US Open qualifying this past Monday was a frustrating day on a very difficult course. I shot 77 to miss advancing to the sectional by 2 shots. I had a 3 hole stretch in the middle of my round where I lost 4 strokes and that was the difference. DuPont CC was long and in great shape, and set up very tough. The greens were fast and hard, and it was difficult to get it close. No player shot under par, and 1 over was low.

I actually spent a few days up in the Del./NJ/NY and saw most of my family. I stayed with my sister Cindy in Delaware, and also with Cheryl in NJ and Jill in NY. Stephen went with me on this trip and we were golfing gypsies. I also was able to spend time with my Mom who is recovering from some surgery and is on the mend. The girls do a great job assisting her, especially Cheryl who lives closest to Mom.

We had an opportunity to play Winged Foot on this trip, and Stephen was in hog heaven. He had a chance to shoot 90 from the black tees (7000 yds) with a 8 foot putt on the last hole, but 3 whipped it for 92. We played with Kevin Ryan, a frat brother from WFU and he was a very gracious host. We also saw John Buczek, the new head pro there who has ties to wake Forest and Winston Salem as he was the pro at our club for 15 years. He has done a great job with the shop there, and I know the members will enjoy his professionalism and the way he makes everybody feel like a friend.

We got in late on Monday and I played in the Crosby on Tuesday. That charity tournament has done so much to help students pay for college and prepare for life, and I believe this year over $175,000 was raised! Great going to Paul Fulton who is the local linchpin that keeps the event going. I also met Mrs. Crosby, who was delightful and very appreciative of all who participated.

The next few weeks I will be playing locally in Charlotte and then at Bermuda Run. Barrett graduates from HS June 9, and I cant believe I will have my to oldest girls out of the nest and off to school. Time sure flies by when you are having fun!!

The action resumes. I have just returned from 2 tournaments , and the results are thankfully better. I played in a Sunbelt event in Pinehurst )one of my favorite places in the world for many reasons) and i played fairly well shooting 72-74-72 for a decent finish but no check. I hit the ball well, and putted decent also, especially the last day after a putter change. I knew I was playing better, and was beginning to score more like I should be given my play. I stayed with Stu and Retts Warshauer, and they always make me feel so welcome when I come and play in Pinehurst.

From there I went to Myrtle Beach for the Seaweed Invitational, and I made about $2,000 with scores of 70-69. I continued to strike the ball well, and i made some putts. The confidence I need to score well seems to be returning after a long time away...thank goodness!!!

Tomorrow I am off to Delaware to prepare for the US Open qualifying at DuPont CC in Wilmington on the 21st. I will be able to see my family, and I look forward to going up there. I have a renewed feeling of being able to play well, and know I will give it my best effort. Stephen will be going along to caddy.