PLEASE VISIT MY WEB SITE www.blakeadamsgolf.com FOR A MORE IN DEPTH LOOK AT MY LIFE INSIDE THE ROPES

Search This Blog

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The Sony Open and The Bob Hope Classic

I first want to thank everyone for their support last week while I was at my first PGA Tour event in Hawaii. It means a lot to know that people are sitting at work and home, watching my every move. I am grateful for all the kind words and support and I hope you continue to follow my weekly adventures.

Last week was without a doubt, one of the greatest highlights of my career. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to play and compete on the PGA Tour. As I stood on the first tee Thursday afternoon, the thoughts that raced through my head were incredible. I couldn't help but think about the long journey that lead to my first official tee time as a member of the PGA Tour. From my first swing around the age of three to the grind on the mini-tours, I worked a lifetime to reach this point.

I remember when my dad would carry me to the golf course to hit balls along side my brother, Chris, regardless of the weather. I remember when my mother would drop me off at 8am during the summertime to play 36 holes and practice. I remember her returning that evening, only to sit patiently in the car, as I chipped and putted under the lights of the parking lot. I remember being a Freshman in high school and beating my brother (who was a Senior and going to play golf at Vanderbilt) for the first time (in a tournament) to win the Sub-Region Championship (sorry Chris, that one stung, I know). I remember the countless number of junior and amateur tournaments as well as the hundreds of college and mini-tour events. I remember a lifetime of golf that lead me to the first tee on Thursday.

As I stood there, waiting on the official to call my name, I couldn't help but think about the two people who have been there from the very beginning. My Mom and Dad are the reason I stand here today as a member of the PGA Tour. Their dedication and support cannot be overlooked and for that I am forever grateful. I truly believe that my willingness to fight and my refusal to accept failure came from my Mom. As a teenager, I remember her battle with breast cancer. She refused to give up and vowed to fight the monster that threatened her life. She stands tall today, not only as a survivor, but also an inspiration to continue to fight, regardless of the odds. There is no doubt that my laid back personality but extreme competitiveness came from my Dad. Even though he always wore a smile on his face, he hated to lose. His outward demeanor never truly expressed his determination on the inside to win. He was truly my "coach" until the day he passed in 2004. He taught me sportsmanship and the importance of being a gracious loser. He taught me how to learn from my mistakes and use those failures to improve in life as well as on the field.

I also thought of Beth. I cannot thank her enough for being such a loving wife and an incredible mother. My life on the road would be impossible if there was chaos at home. She is dedicated to our family and she is without a doubt, my best friend. She is my heart and soul and I am lucky to have her as my wife.

And of course, I thought about the hundreds of people who have touched my life and helped me throughout this journey. From my brother and sister, grandparents, step-dad, and family, to sponsors, roommates and friends along the way, I am extremely lucky to have each of you in my life. Each of you are aware of the role you have played and I am thankful to have you in my life.

I wasn't nervous but I did get chills on the back of my neck when the official announced for the very first time at a PGA Tour event, "Now on the tee, from Eatonton, Georgia, Blake Adams."

However, as pleased as many of you were with my 25th place finish, I have walked away from the tournament with mixed emotions. While there were lots of positives to pull from this event, I failed to achieve the majority of my goals. I am extremely competitive and I don't like to fail. I set goals every week and I strive to accomplish them. I worked extremely hard yesterday and today to improve on the mistakes I made last week. I will continue to set high standards for myself and I will accept nothing but success.

This week I am in Palm Springs, California, for the Bob Hope Classic. The weather is normally around 75 degrees but for some reason, things have changed. It has rained heavily both days this week and the temperature is in the mid-50's. Our tournament is a Pro-Am format and it begins tomorrow. I will play four courses over the next four days. On Sunday, a cut will be made and the low 70 players will play for all the marbles. It is a great format and I am looking forward to competing against the best players in the world. Hopefully, the weather will improve as the week progresses.

As most of you know, 99% of our tournaments begin on Thursday. However, due to the Pro-Am format and the four golf courses involved, the Bob Hope Classic begins on Wednesday. My original plan was to leave Hawaii around midnight on Sunday night(thats 5am real time!!) and arrive in California around 10am Monday morning. However, things quickly changed on Sunday morning. I was invited to join several players for an earlier flight into Palm Springs aboard a G4. This plane was incredible. It was by far the nicest airplane I have ever been a passenger on and we arrived around 11pm Sunday evening. I had a great time hanging out in a very relaxed atmosphere with Boo Weekley, David Toms, Brian Gay, Harrison Frazar, and Tim Petrovic. It was an experience that I will remember for a long, long time. This earlier flight gave me the opportunity to practice all day Monday. Several of my friends were on my original flight and they got delayed due to the bad weather. Most of them were not able to practice on Monday.

I cannot thank you enough for all the support last week. I received several emails, texts, and voice mails while in Hawaii. I appreciate all the kind words. However, I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed. I seek perfection and I will strive to achieve it. I let several opportunities slip away last week and I will continue to work hard and improve in those areas. I will succeed and I refuse to fail.

11 comments:

  1. Blake-
    We are all so proud of you! I didn't realize you had such a gift for writing! You express your thoughts beautifully. With your positive attitude and work ethic, I know you will achieve your goals.

    Aunt Jopey

    ReplyDelete
  2. Blake-

    It is truely awesome to see how your determination has paid off. You deserve all that you have achieved through all the sweat equity. I remember that determination from you growing up in golf, baseball and just about everything and it will certainly serve you well in your golf career. I am so proud of you and excited to follow your progress. There is no doubt that Mike is rejoicing in your accomplishments; as a golfer, son, father and husband.

    Matt Eicholtz

    ReplyDelete
  3. Blake- We are SO proud of you and excited about your new journey on the PGA tour. Always know you've got a Dalton cheering section!!
    Steph

    ReplyDelete
  4. Blake, I told Beth yesterday that you are blowing me away with you talent in writing! :) Your blog is terrific and I enjoy reading about your adventures--- so glad you are doing it! :) We're so proud of you---
    Love, Bill & Haylee

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jennifer Hill MarlarJanuary 20, 2010 at 7:41 PM

    I remember watching you and Kelly Putnam at Nob North with Courtney...I am glad to see all of your hard work paid off!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Blake hey your are awesome man keep up the good work this couldnt have happened to a better person we are pulling for you when you come to Connecticut I will definetly come watch you play.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Blake you are in our prayers every day,just praise him for the God given talents he gave you to play this great game called GOLF!Just take it 1 day,1 round,1 shot @ a time.Wishing
    you the best of luck the rest of the week,cause you proved you belong and can play with these guys.They too put their pants on one leg @ time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Steve Green

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations to you and your family Blake! Cant wait to see you play again. Remember, that not only are you playing with the big dos, but you ARE one too! Good luck and God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Blake,
    Your comments brought tears to my eyes. I know your mom is so proud of you...and like I tell Philip, your dad is proud of you too! Beth is so proud of you and yall are lucky to have such a strong relationship.
    I just wanted you to know that as I was trying to sleep this morning, Charlie was up and going through the channels trying to find you on TV. He is sitting beside me insisting that I write "You are a good golf player. I like you." I hope you are on TV soon so he will stop asking me every time we watch TV where you are!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow> your dad would ba as proud of you writting skills as he is your golf. Remember your day is coming. Duke

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nick says thanks for the free Gulfstream advertisement! ;) He says you'll have your own Gulfstream in no time!! We've enjoyed reading your blog! Your writing is captivating and I just become absorbed in it! We are rooting for you and wishing you the best!!! Go, Blake, Go!!!!
    Melissa, Nick & Sweeden Rose

    ReplyDelete