback weekly helps me correct fast. It’s great.

So, I’m all enthusiastic because I’m seeing some results. I really had something going last week. The greens were tough, scores were shooting up, but somehow I found some breaks. Placed well on the leaderboard.

Then, boom! I started throwing up, etc. Constantly for hours. Even when things were bad, my mind was telling me I’d be OK for the next day. I will get over this. It will stop soon.

Anyway, I got so weak and dehydrated I ended up in hospital over night. Need three liters of IV fluids.

Turns out another guy and me from the Gateway Tour had eaten the same food together near the golf course. He ended up in hospital too. You guessed it—we did not play golf the next day!

One week later, I’m still weak. Lost six pounds. Should have sold my spot instead of trying to play.

One silver lining. I learned what to eat and not eat when your gut is in bad shape. Also found out that probiotics (in tablets or yogourt) have friendly bacteria to help the gut heal. Ya learn something all the time!

Working on Improvements to Swinging My Mind

2009-01-29T20:35:00.001-05:00

I know that my mind does weird things when I’m competing. Out of the blue, I make a shot that totally surprises me. I wonder, “How did that happen?” I get distracted and frustrated. Not good for my game.

I am beginning to understand that something from my past experiences triggers an automatic reaction. A little slip in my thoughts like a doubt or a hesitation in decision-making dredges up the same thing from the past.

It reminds me of when I was training in martial arts. Gary Foo, my “master” who used to be a police officer, told me about NLP or Neuro-Linguistic Programming---that how we see, smell, hear, feel and taste affects execution. Anthony Robbins talks about the same thing. In fact NLP turned around his life.

So, I have been putting myself though some thought experiments. Creating videos in my mind of one of my best shots and anchoring it with a gesture so it replays automatically. Using the colour of a situation where I was calm, cool and collected to replace the colour when I was agitated.

It’s too early to tell how well this is working. I’ve got some practicing to do before my brain decides to accept what I want rather than what I don’t want.

Back at the Gateway Tour

2009-01-05T13:24:00.001-05:00

I’m back on the Gateway Tour to get going in 2009. It’s a good tour with really tough competitors. I will have many opportunities to work on the rough edges in my game. Just what I need for the Canadian Tour and any Monday qualifiers I try out for.

Speaking of Canada, I enjoyed the holiday break with friends and family but not the cold and the many snow storms.

It’s great to return to the warm weather in Florida. I was surprised at how quickly I missed golf when in Canada. I did not take my golf clubs on purpose. But, I really did need a break from the game.

I filled my time with reading about fitness and deliberate practice. Geoff Colvin’s book, Talent is Overrated and Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers were both helpful.

Insights into My Fitness

2008-12-07T18:25:00.000-05:00

I met with Craig Davies recently in Orlando Florida. I found his assessment of my physical fitness helpful.

One surprise is that my whole left side is not solid. Maybe it’s due to repetitively hitting balls. Also, I’m more muscular than most golfers. But I have a lot of residual tension which makes my nervous system fire more.

The bottom line: I’m not loose enough and balanced in muscle mass. That can affect the mechanics of my swing.

Regular massages, which I intend to do now, will reduce the tension. I have some exercises to do to strengthen my left side.

It was a worthwhile consultation.

Licking My Wounds. Working on Becoming A Better Player

2008-11-30T11:16:00.001-05:00

I was shocked when I did not make the cut at the second stage of PGA Q-School. It hurt badly. I felt well-prepared. I knew I was a better player than last year. After a good start at the first stage, I expected to keep the momentum going.

But, old habits like hooking the ball off the tee a couple of times, cost me. I must have let down my guard on my routine. Let old thoughts creep in. Maybe got too confident. It’s a bit of a mystery. So, it will take some sorting out to identify what went wrong. It’s clear to me I still have much more work to do to be that great player I feel I am.

Fortunately, I have some tournaments in December to keep me busy and focused. I have joined the Gateway Tour again for the 2009 winter series. It has a new competition in December. The player who comes first receives a fully paid for winter series. That should be fun.

I’m working on logistics to go to the Canadian Tour December event in Costa Rica. If I finish well, my status will be at a higher level for my 2009 Can Tour start.

I’m looking to 2009 to sharpen my game and rack up some achievements. I want to prove to myself that I am really becoming a better player.

Steadier This Time at First Stage of PGA Q-School

2008-11-01T22:22:00.002-04:00

What a difference a year makes. In 2007, the sports psychologist I consulted made it clear I was not ready for Q-School. My long game was erratic. My practice habits were not focused enough. Practicing into a vacuum too much.

I went to Q-School anyway. Didn’t get past second stage.

It was about August of this year that I noticed things coming together. Maybe the two month layoff with my finger injury helped me. Who knows?

I had been working with Sean Foley for about a year on my long game. Plus, Marius Filmater has kept the pressure on me, putting me through all kinds of tests on my short game. The feedback has been just what I needed.

Then there’s the mental side of golf. I picked up Robin Sharma’s The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari in the Winnipeg airport after not making the cut in a Canadian Tour event. My mother got me started on Eckhart Tolle’s and Tony Robbins’ books.

I realized that I had some thinking habits to clean up. Like, every time I have a negative thought (“That was a bad shot.”), I should make up the “opposite” thought (“I will do better next time”, or “The good thing about that shot was…it didn’t go in the water!”).

So, first stage of Q-School felt a bit different. Not easy. The first day, I was shaky. But my game was more steady. Overall, I played solid golf—fewer bogies, no drops, more greens in regulation and some birdies here and there. It’s nice when I am not scrambling all the time.