Okay, so today I tried my luck at the John Deere Classic Monday Qualifier. Let me tell you, it was a grind, but a good experience overall.
Warming Up and Feeling the Pressure
I started the day pretty early, got to the course with plenty of time to hit the range. I wanted to get a good feel for my swing and work on some short game. There were tons of other guys there, all with the same goal, so you could definitely feel the competitive energy in the air.
The Round Kicks Off
My tee time finally rolled around. I stepped up to the first tee, and, man, I won’t lie, the nerves were definitely there. First few holes I played pretty cautiously, just trying to find a rhythm. I made a couple of pars, and a bogey that I was not so happy about.
- Hole 1: Par
- Hole 2: Bogey
- Hole 3: Par
Grinding It Out
The middle of the round was a real test. I had to scramble a few times to save par, and it felt like every shot mattered so much. I managed a birdie on the 7th.
One thing I noticed was how important course management was. It wasn’t just about hitting bombs; it was about playing smart, putting yourself in good positions.
The Final Stretch
Coming down the stretch, I knew I needed to make something happen. Unfortunately, I couldn’t quite get the putter hot enough. I finished with a few more pars, and one more unfortunate bogey on the 17th, which really hurt.
The Results and Reflection
Didn’t make it through, which is a bummer, no sugarcoating it. But honestly, it was still a great experience to test myself against some really good players. I can see where I need to improve, what parts of my game I will work on. I’m already thinking about how I can prepare better for the next one!
That’s just how golf is sometimes. You win some, you learn some.
