If you read my latest article, you would have known that I actually played in a tournament on July 29 at Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club and it was a great time.
I was lucky enough to get to the course about an hour early and gave myself plenty of time to lock in. The swing was feeling nice on the range only after about 20 balls or so, so I focused my attention primarily on putting. I spent about 25 minutes just working on technique (gate drill), putting to a spot, and getting a feel for the speed of the greens that morning.
And boy, did it pay off.
It was a handicap tournament so I shot -2 NET and finished 5th overall! The best part is that I got around in 29 putts (average is 32-33), which is usually the crutch of my game. And I really had to because my driver (usually the part of my game that props me up) was not really cooperating with me. I put two balls in the hazard on back to back holes (13-14) due to a bit of a pull draw. I think it was mainly just due to the exhaustion and heat getting to me, but I think what happened next is probably what I was most proud of that day.
After doubling both 13 and 14, I had to desperately regroup to stay near the top of the leaderboard. So, I clubbed down on 15. And did the same on 16. I hit both fairways, was just short of the green on 15, and had a GIR on 16, parring both holes. Then on 17, I pulled driver back out and had another pull draw. Luckily, I hit to just short of the green and made a 20 footer to save par. 18 is a short, SHORT, par 4 only 267 yards. But the green is guarded by a creek in the front, and an extremely thick wall of bushes on the back. End up in either and your are dead. So, I played it safe and hit a 5 iron down the fairway, got some run-out, and was 55 yards from the pin for my second. I drove a little wedge in there with some spin next to the pin and knocked in the birdie putt on 18.
I could have spun out on the back after those two doubles, but kept a level head and played the final 4 hours in 1-under. I try and pride myself on staying present for every shot. I don’t always succeed at this, but I am definitely getting better as was evidenced by this tournament. It was a great time with some great people I was paired up with and I can’t wait to get back out for the next one.
Also, I have a new YouTube video coming out shortly – mainly about some of my favorite feels in the golf swing. I think it’ll be really helpful so don’t forget to check it out!! https://www.youtube.com/@markrobertsgolf
Mark Roberts Golf 