Every once in awhile, we hit the links and from the first tee shot our game is dialed in. That is what happened to me yesterday. I played my first match play game in the Club Championship tournament against the current club champion, Misha. Right from the beginning, I was on fire and I ended up playing the best game of the year. Unfortunately, Misha did not have his best game and the outcome reversed from last year. I always wonder why from one day to the next how my game can change. I think I know why yesterday I was successful, but there is definitely a larger picture on this topic.

First, I want to thank Misha for a very enjoyable round. We had a great conversation and the social aspect of our match was great fun. Misha is a smooth swinging, long ball hitter with a great touch around the green. From the first tee, his fortunes did not match mine as he struggle staying in play for the first 11 holes. It was one of those days where he had to grind for the entire front nine. As we walked to the clubhouse after the match, he mentioned that he would see me next year in attempts to regain his current title; something I would expect a great competitor to say.

As far as my game, I did not miss a shot on the front nine. I hit every green in regulation and finished was a smooth 3 under. My approach shots were dialed in as I landed before the green and bounced up on all my approach shots. This is something I have worked on all summer and it came together yesterday. My putting was solid and build a 7 point lead going into the back nine.

As I dialed it back to play a bit more conservatively just waiting for a could tied holes, Misha decided to it was time to punch back. He was the player I remembered from last year and I needed to pay attention to the potential of a change in fortunes. We did play until the 14th hole when I closed out the match and I was happy that it did not extend further as Misha would have harder to beat if he continue to gain a few points back.

What I noticed different from other rounds this year is my focus and concentration. I normally focus on each shot, but yesterday I was dialed in. I was ‘seeing the field’ and everything seemed easy. This is a rare instance and I embrace it when it does.

Hopefully, I can keep this momentum going as I head to the next round in the Club Championship. Time will tell of course.

Thanks to Misha for a great time on the links, it is always a pleasure.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!