Round One - Apopka

I played well today, but struggled with my putting a little.  I ended up carding a two over, 74 to put me into a tie for 10th overall.

I got off to a rough start with a drive that found a fairway bunker.  The next couple of shots weren't pretty, and I tapped in for a bogey.  I did hit a great shot on #3 to leave me with a seven footer for birdie...and made it!  That would not be the last opportunity of the day, but unfortunately, it was the last birdie to fall.  I didn't hit it as close as I'd like, but I gave myself enough legitimate opportunities that could have resulted in a nice score.  I had several unlucky putts that just burned the lip and didn't go in.  From there, I got a little frustrated and I think I got too focused on "going low."  I forgot to focus on my process during those putts.

On the positive, I did finish really strong with solid saves for par on the last three holes.  I had to make some clutch putts coming in, and I really had to keep repeating to myself "process" to get the swarming thoughts about my score out of the way....and what do you know...those putts went in!   Also, #17 is a tough 185 yard par three.  Today, it was straight into the wind with a pin ALL the way in the back...which makes it even tougher for a short knocker like me!  I stood on the tee with a 3 wood and a driver in hand, secretly afraid the 3 wood wouldn't make it but slightly embarrassed to be hitting a driver off a par three.  When it was my turn to hit, I knew that I felt more comfortable to hit an easy driver than try to crush a 3 wood...so I teed it up!  Embarrassed or not, I chose the driver, hit the green, and ended up being the only one in the group to par the hole!  Haha!  So that was a welcomed confidence booster!

After lunch, I went back out to the course and got in some good putting practice.  I made an effort to ingrain the idea of focusing on my process and went through my complete routine for every putt as if I was out on the course.  I worked on my speed, and practiced some chip shots too.  I feel better about tomorrow's round, and look forward to playing again!  I'll tee off at 8:09 tomorrow morning.

Have a great night!