Tour Qualifying School

What is Tour Qualifying School? “School” is somewhat of a misnomer! There are no degrees upon graduation, but if you play well there may be an invitation to play on the greatest golf tour in the world, the American PGA Tour.

The “Q School” experience consists of 3 stages, a pre qualification tournament, first stage qualifying tournament, second stage qualifying tournament, and finally a 6 round tournament against 175 of the best players in the world, with only the top 25 receiving playing privileges on the PGA tour.

This is without a doubt the most grueling experience of a professional golfers life. Huge rewards, facing the ultimate of golf pressure.

One of my nephew David Haley’s teammates from the University of Minnesota, Donald Constable, is now participating in the final stage of Tour Qualifying School and is doing very well. At the end of the 5th round, he is 1 shot out of the top 25, perfectly placed for a good final round and a spot at the big dance.

Good luck Donald! A Q School wrap up report tomorrow.

 

Playing golf at a TPC golf course

There is just something about playing at a Tournament Players Course. Anticipation is a huge factor when you aren’t playing much golf. The first tee shot is always special. You think it sets the tone for the round, but it really doesn’t. A double bogey on the first hole doesn’t necessarily mean a bad round or even the end of the world!

At 6900 yards you really do find out how good you are though. At home golf is pretty straight forward. Not much yardage and no real obstacles. At a TPC course you can really feel ill equipped and alone. Off most par 4s, you must hit it 275 and avoid water, bunkers, the alligators, (really!), snakes, etc.

Second shots are usually long irons to greens tightly guarded by deep bunkers or water hazards. For me bogey is a good score these days on a 460 yard par 4. The par 5s don’t really offer much relief either. These par 5s have a lot of defenses, and can really bite. Par 3s also are usually over180 yards with plenty of challenges.

I really am going to start practicing with my Amazing Angle. It really reaffirms my belief that when I practice with it, my ball striking improves. Especially my position at the top of my backswing!

So, everyone should experience this type of play. Then, after you play, you can go to the beach, go in the ocean, and almost get bit by a shark. Seriously, no kidding. A perfect end to my day.

Please get your Amazing Angle and practice slowly and deliberately!

 

Golf on Sun. and Mon.

I had the pleasure of playing this holiday weekend with my premier student and nephew, David Haley Jr. He is currently playing for the University of Minnesota and will be playing Mon. June 4 in the U.S. Open sectional qualifier after the Memorial Tournament, for a spot in the U.S. Open. He will be in a group consisting of former Masters champ Mike Weir. Major pressure but I am sure he can handle it well. Tournament golf at this level is gut wrenching. Most of us play for “fun” and with bad swings hopefully still really enjoy it.

I started with David when he was around 6. I have often wondered what is it about students like him who have continued to improve over time and now may be ready for the next big step.

He started with a ton of athletic ability, but there seems to be a lot more to it. Everyone gets beat up and humbled by this game. There are a lot of great players out there who have not been able to make the transition to playing for a living. It occurs to me that the old adage “where there is a will there is a way” is very real. Instruction early on is a must because it installs proper fundamentals at an early age. Being able to play and practice as the main part of your life is not common to most people.

After considering all parts of practice and play there are still countless numbers of possibilities and obstacles that eventually get in your way, life doesn’t stand aside for anyone. You never really know who is ready for the next step into golf stardom. Jason Dufner is a good example. At a later stage in his golf journey he has elevated himself into the winners circle. Don’t think for a minute that this just happened. He has been grinding away for many years when other guys have lost the dream. Persistence has finally paid off for him. Great congrats to Jason Dufner.

If you are struggling with your game right now and are not seeing progress, you may not be focusing on the “true fundamentals” of the game. Find a teacher who will teach you about the impact position and striking the ball. Your swing may have a different look but if you can repeat a good impact position your game will change. You may not make the tour but you will certainly enjoy the game more.