Round two was shotgun started like the first. The 70 players would begin and end around the same time. I strapped my bag into my cart assignment, which read, “Hole 1A.” I was in the second to last group 2 off the lead with 18 holes to play. My playing partners today were Ashley, Steve, and Steven. Ashley is local to the triad and like myself had tried the pro ranks and reclaimed his amateur status after a semi-successful tour on the satellite circuits. Ashley’s wife come to find out graduated from the same high school I did- what a small world. Steve is one of the best players in the area and has been ranked highly in the state for many years. Recently he qualified and played in the US SR. Open. Steven, from High Point, owned a landscaping company and knew how to “golf his ball.”
This day I chose to use a new ball, the Pro-V1x., which proved to be a bad decision. (I would recommend not switching to a different kind of golf ball in the middle of a tournament.) After 4 holes I was at 3 over par for the day. Throughout the round I struggled with distance control. I needed to get up-and-down from past pin high on 10 of 18 holes. I shot 76 with no birdies. It is less fun when you get shut out in birdies. It would be similar to a baseball player going 0-18 without a hit. Anyway, I finished in 5th or 6th place for the tournament with a two-day score of 146(5 off the winning score).
I did however remember a lot I had forgotten about playing competitive golf. Here are three of the key things (I learned from the greatest coach in the world Robert Linville) that were brought back to my attention that will help you play your best when the strokes count.
We only have control of our actions and attitude so Stay Positive
Always, Always, Always pick a target (Aim Small – Miss Small)
Swing without fear