Golf can be such a cruel game. I did my 4th Champions Tour pre-qualifier this past Friday at Croisdale in Durham, NC. It was for the SAS Championship in Cary this week. I shot 73, and was knocked out of a playoff by the last guy in the last group! The low 6 advanced, and I finished tied for 7th. Such a bummer. I played very well tee to green on a fantastic but tough course, missing only 1 fairway and hitting 14 greens. I putted well, but did have 3 three putts from about 75 feet each time. The greens were huge, and I made many good rolls and had 3 birdies. I did birdie the last hole, and hit the ball tight several times on the back 9. I am encouraged by my play, and will be working very hard on my short game and putting before Q-school in early November.

The Rockbarn Champions Tour pre-qualifier was Friday at Brushy Mountain G. C. I continued my putting woes and shot 79 with 38 putts. It took 71 to advance to the regular qualifier. Definitely do-able. I had been putting well, and got off to a terrible start with a short miss for birdie at the first hole and then consecutive 3-putts at 2 and 3. I ended up the day with only one birdie, and 3-jacked the last hole for good measure. I guess you can tell I am a little fed up with my putting. I go through spells where I putt like Tiger, and have spells where I putt like Helen Keller! It is maddening.

Next on tap is the SAS pre-qualifier in Durham on the 19th. I am going to Tennessee next weekend to work with a pro that my buddy Glenn Funk knows, so I plan on making the best of that situation and hopefully get some confidence.