Early exit from Palmetto Hall, time to get back on the straight and narrow

I thought Round 2 at Palmetto was going to be a good one. I had showed signs at the conclusion of round 1 that I was getting back on track with some consistent play. I had a really good warm up before the round and was positive in my mind set. I started off on the back 9 decently, I just missed a five footer at my first hole (the 10th) for birdie and then birdied the tough par 3 12th. to go -1 through 3. My goal was to keep pressing to try and get as close to level for the tournament as possible. On the next hole I hit a quick left tee shot that didn't clear the hazard and had to re-tee, I made a good par with the second ball but 1 poor swing and 2 shots gone. I stuck to my game plan though and was playing pretty good but not capitalising on my chances. I then missed the green with an 8 iron from the middle of the fairway at the 17th which led to a bogey. 2 poor swings and I was 2 over through 8 holes. A little harsh, but it can happen with a lack of tournament sharpness and a demanding course.

I did keep patient so I am pleased about that, however my score did not improve on the back 9. A par at the 1st was followed with what I can only say was bad fortune at the 2nd hole. I did not feel comfortable all week with this tee shot but hit an ok one down the right. I found myself in the 'ground under repair' section of the fairway with my nearest point of relief being blocked out for my second with a really tight 2nd shot. Faced with this I had 2 options, go for a mega slice 4 iron round the trees or a chip out sideways. With my position in the tournament, I decided to go with the former, it didn't come off and in the end I made a 'good' bogey after finding the hazard. The next tee shot was also a tough one, I pulled it a bit and with the wind and a bounce left that went out of bounds. Par with the second ball and another couple gone. The next few holes were littered with more mistakes, mostly from the tee. I did finish with a birdie which I think does show a lot for my character. I closed with a second round 79 which equates to an early exit from my first event back.

So what did I learn from this week? I got to play with Peter Malnati this week who is a member of PGA tour, taking a short break to get some more competitive golf under his belt. I don't like to directly compare myself to other golfers because in order to be successful you must find what suits you best. But it was pretty evident this week that there was a gap between him and I when it comes to finding fairways. I am longer, arguably strike the ball more flush but I have to find a way, particularly with the challenging tee shots to find the fairway somehow, even if I need to take 15-20 yards off. This week I was unable to do that. My poor shots were costing me more than they should. I am not going to press the panic button or anything and I am going to continue to trust the process of what I am doing. I haven't played an event in over 5 months so I will only get better from here.

Next week I am playing at Callawassie Island, a great course so I am itching to get back out there and set the record straight.

Play begins Wednesday the 5th. I will have a practice round Tuesday afternoon.

Thanks again for following. Stay tuned for some good news.

Lee