This will be the final post of this golf season, as I have just returned from my final event of the year. It has actually been two events since my last post, and an update is in order. I played in a Tarheel event at Bermuda Run last week and shot 70-73=143 which was good for 31st place. the first day was washed out due to rain, and I played fairly well...steady but not spectacular. My wrist continues to bother me a little, and some much needed rest will make it 100%.

My final event was in Pinehust at The National Golf Club in a Sunbelt event called The Patriot. I played poorly in every facet, and finished 31st with an aggregate of 237 (80-80-77) I could not drive, hit irons, chip or putt well for 3 days, and on that golf course it showed.

Anyway, this brings to an end my first year as a professional golfer, and what a year it has been. I have learned much, and know exactly what improvements I need to make to be more competitive next year. My plan is to take some time off to refresh the body and the mind, and to work on the parts of my game that were weak this year. There were so many adjustments this year; new career, new courses, the travel, new guys to play with, then throw in a new baby half way through the year and it doesn't get much more challenging than that. I was able to see considerable improvement during the second half of the year, and I am very excited about 2007.

I will make some decisions about my playing schedule over the next few weeks, and plan on playing about the same number of tournaments next year as this year (30). All of my sponsors have been supportive during this first year of effort, and while I did not make much money this year, it was successful in many ways. This first year was a good barometer to gauge where I need to get better. I need to putt better, and my overall short game needs to be more consistent. I need to eliminate the sloppy holes, and to avoid big numbers. I made some progress in these areas as the year went by, and I believe continued improvement will come.

Thanks to all who kept up with me through this blog, and next year will be here before you know it! Here are my final stats for the year:

30 Events - 70 competitive rounds

Average 75.5 - (last 35 rounds - 74.3) - (first 35 rounds - 76.7)
Greens hit 61% - (last 35 rounds - 63%) - ( first 35 rounds - 58%)
Fairways hit 74% - (last 35 rounds - 74%) - (first 35 rounds - 74%)
Up and down 44% - (last 35 rounds - 53%) - (first 35 rounds - 39%)
Birdies per round - 2.5 - (last 35 rounds - 3.0) - (first 35 rounds - 2.1)
Putts per round - 31.3 - (last 35 rounds - 30.4) - (first 35 rounds - 32.1)

Last week in New Jersey was poised to be a good one, and then "the rock" got in the way! I arrived up at Twisted Dunes playing well and filled with confidence. I practiced well, and the course suited my game well. I had an early tee time on Tuesday as the first group off at 7:30, and was ready to play. I parred the first 4 holes and arrived at the 14th (started on the back) in OK shape. I hooked my drive left toward some high grass, and my ball actually came to rest on a dirt path. The problem was there was a rock the size of a softball right behind my ball half way exposed above the ground. I considered taking an unplayable, but elected to hit it instead. Bad decision. I chopped it out to the fairway, but bent my 8-iron severely and jammed my right wrist. I tried to play a few more holes but was unable to continue. I withdrew from the tournament, and that was the first event of my life that I ever retired from playing. Very disappointing.

My wrist feels better now after a few days of ice and heat, and there should be no long term effects. I have 2 more events this year, and plan on competing in those tournaments. I will be at Bermuda Run next week in a Tarheel event, and then at Pinehurst for a Senior event the following week.