I've been off the road now for several weeks. It's wonderful to be eating home cooked meals and having time with Crystal and Kate. While I'm home I've been working hard on several aspects of the game. One thing I notice from the long time players is their dedication to their routine. It's quite amazing to watch.
I've always had a shot routine but I wanted to create a solid, repeating routine that is hard to break. When you're in a bit of pressure you need a routine that creates an atmosphere of peace, trust and focus. At a small Pepsi Tour event I started putting it into practice with great results. My ball striking was much stronger shot after shot. Hitting more fairways and greens allowed me to make more birdies and pars and less bogeys.
A major change for me is my approach to putting. It's become less mechanical allowing me to see the line, feel the line and strike the ball with confidence. I've had little opportunity to apply this in tournament but had a great time playing a match at Green Tree Golf Club last week. On the third green I had an up hill putt of 52 feet. I stood over the ball relaxed, the putt climbed the hill turned to the left and dropped in the hole for a birdie. There was a confidence that is building and this is one area of the game that creates champions.
I have a couple more weeks of preparation before playing two PGA CHAMPION TOUR pre-qualifiers. One is only twenty minutes from Vacaville at Wild Horse in Davis, California. During my prep time I will be playing some local games at a variety of courses putting my new found routines into practice.
A quick note. Scott Thompson who has spent much time and skill in preparing me for this adventure is beginning a new business in the golf industry. He is very strong in course management which is frequently overlooked in the game of golf and often the easiest place to take strokes off your game. In fact I'm pretty sure that with knowledge of course management you can knock 3-5 strokes off your game in a couple hours time with Scott. He is also providing clinics around the Northern California area in course management.
With this change, I am working with a new caddy, Sam Maguire. Sam and I are working together to build our routine. I learned from Scott that there is an art and a science to a player/caddy working relationship. In the words of Renee Russo in the movie Tin Cup, "I work with couples as well, feel free to bring your caddy." Sam is doing great...you'll have to ask him if I'm doing great.
Have a great week, I look forward to writing soon about my next tournaments.
H. B.
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