Decisions

Well another week has gone by and another miss on the Monday qualifying stage. Even though last week I was so close to being in the event, this one bothers me far more than the last. This week I felt like the ball was in my court, I felt great over the ball and was seeing some great scores all week while in Banff. When I had my practice round for this course I found easy to make a game plan and find great lines to be aggressive yet still be in control of the course. I had 7 birdies and 3 eagle chances during my practice round and really felt like there was no problem being able to shoot at least a 69 on the course, I just felt the course suited me great. Things didn't go as planned and I got behind early and never felt right all day. Despite keeping a very level head and going through all my processes I wasn't able to convert the chances for birdie I had made for myself. Sure enough I pressed on the final holes and missed the number.
From what I've learned since being out here following the tour there are many players who have gone through the same trials. Monday qualifying is a beast and really drags on you. You are always counting on having the one great day and being the best out of 80 solid golfers to get into an event you already feel you belong in. It's tough keeping your head straight when you get in a situation like this. Lucky for me I have guys like Barry who know this devil far too well. It makes it a little easier because I won't beat myself up too bad thinking back on an unsuccessful start to the season.
So, I have decided that following the tour for the next 3 weeks through Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg will not be on my schedule. I have entered into the Great Lakes July 6-7 event at Royal Ashburn which means I will be coming home early. Not a bad thing... but I'm just tired of wasting my money trying for a tournament, missing it and hanging out the rest of the week around the event while eating out everyday for every meal while staying in a hotel.
There is no doubt this fuels my fire for knowing what I want to do and what it takes to be successful for the ENTIRE 2010 season.
This has been a disappointing start to what I believed was going to be a great beginning to my career out here as a professional.

Although it was unsuccessful as far as my goals go perhaps it's a good beginning. Coming home I do feel a bit defeated but I learned some great things out here and do believe I belong week to week in every field. So all in all I can take some extremely positive things from this past month and a half and look forward to making it happen.

See you back in Ontario,

JS

Road To Calgary

After this week at the Surrey Invitational the Canadian Tour has a scheduled week off before continuing in Calgary for the ATB Financial at Sirrocco CC. For the week off myself, Barry and a fellow player have traveled to Banff to play a few courses and enjoy the Rocky Mountains on our way to Calgary. We will be playing Silvertip CC today, Banff Springs tomorrow, Stuart Creek on Thursday and are planning on getting in a round at Kananaskis Golf Club on our way to Calgary.
I personally have never been in the Rocky Mountains and the drive from Vancouver to Banff along Highway 1 was amazing, it was a 9 hour drive that felt like 1 hour. I am definitely spoiled to be here, it can feel like a vacation so quickly but I am trying to keep my head straight and focused on the fact that I have a job to complete. This entire week Banff Springs has offered their practice facility to us and will be playing those courses. My game has really turned around in the last week since getting all that practice in during the week in Surrey. I am going to try and attach a picture to this entry, other than the rain (which is the first time I've seen rain in a month) this place is gorgeous.

JS

Rolling With The Punches

It's been a while since my last post although plenty has been happening. I am now in Surrey, BC at the Surrey Invitational. Today was the first day and unfortunately I was unable to play in the field. This past Monday I played in the qualifier for the event where only four spots are available. I finished with a round of 69 (-3) and was sitting in 4th place behind two 68's and a 67. Two groups left I felt as though I had a chance and one young 15 year old kid came through with a round of 68 and booted me out of contention for a spot. I would be the first alternate for the Monday qualifiers and the 13th alternate for the event. Not really believing I had a chance to play this week I practiced and worked on game preparing just in case but still no word I was playing through the start of the week. I will say that it was a great week as I was able to really work through some things in my game. The week coming off the Q School in Victoria my swing seemed to be all but gone and I had no idea what to do with myself. Last week in Victoria I worked on a new swing which felt very mechanical and tried and tried working on it until Sunday evening the day before the Monday qualifier here in Surrey. I decided to go back to what used to work and just stay relaxed... no over swinging and take it shot by shot. Well I managed a three under 69 and here I am... still out of the tournament.
Because I missed the cut I planned on caddying for Barry O'Neill, my good friend here on tour. As we arrived to the tee I was told to get my bag I was first alternate now that 12 withdrawals had happened. So I had to potential to play this afternoon if someone pulled out... This never happened, I was looking all day towards the officials wondering when they would be bringing to my bag to warm up but it never happened. So unfortunately I will be carrying the bag this week and taking a week off as the tour does next week and be trying to Monday qualify for Calgary. I feel great, I wish I could play in this event as I feel quite comfortable with the course layout. Greens are quick and firm but it plays well for me. It has been nice being able to hang out around the tour though. I have had plenty of good practice and it seems we stay out here during the practice round days for 10 hours. We may even hit the range twice even three times, putting and chipping games and everything really get your game in shape. So I am just hoping things can get rolling in the next week in Calgary because I am so ready to get out there and compete. This has been somewhat of a miserable start to the season as far as achieving my goals go but there is plenty of time and hopefully I start to peek at the right time. Stay in touch, good news to come.

JS