In final round I had to shoot 68 to qualify. It was a windy day so it wasn't going to be easy. I was 1 under through 8 holes and was hitting it well enough and putting well enough to pull it off. I lipped out seven putts on the last 10 holes to end up with a 75. I put up my best effort but it just wasn't meant to be.

The second round cost me this chance. I should have been able to figure out my swing at some point during that round but nothing made sense. It was a devastating turn of events that sealed my fate. It was the worst ball-striking day of the year, and the only bad striking day of this event. I will have a lot of time to reflect what this means for the future.

I really felt prepared for this qualifying. The part of my game I worried about the most turned out to be the best. Putting has always been my downfall and for this tournament with the most pressure, it was the strongest part of my game. Unfortunately this course turned out to be a bad fit for my length and the the strongest field by far of the three qualifying sites. That being said, if I performed the way I should have it would not have mattered.

When you are my age, these opportunities are precious. When you fail to capitalize it can be tough to take and deal with. I always trust that God is in control so I will only try to learn from this and only try harder. I do not know at this time if this is the end or not. Only prayer and advise from my loved ones will determine future decisions. Whatever the consequences, I will never look back. I never have. I press on to follow the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Shot 71 today. Played much better and had a chance to go fairly low on a tougher day to play. After playing yesterday it only took me about 10 minutes of practice before I figured out what was going on with my swing. Usually I can tell early on during a round what is going on, and be able to correct it. Yesterday I was at a loss. It's frustrating to play as well as today and the first round and have a mystery round in the middle. The wind is supposed to blow fairly hard tomorrow so if I can muster up a 68 in the wind I should have a chance. Just disappointed to be in this position.

Looking at the two other regional sites there is no question this site has the most good players. That is out of my control. I just could not afford to have one bad round.

At a complete loss of words for what happened today. Not sure I will ever really know other than it was God's will. Just have to trust and keep moving forward. 78.

71 today in first round of Tour School. Solid round that certainly could have been better. 68 is leading, but several scores between 68 and 72. I am perfectly happy with start.

First round of tour school starts tomorrow. I have never been more prepared for a tournament. I am also putting the best I have all year. Having said that, the course is not a good fit for players that hit it my length. Big hitters have a HUGE advantage on this particular golf course. Every fairway sand trap is exactly placed the distance I hit my drives. A big hitter (about 30%) can fly the traps around the corner and cut off 50 yards from where I will be.

My putting has been what has held me back in big tournaments the last few years. I have worked on that aspect intensely the last two weeks and it is paying off. I played in a pro-am Friday and shot 69. Putting well was the difference.

There is no good way to describe Tour School. It is not something you want to go through on a regular basis because of the pure pressure. However, I feel blessed to be able to have this opportunity and embrace it this time around. Instead of felling that I have everything to lose, I feel that I have everything to gain. I know that it will take my best effort this week, so tomorrow will begin a new challenge.

My back and hamstring are not great this week, so any prayer for nice loose muscles would be appreciated. I feel calm so no worries there. I probably will not have extensive post during the tournament to help my mind stay quiet. Once I find out how to find the scores on the PGA Tour website I will try and post that tomorrow. Thanks for all the support and prayers and I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Played in the Rock Barn Senior Open and shot 75-71 to finish tied for sixth. My ball striking again was good, but poor decision making the first day and not capitalizing on putting the second day kept me from playing better. I have a good two day pro-am next week and three weeks until Tour School. A lot of hard work is in store for the next couple of weeks. Next post will be next Tuesday after the pro-am.

Shot 72 today. Played really well but just could not get the putts to drop. I looked hard at yesterdays round last night and really could not come up with a real good answer about what went wrong. I drove the ball great, irons were OK but not great, but the strongest part of my game failed. I usually have no problems out of sand traps but yesterday when I missed a green, (only five) it was in a trap. The sand traps were very inconsistent as far as how much sand was in them. That combined with reading Bermuda greens was my downfall this week. It's a small margin in this game between playing well and not so well. This was probably the toughest and biggest disappointment of the year. I felt extremely ready and did not expect this result.

I'll have to regroup and prepare again for Bermuda greens for Tour School the first of November. This was a big hit so building back confidence will be a key. Thanks for the support and sorry the results were not better.

78

There comes a time in your life that all the marbles are on the table. You have had chances, opportunities, to fulfill your dream but things happen along the way to keep it from coming to fruition. This past year has in a sense been a dream. At 53, being given a second chance to compete against the best and see what's left in the tank. But there is a difference from having the opportunity and ceasing the opportunity. Playing in the Senior PGA did fulfill one dream. It did not fulfill "The Dream". I did not play to the level that was inside. It was there alright, but there where interferences. Expectations, crowds, winds, cameras, fear of disappointing loved ones, etc.

The next few weeks are important. I have put in the work to find success. I am tired at night, but satisfied that I have left no stone unturned. I am confident, focused, and determined. I am ready to unleash what has been hidden within. I have no fear of failure. I know that the people that matter in my life will still love me no matter what happens this week or in two weeks at Tour School. They have proved that this year and throughout my life. For that I am forever grateful and blessed. But make no mistake, all the marbles are on the table.

I play one more practice round tomorrow and on Thursday at at 8:51 Pacific time, I peg it up at Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells, Ca. There are 264 players over two courses with a cut to the low 70 after two rounds. My first round is on the tougher of the two courses so 72 is a very good score on Toscana. The top 35 advance to the PGA Senior at Valhalla in Kentucky next year. The top 5 advance to the finals of Tour school and the champion gets to play in five Senior Tour tournaments of his choice.

Thanks for tuning in and I really appreciate all the support you have given me through this year. It has been a real blessing to me and has made pursuing a dream feel more than a useless effort. A special thanks to my wife for her support that without it would make all of this a waist of time. I pray that all of you have a safe and blessed day.

On Friday I shot 72 to miss the SAS qualifier. I bogeyed the first two holes, turned at 34, and lost a ball on #12. Definitely playing well enough but made too many mistakes. I have another qualifier this Friday for the Rock Barn Senior Tour tournament. This next month needs to be a good one.

Had probably the best ball-striking round of the year in really tough conditions. I had more lip out putts and close calls that cost me qualifying for the National PGA for the youngsters. I finished tied for 23rd. This round however will go a long way for building confidence. I stayed patient for three days and that continues to be progress for me. Tomorrow is the first qualifying for the SAS Senior Tour event. 42 players for 5 spots. I will probably not be able to post on Friday but will try late in the evening if time permits.

Putted horrible today. In 32nd place with one round to go. Need to shoot 69 or lower to finish top 10.

Shot 76 today. Scores are extremely high because of how severe the greens are and how tight the golf course is. Even though I am not happy with my score, I am not at all out of the tournament. I am extremely excited about how patient I have been lately and not getting upset when things go wrong. That will help me as I go through this stretch. I actually played fairly well, but made five small mistakes that I will have to tighten up.

Tomorrow I will play late so I may not post until after dinner. Thanks for tuning in and I hope all of you are well.

Carolinas PGA Section Championship begins tomorrow at Grandfather Mountain. 179 players. Top 13 will go to the National PGA Championship next year. That's the goal for this tournament. Had a good practice round today, so looking forward to tomorrow's round. Scores will be high because of how tough the course and greens are. Patience will be at a premium this week. Scorese will be posted at carolinas.pga.com

Shot 71 to win Yeamans Hall Senior Open by one. It was an exciting back 9 as I was two shots back after 11 holes, two shots up after 16, and tied going into the last hole. I birdied 18 to beat Walter Hall who played the last 13 years on the Senior Tour and won 9 million. It was a great experience and one I hope will jump start a good end of the year. I feel blessed to be able to play competitive golf and have opportunities like today.

Next up is the Carolinas PGA Section Championship at Grandfather Mountain. Its with the younger pups so I'll have to step it up a notch. It starts two weeks from today.

Shot 68 in the first round of the Yeamon's Hall Senior Open. That is tied for the lead with Walter Hall and one ahead of Robert Linville. I will be paired with these two during the final round tomorrow. These opportunities are what you really want when playing in tournaments. You want to learn from each of these so that next time you will be more comfortable and more productive. I have been in two such situations this year so hopefully tomorrow will go well.

We are at such a great facility this week and the scenery is spectacular. I always feel blessed to be able to have this opportunity and witness God's creations at the same time.

Going through a slow spell in schedule. Trying to do everything possible to take advantage of this time. There is a senior event a week and a half from now, and then we get to some important events. The Carolina's PGA Championship at Grandfather Mountain, qualifying for two PGA Senior Tour events, and then the National Senior PGA in California.

Shot 70 yesterday to finish tied for second in the Carolinas PGA Senior. More importantly that qualifies for the National PGA Senior Championship in La Quinta, CA beginning October 7th. The top 35 there play in the PGA Senior Championship next year.

This was a big relief because that was one of my big goals for the year. I really putted well and felt it was a good opportunity to win one. You always learn a lot when you have a chance to win. There is not too much coming up until the Carolinas PGA Section Championship the first of September. I have some good opportunities towards the end of this year so I really need to take advantage of these.

Shot 71 in the first round of the Carolinas Senior PGA Championship. That is tied for 5th going into the last round tomorrow. A good start helped this round and leaves me in decent shape for tomorrow's round. I will try and post tomorrow night when I return home.

Shot 74,72,76 to finish 29th in the SC Open yesterday. Overall, played fairly well but 4 double bogeys for the tourney and putting on the last day held me back. Ball striking was good enough to compete so not too far off. Course was incredible and scores were overall fairly high. Next event is the Carolinas Section Senior championship in Myrtle Beach next Tuesday/Wednesday. That is also qualifying for the National Senior PGA.

Shot 74 in the second round to finish fourth. The putter let me down in this round. Was only one shot back after the first 6 holes but I just could not see the line today with my putter. Disappointed in the effort today but not an overall bad tournament. Next event is the South Carolina Open week after next.

Shot 69 1st round of the Mid Pines Senior Open. That puts me one shot back of three players. I really did not hit the ball that great so with a little better ball striking tomorrow, I could be dangerous. I will be playing with the three leaders, so it is always good experience to be in the last group with one round to go.

Played in a pro-pro last week and we finished forth. Played well and seemed to be making progress. A little lull in playing events but it picks up a little starting next week. This has been a good time to work hard and improve on areas that needed work. I really feel good about where things are now and I look forward to the rest of the year. Next post will be next Thursday.

Went to Hot Springs Virginia to try and qualify for the US Senior Open. Got off to a great start and was one under through seven holes and in right where I needed to be. Made a double bogey on eight from right off the green on eight and just could not finish well enough to qualify. I hit it well enough but my lob wedge cost me dearly. That is usually a strong point for me so not quite sure what happened to struggle like that. Very disappointed because it was a great opportunity.

Shot 71, 71 in the Myers Park Pro-Am. Got off to a bad start both days and threw a lot of shots away. The best I've hit my irons this year so hopefully that part of my game is back. Both days I was three over very early and had to fight back to have a decent score. That did not make it a fun event for that very reason.

US Senior Open qualifying is tomorrow so I need to eliminate the mistakes I have been making. My confidence is rising so hopefully I can capitalize on that. I also am 1st alternate for the National Club Pro in French Lick, Indiana which starts Sunday. I will need to find out tomorrow though to be able to play.

Shot 75 in the second round with two doubles. I need to clean those up for the upcoming events next week. Putted decent but nothing went in. This will be a needed six day break to work hard on my short game and driver. US Senior Open qualifying is next Friday.

Shot 70 in first round of the Forsyth Country Club Celebrity Pro-Am today.

Shot 71 in final round of NC Open. I actually played well this week. Three holes this tourney cost me 10 shots. Without those three holes I am only one shot out. So I have to build on the positives and keep getting better. Next week is a new celebrity pro-am in Winston Salem and also a nice one day pro-am in Etowah. The next week after that is the Myers Park Pro-am and then US Senior Open qualifying. So a good two week stretch to help me get ready for the qualifier. I will post next Tuesday after the two day pro-am.

Shot 69 in the second round of the NC Open. Played well and shot 33 on last nine to make cut by two shots. Still haunted by the two holes that cost me six shots yesterday, but I feel good about making cut and hanging in there.

shot 74 with a quadruple bogey and a double bogey in first round of the NC Open. Played well with exception of two shots.

Shot 65 today in a one day event. You've heard of a day late and a dollar short so today almost gets me mad that I could not perform like this in the major events. I hope this is because I am learning more about my game. This was also needed for my confidence. The North Carolina Open is next week so I hope to build on this momentum.

Not the Cinderella Story but I have to just appreciate the opportunity. I did tee it up in a major and I had my chance. I really hit the ball well today but the putter again let me down. I'm not quite sure where I go from here but I will keep learning and keep getting better.

The crowds were large today and it was my first experience playing in front of that many people. The two players I played with were great and both showed me where I need to be. I actually hit the ball tee to green about as well as Boonchu R. who is the number 1 player on the European Tour, but he got up and down from everywhere.

There are so many good memories from this week that I cannot possibly write them all down. My favorite is when an entire school of kids asked me for my autograph and 20 minutes later I had finished signing them all. It's too bad they when they find out that no one has ever heard of me and the autograph makes the other signatures worthless.

I almost was emotional on the last hole when I realized that this was both a dream and just possibly my only major that I will play in. But after wearing a pink shirt last week in the Rex Hospital Nationwide event, I thought it best to keep my composure.

It is a week I will always cherish and at the same time, reconstruct why it did not go better. The opportunities are limited in my position, so not taking advantage of them can be tough. Thanks for all of the support and hopefully there will some more productive ones to come.

Very disappointing first round. I actually hit the ball fairly well today but I had a hard time judging both the wind and the altitude. I was speaking to Joey Sindelar for quite a while on Wednesday and he gave me a lot of good input about the altitude and how much further (ten percent) that the ball goes out here. The problem is when the wind blows as hard as it did today, trying to figure out the distance is really tough. I hit a lot of good shots that ended up long, and then several that went short. So it was very frustrating to finally hit it well and then not score well. The good news is that playing early tomorrow will reverse the wind conditions. The wind is coming in strong every day in the afternoon. It looks like if I shoot 72 tomorrow I can still make the cut.

The crowds were great and fun to interact with. If I start playing and scoring well, then I could get used to this lifestyle.

On another note, I did not get to hear the spot on the Golf Channel last night. I did see the closed caption of the interview. I was extremely upset that they left out everything I said about my wife and kids and how the Lord was always in control of our lives. I was really excited about that part of the interview. I guess though I should not be surprised that the media left that out. I felt cheated though when I realized none of that was included.

Today was everything I have dreamed about. From the start of the day to the end of the day it was great. Bill Smith, who is a pastor at Carmel Baptist and helped start this dream, flew in today and is caddying for me. Today is what we both dreamed about and sharing this experience with him was really special. They gave us a Mercedes Benz for the week and I am really glad my kids and wife were not around to see how much I struggled to figure out all the gadgets that are in this car. I do not think I was in mind when they designed this vehicle.

When you get to the course you drive up to the clubhouse, get a 100 yard ride in a cart to the locker room. With security guards watching your every step, you go into the locker room and are greeted by two attendants that meet your every need. You have a full-length locker with your name on it, and your changing shoes beside Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Hal Sutton, Fred Funk, and etc. It really does not seem real and you just wait to wake up. I feel uncomfortable with all the attention but it is a great look into the lives of these legends.

These men on this tour have been phenomenal at making feel welcome. I am really thankful for how they have treated me. It is a huge difference from playing the Nationwide Tour where the players keep completely to themselves.

Companies like Titleist and Taylor-Made go out of their way to give you their products. For the last 20 years they would not give someone like me the time of day. I never complain about this but point this out just because of how special you feel at an event such as this.

Denver has really embraced this tournament and the crowds are large. It is a different feeling to be teeing off with hundreds of people watching. I am playing with a former major winner Edwardo Romero as well as Boochu (R something) from Thailand who won the first three Asian Tour events this year. Normally I would be intimidated but the last two weeks have really prepared me for this moment. I can see God in everything that has happened up to this point. So from here on, its all about Him. I appreciate all of the support and encouragement but now I have to take a backseat and be quiet. If you believe in prayer as I do, pray that I can be still and let God work through me. Pray that I can stay out of His way and not try to do this myself. This is special but it won't last long. This will wither but the Word of the Lord will last forever.

I probably will not go into much detail after play has started to try and stay quiet. I will go into much more detail after the event is over. thanks for the interest and I hope all of you have a great week.

Heading to Denver for the PGA Senior Championship tomorrow. I am first alternate now and it really looks good. I can honestly say it is the most exciting news I have received since the birth of my two children. I have figured out through a good friend Robert Linville what was wrong swing wise the last couple of weeks. That gives me new confidence for this upcoming week.

This is what I have dreamed of. This is the ultimate challenge for me at this stage of my life. No matter what happens, I have my opportunity. I just need to take advantage of it. Many thanks to all who have made this possible. I will post again Wednesday night.

Played awful yesterday. I have a flaw that shows up every now and then and it started on the first hole. I believe this same flaw in my swing has been slowly getting worse in the last few weeks and it was very evident in this round. Usually I can figure out what is happening and correct it mid-round but that was not the case yesterday. Very disappointing round considering the PGA Senior Championship starts next week and if I get in, I need to figure this out.

I had a TV crew follow me around all day and I have to admit it was a little disconcerting. The Golf Channel is doing a little piece about my story this Wednesday at 6:30. I would feel a lot better about this story had I played better.

Over all, the last two weeks helped me out tremendously to get used to playing in this environment, and to give me a barometer of where my game is. I have a lot of work to do and feel like I know where to go from here. Hopefully, this will help me get some exemptions into a couple of Senior Tour events later this year. I will keep you posted on my PGA status for next week.

73 today. The course played incredibly long for me today. Putted really well but drove the ball not quite as well. Incredibly impressed with the top to bottom talent on this tour. I still had a really good time and was a whole lot more comfortable out there today. Played with a really good player who has been on the Nationwide Tour for two years and the PGA Tour for two years.

I am forth alternate next week for the PGA Senior Championship. It is really going to be close because I know of two or three PGA players that will probably not play. Unfortunately I will not know until the last second.

In Raleigh practicing for the Rex Hospital Nationwide event. Practice went well but the golf course is playing unbelievably long. Not great for someone who just finished close to the bottom of the distance category. Definitely feel more ready for this week. I play at 9 on Thursday and 2PM on Friday.

Shot 72 today. I was really disappointed on my first 8 holes how I still was a little anxious and could not quite relax on both putting and hitting shots. Finally after 27 holes of fighting this slight anxiousness I was able to relax enough to score well. I really feel good about the experience and know this will help in the near future. I am still having a blast and really feel blessed to have this opportunity. Tomorrow presents a different type of challenge with the length being so long. Hopefully I can be relaxed all day to have some more fun.

Shot 76 today and had an absolute blast. I never thought I would say that about a 76 but there is always a first time. Looking at my stats I hit 92% of the fairways which is tied for 5th and had 33 putts which is tied for 144th. That about sums up what happened today with the exception of two nervous swings that cost me 4 shots. Overall, I was extremely pleased with how I hit the ball under the circumstances. I was pretty disappointed with how I putted but that is where the anxiety of playing in this event showed up. As long as I can overcome this, things should go well. This was a great experience and will really help when I get to play in a senior tour event.

My two best shots of the day where on both 9 and 18 where there was the largest crowds and stands. It felt good to be able to hit shots with a lot of people around. Tomorrow should be much better as far as scoring.

Wow. I'm here in Greenville about to play in the BMW. I arrived here around 2PM today and checked in at the main course and it was great seeing the reaction of all the people checking me into the tournament. There was a lot of "the amateur check in is tomorrow, and can I help you find something?" I can tell you that there is not many 40+ year olds here much less 50+. It's a real production here and it can be overwhelming at times.

However, today's practice went great. I really feel that I can do some damage. That is half the battle going into an event like this is being confident. If you lose confidence then you will be eaten alive. I tee of at 9:45 on Thursday at Thornblade, 8:55 Friday at Carolina CC, and 10:25 Saturday at Bright's Creek. Tomorrow will be a lot of short game practice and a light full-swing practice. I will post again tomorrow night.

I am also doing a diary for the CharlotteObserver.com. The first day was today and will go through the end of the event.

Shot 72 on the final round of the Carolinas Open. Played really well the first ten holes and could not finish off the round. I played with the new grooves this week to try and help me out for the next two Nationwide events. The new grooves really hurt me on this course because of the inability to spin the ball on firm fast greens. Hopefully this will pay off next week.

On to Greenville next week for the BMW Classic. I will need to perform better and stay calm to have a chance to be playing on Sunday. I will be working hard to be as well prepared as possible. I will be posting a lot starting on Tuesday.

76 today. I did not do anything really poorly today but just did not do anything great either. It was one of those days that was close to being decent but nothing happened. It is definitely a course that does not fit my game. Hopefully a good round tomorrow will help the disappointment from today. I play early tomorrow but will be traveling after play. I'll try and post tomorrow night.

Shot 69 on a day that rain kept the scores from being real low. I feel really good about my game plan and the ability to always stay calm. My best start ever on this course so this should really help for the next two days. My putting also was good. I do not play until tomorrow afternoon so I will not post until tomorrow night.

First round of the Carolinas Open starts tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how it goes this week. This course has never set up well for me for many reasons and my two practice rounds have not gone great. My final practice after play seemed to go well so hopefully I'll have a little momentum going into tomorrow. I'll have to try a different strategy to overcome my past failures here. This is another part of golf that one has to overcome to be successful is to tackle courses that do not necessarily fit your game. First round is at 8:33 so I should post by mid afternoon.

Three straight busy weeks ahead and also three important weeks. The first is the Carolina's Open which begins Tuesday. You can follow this event on Carolinas.pga.com.
Then the following two weeks are two Nationwide Tour Events. These will be good indicators whether I can handle playing in front of a lot of people. I will be at a disadvantage giving up about 30 yards to probably every other person in the field. However, the key will be how calm and quiet I can stay. You can follow these events on PGATOUR.com or also they will be televised on the Golf Channel.

I feel ready to compete and feel like I have put myself in a position to do well. But these three weeks can go a lot a different directions. Please pray that I can stay quiet. Thanks for the support and I will be posting a lot starting on Tuesday.

Today was a special day and was much more than just the result. The result was that I qualified for my second consecutive Nationwide Tour event. The how was what was so special and humbling. I had a double bogey on the third hole and I remained two over par most all day. My preparation was good for this event and I was definitely confident before the round. My goal each round is to try and glorify God with every shot. The problem is when I have a bad start, I tend to try harder and get in my own way. Finally after parring the 14th hole which was a par 5, I just came to the conclusion that this wasn't going to be my day. I was right, it turned out to be God's day. I birdied 15, 17, and 18 to shoot 71 and get in by 1.

What I learned again today is that God is in control at all times. No matter how bad I want something I have to do my absolute best to prepare and just let go and let God. That is not easy to do by my nature. It is absolutely amazing siting in my seat to watch what He can do. I cannot take credit for this one. Chalk another one up for our Creator. I stand in awe.

Very quiet month. Only a couple of one day events for the entire April. Then the fun begins in May. The Carolina's Open, then the Nationwide Tour BMW, then hopefully the Senior PGA Championship among other events. Spending a lot of time preparing and starting to get excited. I am very thankful for this great opportunity.

Shot 70 today to qualify for the BMW Nationwide Tour Classic beginning May 13th. Birdied 16 and 18 to tie for 1st but to only make it by one. I am really excited and feel truly blessed to be able to play in this event. Play is on 3 separate courses with celebrities before a final round cut for Sunday. This tournament will be televised on the Golf Channel all four days.

Sorry for the delay but I ended up finishing tied for third in the Head Professional Championship Tuesday. It was a solid tournament and I was really pleased considering the windy cool conditions. It seems like most of the events have been that way this year as far as conditions. This was a good confidence builder for both finishing well and my short game holding up well.

Next up is a Nationwide Tour event qualifier this Monday.

Greetings for Debordieu Club in Myrtle Beach. Today was the first round in the first ever Head Pro Championship for the Carolina's PGA. It was also a wild first round for me. I had a double bogey and triple bogey on my front side and I still am tied for sixth after the first round. This is an extremely difficult course with wind and cooler weather. Two swings cost me four shots and probably a chance to win. However I played well on the back side to keep me in reach. I have really been playing well lately so I feel like I still have a chance. Tomorrows weather sounds better so it should be more favorable for lower scoring.

I have not posted for a while. I tried to qualify for the Verizon Heritage Classic (PGA Tour) today in Hilton Head. We were playing for only one spot and I tied for second. I knew with three holes to play that I needed one more birdie to tie and I hit great putts on both 16 and 17 that did not go in. Played really well and this one will take a while to get over, being this close to qualifying for a tour event.

Lost one down to a very good player in Frank Bensel. I bogied the first two holes and was four under the next 16 holes. I was three down after four, ten, and 13, and I birdied 14 and 17 to get to one down. Hit my second shot on 18 right at the flag but missed clearing a ridge by a foot and left me with a tough 15 footer which I did not make. I am not disappointed and feel good about the entire trip. One of my main goals was to improve my short game and it really worked well this last event. Hopefully this month will help jump start a good year.

Next event is not until March so not much posting until then. I cannot wait to get back home to Melody, family, and friends. The temperature gauge is getting ready to drop. Thanks for tuning in and looking forward to seeing all of you. Take care!

Feels like something special is going on here. I won the last three holes to win 3&2. It felt like David against Goliath since he hit his drives about 50 yards past me. I was 2 down after 6 and won the next three holes. He won 10 and we were even going into 14. I birdied 14, par on 15, and birdied 16 to close him out. I really feel blessed and have to give all the credit to the Lord because I really felt over-matched. It just has that special feeling.

won 6 % 5 today. Played mistake free for the first time this year and really boosted my confidence. I hit it poorly on the range this morning and never hit a bad shot on the course which was very strange. The matches really get tough from here on but if I can play like today I will always have a chance. Typing in the dark so excuse any mistakes. Not easy to get internet here. Hope all of you have a great night!

Shot 70 today in the wind and the rain qualifying for the Match Play Championship. It was a miserable day to play so I'm thankful to be in a dry warm room right now. I should have a high seed so that at least should help in my early matches. You can follow the tournament at Pgatournaments.com and click the Match Play Championship on the left side of the page. Putting made the difference today, so it felt good to have the hard work pay off.

It has taken a while for me to be able to post today. If I just make the putts I am supposed to make, then I shoot 68. I shot 78. Very tough to take given the work put in. These greens are so grainy that a lot of us are struggling, however there are those that do not struggle. I have putted fairly well up until today. I have a lot of work if I am to have any success in the match play coming up.

I shot 74 today. On my 5th hole I hit a three iron from 223 yards that hit by the flag and went over the green in some palmetto bushes. From there I had to go back 60 yards to find a place to drop the ball. I ended up with a 40 on my front side and 34 on the back. It's shots like those that drive you crazy in competitive golf. The final round of this event is tomorrow with the Match Play Championship beginning Monday.

If anyone is bored, pgalinks.com is providing live scoring for the tournament I am playing in. Once you type in the web site you will see live scoring for the PGA Stroke Play Championship on the left. The only problem is that two Todd Smith's made the cut. I started at 146 where the other Todd Smith started at 148. I play at 11:30 today.

Played probably the best round today since I have been in Florida. Shot 71 today to safely make the cut after a 75 yesterday. The wind blew 30 MPH both yesterday and today so today's round really felt great. The field is split into two halves the first two rounds. If you played in the afternoon the first round, you play in the morning the second round. We unfortunately got the short end of the stick when the wind blew harder on both of our waves. However, now that I have made the cut, there will be no advantage the next two days. I birdied two of the last three holes into the teeth of the wind so I will sleep better tonight. Hope all of you are well and should be able to post tomorrow.

I have not found out about the PGA Senior yet. Should do that next week and will let you know. Good practice this week and feel ready for the next event. 210 players cut to 70 and ties so it would be nice to get off to a good start. I play at 11AM on Sunday and 7:39 Monday. I am playing with the PGA player of the year in 2009 so I am looking forward to that. Next post will be Sunday evening.

Wow again. We really played well today and had the adrenalin pumping but came up one shot short of making the cut. We shot 66 and played much better than the score. As disappointed as I am for us missing the cut, the positives of playing well knowing we had to shoot a good number and making putts and shots under pressure are numerous. The next event starts Sunday and will be another good challenge to play well against a younger field on a much longer course. I do not have internet where I am staying so the next post will come Sunday after the first round.

I may post sooner because I should find out if I probably will be playing in the PGA Senior Championship. The news has been good the last few days and I am driving to Palm Beach Gardens to get confirmation of what some Senior Tour players have told me. Pray for me because this could be great news for a lot of reasons.

We shot 71 today. Seems like a broken record but neither one of us had any putts fall in. We will need a good round tomorrow just to make the cut. There are 144 teams cut down to 40 teams after two rounds. Frustrating as much practice that I've put in. But did not play badly. You can follow our progress and all of the events at www.pgatournaments.com. Then go to Winter Championships and this week is the junior/senior.

69 today. It was good to finally score as well as I have been hitting it. I really needed that round to keep my confidence up. Next up is the Junior/Senior event that starts Monday.

The most disappointing round as far as what I shot versus how I played. Played great all day, hung in there when putts did not fall and then doubled two of the last three holes. Final round of this event is tomorrow. Rounds like today certainly makes you test your endurance.

Shot 73 today. Hit it well and putted well but just did not make any birdie putts. Never missed any short putts so I really cannot complain. Looking forward to playing again tomorrow. Good practice in this afternoon so hopefully it will pay off. Thanks for checking in.