My 2018 season saw some improvement. I played in the Senior Jones flight, but found out they changed the age limit mid year to 55, so I will be back in regular Jones for 2019. I played two majors one, in December, which I covered in last year’s review, and one in July in San Antonio. I finished the La Cantera major in 14th out of 24. On the plus side my scores in the majors were better than my previous scores.
My scores in the local tournaments were an improvement over past years. My average score was a full stroke better than previous best. For the first time ever, I avoided a terrible score in a tournament by not having any scores over 99.
I finished with 3 wins and 4 second places. By the end of the season I felt like I should be able to win any tournament. My driver was improved and I found my wedges were a weapon I didn’t have before.
I had one golf trip in 2018 and it was something special. For my friend Chad’s 40th birthday, three of us went to Pinehurst. We played no. 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9. The courses were fantastic and resort was great. My favorites were nos. 4 and 8. We played no. 4 only a few weeks after it reopened.
Goals from 2018
- Get promoted to the Sarazen flight. – I got closer but my index is still a couple of strokes away.
- No tournament scores above 99. – Success!
- More tournaments in the 80s than the 90s. – I had 4 in the 80s and 8 in 90s.
- Make my driver a more reliable club. – I still have work to do on this one, but I saw some improvement this year.
- Hole in one – still waiting
Favorite Courses
New Courses to Me
Pinehurst no. 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, La Cantera – Resort and Palmer
Bets Round
The tournament at Sycamore Ridge. This is my favorite course in Kansas City. I started with 6 straight pars. I managed to put up two 41s for a 82 and a 9 stroke win.
Best Shot
The most memorable shot was at La Cantera in San Antonio, first hole on the Resort course. I started on no. 10 which is an uphill par 5. The greens were very hard and fast. I was the last to putt and after watching the other guys struggle, my confidence wasn’t high. I had about a 25’ putt, uphill breaking to the right. I hit my putt and it went right into the hole. That was about the only highlight of that round.
Most Disappointing Round
Tournament at Falcon Lakes. It is a course I am very familiar with but was off all day.
Goals for 2019
1. Get promoted to the Sarazen flight.
2. Win 5 tournaments.
3. More tournaments in the 80s than the 90s.
4. Get the driver more consistent.
5. Get some eagles.
patrickemerson 