I MADE THE CUT AT ARROWHEAD

               Not a one day event either, making a cut in what the tour considers a major championship, more points are awarded during this type of event. I have to mention that in all my career playing tournament golf I have never putted this well before in two consecutive days. My putting stroke feels free fundamentally allowing me to trust my chosen line. Majority of putts made are credited to my ability to have a good imagination but when strategy comes to play for harder breaking putts Josh and I will come to a consensus by observing fellow players reactions to putts missed or made and seeing the line best suited for the putt.

               I have valid questions though? Usually during a round that need answering, like the need for newer fitted equipment? Because, my strengthened swing matured as my tour schedule progressed. I naturally feel uneasy before I approach a long par three in hopes of hitting a solid shot, sometimes constantly worrying about my intended ball flight. Sure, I can work around it by playing to the weak image of me hoping for the best, or I can swing in great tempo with utter confidence like the rest of my game (putting, short game, Wood and Driver). Mid iron’s play level of confidence from the start of my tour this season has always been questionable. In my experience as a tour player I know in fact the benefits of newer fitted technology alongside an experienced coach will take me to higher levels.

               Measuring myself to these players in physical, emotional and mental attributes it is easy to compare what strengths I have, to envision myself on the range warming up before tournament tee off I swing each club with the utmost confidence the moment struck epiphany that I can be confidently aggressive on key scoring holes and take advantage of the length I have off the tee. Playing this week at Arrowhead tournament for the first time (and 1^st year) I began strategizing how easy this course can be played when I know what to expect.  

               At the moment there is just me, no sponsors, old equipment (purchased a few newer non-fitted woods), no coach, and no full time caddy. This week I have been fortunate to have Josh Cole of New London, MN volunteer and join me this week. He really has taken a load off my stress levels and I want to add that the last cut I made I had “Kip Knutson” on the bag keeping me calm and allowing me to converse in a manner of expressing my mental images and commitment to each shot regardless of the result good and bad.

               I am one to be proud of this accomplishment as I set out to do the same routine as before and come out making the cut, if by chance finishing higher in the field at the end of the three day event. Making the cut allows room to set new short term goals in playing better for that day. My daily routine before tee-off does not change, my mentality is constant, my lessons of perseverance is staying patient in order to win at obtaining goals.

               Making this tournament cut could not be possible without help and relationship of Josh. We travelled out to Rapid City Monday August 5^th and played two practice rounds; I played and Josh was more eager to take notes. As he and I had many questions about a course we have never seen before, our detailed notes in Josh’s little black book is the work of two experienced players of the game collaborating a good strategy based on our observation of how the putts would roll and to which direction. We found out during both rounds the three dominant factors that will affect the amount of breaks in the putts.

                              Ultimately our goal is to play great golf on any given day, by doing so we build on the experience for the next round. Tee to green strategy is having the right club selection for the intended shot and managing your misses well to make birdies or save par. Aggressive play all the time hardly pays off and effects the mindset long term. As a team our attainable goal has been met this week by making the cut, now we have to keep doing what works to strengthen our mindset.      

               My goals are to make more cuts and search for cultivating a winning mindset leading to always being prepared to play in the same manner as the champions or top ten leaders on tour. I feel some days that statistically it takes only half a stroke in making the cut too winning on tour. The gap between is learning to deal with the emotional balance of everyday life.