Well, I have decided to start a little journal (for my own benefit mostly) about my new quest to improve my game and start playing in some tournaments. I will randomly update this thread as I play and practice so I can look back and remember different things that I learn throughout my progress.
A little about me and my game:
I have been playing this game since I was about 8 but never took it really serious until high school. My sophomore year I decided to try out for the team and made it by a hair. I went out and shot an 88 and then a 92. I was basically out of contention to even make the team. I remember being super down and my feet hurt like crazy! I had never walked 36 holes in 2 days like that and my feet killed. I told my parents I wasn't going for the third day of tryouts and put my clubs away. My dad came to me and gave me a little pep talk. He told me that if I made the team he would buy me a brand new set of irons of my choice. He used to do the embroidery and screen printing for a local golf shop and had a lot of trade. That didn't really persuade me to go for the last day but one line he said did get me to go back. He looked me dead in the eyes and said, "You are too good to quit. One low score and you will make it, I have faith in that."
My entire outlook changed at that point. My Dad has never been into giving advice unless asked but he sure made his point this time. So I packed my stuff up the next morning and headed off to the course. It was the hardest of the three courses and one I had never played before. However, I played smart and kept my cool. I had nothing to lose at this point and I played totally care-free. I ended up shooting an 85 and was thrilled. It was the best I had ever played up to that point. The golf coach sat off the 18th green and was keeping track of all the scores. I sat around for what felt like eternity for everyone to finish. I was the 3rd alternate for the team and would hear from him in the next week.
About 4 days went by before I heard from him. He left a message on the home phone (no cell phone for me back then, LOL) and told me to call him back. He informed me that I had made the team and we started practice in like a week. I couldn't believe it! I was so ecstatic to make the team. I don't think I came down from that high for a few hours. The next day my Dad fulfilled his promise and I was ready to go for the season. I started the season in like the 16th spot which meant no matches and no region tourneys. I worked my butt off day in and day out to get the coveted number 12. That would mean matches and a chance at the region level. Once I got to number 12, I couldn't let myself settle. I had to make a region tournament.
As the very last region tourney was approaching, my game was really clicking and I barely made it into the number 8 spot. I got to play my favorite course to close out the year. I don't even remember what I shot (I think it was high 70s) but my score was used for our team. My year was complete and I was completely hooked to this game! I lettered all three years that I played and just missed state my senior year. A really good friend of mine sunk a 25 foot birdie putt on the 9th hole to win the final spot. My coach still took me along both days to be part of the tourney. I rode around in the cart and took lessons all day from him.
Fast forward to today and I now play at a 4 HDCP. Although my last 3 rounds have been far from that. I haven't played competitive golf in almost 8 years and I miss it! It is almost hard for me to just "go play" and not have the pressure. So my current goal is to play in the Utah State Am next July. From there I truly want to pursue becoming a PGA Pro.
I started working with a brand new coach today and am excited at the possibilities that lay ahead. My coach's name is Mark Whetzel and he is top notch. Today he just watched my swing and got a feel for where I am at currently. He learned my goals and is putting together a plan to get there. My biggest obstacle right now is working 46 hours a week and almost no time to practice. So that is another goal of mine: work in the industry so I can play a lot more!
I appreciate anyone that has made it this far. I never intended to write so much but bringing back those memories really sparks my desire.
Until next time...
A little about me and my game:
I have been playing this game since I was about 8 but never took it really serious until high school. My sophomore year I decided to try out for the team and made it by a hair. I went out and shot an 88 and then a 92. I was basically out of contention to even make the team. I remember being super down and my feet hurt like crazy! I had never walked 36 holes in 2 days like that and my feet killed. I told my parents I wasn't going for the third day of tryouts and put my clubs away. My dad came to me and gave me a little pep talk. He told me that if I made the team he would buy me a brand new set of irons of my choice. He used to do the embroidery and screen printing for a local golf shop and had a lot of trade. That didn't really persuade me to go for the last day but one line he said did get me to go back. He looked me dead in the eyes and said, "You are too good to quit. One low score and you will make it, I have faith in that."
My entire outlook changed at that point. My Dad has never been into giving advice unless asked but he sure made his point this time. So I packed my stuff up the next morning and headed off to the course. It was the hardest of the three courses and one I had never played before. However, I played smart and kept my cool. I had nothing to lose at this point and I played totally care-free. I ended up shooting an 85 and was thrilled. It was the best I had ever played up to that point. The golf coach sat off the 18th green and was keeping track of all the scores. I sat around for what felt like eternity for everyone to finish. I was the 3rd alternate for the team and would hear from him in the next week.
About 4 days went by before I heard from him. He left a message on the home phone (no cell phone for me back then, LOL) and told me to call him back. He informed me that I had made the team and we started practice in like a week. I couldn't believe it! I was so ecstatic to make the team. I don't think I came down from that high for a few hours. The next day my Dad fulfilled his promise and I was ready to go for the season. I started the season in like the 16th spot which meant no matches and no region tourneys. I worked my butt off day in and day out to get the coveted number 12. That would mean matches and a chance at the region level. Once I got to number 12, I couldn't let myself settle. I had to make a region tournament.
As the very last region tourney was approaching, my game was really clicking and I barely made it into the number 8 spot. I got to play my favorite course to close out the year. I don't even remember what I shot (I think it was high 70s) but my score was used for our team. My year was complete and I was completely hooked to this game! I lettered all three years that I played and just missed state my senior year. A really good friend of mine sunk a 25 foot birdie putt on the 9th hole to win the final spot. My coach still took me along both days to be part of the tourney. I rode around in the cart and took lessons all day from him.
Fast forward to today and I now play at a 4 HDCP. Although my last 3 rounds have been far from that. I haven't played competitive golf in almost 8 years and I miss it! It is almost hard for me to just "go play" and not have the pressure. So my current goal is to play in the Utah State Am next July. From there I truly want to pursue becoming a PGA Pro.
I started working with a brand new coach today and am excited at the possibilities that lay ahead. My coach's name is Mark Whetzel and he is top notch. Today he just watched my swing and got a feel for where I am at currently. He learned my goals and is putting together a plan to get there. My biggest obstacle right now is working 46 hours a week and almost no time to practice. So that is another goal of mine: work in the industry so I can play a lot more!
I appreciate anyone that has made it this far. I never intended to write so much but bringing back those memories really sparks my desire.
Until next time...