In last week’s entry, I
answered a question from one of my followers about whether or not I looked at
the leaderboard during my round. I
answered with a “definitely yes” and ironically I found myself watching the
board during last week’s John Deere Classic.
After shooting a disappointing round of even par 71 on Thursday, I found
myself well behind the leaders and on the wrong side of the dreaded cut
line. To add to the drama, in my two
previous trips to Moline, Illinois, and the John Deere Classic, I failed to
make the weekend by ONE lousy shot each time.
Unfortunately, Friday’s second round was shaping up to end exactly the
same way! After overcoming continuous
and constant adversity throughout the round, I found myself needing to make a
birdie on my final hole to make the cut.
To make matters worse, my round was finishing on the HARDEST hole on the
course…#9. After finding the fairway
from off the tee, my ball was sitting197 yards away from a difficult pin which
was located on top of a steep ridge and
only three yards from the edge of the green!
I took the “all or nothing” approach as I grabbed my 7-iron from the
bag. A slight miss-hit would definitely
not cover the ridge and the result would ultimately lead to a disappointing par
and ANOTHER weekend off at the Deere. I
was determined to change my fate as I dug down deep and hit a high, towering
7-iron toward the pin. My ball easily covered
the ridge and rolled within 5 feet of the hole.
As I approached the green and marked my ball, Mr. Adversity showed his ugly
face one more time. Huge spike marks
stood between my ball and the hole and unfortunately I had only one option…roll
right over them. Divots in the middle of
the fairway, plugged bunker lies, strange and sudden shifts in wind directions,
and a timely car alarm in my backswing on my 17th hole were just a
few of the hurdles I faced during Friday’s round. I smiled when I saw the spike marks and
figured…WHY NOT! The day and comeback
wouldn’t be complete without one last test, right? Well, thankfully…I passed the test. My ball found the bottom of the cup and I earned
one of the coveted weekend tee times.
Sure, I wasn’t and will never be pleased with “just making the cut” but
this week was different. I fought
through the adversity and played some pretty good golf along the way. Putts frustratingly rolled over the lip and I
just couldn’t get any momentum going. My
second round score of 67 moved me inside the cut line and guaranteed me a
paycheck for the week. However, I wanted
and expected more. I played solid on the
weekend with rounds of 68 – 67 but unfortunately, the putts just didn’t
fall. I finished the 2012 John Deere
Classic in a tie for 25th but once again, I walked away
disappointed. A top 25 in a PGA Tour
event is certainly nothing to frown about but I feel that my game is better
right now than I am showing. Good things
are on the horizon and I am excited to see what lies around the corner.
Two of the highlights during
the week included our Annual family adventure at the John Deere Big Dig and an
evening at one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at, Duck City. The Big Dig is located at the John Deere Test
Site and for one day, the families of the PGA Tour are allowed to climb aboard
heavy equipment and make a mess of the property. Holes are dug with excavators while dozers
move a ton of dirt and rocks. The fun
family atmosphere is full of games, fireworks, and smaller equipment for the kids. We had a blast and it is certainly a
mandatory event for the Adams family each year.
Duck City is located just across the river from Moline in Davenport,
Iowa. My caddy, Barry Williams, is
friends with the owners and has been talking about the restaurant for
months! On Friday night, I took Beth and
my two wild monkeys there for one of the best meals I have ever had. Sea Bass, stuffed Pork Chops, and a Cajun
Ribeye were brought and devoured at our table.
I highly recommend a trip to Duck City if you are ever in the area…you
won’t be disappointed!
This week’s question comes
from Mark in Alabama. He writes: Blake,
what is the best tip on buying the right golf clubs and equipment?
Mark, Thank you for the email
and question. In my profession, I am
very fortunate and lucky to have access to all the “latest and greatest”
technology and equipment. However, all
because something is new doesn’t mean it is better! I cannot tell you how many times I have heard
the following statement…”I went out and bought this new Driver and I cannot hit
it any better than my old one!” My response
is always the same…”Was the Driver fit for you or did you just walk in the
store and buy it?” The answer is ALWAYS
the same…”I just bought it.” Well, there
is your problem! The MOST IMPORTANT part
of buying new equipment is being FIT PROPERLY for that equipment. I always use this analogy when I explain its
importance…Would you ever walk into a shoe store and grab a random box of shoes
off the shelf, pay for them, and then try them on once you got home? NO! You have no idea if that box of shoes is
a size 6, 12, or your perfect size.
Buying golf clubs is the same way. Technology has improved so much that
every Golf Club Company now produces a head that is playable and very good (although,
I highly recommend TaylorMade clubs!!).
However, regardless of what Club Company you choose, you MUST find the
right Golf shaft for YOU! Shafts are
built for every swing speed imaginable and unless you match the two
together…you are just buying a random pair of shoes!
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