Hello all!
I sit here writing in reflection of my 2015 season in the Florida sun, thankful for another winter spent in the South. Since my last post I've put a few miles on the car and have learned some valuable lessons. Nebraska, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida have been some of my recent stops and I have been enjoying every step of the journey. In this post I'll recap my fall, and take a look at my first full year of professional golf. I hope everyone is well and has a great Christmas. God bless!
October and the Arkansas Open
After a missed cut in the Nebraska Open I headed south to Arkansas to play the Arkansas Open and spend some time with the Henderson State Golf teams. In the Arkansas Open on Burns Park Golf Course in North Little Rock my play overall was pretty solid for the week. In the pro-am day I shot 68 and got another win! (I'm counting it even for a one-day :D) Following that round I posted 69-74 in the tournament and finished 12th of 60 competitors. It was a disappointing finish after being in contention going into the final round, but I learned a valuable lesson and took the positives from the week.
Following the Arkansas Open I traveled with the Henderson State Men's team to St. Joseph, MO for a week and acted as an assistant coach. It was an absolute blast to be there with all my friends and be on the other side of competition. They are a great group of guys and I see good things ahead for them in 2016.
An unexpected trip to Texas
After the Arkansas Open I had a couple weeks to practice and get ready to head to South Florida for the winter. In the down time, and on a whim, I decided cross something off my bucket list in going to see Utopia, TX. Utopia is the setting of the book Seven Days in Utopia wrote by David Cook, a sports psychologist to many PGA Tour players. Ever since I had my hands on this book when I was seventeen years old I desperately wanted to go see how Utopia matched to the vision I had of it in my mind. All I can say is that it was an incredible trip and one I won't soon forget. Utopia is a beautiful, quiet, spiritual place tucked in amongst the hill country of Texas. I hope I can make my way back soon!
Sanderson Farms Qualifying
On my way down to Florida I pass through Mississippi and the timing worked out perfect for me to try and qualify for the PGA Tour's Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, MS. I posted 69 in the pre-qualifying and made it through to the Monday qualifier. Having my good friend and former teammate Sam Lavelle on the bag for the Monday qualifier was a blast, but we didn't manage to make it through. This was my fourth Monday qualifier and I really have relished the opportunity to play in these events. They are full of web.com players and former tour players, plus you are one round away from teeing it up in a PGA Tour event. Although I haven't made it through one yet, I continue to learn every time I play in a Monday qualifier. Lord willing I will make it through one soon!
2015 REVIEW
Since turning professional in the summer of 2014 I have had quite the adventure. 2015 was my first full year as a pro and I made many positive steps in the right direction. My ball-striking stats went up, earnings went up, and I learned so many valuable lessons. Although I'm not currently on the PGA Tour, I want to say to everyone right now that being able to chase a dream is everything I hoped it would be and more. Travel, meeting new incredible people, and trying to listen and follow the path God has laid out for me has me smiling more often than not. I only hope to be able to continue to grown and learn as the journey continues.
2016 OUTLOOK
Looking ahead to 2016 I am very excited! My tournament schedule is always tentative, but through the winter I plan to compete in Minor League events like last winter, and hopefully play on McArthur's Bell Cup team again! During the process of work and practice through the whole winter I'll be mentally gearing up to play in PGA Tour Canada qualifying. This qualifying tournament takes place in April and upon successful play, qualifies players for the summer tour taking place across Canada in 2016. Last year I aimed to play but couldn't justify it financially at the time. Now that I feel more comfortable and ready to play, I will be competing this April. I'm very excited and grateful! Past April I can't say exactly where I'll be depending on Canadian Tour qualifying, however I'll be sure to keep everyone updated. I can't thank you all enough for the encouraging words in 2015 and I hope you continue to follow me in 2016!
God bless you and Merry Christmas to everyone.
A child was born that changed the world.. Isaiah 9:6
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