Harmony, FL - Round One

Today was a great day!  I teed off #1 at 8:30 this morning to begin another Suncoast event down in Harmony, Florida.  The first nine was a little rocky.  I missed several greens and couldn't save par.  The wind was pretty stiff at times today, making it a little more difficult to hit greens.  However, I did have one birdie on the par 5 seventh hole and finished the front at 2 over par.  Unfortunately, I three putted #10 for bogey, but managed to par the next couple of holes.  My next birdie came at #13 where I hit a great iron shot to about 9 feet and sank the putt!  The next hole was a par 5.  I hit my approach to 12 feet and made the putt for birdie.  I hit more great shots coming in, and birdied #16, #17, and #18!  That's FIVE birdies on the back side, and SIX birdies for the day!!!!

I carded a 38 front side, 32 back side for a two-under 70 for today's round!  

As I said before, I still got off to a rather rocky start, but I really focused on seeing the shot I want to hit, committing to that shot, and trusting my swing.  I've come to understand that too often I become "afraid" of hitting a bad shot during a round, which causes me to play too tentatively and defensively.  I'm learning how to go beyond those fears during my round and accept the fact that I won't hit EVERY shot perfectly...but that I have a good short game prepared for those instances.  I am continuing to work out this issues with lots of practice and prayer.  

As for the tournament, I stand tied for fourth and am three back from the leader.  I'm happy with the way I played and finished my round today, but preparing myself for another day out there tomorrow.  I'll tee off bright and early tomorrow morning at 7:40 EST.  Thank you all for your encouragement!!!