Golf Clubs On Us

I just finished up another Great Lakes Tour event at Otter Creek Golf Course in Otterville, Ontario.  The trip started with my caddie, Matt Roth, and I rising early to head to Otterville for a practice round on the Monday.   We were almost there when the passenger rear tire blew on the truck only 1 kilometre away from the course. So close, yet so far away. You would think this would be an easy fix but, it wasn’t.  The spare tire was not cooperating at all. Thankfully, we had some local farmers come by and help us out.  After an hour went by we had the spare tire on and we were on our way to the course again. We made it just in time to walk to the tee for our practice round with Will Mitchell and his Caddie, Matiss.  Although we were rushing to get to the practice round, I ended up playing well and I really enjoyed the course.  I had a good feel for the course and the way the greens were reacting, as they are 2 year old greens (This generally means large first bounces).

Matt and I ended up staying at the Motel 8 in Woodstock, which was located 25 minutes straight north of Otterville.  After a much needed good night sleep, we set our alarms for 5:30 am as I teed off at 7:48 on the 10^th tee.  My round started well with a good save at ten and a short 4 foot birdie putt missed on the 11^th.  I made par on the 12^th then went on a run. I birdied 13 and 14 and made par on the 15^th and 16^th. Followed by birdie on 17 and pared 18.  I turned at 3 under par and in the lead.  I truly felt that I should have been 5 under through 9 holes, easily, but I couldn’t focus on that. I needed to focus on the next 9 holes.  I par 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 and then birdied the 6^th which is a long par 5.  I came to the tough 177 yard, par 3 with a mini goal of hitting the green in regulation because I missed the green in the practice round.  I had wind coming from the left and was looking to hold the ball against the wind with a little draw. I ended up turning it more then I had wanted and landed in some long fescue.  2 chips and 2 putts later, I made a double bogey. I bad swing had cost me the tournament basically.  I finished strong with 2 pars and was in the club house with the lead… for now.   It turned out that I was beat with a 4 under 68.  I was very happy with my round as I hit 13 of 14 fairways, had 25 putts, and got up and down 8 out of 9 times… some very solid numbers.  I was not happy with my irons from the fairway but it was nice to see the rest of my game kick in when I really needed it!  I ended up in second place alone earning a good pay cheque.

Till next time….

Hello all!   I have been in Florida for 4 days now, trying to shake the winter rust off my golf game.  I have been rather lucky that the weather has been much warmer since I have arrived.  When I arrived last week they were having regular frost delays. 

            I’m currently sitting in the Brooksville Days Inn, reflecting on a hard days work on the golf course.  I am traveling with Will Mitchell of Whitby who has played the Canadian Tour for the past 2 years as well.  Will is participating in the Canadian Tour Florida Q-School trying to earn his card for the up coming year.  I am fortunate enough to be able to practice at the 2 host courses while the golfers are playing.  Anything to save a buck or 2…lol. 

I have been working on all aspects of my game as they all really need it!  A positive… I am making tons of progress.  Jason Helman (golf coach) and I have been working on a few new things with my swing, but always trying to maintain what I have.  The main part of my game I’m focused on this trip is getting my feel back… chipping and putting are the worst for this.  3 hours on the putting green today has pretty much erased the winter rust.

Till next time…

Tyler Martin, Canadian Tour