RMO Day 3

Day three was more of the same. I got off to a bad start and was fighting back all day. I ended up with an even par 71 to finish at one over for the tournament. I probably ended up about 25th, but I can't say for sure. It was a disappointing finish to a disappointing week. I just finished a practice round for the Southwest California Open, and I seem to have the kinks worked out of my game. I'm ready to play good again. Really, I've been playing much better than my scores indicate, so I just need to eliminate some stupid plays. I think I can handle it.

Rocky Mountain Open

18 at Tiera Rado GC

RMO Day 2

Much like yesterday, today was a major struggle. I grinded my butt off and birdied the last hole to shoot even. I was one under through six, but I hit it out of bounds on 7 to make triple. I birdied 10, 11, and 12, then bogied 16 & 17. I made a ten foot putt on the last hole to get old man par. My game doesn't feel so bad, but I'm shooting as high as possible the last few rounds. I'm on the cut bubble, so I hope I get to play tomorrow.

RMO Round 1

After a triple bogey on my 6th hole, I made a comeback and got it to one under. I still managed to shoot over par though. On the drivable 18th, I pulled my tee shot left of the green. Three chips and two putts later, I ended up with a 1-over 72. Since this is one of the easier courses I see all year, I'm obviously way back in the pack. I need a good round tomorrow to make the cut.

Minot - Recap

After a disappointing final round, I ended up tied for 11th in my final Dakotas Tour event. I couldn't get anything going all week, and on the last day I just didn't hit the shots I needed to. I am finally home after more than 6 straight weeks on the road, and things are a bit unfamiliar. The trip was very good for me as far as prize money goes. After a slow start to the year, I am back on track to having a good season. I need to get a win this next week to give myself a chance at tour school. Next stop: Grand Junction, CO for the Rocky Mountain Open.

North Dakota Charity Classic (Minot)

I got the bad wave today. The morning was calm with a slight drizzle; the afternoon was windy. I played in the afternoon, but I managed to shoot a decent score. My 70 left me three shots back of the leader, so I am in good shape with three days left. I played pretty good today, but two 3-putts along with three pars on par-5s left me wanting. I should be able to put up a good score tomorrow morning, which would give me a good chance to win.

Red Mike Pro Am

Last year at the Red Mike Pro Am, the course tore me up and I missed the cut. In this year's first round I got some revenge. I tied my career low round with a 9-under 63 to take the lead after one day. It was probably the best round of golf I have ever played. I hit 17 greens, 12 out of 14 fairways, made 7 birdies, and made 1 eagle. It seemed like an easy 63. The wind didn't blow, so I took advantage of the benign conditions and gave myself a chance to win. Alas, I couldn't quite get the job done. The wind blew today, and it blew hard. I had a chance to shoot a good score, but it just didn't happen. I shot a 74 (not bad; the low round today was 71), and ended up alone in second place behind Gary Christian (64-71). It didn't feel like I was playing with the lead in the tournament because they didn't re-pair based on scores. I really felt no pressure today, and I hung in just to shoot 74. I started the day on the hardest part of the course, and I made three early bogies. Birdies on three par-5s got me back to even before a couple late bogies. Could have been better, could have been a lot worse too. I am close to getting a win, so please stay tuned.

Red Rock Pro

I played a very good round at the Red Rock golf course, but a couple of late bogies kept me from winning. My 69 was good enough for 5th place in this one-day event.
Missed the cut at arrowhead. Let's not speak of it.
Heading North.

Dakotas Tour - Yankton

Well, I made a check. That's all there is as far as good news for this week. My ball-striking prowess of the last few years disappeared this week and I struggled to make the cut. The course was very short and very tight. I couldn't keep it out of the trees, so I ended up at 284 (4-under) about 17 shots off the winning score. I have a little time to practice this week, so I should be able to work out the kinks and have a good tournament. Now it's on to Rapid City in the middle of the Sturgis Bike Rally. Let's see some bikes (or not)! Internet access is sparse up here so close to the great white north, but I'll try to keep updating. Later.