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