February 3: Another sunny and warm day, can't beat that in February! Was out at Cartersville for the majority of the day but after about 4.5 hours I started to get a bit brain and body dead from the past 6 days of hitting it hard, so called it quits for the day to watch some film and practice putting inside. 7,551 remain. Random Stat: Shot a 42 from the black tees on the front nine.
February 2: Nice full day of sun and practice. Went out to CCC for the majority of the day, getting in six good hours. 7,556 remain. Random stat: Shot an 85 from the black tees
February 1: rainy day. Good chance to play a new game I came up with called Pars. The goal: use one ball and you have to shoot at least a par on the hole before moving onto the next. I played at the end of the day and made it through the first 7 holes before they came and got me because the course was closing due to the heavy rain. 7,562 remain. Random Stat: I started putting side saddle and have been putting lights out for a couple of days.
January 31: Game on tomorrow. Got a last day of practice in before heading out to start really registering rounds tomorrow. Feel good about my swing and putting right now, hope that lasts the next week. 7,567 remain. Random Stat: shot a 42 from the tips on the front nine with a triple bogey on one of the holes.
January 30: Found out I can practice at Cartersville on Monday even though it's closed. This is awesome. Put in a great full day including 18 from the tips and a LOT of work with this new mallet style putter. 7,573 remain. Random Stat: shot an 86 from the black tees, didn't make a single one-putt, though as I couldn't seem to get the ball rolling on line. After the round, I realized what was wrong: I was aiming poorly..
January 29: Had a little break there while my girlfriend visited. I did hit some at a simulator one day, but it didn't really count as practice. Went out today for a full and great day. Got back into the groove on the range and broke in a new putter, a mallet one. 7,579 remain. Random Stat: mallet putters bring a whole different weight to the ball, it will take a while to get used to it.
January 24: Was on the range for more than two hours at Cartersville and could not seem to hit the ball worth a darn no matter what I was trying. Decided to take it to the course and play 18 with the goal of not getting frustrated. To my surprise, I shot my best round to date. 7,584 remain. Random Stat: shot an 80 from the blue tees out there.
January 23: Went out there for a few hours, but took an extra long time to work on things with lots of time to stop and think about what was happening in the swing, so really only two hours of practice. 7,589 remain. Random Stat: The ball really doesn't move when the humidity is 97 percent.
January 22: Practiced short game for a couple of hours then headed across town to meet with my coach who happened to be passing through Atlanta and we had a lesson for a couple of hours. 7,591 remain. Random Stat: hit some on the TrackMan system and the driver was up to about 106-107mph.
Janaury 21: Went to Cartersville despite the heavy thunderstorms and got in three hours of training before they announced that the course was closing due to weather. 7,595 remain. Random Stat: Still pushing those drives left.
January 20: Finaly a good day has returned. After a couple bum days, today was back on top. Put in a full one out at Cartersville before the rains and the evening hit hard. 7,598 remain. Random Stat: Shot an 84 from the blue tees.
January 19: Spent the entire day at Cartersville, but there was some filming done for a couple of the early hours so I only got in four hours of practice. I had a lot of realizations, though, and was getting my energy back. Good day all in all. 7,603 remain. Random Stat: about 20 yards short right now of hitting the teaching shed with a drive from 280 yards away.
Janaury 18: The funk continues. Only got in 3 hours before I felt strangely weak of body and mind. Going to eat well, work out and then hit it up strong tomorrow. 7,607 remain. Random Stat: Getting a better feeling of short pitches, doing a lot of video watching and reading tonight on the swing in general.
January 17: I'm in a bit of a energy level funk. Was out there for three hours but then I felt like I just couldn't focus. 7,610 remain. Random Stat: I've lost my feel for short pitches, need to get it back.
Janaury 16: Went out to Golf Club of Georgia again to play Creekside with a new friend Alan. We hit beforehand for a while, played 18 and then I stayed a bit afterwords until dark to work on short shots. 7,613 remain. Random Stat: lost a few balls and had a tough front 9 for a total round score of 94.
January 15: Had a short day out. Just wanted to focus in on a few things before heading out to play the Golf Course of Georgia tomorrow. Got a few things sorted out in the three hours I spent at Cartersville. 7,617 remain. Random Stat: stop swinging your arms when your shoulders stop turning for shorter clubs.
January 14: Much nicer out. Was a great day of practice, am making some good headway to where I need to be. 7,620 remain. Random Stat: Gotta get those arms out in front of my body and stop crossing the club back across me at the top of my swing.
January 13: Freezing. Not the best day to forget one's coat.. The course didn't open until after noon but that was okay as it was a filming day with the producer and crew. We shot the next three episodes of The Dan Plan and then when they left there were three hours of light remaining to practice. 7,626 remain. Random Stat: I've now shot par of better on every hole. Going to see what a full round brings tomorrow.
January 12: The stuff I've been working on over the past couple of days is startig to click. It usually takes a couple of days and that's exactly what has happened. Good to know! 7,629 remain. Random Stat: Went out to try and par three specific holes and got a par on all of them from the tips, now just need to hit those holes during the round.
January 11: Put in four hours after which I knew that if I did any more it wouldn't be in the right direction so went to workout and read for the rest of the day. 7,634 remain. Random Stat: starting to get a better feeling for lag.
January 10: Good day. Worked on some new stuff after a tip by Cartersville Pro Scott Hamilton, he's a good guy and had some good pointers. Spent almost all day on the range. 7,638 remain. Random Stat: The more you know the more you can pull from when making your decisions.
January 9: Worked out then headed to the course for a three hour range session. Afterwords, went for a jog and was strangely mentally tired so decided it was better to not practice sub-optimally so did some relaxation exercises and called it a day around dinner time. Not sure where the time actually went.. 7,644 remain. Random Stat: If I de-loft the putter a hair I can get it rolling on a straighter line.
January 8: Full day up at Cartersville Country Club. Practiced everything then played a quick 27 holes through the downpours of what seemed to be summer showers in January. 7,647 remain. Random Stat: shot a poor 90 for 18 then a marginally better 42 for 9.
January 7: Practiced for five hours up at Cartersville Country Club going through a new routine of sorts that I hope to blog about this evening. Was an eye opening session. 7,653 remain. Random Stat: I need to really focus on chipping for a while.
January 6: Spent half the day at Terminus Club in Buckhead, GA and had a great swing analysis with Jon Tattersal and Nick Garrity. Only one hour to report for practice, but there was much more learned and discussed. 7,658 remain. Random Stat: Need to fire my glutes more and quads less.
January 5: Last day with my brother before he moved to Zurich, so I didnt' get out to the course until after his plane took off. Got in 3 hours out at Cartersville and it was a solid 3 hours full of realizations about moving off of the ball in the swing. 7,659 remain. Random Stat: shot an 85 from the blue tees.
January 4: Spent the day up at Cartersville Country club on the range, putting green and on course. It was a great day despite the cold. Finally put in a full day and am ready for a lot more to come. 7,662 remain. Random Stat: shot an 89 from the blues on my first round up there, just couldn't drop a put to save my life and dunked a ball on a par for for a 7 total.
January 2: Finally back to work. Was a blustery cold day of 38 degrees and 25mph winds. I'd never played in winds quite like that before, it was a good experience. Practice and a round. 7,668 remain. Random Stat: played 36 holes and shot 84, 88.
December 31: Met producer Peter at the Capitol City Club Crabapple course for a new years eve round. Final round of the year was a beautiful one, although it wasn't an 80 breaker.. 7,673 remain. Random Stat: shot a 92 from the blues out there.
December 30: Spent an afternoon out on the range hitting and giving lessons to my father and brother. Was a great way to celebrate my dad's birthday, bringing him to a golf course for the first time. 7,676 remain. Random Stat: he seems to have a nack for the driver.
December 28: Hit balls for a bit then went to the Golf Club of Georgia to warm up and then play 18 with some new friends. That's a great facility. We played the Lakeside course and had a great time with it. 7,677 remain. Random Stat: didn't keep score, but it was my first round ever with a full set.
December 26: Got out to a course with a grass range and chipping/putting area. Put in a solid four hours and it felt good to get back to work. 7,680 remain. Random Stat: I've never hit off of Bermuda grass, looks like it gives good lies but can be tough to chip out of.
December 24: Drove around my new settings in Marietta looking for a good range to practice at. Found a couple and stayed for a large bucket at one to break in the new clubs. It's different having 14 clubs to hit with! 7,684 remain. Random Stat: Love hitting the fairway woods for the first time.
December 19: Went to Camas Meadows to play a round and got in a solid hour of practice beforehand and after the 18 spent an hour with coach CS at RedTail golf center working on the TrackMan swing system. 7,685 remain. Random Stat: losing 7 balls on poor drives caused me to shoot about 94 today.
December 18: Spent four hours with coach CS out at Pumpkin Ridge today for an extended end of the year type lesson. We filmed all aspects of the swing and putt and worked on everything, as well as started to lay out a game plan for my trip to Atlanta. 7,691 remain. Random Stat: Changed back to the Method putter for the coming months.
December 16: Warmed up for a while then played 18 out at Rose City then met my coach for a few hours of lesson time at CECC. 7,695 remain. Random Stat: shot an 87 from the Blues.
December 15: I'm giving away too many strokes. Played 18 at East moreland for the first time and practiced putting and chipping for an hour before and then two hours afterwords. 7,701 remain Random Stat: Shot a 90 from the Blues.
December 14: Played Heron with three good sticks and had some good holes and some bad, but the bad was almost all due to lack of confidence in chipping. My short chips have been lacking in style points for about a week and it's time to go back to the drawing board and find that confidence. 7,706 remain. Random Stat: shot an 85 on the Greenback course from the blue tees.
December 13: The lack of sunlight and frozen conditions are getting annoying. Practiced for a couple hours and then two more on the course. 7,710 remain. Random Stat: Shot an 87 from the blues on the Great Blue course at Heron.
December 12: Was a truncated day due to frost delays lasting until noon and then a meeting I had to attend at 3. But, managed to fit in 2 hours in between the frost and commute. 7,714 remain. Random Stat: played 9 holes, had 5 pars, 2 bogeys and 2 bad holes.
December 10: Played 18 with the idea of shot execution in my mind only. Hit some great shots and lost a few strokes to fat hits, but all in all I enjoyed the round and learned a lot about how to manage 18 holes. 7,716 remain. Random Stat: shot an 89 from the blues at Heron with completely frozen greens.
December 9: Met my coach for a nine hole on course lesson that was more about the two of us playing so he could get a better understanding of how I was managing the game. Went well and afterwords I played nine more with the new idea of "shot by shot" play rather than score focussed play. Practice on the range came after that. 7,719 remain. Random stat: didn't keep any score, but judged myself on shot execution.
December 8: Had a two hour lesson with CS then hit for a while out at a range before playing a pretty cool simulator down at Trails End Driving range in the evening for a while. 7,724 remain. Random Stat: played St Andrews on the simulator and shot about 18 over, almost all of that was putting though as it was hard to get a feel for distance.
December 7: Practiced for two hours then played 18 over at Heron. I realized, with the help of my buddy Eric, that I overthink the game while I play it and need to just play golf when out there, one shot at a time. 7,728 remain. Random Stat: Shot an 85 from the blues on the Greenback course.
December 6: Instead of playing 18 to try and break 80 today I realized that first I needed a short course refresher, as well as to figure out a kink in my putting stroke.. Think things are more settled now. 7,732 remain. Random Stat: chip like you're hitting downhill drive like you're hitting uphill.
December 5: Was a CECC range and short course day. Practiced the new setup and swing moves both slow motion and in real speed then went to the short course to work on less wrist hinge on chips and pitches. 7,736 remain. Random Stat: shot 9 over for the first 18 then with the shots down better shot 3 over for the second 18 on the par 3 course.
December 4: Hit balls and putts for an hour then had a three hour on course lesson with Christopher Smith. Worked on stance and driver shots a good bit. 7,741 remain. Random Stat: There's a video posted from the lesson, lots to work on especially with setup.
December 2: Practiced for a couple of hours and then played 18 out at Cedar's in Battleground, Washington. Didn't shoot well and didn't keep score, but it felt like all of my approach shots were fat. 7,745 remain. Random Stat: Had a string of one-putts, five in a row, but outside of that there wasn't much good to tell about the round.
December 1: Practiced for an hour then play 18 over at Broadmoor for the first time (it's the closest course to my house, not sure why I've never played it) and shot ok outside of two bad holes. 7,749 remain. Random Stat: shot an 89 out there from the blues.
November 30: Had a photo shoot with Men's Journal for most of the day, but still got in about 2 hours of practice. It's pretty tiring to pose in golf postures all day.. 7,753 remain. Random Stat: got a birdie on the 9th hole for the first time, and while being photographed.
November 29: Practiced for a couple of hours and then played 18 followed by some practice and a trip to Red Tail to work on the TrackMan system for a couple of hours. 7,755 remain. Random Stat: shot an 83 from the blues at Heron Lakes on the Greeenback.
November 28: Back at it! Got in a full day including 18 towards the end. It was the best I have played to date and was on track to be my first sub 80 round but a couple of lost balls on the back nine kept that mark away. 7,761 remain. Random Stat: shot an 82 from the blues at Heron Lakes on the Greenback course.
November 27: Went to CECC in the morning to meet with KATU news for a story then put in two hours. Was on a mental vacation and couldn't concentrate, so took the remainder of the day to start wrapping up my house for my 3 month absence beginning in a few weeks. 7,767 remain. Random Stat: worked it putting, had to make 5 2-putts (or better) in a row from at least 30 feet on each green before progressing to the next.
November 26: Was going to stay away from the course for four days, but it was beckoning so I went out for an hour of practice and 18 holes. 7,769 remain. Random Stat: shot an 89 on the Great Blue course at Heron Lakes.
November 22: Packing for this week's trip to the girlfriend's parent's house and an almost-flooded basement (had to dig out some window wells and bail lots of water) limited practice to just two hours today. But, even with 40mph gusts and over 2 inches of rain, I shot my best front nine at CECC to date. 7,773 remain. Random Stat: shot a 39 on the front nine of CECC from the whites.
November 21: Despite the rain (there were only two other golfers out all day) I got in 2 hours of range and green work and then 18 holes, afterwords I spent some more time on the range working on fades and draws. 7,775 remain. Random Stat: Shot an 83 from the whites at Columbia Edgewater.
November 20: Spent an hour warming up at course A just to find out I was actually playing course B across town, so had to bust it to get down to B for the tee time, and made it running up to the tee about five minutes late. I was way rushed and shot 5 over on the first two holes. 7,780 remain. Random Stat: shot a 90 at Stone Creek Golf Course from the blues.
November 19: The amount of light in the day is really putting a damper on things.. Put in 5 hours at CECC and with small breaks between exercises it was about the most I could fit in. 7,784 remain. Random Stat: shot an 85 from the blue tees.
November 18: Range and working on new driver stance for most of the day, as well as a bunch of lag putting to get my feel back there. 7,789 remain. Random Stat: shot a 44 from the blue tees on the front 9 of Columbia Edgewater.
November 17: Was a four hour lesson day with CS working on driver and putting. Did a lot of on course work as well as video analysis. 7,793 remain. Random Stat: a stronger grip keeps the ball from slicing for me.
November 16: Hit the TaylorMade performance lab at CECC for a swing analysis and then worked on the range and hit a few holes before heading down to spend the afternoon with physical therapist Shawn Dailey developing this winter's workouts. 7,797 remain. Random Stat: my driver club head speed is 105mph.
November 15: Practiced for an hour then played 18 holes at Heron Lakes. 7,800 remain. Random Stat: my putting is just off right now across the board, think I lost my confidence and need to get it back asap.
November 14: Warmed up for a while on the range and then played 36 holes of true link style golf, which was completely new to me. I'll count it as five hours of learning and deliberate practice despite the fact that I was out there for about 11. 7,803 remain. Random Stat: shot a 94 on the Pacific dunes course.
November 13: Had a two hour long driver lesson then hit the road for Bandon Dunes. 7,808 remain. Random Stat: Not much, just learned how to address the ball for a drive :)
November 12: I put in just two hours of actual physical golf work today and the rest of the day was dedicated to mental work and getting ready for my trip to Bandon tomorrow after the first driver lesson in the morning. 7,810 remain. Random Stat: trust in the swing, you don't have time to change it in mid-air.
November 11: Worked on the range through the cold morning figuring out a few internal feels, then putted and short chipped for an hour before taking it to the par 3 course for 36 holes of competitive golf with a 2 handicapper. 7,812 remain. Random Stat: The 2 handicap golfer won by 4 strokes after 36 holes, but I was up by a few at one point, just had a couple poor closing holes.
November 10: Practiced 2 hours before heading down to see Shawn Dailey for a new winter workout routine/schedule. We worked on things for a while and by the time I got back to the course there were only two hours of light left, but they were two good ones. 7,817 remain. Random Stat: The power of the drive starts in the rear leg, fire those leg muscles!
November 9: Practiced long sticks and short iron through the morning and then after an hour of putting played 18. In the afternoon it was range work and finished with putting. 7,821 remain. Random Stat: shot an 84 out at Columbia Edgewater from the whites.
November 8: Spent three hours with range work and putting then played 18 holes at Heron Lakes. Shot well despite a lost ball and 7 on one hole. 7,827 remain. Random Stat: shot an 82 on the Greenback course from the whites.
November 7: I'm starting to understand where the power comes from in the swing. Getting my easy iron shots out much further. Practiced for three hours and then played a full 18 pretty quickly. 7,833 remain. Random Stat: shot 87 on the Great Blue course at Heron Lakes.
November 6: It's the quality of the hours. I got in a very good four hours today and honestly felt like my concentration would be low if I continued, so I hit the gym and called it a day. Lot's of good things happened. 7,839 remain. Random Stat: Shot a surprising 8 over for 18 holes of par 3 golf. But, I was happy with how I was hitting it, just figuring some things out.
November 5: After a few days in San Fran doing some "field research" (ie meeting and following a couple Champions Tour golfers) I got back to work on my swing today. Very glad to be out there and grinding! 7,843 remain. Random Stat: I think I now understand where the power of the swing comes from, my core muscles felt like they were firing the right way for the first time.
October 31: Got in a full day of practice alone and three hours with my coach out on the course. It was good to get out with him and play some holes so he could get a feel for where I was at with a few odds and ends. 7,846 remain. Random Stat: he beat me by a lot of strokes..
October 29: First tournament! Went out early and warmed up and then we played an 18-hole tournament. Afterwords I celebrated by playing 9 holes. 7,852 remain. Random Stat: as a two-person team we placed 3rd of 72 teams.
October 28: Practiced for three hours and then played 9 holes. I took the rest of the afternoon off to rest up a bit for tomorrow's tournament, should be a blast! 7,858 remain. Random Stat: Shot 4 over for 18 holes on the par 3 course.
October 27: Worked short game and putting for 3 hours and then played a handful (36) holes on the par 3 Mason course. 7,862 remain. Random Stat: shot 4 over for 36 holes of par 3 golf.
October 26: Practiced short game for 3 hours and then played 18 holes at Columbia Edgewater. 7,866 remain. Random Stat: Got a bit of mojo back and shot an 86 for 18 from the whites.
October 25: Putting practice for a while in the morning and then hit up 18 holes at Heron in the afternoon. It was still a high scoring day, energy level is not quite back yet, but will be by tomorrow. 7,871 remain. Random Stat: shot a 98 on the Great Blue course.
October 24: After spending two days resting to get over an illness I went to CECC for four hours today. That was about as much energy as I could muster, but it was great to get back out there. 7,876 remain. Random Stat: shot my career worst and first 100 today.
October 21: Went to Red Tail Golf Course for a club fitting on the TrackMan system there and learned a lot about my swing. Then went to CECC for some implementation of the new swing thoughts. 7,880 remain. Random Stat: We bent my irons to 2 degrees flat.
October 20: Started at Pumpkin Ridge for a two hours lesson and some practice time then headed to Columbia Edgewater for a couple afternoon hours. 7,885 remain. Random Stat: need to keep my shoulders square at impact.
October 19: Lots of interuptions today, but a solid 2 hours of practice at CECC and then 18 holes over at Lake Oswego Par 3 course (which is a good challenge, you really have to stick the small greens). 7,890 remain. Random Stat: shot 16 over for 18 holesa of par 3 golf.
October 18: Was a full day out at CECC, spent good amount of time all over the place and mainly worked on contact. Afterwords, went out and played 9 holes to see where I stood. 7,894 remain. Random Stat: shot bogey golf for nine.
October 17: Spent 3 hours practicing around Columbia Edgewater and then met up with a few guys to play 18 at Rose City. 7,901 remain. Random Stat: shot an 89 at Rose City, had some good tee shots with the 3-hybrid but putted quite poorly, a reverse of what has been going on over the past week.
October 16: Practiced for a couple of hours and then played in a little 6-hole scramble game with Dr. Rob and Terry (former NFL player). 7,907 remain. Random Stat: Rob and I scrambling against Terry, we lost by 3 holes after 6. Terry is a 1 handicap.
October 15: It's the 18 month anniversary today and my play was pretty much on fire. I practiced on the range for a bit and then played 36 par 3 holes with a buddy, Eric. He gave me 7 strokes (he's a 2 handicap) for the 36 holes and won on the last hole by one stroke. My striking was on, though, which is great. 7,910 remain. Random Stat: Shot two over for the 36 holes.
October 14: Hit CECC for three hours in the morning and then went to Heron for 18. 7,913 remain. Random Stat: shot 85 from the whites on the Greenback course.
October 13: Started with a two hour lesson with my coach out at Pumpkin Ridge then headed over to CECC for some practice and 18 holes. A good sunny and rainy day out there. 7,919 remain. Random Stat: shot a 91 from the whites.
October 12: Spent five hours at CECC working on not hitting the ball fat. The winter makes this even more important as a fat shot rips through the ground and can actually go under the ball completely.. 7,925 remain. Random Stat: shot a 50 on the back nine from the blues.
October 11: Went out to the range at CECC after a couple conversations in the morning with performance experts. Spent a couple of hours on the range and putting green, then played 9 holes, then range and finished with 9 rainy holes. 7,930 remain. Random Stat: Playing bogey golf and not too happy about it.
October 10: Back to work officially. After a visit from an old friend over the weekend I'm back to work for good now. Got in a solid 6 hours out at Heron Lakes. 7,936 remain. Random Stat: shot an 89 from the blues on the Greenback course.
October 7: Took a bit of a break there, but am back in action! Practiced out at CECC for 6 hours, a lot of the day was getting back into the swing of things and then played 27 holes. 7,942 remain. Random Stat: shot a 90 from the blues and then a 43 for 9 from the blues at CECC.
September 30: Spent four hours working at CECC and then took an afternoon break for lunch/etc. In the evening, I went back to CECC for a couple of hours of trying to get my 6-iron swing back. 7,948 remain. Random Stat: Cannot get away from hitting fat shots.
September 29: Started off with 9 holes at CECC then had an afternoon conference call with Dr. K Anders Ericsson and then headed to Pumpkin Ridge for a playing lesson with CS. 7,954 remain. Random Stat: just lots to work on, really. Sometimes you need to put your nose to the grindstone more than usual and it's one of those times right now.
September 28: A full day out at CECC with 27 holes and a ton of range work. For some reason, my irons just aren't cutting it right now, but putting is on fire and so is short chips/pitches. It's always something.. 7,960 remain. Random Stat: Shot a 45 for 9 holes on the big course and with only 14 putts, definitely some off irons.
September 27: Not sure why, but the energy level is way down right now. I went in the AM to get my 3-hybrid fixed and then got to the club a bit later. Hit on the range and practiced on the chipping/pitching area for 4 hours. Solid practice, but I need to figure my irons out. 7,966 remain. Random Stat: Shot even for 18 holes on the Mason course.
September 26: Fall is here. Spent 3 hours out at CECC playing around with my new swing thoughts. The course is being punched and there was a tournament going on so the range was a bit full, so went home to work on some other aspects of my training. 7,970 remain. Random Stat: New swing thoughts = hitting the ground a lot. It's a transition and will pay off down the line, just need to remember not to get frustrated.
September 25: Went out for a lesson to Pumpkin Ridge. Needed to have a tune up on short chips and full swings. By the sound of it, I'm on track with my swing but am just a hair off with contact, which will come in time. 7,973 remain. Random Stat: I'm going to start aligning with the ball a fraction closer to the toe for the next week.
September 24: I decided to go out for a little bit on my day off and was in such a good zone that I ended up putting in five hours. Had a good bit of realizations about how to stand tall and keep tall through the swing. 7,977 remain. Random Stat: My 3-hybrid is broken, the head has come loose from the shaft, will have to get that re-glued tomorrow.
September 23: started with two hours of practice and then went out and played 18 holes at Heron Lakes. 7,982 remain. Random Stat: shot an 84 on the Greenback course.
September 22: Put in two hours on the range and then three hours out on the short course at CECC. 7,988 remain. Random Stat: Lost by about 3 strokes to my friend "Country Club" after 36 holes on the Mason Course.
September 21: Double header. Played 36 holes at Heron Lakes, both the Green and Blue courses. Was a learning experience about how I perform when tired by the end of the day. 7,993 remain. Random Stat: Shot 86 on both.
September 19: Was a solid good day to hit 2,000 hours. Started at Heron and played 18, then hit the range and putting areas of CECC for a couple of hours and topped it off with 9 holes out at CECC. 8,000 remain. Random Stat: shot an 83 out at Heron on the greenback from the whites, including a 10 on the first hole.
September 18: Spent a Sunday morning on the range for an hour, hitting nine holes and then a bit of putting work, what a great way to spend a day! 8,007 remain. Random Stat: Shot a PR of 40 for 9 at CECC.
September 17: Was going to take the day off, but felt like hitting the range for an hour and getting in 18. Was hitting the new style shot better today than yesterday. 8,010 remain. Random Stat: shot an 86 out at CECC
September 16: Had a lot to work on out at CECC with all that CS pointed out, so my plate is full for this next week. Practiced on the range for 4 hours then played 18 with my new ball position and stance. 8,013 remain. Random Stat: shot an 87 out at CECC.
September 15: Had a two hour lesson with CS and then practiced here and there for an hour. Lots to work on this week. 8,019 remain. Random Stat: need to get my head behind the ball.
September 14: Practiced for a few hours out at CECC and then headed over to the Lake Oswego par 3 course to play a round with physical therapist Shawn Dailey. 8,022 remain. Random Stat: Lost to Shawn by 3 strokes, will get him next time!
September 13: Full day started at Heron for five hours and ended over at CECC for a 2-hour sunset practice. Feeling really great about the progress to date and am excited about getting to the course every day, which is a good thing. 8,028 remain. Random Stat: shot an 86 on the Great Blue course at Heron.
September 12: Was a Heron of a day out there. Practiced for two hours then played 9 holes then practiced on the range for an hour and finished with an 18 hole round that kind of fell apart a bit. 8,035 remain. Random Stat: shot a 49 on the first 9-hole outting, not very sharp.
September 11: Another fantastic day. Today, I spent 4 hours out at CECC working on 3-hybrids and general control of all of my clubs. 8,041 remain. Random Stat: shot one over for 18 holes on the Mason Course.
September 10: One of the hottest (and best) days of the year. Was out at CECC for a solid six hour day and had a good bit of mechanic realizations. 8,045 remain. Random Stat: shot an 89 for 18 on the big course. Had two triple bogey holes.
September 9: Was a bit worn out from the week of filming so instead of pushing it on less than optimal focus I made it a four hour day. Was actually the best day of practice in a long time, I feel like I'm on the verge of a good hitting spell and figured out some putting issues. 8,051 remain. Random Stat: Shot one over for 18 holes on the Mason course.
September 8: Practiced for two hours out at Heron while the production complany filmed some interviews, then went for a two hour lesson with Christopher out at Pumpkin where we worked on putting and some on-course stuff. 8,055 remain. Random Stat: My putting stroke had gotten a bit truncated.
September 7: Not sure what to put down for today. It was a super long one of being filmed while playing. Got in 9 on the Mason course and 9 full holes, as well as a pure hour of practice. In all, I'll call it three hours. 8,059 remain. Random Stat: shot even on the Mason course for 9.
September 6: Hit the range at CECC for a couple of hours and then headed over to Heron for 18 holes. A videographer showed up for the back nine putting a bit more pressure on me and my score took a bit of a hit.. 8,062 remain. Random Stat: shot a 90 on the Great Blue golf course.
September 5: Started over at CECC for a couple hours then moved it to Rose City for the rest of the day. 8,068 remain. Random Stat: Shot an 87 over at Rose City from the whites.
September 2: I really can't believe it's September, but then again I am constantly shocked it's 2011. Went to CECC for a few hours, then had a lunch break, then back to CECC for some short course work. At one point in the day I "got it" but then an hour later I completely "lost it" and that's golf. 8,074 remain. Random Stat: By the end of the day I had completely lost it, but at least left after making one solid shot with every club.
September 1: Practiced at CECC for about an hour then headed to Portland Golf Club to play 18 with Dr. Seth Alley. Afterwords, I stayed there for about an hour and practiced on the range and their chipping area. 8,078 remain. Random Stat: Shot a 89 from the whites out there.
August 31: Skipped around from CECC early morning to Heron then back to CECC for the evening. In the middle of the day I got a flat tire, but a very quick fix got me back on the road. 8,083 remain. Random Stat: shot a 45 with the new mechanics for nine holes out at CECC.
August 30: Got a late start to today due to spending the night and morning with a friend in the hospital, but still made it out to the course for a few hours. 8,089 remain. Random Stat: I think I understand what I need to do with my swing now, just have to do it.
August 29: Full day at Heron working on the new mechanics CS has me doing. It's a big shift of ball forward more in my stance and my body aligned a bit differently, so it will be a long week of adjusting. 8,093 remain. Random Stat: keep it off the course while working on mechanics for mental sanity.
August 28: A good swing lesson with CS out at Pumpkin Ridge. Got the 3-hybrid out for the first time and loved it. Stuck around for a few hours afterwords for some practice. 8,099 remain. Random Stat: Not sure how far it went, but it felt pretty darn good to get that ball out there with the longer stick.
August 26: Four hours at CECC and a couple over at Heron and then I knew it was the end of the week. Lots of sore moving parts in this body, a full day of rest will do wonders. 8,103 remain. Random Stat: Not much to tell today, just worked on lots of mechanics.
August 25: Full sunny day out at CECC. I practiced for four hours on the chipping area, putting green and range and then met a guy named Rob for some holes on the big course. Afterwords, I stuck around and worked out some kinks before the sun went down. 8,109 remain. Random Stat: Shot a 44 on the back nine of the big course, including a 10 on one hole (tried to Tin Cup it over the water a couple of times..)
August 24: The entire beautiful day was at Columbia Edgewater (CECC). Lots of good bunker and short game practice and I played nine holes from 160-ish yards. 8,115 remain. Random Stat: shot 4 over for those 9 holes. (par 3 each)
August 23: Morning was CECC, then to McMenamin's Edgefield for some chip and putt practice, then over to Rose City for an evening 9. 8,121 remain. Random Stat: shot 41 on the back 9 of Rose City.
August 22: Was a full day split between Heron and CECC. Practiced at Heron and then met my coach out at Columbia for a few hours of lessons. Perfect day. 8,127 remain. Random Stat: we played nine for dinner and I lost by three strokes. Had some opennings to catch up on the last few holes, but had dug too deep a hole.
August 21: Went to CECC for a few hours of practice and played the Mason course once, landing my first hole-in-one which was simply awesome. 8,133 remain. Random Stat: shot a 3 under for 18 holes on the Mason.
August 19: Back at it. Went to CECC to work on everything including playing 9 from the white tees for the first time. 8,136 remain. Random Stat: shot a 41 for 9 from the whites.
August 18: Was a day where I felt exhausted. Perhaps the long day in the sun yesterday had something to do with it, not sure, but I felt so so tired I couldn't really focus after a couple of hours. 8,142 remain.
August 17: Played 2 full 18 holes rounds today from the white tees to get some course management knowledge in and practiced a bit in between. 8,144 remain. Random Stat: shot a 97 on the first round and a 90 on the second.
August 16: Went to CECC for 6 hours and worked on short game a good bit. Putting seems to be hot right now. 8,151 remain. Random Stat: shot 2 over for 18 holes on the Mason course. Still not averaging even, but getting close.
August 15: back to it and nicely inspired. put in a solid 6 hour day between CECC and Heron. Practiced everything, but especially moving my hips laterally in my full swing. 8,157 remain. Random Stat: shot a 46 for 9 holes from the whites for the first time out at Heron.
August 9: Got in one hour before heading to the airport for Atlanta. 8,163 remain.
August 8: Last day before heading to Atlanta to watch the PGA Championship went well. I began at Heron and ended at CECC. 8,164 remain. Random Stat: shot a 42 on the front of the Great Blue course with a 6-iron from the red tees.
August 7: Sunday on the range. Spent three hours out at CECC working on all sorts of different things. I played a few holes on the mason course and felt like I was playing very well despite the score. 8,170 remain. Random Stat: shot 5 over for 18 holes on the Mason course.
August 6: It was Saturday, but I really felt like practice so went to CECC for 3 hours and worked on bunker shots and short roll-out chips. 8,173 remain. Random Stat: felt like I played well, but shot 5 over for 18 holes on the Mason course.
August 5: Got out to CECC early, around 8, to get in an hour before the Portland Monthly people came out to film a bit. Then, stuck around for the rest of the day and played with Eric as well as practiced a good bit. 8,176 remain. Random Stat: He beat my by 4 on 18 holes of Mason Course play.
August 4: Started with a lesson out at Pumpkin and then transitioned to CECC for the afternoon. 8,182 remain. Random Stat: Shot one over for 18 holes on the Mason course.
August 3: Back in action! First day back to the range and green was great as always. Played some holes and got in a few hours of practice. Glad to be back. 8,188 remain. Random Stat: shot a 42 on the back nine of the Great Blue course from the red tees.
July 28: Last day before heading to Montana for a wedding. Spent two hours at CECC and two at Heron. 8,194 remain. Random Stat: My body is ready for a couple of rest days, for sure.
July 27: Was a shorter day of about 4 hours split between Heron and CECC. I actually had a bunch of great realizations, though. Think I'm starting to understand the full swing, now just need to do it! 8,198 remain. Random Stat: shot 2 over on the Mason course for 18 holes.
July 26: Morning was time put in over at Heron and then the afternon was filled with some range, short game work and a few holes out at CECC. 8,202 remain. Random Stat: Shot about five over out on the Mason course. learning.
July 25: The entire day was out at CECC today. I practiced a lot and then played a game with an LPGA player who completely crushed me on the Mason par 3 course. Lots to learn. 8,208 remain. Random Stat: she won by a commanding 16 strokes after 18 holes.
July 24: Went to CECC and hit the driving range, chipping area, putting green and Mason course. Three hours of work in total and had some great realizations about my swing and where the clubhead should be at impact. 8,214 remain. Random Stat: shot 2 over for 18 holes on the Mason course.
July 23: Put in one hour out at CECC on chipping and putting, was a bit sore and it was Saturday so decided to lay low after that. 8,217 remain.
July 22: End of a good week, feels like everything is getting back on track and the full swing is coming along. Spent most of the day out at Heron with a two hour stint over at CECC. 8,218 remain. Random Stat: Shot 2 over for 18 holes on the Mason course.
July 21: Learned a lot during a 3 hour fitting in the AM then brought those thoughts out to Heron for 2 hours and then went to CECC for a couple hours in the evening. 8,224 remain.
July 20: Spent three hours out at Heron on the range and then two over at CECC getting ready for a club fitting tomorrow. 8,230 remain. Random Stat: figured out a few things with my full swing, we'll see if they work in the morning.
July 19: Was a McMenamin's Par 3 morning for 3 hours, then off to Heron to work on the full swing on the range. 8,235 remain. Random Stat: shot par for the first ten holes and 7 over for the second ten holes, then 3 under for the final 8 holes of the day.
July 18: Spent the morning at CECC working short pitches and putting then headed to Heron for a round where I played pretty terrible, couldn't get the 8-iron working for some reason. 8,240 remain. Random Stat: shot 1 over for 18 holes on the Mason and about 100 for a round at Heron.
July 16: I decided to hit the range for a bit today despite it being Saturday and hit them pretty well. so, then went out on the empty course for a while to see where my accuracy stood. 8,246 remain. Random Stat: 2/3 rule. I'm hitting 2 out of 3 8-irons where I want them, better then the 1/2 rule of two weeks ago.
July 15: A full day out at CECC. Got the 6-iron out for the first time and hit some great initial shots with that, can't wait until the day I get to bring it out to the course.. 8,249 remain. Random Stat: shot well on the Mason course, but had about 3 3-putts on 36 holes.
July 14: Back on track. went for a 2 hours lesson and then hit Heron for 4 hours in the afternoon. Felt back to my normal golfing self after a couple off days. 8,255 remain. Random Stat: birdied my first par 5 hole, hit 3 140 yard 8-irons and then sank a 60 foot putt.
July 13: Another tough day with morale, must be a small cycle and I hope it will be over by tomorrow. Just getting a bit frustrated with the game, alsthough it's always something.. 8,261 remain. Random Stat: Starting playing 9 holes, but went back to the putting green after a couple, need to work on mechanics rather than play holes right now.
July 12: Was not so good of a day. I got really frustrated out there and was put off so much I had to call it a day, could just not focus in a positive way. Got in four hours before the mini-meltdown.. 8,265 remain. Random stat: shot 5 over for 18 holes on the Mason course.
July 11: Great day. Spent the first three hours out at Heron on the range and playing the Great Blue course then went to CECC for four hours of putting, chipping, range and some holes. 8,269 remain. Random Stat: shot a 44 on the front nine of the Great Blue course, on track for my best round there.
July 10: A short day out on the course, worked on contact for three hours at CECC and then spent the rest of the day getting ready for the week to come. 8,276 remain. Random Stat: 8-irons are coming off clean right now.
July 8: Was a CECC day today. Went out for three hours and then two more after an afternoon break. Wanted to get in six, but was the end of a long week and five seemed to be a good time to cut it off. 8,279 remain. Random Stat: Shot 4 over for 9 holes of worst ball, it felt better than last week.
July 7: Spent most of the day hanging out with a writer and teaching him how to play golf and then went back out for a solid three hours of practice. 8,284 remain. Random Stat: shot 3 over for 18 holes of par 3 golf.
July 6: Put in three and a half hours out at CECC working on some short game stuff then after a break went to Heron for three hours of some playing/range work. 8,288 remain. Random Stat: Shot 11 over for the front nine of the Great Blue course from the red tees, was off and on.
July 5: Game on! I felt back to my normal non-medicated self. Didn't need allergy meds today and felt back in things. Practiced for 3.5 hours out at CECC on the short course side, then after a break practiced for 2.5 hours on the big course side. 8,294 remain. Random Stat: for nine holes each: shot 5 over from 140, 4 over from 100 and even from 75 yards.
July 4: Spent three hours out at CECC on the range and short course, and did some putting, then split for some Fourth BBQ. 8,300 remain. Random Stat: My balls are going much straighter now!
July 3: Went to Pumpkin for a lesson and CS figured out why I had been pushing the ball so much: my takeaway was way open and so I was not getting the club back to square on contact, good to know. 8,303 remain.
July 1: Spent the first day of July getting handily beat by my friend Eric out on the Mason course of CECC. Was a horrible show on my part, but still, we had fun and I had some realizations about my swing. Good day. 8,306 remain. Random Stat: at one point, I shot 11 over for 9 holes of par 3 golf, my worst rounds to date.
June 30: Morning was at CECC practicing and paying some worst ball then went to Heron for some putting and driving range in the afternoon. 8,312 remain. Random Stat: shot 11 over for 18 holes of worst ball.
June 29: Split the day between Heron in the morning and Edgewater in the afternoon. Not feeling completely connected to my body right now with the allergies and allergy meds, but am trying to learn how to play through that kind of thing, just use your body however you can for that day. 8,318 remain. Random Stat: shot 5 over for 9 holes of worst ball.
June 28: Hay Fever's getting me down... Went out to CECC for three hours of practice and then off for lunch. Back in the afternoon for 3 more hours where I couldn't seem to stop hoselling the ball, my head's not screwed on right today at all. 8,324 remain. Random Stat: shot 4 over on the Mason course playing "worst ball"
June 27: Birthday golfing! went out for five hours in the AM then back for an hour in the PM. Was good to practice some short chips after missing a few on the round I played Friday. Back to basics. 8,330 remain. Random Stat: played 9 holes of "worst ball" and shot 5 over for a par 3, need to get that down to par!
June 24: Finally back to work. Got in a good six hours today of mixed practice and hole action. Felt good to be back at it after a few days of filming stuff. 8,336 remain. Random Stat: Was playing bogey golf for a while but then hit a couple troubles and two holes of 4 over each.
June 22: Filmed all day then got in two hours at the end after everything settled.. 8,342 remain. Random Stat: There will be a time when I will need someone to arrange these media type sessions around my practice :)
June 21: Got in just two hours before other aspects of the day took me away from training. Will make this up this weekend.. 8,344 remain. Random Stat: my draw is actually looking really good right now.
June 20: Warmed up, played a full tournament and then hit a little in the afternoon to end up with about 4 hours on the day. The day was actually a lot longer, but it seems like there was about 4+ hours of actual learning and practice. 8,346 remain. Random Stat: My team shot a 62 in the scramble.
June 18: Went out to get my putting groove back and glad I did because I not only figured out what was going askew there, but also figured out a bit about my draw, so a good short day of three hours. 8,350 remain. Random Stat: shot 4 over on 18 holes out on the par 3 Mason course.
June 17: Was out on the course for a long time today and actually played a large number of holes with different people, a good sunny day. Probably played 60 par 3 holes and got some range work and green work in too. 8,353 remain. Random Stat: Played very well at first and then when it "counted" my game went down hill fast, but I learned a lot from the experience.
June 16: Put in three hours of practice and short course play out at CECC and then went to Pumpkin for a 2 hour lesson with CS and another hour of practice beforehand. A good day full of new golfind ideas. 8,359 remain. Random Stat: shot even for 18 holes of par 3 golf on the Mason Course.
June 15: Full morning out at CECC with some range, putting and the back nine of the big course then headed over for some chips and pitches as well as a few holes on the Mason. Took a lunch break and went back to it in the afternoon. 8,365 remain. Random Stat: For nine holes each, shot 8 over from 140 yards, even from 100 yards and 1 under from 75 yards. Moved the distances back since yesterday.
June 14: Went and played a few holes for the first time out at CECC after a couple hours of range and green practice. Then went back to pitch for an hour in the afternoon. 8,371 remain. Random Stat: shot 9 over for 27 holes, 6 of those"overs" coming from 140 yards.
June 13: I pushed it today to see how I'd play when a little mentally/physically tired. So, practiced for 5 hours over at Heron and then played the par 3 course in a competitive setting (played someone with something on the line) out at Columbia Edgewater for 2 hours. 8,376 remain. Random Stat: We played 36 holes and I won by 2 strokes, my first time winning a betting game.
June 12: Just a short day since I went out for a half day yesterday, went out for about an hour of hitting to get a feel for what CS wants me to do this week. 8,383 remain. Random Stat: Not much here, just remembered to always pay attention to what the body is doing.
June 11: Went out for a rare Saturday (normal day off) lesson at Pumpkin Ridge. Got out there about 2 hours early to practice and then had an hour long lesson. Learned a lot and have a good bit to work on this coming week. 8,384 remain. Random Stat: still working on that swing..
June 10: First full day of practice at the new course. Went very well, I practiced chips, pitches, full swings, putting, played the Mason course and then did it all again. 8,387 remain. Random Stat: Shot one under for 9 holes on the par 3 course.
June 9: Started out at Heron for a couple hours and then went to the new club for two hours before a lunch break and a jog, then back to the new club for two evening hours. 8,393 remain. Random Stat: Played 36 holes of par 3 golf and shot 5 over total.
June 8: Spent the morning getting orientated at the new golf course, then after lunch put in four hours of practice at the course, which was great! 8,399 remain. Random Stat: Played the 9-hole par 3 course and shot a 29, not bad for the first round back!
June 7: First day back after the first vacation went well. My swing was back to where I left it, but it seems that my touch was a bit rusty, especially on the short chip shots. I practiced for about 4 hours, but didn't play any holes yet. 8,403 remain. Random Stat: My swing was the best when I was getting warmed up, for about the first 45 minutes, before I started thinking too much about it..
May 29: Went out for a lesson with CS today after hitting some balls for about an hour over at Heron. Learned a lot during my lesson and have a lot to work on over the coming weeks! 8,407 remain. Random Stat: CS and I played 9 holes of putting and he won by three strokes, not where I want to be..
May 27: It was a mixed day. My shots are still going left and I can't seem to figure out exactly why, so needless to say I'm excited about my lesson this Sunday, many questions.. 8,410 remain. Random Stat: When you can't self diagnose a swing flaw, it's time to see your coach!
May 26: Worked on short game for the first 2 hours, then the range for 2 and then hit the gym before heading back to Heron to play some holes for 2 hours. Figured out some lag issues with my putting.. 8,415 remain. Random Stat: I played 21 holes from 100 yards and in and shot one under in total.
May 25: A hard day to get in gear. Was overly tired and sore for no good reason, so practiced for 3 hours and realized it was better to focus my energy on other aspects rather than just grind away mindlessly out on the course. 8,421 remain. Random Stat: shot 14 over for nine holes.
May 24: The morning was filled with some short game work out at McMenamin's Par 3 course. Then, in the afternoon, I got in some range work and putting practice out at Heron. 8,424 remain. Random Stat: shot 7 over then 5 over for the two 20-hole rounds of par 3 golf.
May 23: A great day to play some golf. Went out and played 36 holes so I knew what to work on for the rest of the week. Worked for 6 hours, then hit the gym and then went back out to the course for an evening hour. 8,430 remain. Random Stat: shot a 92 on the Great Blue course and an 85 on the Greenback.
May 22: A short Sunday out at Heron. Just worked on the swing mechanics that CS pointed out during our lesson: get the swing plane lower and square up the shoulders. Excited about getting a couple rounds in this week. 8,437 remain. Random Stat: Hit about 8 buckets of balls..
May 21: Had a Saturday lesson with CS today out at Pumpkin. Shot some video of my swing and talked about what the next stages might be over the coming months. 8,440 remain. Random Stat: Before the summer is over, there might be a driver involved in The Plan...
May 20: A short day today due to the fact that I couldn't get out on the course and had some other business to attend to in the evening. But, I'm going out for a lesson tomorrow, so all will even out. Four hours were spent at Heron and they were some of the best four yet. 8,443 remain. Random Stat: Align the shoulders and you will hit it straighter! That's what I learned today..
May 19: Started with some range work at Heron and then went over to McMenamin's Edgefield to play the par 3 with my coach. Was a beautiful day. 8,447 remain. Random Stat: We played head-to-head for 24 holes and he beat my by seven strokes. Not bad on my part, but a long way to go!
May 18: Put in 5 hours of solid putting green and driving range practice before heading to see PT Shawn Dailey about conditioning advice and for a general loosening of the back. A good day, but a bit too much of it was spent in the car.. 8,453 remain. Random Stat: for 9 holes of chipping and putting I scored 22 strokes.
May 17: Broke out the new 8 iron today and had a blast with it. Played 18 and then worked on the range for a few hours, as well as practiced some putting, of course. 8,458 remain. Random Stat: from the red tees, shot 14 over on the front (including 7 over on one hole) and then 6 over on the back for a 92 total.
May 16: Started the week a bit bumpy after having a 24 hr flu on Sunday. But, still got out for 6 hours of practice and hit the gym! 8,464 remain. Random Stat: for 9 holes of difficult putts, I shot 18 strokes.
May 14: Went out to Pumpkin for a lesson, showing up 2 hours early and then working with CS on the course for two hours. A good end to the week. 8,470 remain. Random Stat: still working on getting the club on a flatter swing plane.
May 13: Ended the week well (I say ended, but I am going out to Pumpkin tomorrow, so not sure if it's quite over..) by starting at Heron for 3 hours and then going to a par three down the street for about 2 hours. Nice day, the sun was out and my pitches were on. 8,474 remain. Random Stat: Shot a horrible 7 over on the first round on the par 3..
May 12: Played the par 3 McMenamins course this morning a couple of times. Then, went to Heron for some range work and topped it off on the putting green. A sunny Spring day, it truly was. 8,479 remain. Random Stat: for 20 holes of par 3 golf, I shot 8 over the first time, 3 over the second.
May 11: Some days are for long grinds and some are for testing where you are. Today was a testing day. I played 27 holes (from within 100 yards) over three hours and did pretty well. 8,485 remain. Random Stat: In total, for 27 par-3 holes I shot 3 over. My goal is to be even or under, but 3 over wasn't too bad.
May 10: Was out at the course for a long time today, but can only count 5 of those hours as practice, two in the morning and three in the afternoon. Lots of breaks in between to think about what I was doing right and wrong. 8,488 remain. Random Stat: for nine holes of putting, it took me 18 strokes, all holes were at least 30 feet.
May 9: After two hours of range work, I went down to meet up with Christopher and put some new grips on my wedges. Then, it was back to Heron for 4 hours of playing holes and putting practice. 8,493 remain. Random Stat: For 9 holes each, I shot 1 over from 50 yards, 2 over from 75 yards and even from 100 yards.
May 8: Another week off to a great start. Went out to Heron for what was collectively 5 hours today. Played some holes, worked on the range, worked on the green with a new putter. Good times. 8,499 remain. Random Stat: for 9 holes each: shot 1 over from 50, 3 over from 75 and even from 100 yards.
May 6: Started at Heron, but only lasted an hour due to having so many questions in my swing. So, went to Pumpkin for four hours, including an hour of lesson from CS. I've got new homework and direction for next week! 8,504 remain. Random Stat: For a 9-hole putting competition, I shot 17, one under par and good for me.
May 5: Started the day at a par 3 course near my house for four hours, then headed to Heron Lakes for 2 evening hours. The swing is coming along, but I'm definitely ready for a lesson tomorrow. 8,509 remain. Random Stat: shot 7 over for 18 holes of par 3.
May 4: Busy day out at the course, the sun was up and everyone was out having a good time. I got in 2.5 hours in the morning, took a break to let the course cool down and then went back out for 3.5 hours. Simply a good day. 8,515 remain. Random Stat: played 9 holes from random distances between 50 and 110 yards and shot 2 over, both due to putting..
May 3: After a nice 5-hour morning, I took a lunch break and then hit the gym hard. Afterwords, it was so nice out that I was going to go back out, but realized that I couldn't give it 100 percent if I had (was pretty beat from the day and sun and workout) so instead layed low and got ready for tomorrow's practice. 8,521 remain. Random Stat: a fellow noticed my swing was all based on "arms" and pointed out how to let your core do the work, made a huge difference!
May 2: The week is off to a good start. Practiced for a solid 7 hour day today before heading to the gym for a workout. All was well and my pitching swing is actually much better already after last weeks lesson. 8,526 remain. Random Stat: Played 9 holes from random distance between 50 and 120 yards and shot 2 over.
May 1: Just a short day. Went out to concrete what Christopher had instructed me to do during out lesson on Friday. Two hours out at Heron and then hit the gym and took the rest of the day off to have a great start tomorrow. 8,533 remain. Random Stat: If I stretch out more, the ball goes straighter, and farther. Good stuff.
April 29: woke up early to have a chat with BBC Scotland which went well and then was out at the course so put in four hours at Heron before heading to see CS for a lesson at Pumpkin. Stayed around for two extra hours to make it a great 7 hour end of the week. 8,535 remain. Random Stat: for 9 holes each, shot 2 over from 50, 4 over from 75 and 3 over from 100
April 28: Heron in the morning for 4 hours, then a good workout and back to Heron for what turned into just one hour. Honestly, I've just felt worn down this week and rather than push that extra hour I would rather recoup my energy and get back out there tomorrow. 8,542 remain. Random Stat: For 18 holes from random distance from 60-110 yards, I shot 10 over. Shanked a lot left until I figured out what was going on, my arms were getting way out in front :)
April 27: went out to McMenamins Edgefield today to play the par 3 course for the first time. A great place to practice the short game and I'll have to start going there once week. Played 40 holes over 4 hours and then in the afternoon went to Heron for 2 hours. 8,547 remain. Random Stat: par was 60, I shot a 75, not too good, but 6 months ago it would have been a couple hundred :)
April 26: After an early morning radio interview I hit the links and put in 5 hours before heading to the gym. Afterwords, I planned on going out for two hours, but only made it one because the workout was a particularly good one. 8,553 remain. Random Stat: not a stat, but I realized that I was pushing the ball because I was coming out of my posture, a good thing to have realized.
April 25: Back to work. Woke up feeling under the weather and achy, so figured it was a good chance to get some "sick" training in because you can't take a day off on Tour, so it's good to know how your body functions in that situation. Practiced and played for a little over 6 hours. 8,559 remain. Random Stat: Played 9 holes from 100 yards and shot 5 over, my chipping and putting were excelent, but the "drives" were all going short and left.. Gotta square up.
April 24: Seeing as it was Easter, I cut practice short to have some good food at the neighbors house. Put in two hours of putting and am glad I did because it's really starting to work for me. 8,565 remain. Random Stat: for nine holes of putting, I shot an 18.
April 22: A great end to another amazing week. Spent four hours on putting and short game, hit the gym and then went out and worked on some pitching shots for two hours. 8,567 remain. Random Stat: putting is getting better! lags were falling like Niagra.
April 21: Put in four hours of good putting practice, then hit the gym before going back out for one hour on my way to see PT Shawn for a mechanics talk. It rained, the sun was out, it rained, sun, rain, sun, rain. confused day, this one. 8,573 remain. Random Stat: Played 15 holes and had 3 3-putts, still not acceptable, but it's getting to feel better.
April 20: Got out early and was feeling great, so worked on putting and some short chips for four hours at Heron before having to go to a long lunch meeting. Afterwords, went to East Moreland and hit balls, worked on draws and fades, for 1.5 hours. 8,578 remain. Random Stat: for 9 holes of putting, I shot a 19. Putting is in a rebuilding week.
April 19: Split the day into two 3-hour sessions. The morning was all about putting and then in the afternoon I hit some balls on the range, practiced 3-foot putts and then played a few holes. 8,583 remain. Random Stat: the new putting stroke is going to take a while to get down, I 3-putted 5 of the 15 holes I played.
April 18: Got out to Heron around 8 this morning for a three hour training session before heading to Lake Oswego for an intense workout with Shawn Dailey. He really kicked my butt and afterwords I met with Christopher for an hour then called it a day. 8,589 remain. Random Stat: I finished Shawn's timed workout in 28 minutes, my goal was to break 30.
April 17: Woke up early and got out to Heron Lakes by 8:30 for four hours of practice before heading in to do an interview with Jeremy. Afterwords, I went to practice my putting for an hour, it was such a beautiful day out! 8,592 remain. Random Stat: the new putting stroke feels solid, made a number of good 20+ footers.
April 16: Went out to Pumpkin Ridge to see Christopher for a lesson. Was a one hour lesson where we went over a bit of everything. 8,597 remain. Random Stat: I've got to tighten up my putting stroke.
April 15: One year!! Today is the Plan-niversary and it couldn't have been a better day, albeit a bit on the rainy side. To celebrate, I hit the range and then went out and played a full 18 holes, from the red tees, with a pitching wedge, 56 degree wedge and putter. 8,598 remain. Random Stat: For the 18 holes, I shot an 89. That's a personal record, but only the second time I've done it so I hope to break the record very soon.
April 14: It was a different type of day, spent about 9 hours at Heron, but took a lot of breaks so ended up with 6 hours of actual training time. I liked the broken up schedule and made some solid groundwork today. 8,603 remain. Random Stat: I tried, about 150 times, to hit a ball 75 yards into a one foot diameter bucket. Got so close so many times, but it wasn't a drop in the bucket today.
April 13: My putting feels awkward and I cannot figure out why. So, I practice putting for a while before going out and playing some holes. My average pitching wedge shot is now going about 120 yards without much force, which is a good thing. With a huge swing, it's around 130, so getting to be closer to where it will eventually need to get. 8,609 remain. Random Stat: for 9 holes each: shot 2 over from 50, 5 over from 75 and 2 over from 100 (had a 3-over hole from 75, my first 6, due to hitting a sand trap and then straight into the water..)
April 12: Everything was firing on all cylinders today except my putting. Still, got in two hours, a good workout and then five more hours out at Heron, just couldn't quite get the feel of my putting for some reason. 8,615 remain. Random Stat: for 9 holes each: shot 3 over from 50 yards, 2 over from 75 and 3 over from 100, almost all of that was due to putting.
April 11: The week started out a bit on the low-energy side. I woke up tired and never quite shook it off. I did feel good after a workout during lunch, though. 8,622 remain. Random Stat: Only went out and played 9 holes from 100 yards and shot 6 over, almost completely due to pour putting via low concentration levels.
April 8: Ended the week with a bang out at Heron. It was a beautiful end to a week that started cold and rainy. On Monday, there were only 2 other golfers on the course with me from 8-12, on Friday, the parking lot was full. It's great to see people coming out to play! 8,627 remain. Random Stat: Played 9 holes from the red tees with just a pitching wedge and putter and shot 10 over. Felt good.
April 7: Put in four hours of practice on the putting green and then Jeremy came out to film some on the course. Afterwords, I hit the range for an hour and then was feeling nice and worn out. 8,633 remain. Random Stat: I need to learn to focus when the camera is rolling, it was good concentration practice.
April 6: I could not imagine doing anything else, what a great game and great day. I put in a full 7 hours of solid, and focussed, training today, one of the best days in a while, and I've had a lot of good days lately! 8,638 remain. Random stat: I played 9 holes with just a pitching wedge and putter from the red tees today and shot 9 over, that's bogey golf and I'll take it.
April 5: Just a plain old nice day. I practiced and played at Heron for two hours and then went down to East Moreland in the afternoon for 2 hours of hitting in the field, realized a few little things about my swing, which is a plus. 8,645 remain. Random Stat: For 9 each: shot 1 over from 50, 3 over from 75 and 5 over from 100 (was pushing it WAY left, into bunkers almost every hole, but think I figured out why)
April 4: A wet one! But, warm enough that it wasn't a bother. Practiced for 6 hours out at Heron and was pretty much the only person out there, especially before noon, there were 2 other people on the course besides me. I'll take a private course when I can get one! 8,651 remain. Random Stat: 9 hole each: shot 2 over from 50, 2 over from 75 and 3 over from 100
April 3: Nice start to what should be a wonderful week. Went out to Pumpkin Ridge today to change up the scenery. Practiced for 5 hours, including a couple friendly chip-n-putt challenges. 8,657 remain. Random Stat: Lost the first 9-hole chip and putt game by two strokes, need to work on the short game tomorrow morning!
April 1: First day of April was a beauty. Got in 3 hours of practice and then went to see PT Shawn Dailey and then there was enough sun to practice for 4 more hours, I'm going to love the spring and summer. 8,662 remain. Random Stat: for 9 holes each: shot 1 over from 50, 2 over from 75 and 1 over from 100.
March 31: The sun was out and spirits were up today. A nice ending to March and a welcome view of what April will bring. A full 7 hour day, and a great one at that. 8,669 remain. Random Stat: For 9 holes each: Shot one over from all three distances, 50 75 and 100 yards.
March 30: Before heading to Beaverton to meet with Kevin Nakaji and with Christopher Smith, I practiced for 3 hours out at Heron. 8,676 remain. Random stat: had my worst hole yet, scored a 6 from 75 yards, my tee shot hit the bunker and then I shanked it out of bounds, dropped for three and hit my fourth on the green then two putted.
March 29: A good yet short day. I practiced for four hours out at Heron Lakes before the mix of rain and sanded greens made it a little ridiculous to be out there. That's Oregon) for you! 8,679 remain. Random Stat: for nine holes each: shot even from 50 yards, 1 over from 75 and 1 over from 100 (my best round yet)
March 28: It didn't rain, ourside of a few drops in the afternoon, and that's a good thing. I practiced for four solid hours and then went out and played 18 from 100 yards. 8,683 remain. Random Stat: Shot 5 over for the first nine and 2 over on the back, I got the new grip down a bit better by the back nine.
March 27: Went to Pumpkin to have a lesson with Christopher Smith and he changed up my grip quite a bit. It's going to be awkward for a while, but that's the name of the game, if you want to get better you have to be willing to get worse for a little while. 8,690 remain. Random Stat: not really a stat, but I think I'm in the market for a new putter, at least to try a new one for a while.
March 25: Broke up the day between two sessions, 4 hours of practice and then a short break followed by a 2 hour session on the course. 8,694 remain. Random Stat: For 9 holes each, shot 2 under from 50 yards, 4 over from 75 yards and 1 over from 100 yards.
March 24: Some days it's best to take it easier and focus on a few things, today was one of those days. I practiced for 3 hours, mostly on making solid contact with my full swing. No revelations, but it's getting there. 8,700 remain. Random Stat: It's wet out and I'm hitting the top of the ball.
March 23: Five hour day out at Heron. Did not play any, but worked on mechanics for everything from a 1-foot putt to a 100 yard pitch. Solid. 8,703 remain. Random Stat: for nine holes of chip-and-putt, I shot a 22. Still want to get that down to a 20 over the next couple of weeks.
March 22: Went out for 1.5 hours and then headed down to see Shawn Dailey (physical therapist) and talked about injury prevention. Then, back out for 2.5 hours of practice. 8,708 remain. Random Stat: my swing is still in transition, shot 6 over from 100 yards for 9 holes.
March 21: A great day today out at Heron. Got in a very rare 7 hour day between a morning and an afternoon session. Much welcomed. 8,712 remain. Random Stat: for fun, I played a par five from the red tees with a pitching wedge and shot a 5, four solid consistent pitches and a one-putt.
March 19: Was going to take the day off, but the sun came out and it was too tempting, so I went to Heron for four hours of short game practice. Worked some kinks out of my putting and then tried to figure out how to put spin on short shots. 8,719 remain. Random Stat: shot 18 for 9 holes of putting from at least 20 feet, 3-putted one and holed one.
March 18: Thought it was going to be a rare 7-hour day, but hit a hunger wall about 15 minutes after 6 and didn't have any food with me, so had to head home for dinner. Still, a great day out there trying to realign my swing. 8,723 remain. Random Stat: new swing=tough day, for 9 each, I shot 6 over from 50, 1 over from 75 and 8 over from 100 (hit a lot of hazards to the left)
March 17: Practiced for a bit and then had a lesson with Christopher out at Pumpkin and then stuck around for a couple more hours of practice. 8,729 remain. Random Stat: He realized that why I was pitching the ball left was a mix of aiming left and leaving the club face open, good things to know and to work on.
March 16: It was a taxing five hour practice today at Heron Lakes. My body and mind seemed a bit sluggish and I think it is due to the greyness and rains pervading Portland. 8,734 remain. Random Stat: For 9 holes each: shot 2 over from 50 yards, 7 over from 75 yards and 1 over from 100 yards. (Keep hitting it long past the greens from 75.
March 15: This is what you call a rainy day.. So, I spent a couple hours in the gym and a couple hours working on my swing in the garage. 8,739 remain. Random Stat: Not much today, just swinging away.
March 14: Good start to the week today out at Heron. I got in a few hours of practice and then played 27 holes over a few hours. 8,741 remain. Random Stat: for 9 holes each: shot one over from 50 yards, two over from 75 yards and 5 over from 100 yards.
March 12: Was supposed to be a day off, but the sun came out and I really wanted to practice, so I followed my gut and hit balls for an hour before playing 27 holes on the Great Blue course out at Heron. 8,747 remain. Random Stat: for 9 holes each: shot one over from EACH 50, 75 and 100 yards. Was on fire!
March 11: My brother's birthday! I went out to Heron for a bucket of balls and 27 holes before heading to Beaverton to see coach Christopher. Spring is near! 8,750 remain. Random Stat: For 9 holes each, shot 1 over from 50, 3 over from 75 and 5 over from 100 (water was not my friend.)
March 10: Got to pitch around at East Moreland for a couple hours before playing a windy 27 holes out at Heron Lakes on the front of the Great Blue course. A good day. 8,755 remain. Random Stat: For 9 holes each, shot 2 over form 50 yards, 1 over from 75 yards and 2 over from 100 yards. Getting there.
March 9: Was a windy day out, so good to practice some putting while getting pushed around by gusts of 30mph. I practiced for three hours and then played 27 holes for a couple hours. 8,760 remain. Random Stat: 9 holes each: 50 yards: 3 over; 75 yards: even (yay!); 100 yards: 1 over (also a personal best)
March 8: Split the day into two sections, 2.5 hours of "playing" and 2.5 hours of practice time. I shot well and practiced well, working on getting my pitches on the line I am aiming for. 8,765 remain. Random Stat: 9 holes: 50 yards: 1 over; 75 yards: 3 over; 100 yards: 5 over.
March 7: Played a few holes out at Heron Lakes and then practiced on consistency for a couple hours. I think I'm finally starting to understand what it means to really learn something. 8,770 remain. Random Stat: played 9 holes from three different distances: 50 yards: 4 over 75 yards: 3 over and 100 yards: 8 over.
March 5: Went out for just two hours today. I wanted to do an intense, yet quick, practice session and got a good one in. Hit the driving range and then worked on short chips, making sure each shot was a repeatable solid stroke. 8,775 remain. Random Stat: took me an hour to go through 70 balls on the range, concentrating on each one.
March 4: Heron was dry and approachable today so I went and hit on the driving range for about an hour before playing 27 holes. I played 9 from 50 yards, 9 from 75 yards and 9 from 100 yards. 8,777 remain. Random Stat: shot 2 over from 50 yards, 1 over from 75 yards and 5 over from 100 yards (hit a couple hazards)
March 3: Went out for a long overdue lesson with Christopher Smith today. It had been about 5 weeks since we saw each other and my swing could feel it. We went pretty much everything and did some filming. Now, I have some homework to do.. 8,782 remain. Random Stat: we played a pitching game and he won 5-1.
March 2: What a break, I took a few days off after the Florida trip due to frozen greens and then to figuring out an attack plan for the coming months, but went out for a few hours today and had a good session back. 8,786 remain. Random Stat: shot 7 over on 18 holes of 75-yard golf.
February 23: Last day in Florida went well. Nice and hot. Got in about 3 hours out at Mangrove and then, after a workout, played nine over at Treasure Island. I'll miss Florida, but am excited to get back to Portland. 8,789 remain. Random Stat: shot a Florida best 21 on a chip and putt game.
February 22: Next to last Florida day. Went out to Mangrove and met up with Juan on the putting green. I put in about 6 hours throughout the day, working mostly on putting and especially on lag putts. 8,794 remain. Random Stat: shot a 24 on a 9-hole chip and putt game.
February 21: After a two day hiatus up at Tallahassee and a day off to recoup and relax, I got in five hours out at Mangrove Bay and then hit the gym for a good (and much needed) workout. 8,800 remain. Random Stat: shot a 25 on a 9-hole chip and putt game.
February 17: I was out at the course for about 6 hours today, but only got in 4 hours of practice. A St Pete Times photog was out there and a new friend, Juan, stopped by, too. Then, off to the gym and wrapped up the day by getting ready for the conference at FSU this weekend. 8,805 remain. Random Stat: shot a 23 on my 9-hole chip n putt game.
February 16: What a beautiful day! 75 and sunny, can't complain! I spent 6 hours out at Mangrove and then went back to the beach for a 4 mile jog. Now, I'm off to prepare for the presentation at FSU this weekend. 8,809 remain. Random Stat: shot a 22 on a 9-hole chip and putt game.
February 15: half-n-half day. Three hours at Mangrove, a workout and then three hours over at Treasure Island. Practice went really well, playing was not so good... 8,815 remain. Random Stat: career worse (and that's sayin' something!) 48 on a par-3 9 hole course. Hit about 10 balls in the water. Played 18 more and shot 10 over total for those, so was starting to get my groove back.
February 11: Went to Mangrove for some sandtrap practice this morning for about 4 hours (also got in a lot of putting and chipping) and then spent an afternoon hour practicing sand hits on the beach, nice! 8,821 remain. Random Stat: scored 18 on a 9-hole putting game.
February 10: Mangrove it was for today. Spent 3 hours and then hit the gym for a nice afternoon workout and then headed straight back to Mangrove for 3 more hours before calling it a day and going to the Dali museum. Good day. 8,826 remain. Random Stat: shot a 24 on a 9-hole chip and putt game.
February 9: Mangrove Bay for 3 hours, a nice break for lunch and then back at it at Mangrove. It was the first really good day of the Florida trip as far as training goes and hopefully not the last! 8,832 remain. Random Stat: made five shots in a row from every distance, 1 foot to 30 yards.
February 8: Days seem to be getting better over here in Florida, now that I have a good routine down. I put in 3 hours out at Mangrove Bay and then headed over to Treasure Island after a beach jog and got an additional 2 hours of practice. 8,838 remain. Random Stat: Shot 9 over for 18 holes, which is much better than the 10 over I shot on 9 holes the first time.
February 7: Spent a five hour morning out at Mangrove Bay and then went to downtown St Pete to meet with St Pete Times reporter Michael Kruse, good guy! 8,843 remain. Random Stat: I've never putted in winds quite like this, it was good practice on how to play the wind.
February 6: Checked out a new course today, the Chi Chi Rodgriguez golf center a bit north of town and it had a good practice facility. I put in three hours before just hanging out and enjoying the day for a bit! 8,848 remain. Random Stat: After 30 tries, I could not land a ball in a net 50 yards away.. I'll get it next time!
February 4: Finished my first week in St Pete with a five hour session out at Mangrove Bay. Everything seemed to lining up well today, whether it was a one-footer or a forty-yard pitch. 8,851 remain. Random Stat: hit 10 40 yarders in a row to within 6 feet, by far a personal record.
February 3: went out for a two hour practice session and then picked up my brother and we played 18 hours and practiced some short-game stuff for about 3 hours. 8,856 remain. Random Stat: My brother, who never plays golf, and I tied after 18 holes of par-3 golf, not sure if that's good for him of bad on me!
February 2: Think that jet lag finally caught up to me. Not sure if that's the case, but I was exhausted all day today, never really woke up. I got in three hours out at Mangrove and then hit the gym pretty hard, followed by two hours at Mangrove and then home to write some notes for a presentation at FSU next weekend. 8,861 remain. Random Stat: not a stat, but you can feel the grain, using your hands, you can actually tell which way the grass grows and in turn where the ball will roll!
February 1: Start a new month fresh, that's the way to do it! Went out to Mangrove for 3 hours before it got a bit overly crowded so I went down to Treasure Island Golf to play "unlimited" amount of holes from 2PM to 6PM, it's a par three course and nobody else was out there, perfect for training! 8,866 remain. Random Stat: shot a 37, 41 and 32 on my three rounds of par-3 golf (from about 80 yards, which proved to be a little much for me at this point)
January 31: Ended January on a good note, got in my first real practice of the Florida trip. Spent four hours at Mangrove Bay, found a gym to join and had a nice workout and then went back to Mangrove for two evening hours. 8,873 remain. Random Stat: Bermuda grass is a killer! I made only 40 percent of my lags to within 3 feet, my goal (and about what I usually hit) was 80 percent.
January 30: First day in Florida, I checked out a bunch of courses and then practiced for two hours at one called Mangrove Bay. It's a city owned muni course, but had some nice spaces for chipping and pitching, so I think I'll spend some time there. 8,879 remain. Random Stat: only lost one ball, not bad seeing as there were about 12 people chipping to the same area.
January 28: On the last day in Portland for about 4 weeks I went out to Heron for an hour and then over to Edgewater to try it out one last time and attempt to get my second subpar round of the week. I'm ready for Florida golfing! 8,881 remain. Random Stat: shot a 26 on the Mason Course, so got my goal!
January 27: What a beauty of a day! I did a "circuit" of sorts out at Heron, thought it would take just a couple hours to make it through 1 foot to 50 yards drills, but after 6 hours of putting I was stuck at 40 feet.. Will have to try again tomorrow! 8,886 remain. Random Stat: Made 13 5 footers in a row, but it took 45 minutes.
January 26: Not the best practice day by any means. I must refocus tomorrow and end the week on a good note. It was just a frustrating day. 8,892 remain. Random Stat: hit 61% of my chips to my success zone of 6 feet, my goal was 65%
January 25: The morning was occupied with an interview by photographer/videographer Jeremy Dunham. But, in the afternoon I made it out to Heron for three hours to play a bit on the Great Blue Course. It was a great day to be out, but my energy level was unfortunately low. 8,896 remain. Random Stat: shot 7 over for 27 holes of 50 yard golf, not too good, but was 1 over on the last 18 holes.
January 24: Some days are meant for hitting the grindstone and some are all about recovery. You never know what type of day you're going to have until you get out there. Today was a recovery, I felt incredibly tired for some reason. So, only got in 2 hours before it made sense to hit the gym, go to a meeting and call it quits. 8,899 remain. Random Stat: I need to start keeping these in a better format, more of a thought than a stat.
January 23: Got up and out early to practice at Heron and then played nine holes on the Greenback course with fellow practicer Eric. Practiced and played well, it's going to be a great last week before heading to St Petersburg this weekend. 8,901 remain. Random Stat: shot a 28 on 9-holes from about 50 yards.
January 21: Despite the rain I worked out at Heron for 4 hours before heading over to the Mason Course at CECC to check it out once more. I played well and was happy with my score, but have a much better number in mind for the near future! 8,905 remain. Random Stat: shot a 54 for 18 holes of "par 3" golf from 50 yards out.
January 20: Spent the day out at Pumpkin with CS, we then had a nice 2 hour lesson. we went over and filmed everything and as far as I can tell I'm on the right path, just need to keep the bus moving along! 8,911 remain. Random stat: shot a 23 on my chip n putt game.
January 19: Started over at Colewood today, but it was so muddy there that after an hour I ended up heading to Heron Lakes. I think I spend too much time over at Heron, but it's got what I need as far as a practice facility goes.. I worked on chipping some, trying to get all my chips to within 6 feet of the cup. 8,917 remain. Random Stat: Hit 59% of my chips to within 6 feet of the hole.
January 18: Spent the day at Heron Lakes working on a little bit of everything. It was a very rainy day, which gets me a bit excited about training in Florida.. I also spent an hour in the garage working on my swing. 8,922 remain. Random Stat: scored a 23 on the 9-hole chip n putt game, my goal was a 22.
January 17: Headed down to East Moreland today after a meeting with a videographer friend, both were good. Think I need to spend more time down there honing my pitching skills. Afterwords, I went out to Heron for some evening putting practice. 8,928 remain. Random Stat: It took 19 strokes to play my 9-hole putting game, my goal is 17.
January 16: Went out for a couple hours today to work on my pitching a bit. I realized that I need to turn my body into the shot first, a good realization. 8,933 remain. Random Stat: shot a 28 for 9 holes of 50 yard golf.
January 15: Nine month anniversary today! I went out to Pumpkin for a lesson with Christopher Smith today concerning bunker shots. It was my first time in te sand trap and I actually quite liked it! We worked on that and then went out on the course for some action practice. 8,935 remain. Random Stat: shot a 2 over 28 on 9 holes from 50 yards.
January 14: spent the day split between Heron Lakes and Columbia Edgewater. Was a good dry and warm winter day that felt like spring! Played the Mason Course over at CECC for my weekly "status" update and practiced my new pitching swing quite a bit. 8,940 remain. Random Stat: shot a 4 over 58 on the Mason Course par three (I play from 50 yards) 3 of those over shots were on one hole.
January 13: Met up with coach Christopher at Pumpkin Ridge today for a good swing lesson. We worked on hip movement, something that I had not totally grasped until today's lesson, so it was a good one! I've got a lot to work on now, which is always a good thing for my training. 8,946 remain. Random stat: no stats today, sorry, but remember to start your swing with that leading hip.
January 11: The world was frozen, including the putting greens, so I spent two hours practicing form in the garage and then went down to East Moreland for two hours of pitching before a nice long workout and then won tickets to the Blazers game! 8,952 remain. Random stat: Blazers lost due to 34 percent field goal percentage.
January 10: Another great day of The Dan Plan. I spent six hours out at Heron, including palying 27 holes from 50 yards on the front nine of the Greenback course and a little friendly competition with a fellow practicer Eric. 8,956 remain. Random Stat: not good, but I shot 8 over on 27 50-yard holes, including 3 over on one hole.
January 9: Started off the week with an intense, albeit short, training session. I'm currently in one of those zones where you have tons of energy and want to work, so decided to skip my day off this week and instead go to Heron for a couple hours and then put in an hour of swinging after a nice jog. 8,962 remain. Random Stat: scored a Personal Record 20 on my 9-hole chip n putt game.
January 8: Went to Heron but it was frozen, so ended up down at East Moreland to hit some pitches for a couple hours. In the afternoon, went back to Heron to get some putting in, which is going almost too smooth these days... 8,965 remain. Random Stat: scored a horrid (I know I just said the putting was going smooth and it does feel really really good, but my score didn't translate that) 21 on my 9-hole putting game, my goal is a 17.
January 7: Spent the day "testing out" Columbia Edgewater again. It's really an ideal place for me to train and I hope to be there more often one day soon! I played the Mason course a few times and spent multiple hours on my mid-range pitching game. 8,969 remain. Random Stat: on 27 holes of par-3 golf, I shot a 82. One over my goal.
January 6: Went out to Pumpkin to Meet Christopher, but due to circumstances he could not make it. So, I practiced out there for about 4 hours until the head greenskeeper informed me that the practice area and course were actually closed due to the groung being frozen 5 inches down. oops! 8,975 remain. Random Stat: shot a 23 on my 9 hole chipping game, just missed my goal!
January 5: Spent 2.5 hours in the garage working on my "full" swing and then got frustrated with not being able to see the trajectory, so headed out to Heron despite the rain for 2.5 hours. The ball is flying well, just never the distance I want it to.. 8,979 remain. Rando Stat: shot a 22 on my 9-hole chip n putt game, which was my goal.
January 4: Went out to Heron and played a bit on the frozen tundra, mostly practicing with the sand wedge, but also putting a bit. And, I went out and played a few holes on the Green Back for the first time, I quite enjoyed it. 8,984 remain. Random stat: on 36 holes from 50 yards out I scored 5 over par (which is a 3 for each hole)
January 3: Back to work! It felt good to get outside and hit some balls. That said, I spent the morning in the garage because the grounds were frozen and the courses closed. Then, went to East Moreland to hit some 50-60 yard wedge shots. 8,989 remain. Random stat: I'm going to be sore tomorrow from getting back on the workout wagon!
January 2: What a long break! In some ways, that was too much time to take off, but in others it was great to get a bit of perspective on The Plan and life in general and now I'm READY for work. Went out to Heron Lakes for 3 hours today just to get my head back into the game. 8,994 remain. Random stat: scored a 22 on my chip n putt game, which was my goal for the day.
December 22: Was going to be a full day, but after an hour I got busy with packing and wrapping up things around Portland before my early AM flight tomorrow, so called it a successful end to the first 1,000 hours and decided to start my holiday! 8,997 remain.
December 21: It's official, 1,000 hours today! It's been a GREAT journey so far, I hope 2,000 is as good as the first! I put in five solid hours today, also being the shortest day of the year. 8,998 remain. Random stat: shot a 27 on 9 holes from 50 yards.
December 20: Due to inclemental weather, I stayed in the garage and worked on my swing for the first two hours of today and then went down to the LO FITT gym to do a timed circuit training exercise. Proud to say that I beat my old time by almost 3 minutes, but I was still behind Shawn Dailey, but then again he is the PT.. I'll get him next time! Afterwords, headed to Heron for an hour before the shortest day of the year's sun went down. 9,003 remain. Random Stat: played 15 holes from 40 yards and shot a 50 (par would have been 45).
December 18: Solid lesson with Christopher today out at Pumpkin. Went over why my putts have been starting left as well as why my pitches and chips have been slicing a bit. basically, it's the same problem, and now that I know that I can work on it! We also played a few holes from about 40 yards and I did okay, lots of room to improve! 9,006 remain. Random Stat: I shot a 28 on 9-holes from 50 yards.
December 17: I feel like it would be broken-record esque for me to say it, but I can't NOT say it, so.. I feel like this has been the best week of The Dan Plan so far. Put in 5 hours out at Heron, including playing the front nine of the Great Blue course with a couple regulars. 9,011 remain. Random Stat: shot a 33 on the front nine (from 50 yards out).
December 16: Started off at Heron Lakes for 2 hours and then went over to Columbia Edgewater to check it out and practiced for another 4 hours, including a par 3 game on their Mason Course. 9,016 remain. Random Stat: shot a 33 on the par 3 nine-hole course.
December 15: Plugging away out at Heron. The sun was out today making it quite the beautiful place to be. I put in 5 hours of practice, including a chipping 'n putting game with a fellow practicer Eric. 9,022 remain. Random Stat: scored a 21 on the first 9-holes of our chip and putt game, a personal record.
December 14: Went out to Heron this morning but only lasted half an hour, the wind and rain really got to me, so I spent the rest of the afternoon in the garage working on my mechanics. I actually had a LOT of really great realizations, too, so it was a day well spent. 9,027 remain.
December 13: It was a mix of a day. On one hand, six hours out at Heron flew by, but on the other hand, I coulnd't find my putting/pitching groove. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that the greens were amazingly slow. 9,031 remain. Random stat: shot a 22 on a nine-hole chipping and putting game against a fellow regular-practicer Eric.
December 12: Took a break from a busy day doing other things to work on mechanics for an hour in the garage today. I think I have the hook shot down, more or less, and the slice seems to come naturally, for better or worse! 9,037 remain.
December 10: Made a last push type of effort for today. It's been a long week and I physically feel a bit beat up (feet ache, back's sore, I crushed my shins on a table and they are swollen black n blue). Still, it was good and I pitched like NEVER before! All in all, this was the best week yet! 9,038 remain. Random stat: I miss-hit only 1 of 61 pitches from random spots, not bad if I say so myself.
December 9: Got to go out on the course and play a bit of real golf today and loved it! By "real golf" I, of course, mean that I played from about 35 yards out and really did more up-and-down style action. But, still, it was fun and I am excited to go back! 9,041 remain. Random stat: scored an 81 on 27 holes of 35-yard golf, that's par for me and a great benchmark to work from!
December 8: Had meeting with Shawn, the Physical Therapist, in the afternoon down in Lake Oswego, so only got in two hours in the AM today and one before the rains hit and it got dark in the afternoon. Good news, my foot is not Plantar Fasciitis, but rather just an overused right foot. I'm very relieved by this! Fingers crossed for an injury free four years! 9,046 remain.
December 7: Spent the morning at Heron Lakes, 4.5 hours to be exact, working on the usual suspects of pitching and putting.. The string of great practices is up to about 7 in a row now. Not sure what I'm doing, but I hope the good days keep rolling! I also did some mechanics type work in the garage "swing room" for 1.5 hours. Nice day, and the rains held off until I was finished! 9,049 remain. Random stat: scored a 25, 27, and a 24 on my 9-hole games.
December 6: Dry and clear today, think it might be the last time for that for a while.. Spent 4 hours out at Heron, it was a good practice today, and then headed to the gym for an intense and long workout. 9,055 remain. Random stat: 73% of my five footers today.
December 5: Went out to see Christopher at Pumpkin today for a lesson. We filmed my pitching wedge swing and then went over which things have gotten better and what I should be working on this week. Tempo is getting there! Then, in the evening, I practiced my swing in the garage for a couple of hours. 9,059 remain. Random stat: scored a 26 on my 9-hole chipping game (with the new swing that CS had me do it wasn't too bad.)
December 4: Spent the day working on my swing in the garage. It was going to be a two hour day, but I kept having good realizations and learning moments so two turned into five and it was one of the most productive days I've had in a while. 9,064 remain.
December 3: Was a nice sunny day to be out chipping and pitching, so I spent about five hours in the sun working on my short game (guess that's not news to anyone). Progress is still slow, but there is a noticeable difference in my contact percentage. 9,069 remain. Random stat: got 23 of 30 of my 40 footers in at least two putts, not good enough to win myself an afternoon coffee..
December 2: Wasn't raining out today, so I got to go practice at Heron without being loaded down with rain gear. Was actually a great day to learn, I felt like things were starting to make sense and started setting goals today, which I hope will help me get through the winter with as much learning as possible. 9,074 remain. Random stat: scored a 22 on my 9-hole chipping game
December 1: Between hitting for about an hour at Christopher's Beaverton studio, practicing out at Heron and hitting at home, I managed to put in 5 hours and a good workout today. Was a day full of great realizations and steps in the right direction. 9,078 remain. Random stat: scored a 25 on my 9-hole chip and putt game, although my chipping was spot on, just missed some putts.
November 30: Tomorrow is December already.... Despite today's torrential downpours I got in five hours of training. And, I did it in the comfort of my own swing room in the garage and putting area in the basement. not bad! 9,083 remain. Random stat: barely made it, but made five "perfect" pitches with my wedge in a row. By "perfect," I just mean that they were solid contact and hit the center of the net.
November 29: Back to work. My foot kept me sidelined yesterday, but was feeling good enough to practice some today. Put in four hours out at Heron and then two in my new home "office" in the garage, there is a chipping mat and a net to do some wedge work with. 9,088 remain. Random stat: scored 17 out of 20 points on my 20' game.
November 27: After a few days "off" (freezing weather had the courses closed) I got back out for some work today. Saw Christopher out at Pumpkin for a couple hours and then worked on slicing and hooking for a couple hours. Also set up a home chipping area in my garage, so I can start doing some work here when the weather is horrible. 9,094 remain. stats: just chipped and pitched.
November 24: The courses were all closed again today due to the freezing temps, so I went over to East Moreland and chipped for a couple hours before going down to see Shawn for a brutal workout. I'm ready for a good meal tomorrow! 9,098 remain. Random stat: not much to report, but my chipping is getting more and more solid, at least.
November 22: It was COLD out today. and, today it seemed to slow me down. All was fine and warm, but my fingers got to where they couldn't move and it was a bit much, think the windchill was in the mid 20s with slushy sleet falling. Still, I got in 2 hours and then went back for 1 in the afternoon during a quick rain break. 9,100 remain. Random stat: scored a 23 on my 9-hole chip game
November 21: Started the week on one of the coldest days of the year, but that didn't slow me down! Got in four hours of solid work out at Heron today. 9,103 remain. Random stat: scored a 24 on my 9-hole chip and putt game
November 19: Finished the week with a day out at Heron and then went over to Columbia Edgewater to talk with them a bit about using their facilities. Was a good, albeit COLD week. Can't believe next week is Thanksgiving already! 9,107 remain. Random stat: got a new PR of 21 on my 9-hole chipping game.
November 18: Finally got a nice full day of prectice in, it's been a while (at least it feels like that to me) since I was able to get in 6 hours in a day, there's just not that much sun these days! Heron was nice. 9,112 remain. Random stat: scored a 24 on my 9-hole chip n putt
November 17: Today would have made a good ad for why to move to the desert, rainy as can be with 30 mph winds and about 40 degrees. The winter is here! I trained for 3 hours out at Heron before heading to the gym and then working on some things at home. 9,118 remain. Random stat: no stats today, sorry!
November 16: Was still nice and sunny out, I'm starting to like November! Trained for about 3.5 hours out at Heron and then headed over to Colwood for a 1.5 hour nightcap. Good day to really learn something. 9,121 remain. Random stat: got most of my 10-15 footers to withing 12 inches.
November 15: The days just aren't as long as they used to be.. I got in five hours at Heron and a workout before heading home at 4:30 because it the sun was going to set before I could make it back out. 9,126 remain. Random stat: scored a 25 on my nine-hole chipping game, not so good!
November 14: Headed out to Pumpkin Ridge today to get in a little work to start the week right. I trained for about 3 hours, most of which were spent chipping, which is coming along nicely, albeit a bit slow.. 9,131 remain. Random stat: Unfortunately, I really didn't keep stats today, just worked on my form.
November 13: Decided to go out on my "day off" today. Went to Heron for about 2 hours before calling it a day and going to the gym. 9,134 remain.
November 12: End of a good week. I worked out at Heron for four hours before heading in for a workout and then off to meet coach for a 6-month celebratory meal (it is actually going to be 7 months on Monday, we were a little late for our dinner..) 9,136 remain. Random stat: Scored a 17 out of 20 points on a 20-foot game.
November 11: CS and I had a lesson out at Pumpkin today and it was a cold one! but, luckily he had a new box of Nike stuff and it was mostly winter wear, so we're all good. The lesson was nice, we went over a LOT of chipping aspects. 9,140 remain. Random stat: got 92% of my five-footers! automatic.
November 10: Started over at East Moreland today as I was meeting Shawn near there for a workout in the afternoon. Put in about 4.5 hours chipping and putting and then after the workout I headed up to Heron for 1.5 hours of evening action. A nice clear day and I made nice progress too! 9,144 remain. Random stat: scored a 24 on my 9-hole game.
November 9: I braved the rain for a while in the morning, went home to warm up, and then headed out to chip some more out at Heron. 9,150 remain. Random stat: scored a 22 on my 9-hole chipping game, getting better!
November 8: First full day of training with daylight savings went pretty well. I got in about 6 hours out at Heron in the AM, then over to the Edge gym for a workout before heading to Colwood for roughly 2 hours of chipping, including a little 9-hole par three game on the actual course (first time! each shot was only from about 20 yards out, but still..). 9,155 remain. Random stat: scored a 28 on the 9 hole game, making one "birdie" and two "bogeys."
November 7: After a 1.5 hour session of Bikram yoga, I wasn't feeling up for a long day out on the course, but still got out to Colwood for a couple hours. 9,163 remain. Not many stats to report, mostly worked on chipping..
November 5: I only got in four hours today before a workout and then ending the week a bit early because Marijke's mom was in town, but they were a good four hours and I feel great about the week coming up. 9,165 remain. Random stat: scored a personal record 22 on a nine-hole chip and putt game. Goal is to get that to 18 on a regular basis.
November 4: Between a nice seven hour day out at Pumpkin and a bit of work at Heron, it was a welcomed change of pace to what has been tough practices as of late. I learned a lot during my lesson with Christopher Smith, too. 9,169 remain. Random stat: shot par on a nine-hole game that Christopher and I played, each hole was roughly 30 yards.
November 3: I spent the morning at East Moreland for some longer chipping practice before a meeting with the PT Shawn. The workout went well, but the golfing is still frustrating, I think I'm reaching my patience limit with the putting.. In the afternoon I went to Heron for a couple hours of mixed practice. 9,177 remain. Random stat of the day: got 55 percent of my 40 footers to my "target zone"
November 2: Got back into the groove today out at Heron for four hours and then over at Colwood for 2 hours. Not a bad day and the sun actually came out in the afternoon too. 9,183 remain. Random stat of the day: shot a 23 on nine-holes of a chip n putt game.
November 1: After a few days off, it took a while to get up to steam with my training out at Heron. I felt a bit awkward for the first four hours, but after my workout the final two hours of the day were feeling good. It was pouring out there! 9,189 remain. Daily average: 84%
October 28: I went to Heron this morning for a productive four hours, although my putting is just not where I want it, still. Then, headed over to Colwood for two hours and again, my putting wasn't quite what I expect at this point, but it's getting there. 9,195 remain. Daily average: (didn't attempt the five-footers today, had plenty of other things to work on)
October 27: There was a bit of confusion as to which day I was meeting Christopher out at Pumpkin, so I ended up practicing solo out there today. Nothing lost, I put in 5 good hours of putting and chipping practice. My chips seem to get better daily, but I've hit a little rut in my putting, although I know I'm not in a hurry and tomorrow is a new day! 9,201 remain. Daily average: 72%
October 26: A good, good day! I got in 5.5 hours out at Heron without even realizing how much time had passed by and then after about a 45 minute break I went to Colwood for 1.5 hours to make it a, seemingly, rare 7 hour day! 9,206 remain. Daily average: 44% (I should have an excuse, but just wasn't hitting them in from 5 feet today, my lags were great, though!)
October 25: I dropped Matt Roth off at the airport and then hit up Colwood for two hours before going to Newberg for a lunch with former coworkers. After a very tasty meal, I went to Heron Lakes for a stormy afternoon three hours. 9,213 remain. Daily average: 76%
October 24: Wow! what a wet day it was! I spent three hours out at Heron practicing, a couple hours drying off, two more hours practicing and then a couple more drying off! I am SO glad to have good rain gear. 9,218 remain. Daily average: 80%
October 22: In all honesty, it wasn't the best training week I've had. The hours I got to put in were good, but there was a lot going on this week, so I didn't get to spend the amount of time I would like to out on the course. All is not lost, though, because there is always next week! I spent four hours at Heron to wrap up the week. 9,223 remain. Daily average: 80% (At least I ended the week well!)
October 21: I met Christopher out at Pumpkin for a two hour lesson and then worked on what we talked about in my chipping game for about three hours. I am starting to get a grip on this whole "lofting" the ball concept and think I can make some good progress on my chipping game before our next lesson. 9,227 remain. Daily average: (just didn't have time for five-footers, but I got 72% of my 40-footers to my target range)
October 20: A trip to East Moreland in the morning for three hours before meeting with Shawn for an intense workout and then two hours out at Heron made for a good night's sleep! 9,232 remain. Daily average: 70%
October 19: Heron majorly sanded their greens today, so I got a look at what it would be like to putt on the beach. It's surprisingly easy, actually! The ball carves a path and stay pretty straight. I also went to Colwood for two hours to try some non-sanded practice. 9,237 remain. Daily average: 64%
October 18: Back to work with me! After a weekend off, I went out to Heron this morning for four hours, hit the gym and then picked up a videographer from Baltimore, Matt Roth, who is filming The Dan Plan for the rest of the week. So, we started back at Heron for an afternoon hour of training that ended when the sun went down at 6:30pm. 9,242 remain. Daily average: 60%
October 15: Heron was looking good this morning while full of fog. The fall is officially in full effect and the leaves are starting to change, quite a scene! After four hours, I decided to go to the gym and then call it a week. I've learned a lot this week and am now going to let it settle in and process before hitting the greens again on Sunday. 9,247 remain. Daily average: Low... working on NOT pushing the ball, so missed so many I stopped counting.
October 14: Spent the morning over at Heron Lakes and then an hour at Colwood in the evening. It was a solid day, but my energy was a bit down all in all. 9,251 remain. Daily average: 69%
October 13: Today was a mixed day. I spent three hours down at Rose City before then heading to Redtail for the first time for an hour. Afterwords, I met Christopher over at Nike to bend my putter and then headed to the gym for a good workout. Didn't have the energy to go back out, so called it an eve. 9,256 remain. daily average: 72%
October 12: Decided to go back to Colwood today and had a nice morning over there. They had just punched the chipping area, but I still got a lot of work in with the pitching wedge and sand wedge. My putting is okay, but tomorrow is another day with that. In the evening, I went out to Heron for a bit, but was feeling pretty beat so made it a shorter session. 9,260 remain. Daily average: 68%
October 11: It was hard to focus out there today at Heron Lakes. Not sure why, but it took about two hours to really get into the groove. Not sure I learned anything today, but if nothing else, I realized that regardless of how I feel I need to just push through while trying my best. I also went out to Colwood for an evening hour, where the greens were punched but still rolling well. 9,266 remain. Daily average: 68%
October 10: Went out to see Christopher today and he has a sand wedge for me to start playing with. It's great to have a third club in my bag! The lesson and day was an excellent one. 9,272 remain. Daily average: 86%
October 8: It was a good week, but it ended with a bit of a fizzle.. Four hours out at Heron and a good workout over at the Edge was by far all I could muster up today. I don't feel too bad, though, because I think I made a lot of progress this week. Now for a bit of rest. 9,277 remain. Daily average: 56% (energy and aim were off, I guess)
October 7: Was starting to feel like fall out there at Heron today. I got in five hours in the morning before going home to chop some firewood and then heading back out for an evening hour. I think I really learned a lot today about my putting and am excited about going out tomorrow to see if it sticks. 9,281 remain. Daily average: 76%
October 6: Five hours at East Moreland, one at Heron Lakes and an hour long workout with Shawn at LO F.I.T.T makes for a tired Dan.. It was a great day! 9,287 remain. Daily average: (didn't do too many five footers becuase of the sanded greens out at East Moreland, but my chipping was good!)
October 5: Only got to work out at Heron in the morning because I had prior obligations in the afternoon with a friend downtown, but still got in four hours of really good work, I feel like I made some good progress today. 9,293 remain. Daily average: 70%
October 4: Back to work at Heron today. I put in five hours this morning and then one more after an afternoon workout. I'm doing a completely new putt swing right now and it's killing my high percentage of shots made, but I think in the long run it will pay off for a more consistent putt, or at least I hope! 9,297 remain. Daily average: 65%
October 1: Was a bit of a shorter day today because Christopher and I had a conference call with Dr. Mark Guadagnoli in the afternoon and by the time I got home it was after five and had been a long week so I decided to eat dinner instead of going back out.. But, what a great week it was! 9,303 remain. Daily average: 80%
September 30: I met Christopher out at Pumpkin today and we worked on a LOT of things with my pitching and putting. It was an overwhelming, yet good, session and I stayed on for a while out there to practice and then went to Colwood to work on my game a bit more in the evening. All in all, I practiced for seven good hours today. 9,308 remain. Daily average: 88%
September 29: Spent five hours in the morning down at East Moreland practicing in their large chipping area then went to the Edge for a workout. In the evening I went to a park down the street and chipped for an hour while Marijke studied. Keep the sun coming! 9,315 remain. Daily average: 76%
September 28: Got up extra early today and was out at Heron by 7, just when the sun was getting high enough to practice. I did this so I could get in 3.5 hours before heading down to Langdon Farms to see the Portland State and University of Portland ladies compete. They played great! Afterwords, I saw Shawn for a workout and then went back to Heron for 2.5 hours to top off the day. 9,321 remain. Daily average: 60% (not sure what was going on, but my putting FELT great..)
September 27: What a beautiful day we had out there in Portland! It was actually quite hot, but a welcome blast of sun to keep me going. I worked mostly on my wedge work today and for about six hours out at Heron between the morning session and evening. I wanted to stay out later, but the it was completely dark by 7:40 today, I'm going to have to find a good lighted practice space for the coming months. 9,327 remain. Daily average: 36% (I used a "putter ball" for these today, it's a putter with a ball on the bottom instead of a club, makes it a ton harder to hit the ball straight.)
September 26: I met Christopher out at Pumpkin for a lesson and boy it was an intense one. Not intense as in it was hard, but we went over a lot and I left realizing that I have a huge amount of homework for the coming weeks. We worked on my putting stance as well as everything about my chipping. It was good to be out there and have some facetime with my coach. 9,333 remain. Daily average: Didn't keep stats, just worked on technique.
September 25: Although it was Saturday and I usually take it off, I really felt like going out and training so headed over to Heron for four hours this morning. It felt great to get some chips in and I was putting great, so glad I went! 9,338 remain. Daily average: 84%
September 24: I was only able to practice today for two hours out at Heron before heading over to meet with Christopher for a conference call with Dr. K Anders Ericsson and Dr. Len Hill. The call went well, as did my two hours of practice. It was good to have a bit of a short day becuase my entire body is a bit sore from the new workouts with Shawn. 9,342 remain. Daily average: I mostly chipped, so no numbers today
September 23: What a great day! I went out to East Moreland to battle the rain for the morning. It was good little introduction of things to come and with the raingear it actually wasn't too bad, without it I'm not sure what I would do, though.. I put in six hours out there and then topped it off with an hour out at Heron. 9,344 remain. Daily average: 82%
September 22: What a difference a day makes. I felt really great out there at Heron today and could have trained all day, but had a workout with Shawn in the middle of the day down in Lake Oswego. Afterwords, I went back out to Heron for a couple evening hours. It was good to be back on track! 9,351 remain. Daily average: 79%
September 21: It was a tough day out at Colwood. I had to push myself hard to muster up a couple hours here and there, but after three different times going out there today I managed six hours total. My putting was not up to the level I typically like it to be, but my chipping was going well, so all-in-all I can't complain about the day now that it is finished.. 9,357 remain. Daily average: 70%
September 20: Today was a discombobulated day, at least that's how I felt out there. My energy was good, concentration was good, but I just didn't feel comfortable over the ball all day. Not sure what was going on, but after five hours (3.5 in the AM and 1.5 in the PM) I decided to go for a workout and call it quits. 9,363 remain. Daily average: 69%
September 18: Felt much better today so decided to head out to Pumpkin on my day "off" for a bit. Christopher was out there and we played a little putting game along with a fellow golfer-in-training Eric. Christopher won, of course, but the scores are getting a lot closer these days.. I got in five hours, so it ended up being a good day to train. 9,368 remain. Daily average: 88% (the greens out at Pumpkin were quite impressive and the ball was rolling straight for me!)
September 17: Was only able to pull off two hours out at Heron today before a bit of food poisoning kicked in and I spent the rest of the day at home recovering. 9,373 remain. Daily average: 72%
September 16: Got to practice along side the PSU women's team today out at Heron. It was good to have some other serious practicers around and I got to pick their coach's brain about the types of drills they do. Was a good day. 9,375 remain. Daily average: 80%
September 15: Looks like the rains are coming back around, but at least this morning's sessions out at Heron was nice and dry. I got in four hours before heading down to see Shawn down at the gym for our weekly workout instructions. 9,380 remain. Daily average: 72%
September 14: Nice weather is still here in Portland, so I got to enjoy a nice seven hour day out at Heron. My putting was on and I'm still working on the chipping, although it's getting better too. 9,384 remain. Daily average: 76%
September 13: Let the good times keep on rolling. Went out to Heron for what was supposed to be 4 hours, but then my energy level and motivation was so good that I ended up staying for 6 hours. The weather was perfect again, greens still great, all was as good as you could ask for. 9,391 remain. Daily average: I didn't putt any five-footers, but my 40 footers came in at 67% (to within a three-foot radius)
September 12: Was going to do two hours out at Heron today, but the weather was perfect, the greens were awesome and everyone seemed to be in a good mood, so I ended up working for four hours. I hope today was a small taste of the week to come, because it felt great out there in all aspects. 9,397 remain. Daily average: 78%
September 10: So close to ending the week with 600 total training hours, but I just couldn't muster up the energy at the end of the day. I went to Heron for most of the morning and then over to Colewood to top it off. My putting was pretty good and I had a few realizations with the chipping that I think will be huge in the long run, that mainly being how to distribute your weight through a swing. 9,401 remain. Daily average: 64% (don't let numbers fool ya, I played on mid-slope hole with tough greens and divot marks galore, so it was actually pretty good to get that percentage, or at least I was happy with it!)
September 9: Met up with CS out at Pumpkin today for a good putting/chipping lesson. I put in five hours of practice before getting overly frustrated with my pitching wedge and deciding it was time to call it quits and hit the gym. 9,406 remain. Daily average: 70%
September 8: A day can make a world of difference. I went to East Moreland (which I need to go to more often but am never excited about the drive down there) for 5.5 hours and then, after an afternoon break, went to Heron for 1.5 hours of chipping and a putting contest with a friend. 9,411 remain. Daily average: 62% (couldn't hit them at East Moreland for some reason)
September 7: What a day! I could not, for the life of me, wake up out there. My concentration was good, but I was just purely tired and for no good reason. So, I only put in three hours before heading to the gym and then calling it a day. Guess there are good days and bad days and then days where you should just stay in bed an hour or two longer.. 9,418 remain. Daily average: 68%
September 6: I thought is would be overly crowded at Heron today, being Labor Day, but it was actually quite nice on the practice green. I was out there for 4.5 hours before heading in for a run and to let the afternoon crowd thin out a bit (colleges are back out practicing..) and then went back out for 1.5 hours to make it a good 6 hour start to the week. 9,421 remain. Daily average: 76%
September 5: It was a nice Sunday to be outside, so I went to Broadmoor for a few hours to get in some chipping and putting. My game's going pretty well and I got a good practice in, so I have high hopes for this week. That said, there's no telling how busy it will be out there during Labor Day tomorrow.. 9,427 remain. Daily average: 68%
September 3: To cap off a great week I went out to Heron today for a mix of chipping and putting practice. I spent five hours out there and then went for an hour long workout over at the Edge before heading home for my cognitive training. I was going to go back out for an evening hour but was physically exhausted so decided to call it a week. 9,430 remain. Daily average: 74%
September 2: chipped out at Heron for two hours in the morning before heading to Pumpkin for a lesson with Christopher. Lesson went well, I have a lot to work on this next week, which is great! Christopher and I played a nine-hole putting game, as we usually do, and he beat me by one stroke, much better than the 8 strokes he beat me by when we started.. 9,435 remain. Daily average: 72%
September 1: I can't believe August is already over.. I only had a chance to put in three hours out at Heron this morning before heading down to see Shawn and Darren for my weekly meetings with them. Putting went really well again, things are still coming together in that respect. 9,441 remain. Daily average: 80%
August 31: Was another quality day spent out at Heron Lakes. I got in six hours of chipping and putting and my five-footers seemed like there was a magnet at the bottom of the cup.. 9,444 remain. Daily average: 86%
August 30: It's pretty amazing how much faster a day goes by when you can use two clubs.. I split my time between the pitching wedge and the putter and before I realized it five hours had passed at Heron. I took a break to workout and grab lunch and then headed back out for two evening hours. 9,450 remain. Daily average: 73%
August 29: went out to see Christopher at Pumpkin for my first "swing" lesson and it went really well. I have a great feeling about the beginning of this new chapter for The Dan Plan! got in three hours of practice all in all today. 9,457 remain. Daily average: Didn't keep any stats, but was hitting fairly well.
August 28: It was Saturday and I usually take it off, but since I didn't do too much this Thursday I felt like I should head out for a bit. So, got in two hours out at Heron and then went and did my cognitive exercises and worked out. It was a nice and slow paced day. 9,460 remain. Daily average: 68%
August 27: In all honesty, this has been the toughest week thus far to concentrate. I'm not sure what was/is going on, but I'm pretty glad the week is over and I'm looking forward to my first swing lesson out at Pumpkin on Sunday! I put in five hours at Heron, but it was not the high quality practice that I usually can get in.. 9,462 remain. Daily average: 72%
August 25: between my meeting with the new physical therapist, Shawn, and with the cognitive therapist Darren and a lunch with a potential new videographer I only got in four hours of training today out at Heron. They were good hours, though, and I putted well. 9,467 remain. Daily average: 81%
August 24: Was a much better day today than yesterday. I was full of energy and the ball was rolling almost exactly where I wanted it.. My five-footers still aren't where I want them, but everything else on the putting green is starting to add up. One issue I've had recently is my distance control, so going to get working on that fist thing tomorrow morn. In all, I got six hours at Heron and one out at Broadmoor. 9,471 remain. Daily average: 70%
August 23: Was set to have a long and intense training day but for some reason my entire body and mind was exhausted. For the life of me, I could not fully wake up so ended the session at four hours. Was going to nap and then go back out, but as the day went on I realized that I felt like I was coming down with something, so decided to work out and then call it a day in hopes of resting up for tomorrow. 9,478 remain. Daily average: 76%
August 22: You really can't beat a Sunday spent out at Heron Lakes. It was very busy when I got out there, but then a bit of rain came and scared off most of the weekend warriors leaving the entire putting green to me.. Putting went well, I worked on my tempo a lot today and it's starting to make more sense. 9,482 remain. Daily average: 70%
August 20: Wrapped up the week out at Heron this morning. Made it a short day as I was pretty beat from the past five days of training. I put in four hours total, but they were all spent putting well! 9,487 remain. Daily average: 72%
August 19: I got in five hours out at Heron before it started to get a bit overly busy and I my concentration was fading so took an afternoon break. Went out to Broadmoor for an afternoon hour to top of the day. Putting went pretty well at both places, I'm actually starting to gain some confidence in my putting skills.. 9,491 remain. Daily average: 70%
August 18: It wasn't much of a golfing day, but I got a lot taken care of off of the greens. I spent two hours at Heron before going to meet with Shawn (the physical therapist now working with The Plan) for an physical evaluation, as well as my weekly meeting with Darren. Then, went back out to Heron for one more hour before calling it a day. 9,497 remain. Daily average: 68%
August 17: Tried to push my limits and see how long I could focus (and focus well) at one time and ended up calling it quits after six hours. I was getting a bit dazed, so went in for a while and then went back out to Heron in the evening, but could only muster one more hour. Great day all-in-all! 9,500 remain. Daily average: 69%
August 16: It was a bit toasty out there today so I got in four hours at Heron in the morning and then hid for a bit while the heat passed before heading back out to Heron for two very good evening hours. I added a metronome to my toolkit today and so spent a little while getting used to hitting at a slower tempo. 9,507 remain. Daily average: 68%
August 15: spent my four month Plan-iversary out at Pumpkin Ridge today. Christopher and I met and had a lesson about tempo and starting the ball on line. It was good to be out there and I feel like I got a good practice in for the five hours I was there. 9,513 remain. Daily average: 74%
August 13: Friday the 13th went well out at Heron. I spent 3.5 hours in the morning and then went to meet a friend for lunch and run some errands. Then, went out in the heat of the day for 1.5 hours before calling it a week! 9,518 remain. Daily average: 64% (still working on getting my 5-footers back to where they last month, not sure why...)
August 12: I was in the mood for a change of scenery, so went down to Rose City for a couple hours in the morning. It got a bit crowded, so I decided to try out East Moreland for the first time and glad I did, quite a nice practice area they have over there. Spent two hours there and then topped it off with two evening hours at old faithful, aka Heron Lakes. 9,523 remain. Daily average: 69%
August 11: Got out to Heron early to meet a friend for a bit of putting and stayed there for about 4.5 hours. Then headed down to see Darren for our weekly shindig. Talked with Shawn at their gym too about potentially being the new physical trainer of The Plan. Afterwords, went back out to Heron for 1.5 hours of evening work. 9,529 remain. Daily average: 61%
August 10: Dropped of Marijke at the airport early in the morn so stopped at Colewood for 3 hours on the way home. Their greens are fast! Worked there and then went to Broadmoor for an hour before heading to Heron to finish the day off with 2 hours out there. I need to go back to the basics and work on my 3 and 5 footers.. 9,535 remain. Daily average: 51% (not sure what's going on, but it was a struggle to get anything within 6 feet in today.)
August 9: A good start to a good week. Spent 4 hours at Heron, took a lunch break while a Jrs' tournament started and then went back out for two hours. Also got a workout in and did my daily cognitive training. It was actually a great day! 9,541 remain. Daily average: 71%
August 8: went out to Heron for two hours in the evening to get a jump start on this week. I'm starting to get my groove back and think that this is going to be a very good week of training. 9,547 remain. Daily average: worked mostly on chipping and lags..
August 6: Spent the morning and evening out at Heron, with a break down in Durham to see Darren. Seven hours in total today, most of them were spent feeling good about my game too.. 9,549 remain. Daily average: 62%
August 5: Back at Heron I had one of the tougest concentration days of the entire Plan so far. Guess it's just getting back to a good routine, hopefully things will level out in a couple days and I'll be back to normal. 9,556 remain. Daily average: 59%
August 4: Now in Boise, I went down to Warm Springs Golf Course in the Northeast corner of town to practice. It was a good course, but the practice greens were flatter than a pool table.. Spent three hours out there before heading back to Portland. 9,562 remain. Daily average: 64%
August 1: Between getting a flat fixed and visiting with friends I only managed to pull off three hours of practice in Denver. It was nice to get out and see what that city has to offer, though. Went to the Denver Public GC in downtown, I'd definitely go back to play! 9,565 remain. Daily average: 60%
July 30: Went back out to Field Club in Omaha for three hours and then went down to another golf course called Milts for two hours to try out a different practice area. The grass in Omaha is much thinner than what we have here in the Pacific Northwest. 9,568 remain. Daily average: 85% (was a VERY flat course and everything was dropping in!)
July 29: Found a good practice area about a mile from my brother's house in Omaha called Field Club. Went out there for four hours to hit around and actually had a nice practice. 9,573 remain. Daily average: 75%
July 27: Hit Heron this morning for about 4 hours and then went down to see Darren for our weekly meeting (a day early because I'm heading out of town tomorrow) before going back out to Heron for a couple evening hours to play some competitive games with Jay and Shane. It was a good day and I putted pretty well. 9,577 remain. Daily average: 76%
July 26: Spent five hours this morning out at Heron Lakes working on a variety of different putts. Trying to get in a good bit of work before heading to Omaha on Wednesday to see my brother and his family. 9,583 remain. Daily average: 70%
July 25: Had a lesson with Christopher out at Pumpkin today. It was good to get out there and see him before I head out of town for a week, I'm looking forward to our next lesson when we go over how to actually start swinging a club. 9,588 remain. Daily average: skipped my five-footers to work on some longer putts today..
July 23: Three hours was about all I could muster up today out at Heron, think I pushed my limits this week, but it was worth it as it was a great week. And, I finally got over 80% on my five-footers! Daily average: 9,592 remain. Daily average: 82%
July 22: Between the morning and evening sessions I trained for 7 hours out at Heron Lakes today, it was about as close to perfect weather as you could ask for. Hopefully tomorrow is similar to today. 9,595 remain. Daily average: 72%
July 21: Got in 4.5 hours out at Heron before heading down to see Darren for out weekly cognitive training meeting. Afterwords, got in a workout and .5 hours of putting before calling it a good day and heading home. 9,602 remain. Daily average: 76.5%
July 20: Was a cold and rainy (summer) day down at Rose City for the first 4.5 hours and then 80 degrees and sunny at Heron Lakes for the afternoon 1.5 hours! crazy Portland weather.. 9,607 remain. Daily average: 70%
July 19: Spent the day at Heron (7 hours) and must admit it was a good one, especially when my lag putting is concerned. Not so efficient on my 5-footers, but I guess you can't win them all! 9,613 remain. Daily average: 60%
July 18: Spent a nice little afternoon out at Pumpkin Ridge with coach. Had a one hour lesson and then put in three hours of practice before heading home to do some cognitive training. 9,620 remain. Daily average: 66%
July 16: Great end to a topsy-turvy week. Got in 6 hours down at Heron and then went for a workout and did my cognitive training. Called it a day after that and am looking forward to a relaxing Saturday before heading to see coach on Sunday. 9,624 remain. Daily average: 70%
July 15: What a difference a day can make. Felt great out there and didn't want to leave Heron, but after six hours the sun was getting awefully bright. Worked on lags again and got my 40' putts up to 55% from 37% just a few days ago. 9,630 remain. Daily average: 68%
July 14: Hit Heron early to get in five hours before my weekly meeting with Darren. The day went pretty well all in all, I have been really focussing on my lag putting this week and think that it's coming along well. 9,636 remain. Daily average: 64%
July 13: Got out to Heron a bit late due to catching up on a bit of sleep, but once out there I put in a solid five hours morning. Decided that I needed to do a bit of meditative thinking in the evening instead of going back out, so called it a day at that. 9,641 remain. Daily average: 70%
July 12: Is it already mid July? Dropped my mother off at the airport this morning and then stopped by Colewood for a four hour morning on the way home. Went for a workout after that and then in the evening got in two hours out at Heron. It's surprisingly nice and quiet out there after 7PM, will have to start doing that more often. 9,646 remain. Daily average: 69%
July 9: Was a good Friday out at Heron Lakes. Planned on getting in just four hours, but felt good (although wasn't putting particularly well) so ended up putting/chipping for 6 hours. 9,652 remain. Daily average: 69%
July 8: Met Christopher out at Pumpkin for out weekly practice. Got there about two hours early and we worked on my game for two hours and then I stuck out the 100 degree day for another hour of chipping and putting. 9,658 remain. Daily average: 77%
July 7: Got out to Heron extra early to beat the heat, and so put in 6.5 hours. Then, headed down to see Darren for some cognitive training and he had me putt with distractions for 30 minutes, so makes it an even 7. 9,663 remain. Daily average: 76%
July 6: Back to Heron.. Went out there for six hours this morning for a good session, but one that reminded me that I have a lot of work to do. Felt good out there and got a lot of nice putts in, all-in-all. 9,670 remain. Daily average: 70.5%
July 5: I was amazed at how busy Heron Lakes was this morning, at least until I realized most people had the day off due to the Fourth being on Sunday.. Still, was a great day to be out putting and I got six hours in before heading in for a workout. Only chipped the ball about 20 times, there is still so much putting I need to do that it will be interesting to see how I can divy up the time in the coming months. 9,676 remain. Daily average: 65%
July 3: Got in three hours out at Heron Lakes before the Saturday crowds built up to the point where it's impossible to practice. Was a great morning out there and my putting felt right on. I also got in about 25 minutes of chipping for the first time! 9,682 remain. Daily average: 77%
July 2: Went out to meet Christopher at the Nike golf facility (where they made my clubs) and then headed to Pumpkin for a lesson. Worked with CS for two hours and then did two hours of putting out there on my own. 9,685 remain. Daily average: 68%
July 1: Started the day off at Heron for about five hours. Was a nice and quiet morning where I had a chance to really focus on my work. In the afternoon, I braved the rains for an hour out at Broadmoor, where the greens are much tougher than Heron right now. 9,689 remain. Daily average: 68%
June 30: Went out to Heron Lakes for five hours and was putting very well, if I must say so myself. Today and yesterday I felt like I was making a lot of clutch 7-12 footers and my five-footers were falling pretty smoothly too. 9,695 remain. Daily average: 70%
June 29: Had an extended and quite good morning down at Rose City. Put in six hours in total before taking the afternoon a bit on the easy side. 9,700 remain. Daily average: 63.5%
June 28: Started as a sleepy Monday, but quickly turned into a good training session. Got in six hours out at Heron before a good workout down at Edge gym. Decided to top off the day with an evening hour out at Broadmoor. 9,706 remain. Daily average: 67%
June 25: Got in a nice 5.5 hour day out at Heron Lakes before my final workout before the weekend. Afterwords, worked on aim and swing mechanics for just under an hour to make it a good six hour day. 9,713 remain. Daily average: 66%
June 24: went out to Pumpkin Ridge for a lesson with CS today. Got there a couple hours early to practice and then we had an hour lesson. Afterwords, took the afternoon off to spend with Marijke, who had been out of town for two weeks. 9,719 remain. Daily average: 72.5% (number was good, but the new swing still doesn't feel quite right. Lots to keep working on!)
June 23: Was an especially tough concentration day out at Heron Lakes. Also got a late start, so ended up calling it after three hours. Went for a workout and then down to see Darren. 9,722 remain. Daily average: 55%
June 22: Spent a great morning out at Heron Lakes, made it a five hour beginning to a nice sunny day. Went back out after lunch to Broadmoor for two hours, too. The new swing is making it a bit difficult, but it will come with time. 9,725 remain. Daily average: 61%
June 21: Had a productive morning learning my new putting swing down at Heron Lakes for four hours. Went for a workout and then headed back to Heron for one more hour in the evening. I was surprised that I did as well as I did considering how much I changed in my swing. 9,732 remain. Daily average: 68%
June 20: Had a lesson with CS out at Pumpkin today. Was a good lesson focussing on my mechanics. Much needed. Spent four hours out there in all, and then one more hour out at Broadmoor in the PM after the U.S. Open finished for five total. 9,737 remain. Daily average: *Worked on my swing all day, so did not putt any five footers, so have no percentage today..
June 18: Went down to Rose City for a four hour morning. Was going to go back out for an afternoon session, but was still having energy and concentration problems so decided to call it a week. Will start it back up Sunday out at Pumpkin Ridge. 9,742 remain. Daily average: 64%
June 17: Was planning on another seven hour day, but my concentration level had a different opinion about that. So, got in four solid hours before realizing it was time to break for the day. 9,746 remain. Daily average: 69%
June 16: Went out to Heron Lakes for a four hour morning before heading down to see Darren at the Synergy Training Center. Was going to go back out, but could not muster the right amount of concentration, so decided to rest up for the rest of the long week. 9,750 remain. Daily average: 66%
June 15: Another good day. Went out to Rose City for a 5.5 hour session in the morning, and then spent about 1.5 hours at Heron for the PM. Set a few personal records in my putting (in the 20' game, 30' game and 40' game). also, got my first round of 5 footers in the 70+% range. 9,754 remain. Daily average: 67.5%
June 14: Heron for five hours this morning, a little workout break in the afternoon, and then back to Heron for two more hours, making it the longest day of training yet (I think there might have been one other day of seven hours, but perhaps not..) Was a great energy day too, and a lot of random people were expressing interest in the plan, always good! 9,761 remain. Daily average: 63%
June 13: Went to Pumpkin for a Sunday practice because the weather was so nice. why not.. Putted for just over 3 hours, including a little 9-hole match against one of Christopher's other student. Was a good day, but my putting was off so I called it quits to rest up for the bootcamp week. 9,768 remain. Daily average: 56%
June 11: Cruising along out at Heron Lakes for 3.5 hours this morning. Afternoon workout and then off to Broadmoor for 1.5 hours. Was a good end to a nice week, and it looks like it's the end of the rain for a bit! 9,771 remain. Daily average: 61%
June 10: Went out to see CS at Pumpkin for a lesson. Got there a couple hours early, had a two hour lesson where I got some new games to play, and then stayed for a couple hours playing those games. Great day. 9,776 remain. Daily average: 61%
June 9: Had a good day out at Heron Lakes this morning before heading to the gym and down to see Darren for our weekly meeting. Then, headed back out to Broadmoor for one more hour, making it five total. 9,782 remain. Daily average: 62%
June 8: Was an all but non-existant day, got in just two hours between Colewood and Heron Lakes before a strange exhaustion set in and I decided it was best to take care of other things for the remainder of the day. 9,787 remain. Daily average: 47%
June 7: Got a solid six hour session in at Heron Lakes this morning. Was thinking about going back out later, but after a workout and my cognitive exercises and dinner it was a little late and I was exhausted, so decided to call it a day. 9,789 remain. Daily average: 54.5%
June 4: Went to Heron for the AM practice. Went out a bit late and there was a "fleet week" tournament for the Navy, so called it a morning after 3 hours when the sailors started getting a bit drunk.. Went out to Broadmoor for two hours in the PM to make it a good five hour Friday. 9,795 remain. Daily average: 51%
June 3: Heron Lakes for four hours in the AM, seemed to be picking my groove back up, but it's not fully there yet. Went back out to Heron with my brother, Matt, for an hour in the PM for a bit of putting competition with him. We tied. 9,800 remain. Daily average: 64%
June 2: Braved the torrential downpour of the morning for about 4 hours out at Heron Lakes. Got soaked, but had a new raincoat, so at least I found out that the coat works! Then went for a workout and down to see Darren for a meeting. On the way home, I stopped at Heron for one more hour to see if the day was getting better as far as putting is concerned, but it wasn't so I called it a day. 9,805 remain. Daily average: 60%
June 1: Went out with my brother today, he was in town for the week, and played an 18-hole game with him. Gave him an 8 stroke handicap, but then only beat him by one, so I think I need to rethink my confidence in putting and head back out to the drawing board for a bit.. All in all, practiced for five hours at Braodmoor. 9,811 remain. Daily average: 41% (dismal performance due to poor concentration and a new stance CS showed me during out last meeting.)
May 29: Had a good long lesson with CS out at Pumpkin. Went out two hours early, had a two hour lesson and then stayed for an hour after, for five total. 9,816 remain. Daily average: 57%
May 28: Went to Heron first, but there was a tournament there, so ended up at Broadmoor for the morning. For some reason, I could not concentrate for the life of me and could only muster up two hours of practice time before calling it quits for the day. 9,821 remain. Daily average: a pour (no pun intended about the weather..) performance of 46%
May 27: Wanted a different view, so went to Rose City this morning. Did two hours there and it got so busy that I could not get a hole, so went to Broadmoor for the secon two hours. Also did an hour at home with a couple putting games for five total. 9,823 remain. Daily average: 63%
May 26: Short morning of two hours out at Heron Lakes, and then on to a workout and down to see Darren for a meeting. Went back out to Heron in the afternoon for an hour, but all in all it was a slow day in the golf world.. 9,828 remain. Daily average: 60%
May 25: Good Tuesday, went out for a full five hours to Heron for a productive morning and then, after a break, went out to Broadmoor for two hours in the rain to finish out the day. Felt energized today. 9,831 remain. Daily average: 61%
May 24: I felt better than I usually do on a typical Monday today, perhaps because I went out for a couple hours Sunday. Went to Heron Lakes for 4 hours and did all of the new games, including the five-foot putts. Then went for a workout and in the PM went to Colewood for the first time to check out a new course. Did one hour at Colewood. 9,838 remain. Daily average: 64%
May 23: Went out on a Sunday for the first time today. Just did a little two hours session, but it felt good and I liked changing things up a bit. 9,843 remain. Daily average: 49%
********* From this point on, the "daily average" percentage is now measuring five-foot putts. Everything before here was three-foot putts. ***********
May 21: The day started off tough, it was rainy and cold and I was tired. Almost called it a week after one hour, but then the rain stopped and I got a second wind. Putter for five hours, then went for a workout. In the afternoon, did one more hour at Broadmoor. 9,845 remain. Daily average: 89.22%
May 20: Went to Pumpkin Ridge for a lesson with CS. Practiced for a while before and after, all in all got in 6 hours. We changed my putting stance, so my average went down a bit for my 3 foot putts, but I hope the new stance will improve my game once it becomes natural. I start a five-foot game tomorrow. 9,851 remain. Daily average: 80.39%
May 19: Started filled with energy out at Heron Lakes, but that only lasted 2.5 hours before exhaustion weirdly set in. Went for a workout and down to see Darren for my weekly neuro building session and then back out for 2.5 hours at Braodmoor. 9,857 ramain. Daily average: 89.71%
May 18: Decided to change things up a bit so went out to Rose City golf club in the morning for four hours. Did amazingly in my 3-footers, got a new record of 97 out of 102 on the first round and pretty good on round two too. The rains came so I took a break and then went out to Broadmoor for two hours in the afternoon. 9,862 remain. Daily average: 92.16%
May 17: Four hours in the morning at Heron lakes, a workout just after noon and then back out to Heron for two hours in the eve. Did the three footers from three different holes thoughout the day, but at each one I felt like I could sink anything. 9,868 remain. Daily average: 91.50%
May 14: Did three hours out at Heron lakes with a bit of a later start (end of the week tiredness creeping in) and then went for a workout. In the afternoon, I could only muster up he energy to do one hour at Broadmoor. 9,874 remain. Daily average: 84.80%
May 13: Three hours in the AM out at Quail Valley and then a long meeting with Christopher including a conference call with Dr. Ericsson and Dr. Hill. Afterwords, went to the private side of Pumpkin Ridge for an hour of putting. 9,879 remain. Daily average: 84.31%
May 12: Four hours in the morning at Heron Lakes then off for a workout and down then down to meet Darren for a weekly meeting. In the afternoon I spent one hour back at Heron before being too beat to continue. 9,883 remain. Daily average: 86.17%
May 11: Putted for about two hours out at Heron before another high school tournament arrived, so went to Broadmoor for two hours to finish the morning. Was fairly exhausted again and it was hard to concentrate. Went back to Heron for two hours in the afternoon where I perked up and shot my best three-foot round yet, 96 of 102 balls. 9,888 remain. Daily average: 85.29%
May 10: Spent half the morning at Heron Lakes then a few highschools arrived for a tournament so went to Broadmoor for the res of the morning. Went for a workout and then back out to Broadmoor for another session. All in all it was the toughest day yet to maintain concentration and I also felt exhausted. 9,894 remain. Daily average: 74.93%
May 7: Spent a good five hour morning out at Heron Lakes. Shot well and felt fresh all morning long. Took a break at 1PM for lunch and a workout and then decided to call it a week because I felt saturated from a very busy five days. 9,900 remain. First hundred hours worked off! Daily average: 83.82%
May 6: went out to Pumpkin Ridge for a lesson with Christopher. spent three hours practicing beforehand, then a two hour lesson and then stuck around for two more hours after for a total of seven. We worked on my stance, especially my upper body. Was a good and non-rainy day. 9,905 remain. Daily average: 80.88%
May 5, 2010: Four hours in the AM at Heron lakes, then off to the Edge for a workout and then down to Durham to see Darren for a meeting.. One hour more in the PM working on the Pelz putting tutor. Had plenty of energy, but not enough to pull off 2 PM hours.. 9,912 remain. Daily average: 76.96%
May 4, 2010: Broadmoor in the AM for two hours, then felt exhausted so took a nap and then went back to Broadmoor for 4 hours in the afternoon. 9,917 remain. Daily average: 76.14%
May 3, 2010: Heron in the AM for five hours. Broadmoor in the PM for two. was a great day as far as energy level goes. Also worked out in the the middle of the day. 9,923 remain. Daily average: 78.43%
April 30, 2010: Heron Lakes in the AM and Broadmoor in the PM. Was pretty exhausted so only got in five hours, but putted better than ever before. 9,930 remain. Daily average: 87.25%
April 29, 2010: Pumpkin Ridge for a lesson in the AM, Broadmoor in the PM. Recieved a new club and shoes, thanks to Nike! Putted pretty well with the new gear. 9,935 remain. Daily average: 75.49%
April 28, 2010: Heron Lakes again in the AM and Broadmoor in the PM. Had a workout and meeting at the Synergy Training Center in the middle, so long day. It was pouring during the Broadmoor session too, but felt good today. 9,941 remain. Daily average: 75.16%
April 27, 2010: Heron Lakes in the AM for the first time. rainy morning, but it cleared up for a good four hour training session. Went to Broadmore in the PM for two hours. Back felt better and all in all it was a good training day. 9,947 remain. Daily average:78.43% (I had an exceptionally good morning practice.)
April 26, 2010: Broadmoor in the AM for four hours. Very sore back, made it hard to putt. Worked out at the Edge, then back to Broadmoor for two hours. Tough and rainy day. 9,953 remain. Daily average: 70.92%
April 23, 2010: Broadmoor in the AM for three hours. Long middle-of-the-day meeting, and then back to Broadmoor for 2 more hours. 9,959 remain. Daily average: 72.22%
April 22, 2010: Out at Pumpkin Ridge for four hours in the AM. two hours back at Broadmoor in the PM. 9,964 remain. Daily average: 61.27%* changed my stance today, which affected my results.
April 21, 2010: Four and a half hours in the morning, felt good but a little stiff back. Then 2.5 hours in the afternoon. 9,970 remain. Daily average: 73.20%
April 20, 2010. Four hours in the morning and then two hours in the afternoon. 9,977 remain. Daily average: 68.30%
April 19, 2010. Four hours in the morning and a workout at the Kor in the afternoon. 9,983 hours. Daily average is: 69.61%
April 16, 2010. Three hours in the morning, a workout in the middle of the day, and three hours in the evening. 9,987 hours. My daily average is: 67.32%
Day one for real, with coach: April 15, 2010. Met the coach at Pumpkin Ridge for a two and half hour lesson. Then went back out that evening for 2.5 more hours. 9,993 hours. Daily average: 63.73%
Day one: April 5, 2010. Went out and putted for two hours. Don't have the "real" clubs yet, but it still counts as a start! So, down to 9,998 hours.
10,000 hours to go
