The Tarheel Tour (Rock Hill) event this week was shortened to 36 holes (no cut) due to poor weather the first day, and I shot 153 for my 2 rounds. I was +8 after 7 holes and played fairly well thereafter. The good news is I made my first check as a professional!! $250 may not seem like much, but to me it has significance because it is my first check as a pro, and I kept competing down the stretch to earn at least something. I remember reading Jack Nicklaus "Golf My Way", and him writing that his first check was something like $118! These are the things that I am learning to build upon, and will be tougher and better down the road. As an aside, I had vowed to not cut my hair until I made a check, and must admit it was getting a little scruffy. Barrett and Toddy Jr. were certainly rooting a little harder for their Dad as well, being somewhat embarrassed by the major "hat head" Pops has been sporting!

We leave tomorrow for Sanctuary Cove, a new Fred Couples design near Brunswick GA. and my first Sunbelt Seniors (pros 47+) event. Our son Stephen is going along to keep me company. The next week is the Atlanta Hooters event, and I have an all star cast of caddies lined up to tote the bag. Brian (Dead Head) Petersen and Reggie Blackburn have graciously agreed to caddy for me, and it will be fun. Both those guys will certainly keep me loose!

To be continued after the Sunbelt event...