Things are getting better, and my golf is improving!! I finally played somewhat decent in my most recent Grey Goose Gateway event. I was still outside of the cut line, but shot 147 (77-70). Shooting under par for 18 holes for the first time as a professional is one of the good positive signs I need to progress and get better. After making a triple on my first hole, I hung tough and was even for the next 35. I made a change in my putting, returning to left-hand-low that I used a few years ago, and gained some confidence. It is amazing how much easier the game becomes when you know you are putting well and can make putts. I can't wait until Wellington, the next event.

I will be bringing our youngest son Stephen (12 yrs. old) to the next event in Florida, and look forward to spending some time with him. He has been working on his own game in Winston-Salem, and will have fun in sunny Florida.

I have been blessed in many ways in my life, and my wife and children are at the center of my good fortune. We recently learned that my dear wife Stephanie is expecting a baby in late June. We are all thrilled at the pending birth of baby #6, and look forward to a safe delivery. I have also been blessed with many good friends that have encouraged and supported me in my golf efforts. A special thanks goes out to those who have been especially vocal and supportive as this journey begins. Phil Warshauer, Tim McGlue, and Gil Becker, three buddies from Wake Forest have been particularly supportive over this first month. Gil has let me use his home club, Weston Hills, for practice, and Phil and Glugie have given me many kind words of encouragement as I struggled in these early tournaments. Another buddy, Stephen Moglia (better known as Nugget or Beaver) has allowed me to stay at his house in Hollywood when in Florida. It is good to have a friendly face around, and I have found that it certainly makes things easier. Thanks to all.

This next event in Florida will be my last on the Gateway Tour this year. I will be playing most of my golf on the Hooters Tour going forward, and will play some Tarheel Tour events as well. I have enjoyed playing this tour, and plan on going out with a bang next week!

Well, the first three events of the Greygoose Gateway Tour have been a struggle. I knew that playing down here was going to be an adjustment, and it certainly has been! It reminds me of when I began playing competitive golf again several years ago...it took a few tournaments to get comfortable, and then things settled down.

My scores have been high...my average is about 79 strokes. All of my scores are on the Tour website www.thegatewaytour.com My low round is 76, and I have had two nine-hole scores under par. Playing in the wind and putting on these Bermuda greens has been tough. You have to get used to the grain and speed, and I have not putted particularly well, and that has in turn affected my short game. I am getting more comfortable though, and my scores will improve. This whole deal is a marathon not a sprint...but I would like to play well sooner rather than later! Making a few cuts would be good. After three tournaments the areas of my game that need to improve the most are my short game and maintaining a high level of mental focus. Great players all have those two things.

In addition to the adjustments of playing tournament golf, I am adjusting to the travel, being away from home, eating properly, and managing my practice time. I have met some great guys playing out here, and that has helped. I am going home for a few days, and will be back at it January 25.