Checking in with a few updates here, first from Raleigh’s REX Hospital Open at TPC Wakefield Plantation and some bonus golf in Columbus at the US Open sectional qualifier. Unfortunately, there was not much success in these two endeavors, missing the cut in Raleigh and failing to qualify for the US Open. However, there were some positive trends and my work is starting to pay off in a few ways.
TPC Wakefield Plantation was in the best shape I have ever seen it, due to one of the driest springs on record. Last year we were navigating rivers flowing through every fairway, and this year conditions were firm and fast. I actually hit the ball pretty well this week, but continuing a trend from Chicago, the putting and short game did not cooperate as much as I would have liked. I hit nearly 80% of my greens in regulation, which was well above my season average of 62% (ewww!). That is a positive, and I am continuing to try to sharpen my ball striking as the summer goes on.
Missing the cut meant I got to fly to Columbus a day early, where I practiced at Brookside CC Sunday morning and played a round of golf at Scioto Country Club (Jack Nicklaus’ home course growing up) to prepare for the “longest day in golf”. I was exempt through local qualifying for the US Open by virtue of being top 500 ranked in the world, but unfortunately didn’t finish as strongly the last 11 holes to advance through sectional qualifying.
Scioto CC was one of the best courses I have played all year, and with long rough it was a true tournament test. I also snapped a picture of it from the air flying to Greenville, SC for our next event. I needed to play my last 11 holes in 3 under par to qualify for the US Open, but an untimely double bogey on the 8th hole at brookside and a bogey on 9 effectively ended my chances. That being said, I started off the second round with two birdies and an eagle in my first four holes to give myself a chance!
I am starting to see positive signs with my golf game, and feel like good golf is right around the corner. Good scores come and go, and I just need to stay patient until they do come around.
Thank you all for the support and encouragement, and more importantly for your generous support of Curriki. People ask me every week what it is for and I cannot wait to tell them all about the amazing things we are doing with Birdies for Education!!
My best,
Maverick