In Full Swing!

Hello bloggers & golf fans!

It's now the middle of summer and my golf schedule is in high gear for the next two months! Since my last post, things have been extremely busy on and off the golf course to say the least. As many of you know, I've been engaged to my high-school sweetheart Ann since February of this year. We had a beautiful wedding day on July 9th in Eden Prairie, MN with family and close friends surrounding us. I'm so very blessed to have an amazing and supportive wife. After a fun honeymoon at a cottage on the north shore past Duluth, MN, we were off to Waterloo, IA for the Waterloo Open.

With Ann on the bag caddying for me, we did our best to survive the extreme heat and humidity. In the first round, things started off slowly on the front nine. Rallying with a late birdie, I made the turn at even par. On a course that surrenders lots of birdies, I knew I'd have to pick up the pace. After making eagles on the par-5 12th & 14th, I quickly jumped to -3. Two holes later I added another birdie, only to bogey the 18th for a round of 69. This score would later prove to be just enough to play the final round as I made the cut right on the number. Feeling good about my ball striking, I was off to the putting green to find a little momentum to climb the leaderboard on Sunday. The final round would turn out to be a better day on the greens. Making the turn to the back nine at -1 on the day, a few putts started to fall the last nine holes. Birdies on three of the last five holes helped cap off a solid round of 67, and a 14th place finish in the field of 193 players.

Following a couple days of rest and practice back home in Alexandria, we were right back on the grind this past weekend at the Minnesota State Open at Rush Creek GC in Maple Grove. The beautiful layout would be a great test of golf that would challenge all parts of the players' games. My first round afternoon tee time saw the greens playing firm and fast. A solid start over the first few holes, followed by back to back birdies to round out the first nine found me turning to the back at -1. Making just one bogey and one birdie on the next nine holes allowed me to card a one under 71. This was one of only a handful of under par rounds in the afternoon, so I wasn't too disappointed with the result. I'd been hitting the ball so well, but just unable to correctly read the putts and hit my intended lines. I was trying to be patient, but frustration was starting to set in. My second round score of 75 was very similar to round one, minus a big number hole that set me back. Another great ball-striking round on the final day was once again held back by the "flat stick." A final round score of 72 saw only two conversions on eight chances inside of 15 feet for birdie on the last 9 holes. A 33rd place finish wasn't the result I was hoping for over the three days, but I could take away great confidence in my ball striking into the next  tournament.

I wouldn't have to wait long for my next round as my first appearance on the Dakota's Tour would happen the very next day in Marshall, MN. Another course that tends to yield plenty of birdies, was doing so again this year with soft conditions and smooth quick greens. A trio of 69's (-6 for the tournament) at the end of the three days placed me in 12th position. The surprising part was the change in how I hit the ball. Each day I struggled with my full swing and wedge-game, not giving myself a lot of opportunities to make many birdies. My chipping around the greens is what saved my score during each round, going 20/26 in successful up & downs. Putting was pretty streaky again through the first two rounds, so I decided to make a change for the final day to try and find some magic. I brought my belly putter out of the trunk after the 2nd round while I was practicing and it felt great in my hands. The results showed in the final round as I started to hit my intended lines. I'm okay with misreading greens or an occasional misjudgement on speed as long as I'm committing to and hitting the putt in the direction I want to.

Once again, there isn't a lot of rest between events as we kick off another three day event tomorrow here in Yankton, SD. Today was a great day to get my legs back some and touch a few things up on my game to prepare for the tournament.

Upcoming schedule:

July 29-31: Yankton, SD (Dakota's Tour Event)
August 1: Omaha, NE (Nationwide Tour Monday Qualifier)
*August 4-7: Omaha, NE (Nationwide Tour Event - if qualified for)
*August 4-7: Yankton, SD (Dakota's Tour Event)
August 11-13: Rapid City, SD (Dakota's Tour Event)

That's all for now from "the tips," but until next time remember..."your true opponent is always the golf course!"


Bryce

Practice, Practice, Practice...

The battle at the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am turned out to be just that with my golf swing over the three days. I struggled each round to get comfortable with my grip, alignment, and take away from the ball. Fortunately however, I was able to fight through the struggles and play some good stretches of golf to make the cut on the number. My swing would come and go quickly, and the up and down numbers on the scorecard were and indication of that. A first round 74 was not the start I was hoping for to get into contention. I knew I would need to improve in order to make the cut and be able to play the final round on Sunday. Saturday I got off to a hot start going -4 on the day through six holes, including two chip-ins to quickly get to -1 for the tournament. From there however, things went downhill fast as I had to birdie the last hole just to shoot 72. The final round was much more steady and included fewer mistakes. A couple late birdies got me into the clubhouse with a 69 and a tie for 21st. The upside was how great my putter felt all three days, even though the results weren't there. It was one of those weekends where I hit my lines, but a slight misread or too much/too little speed made all the difference and caused me to keep burning edges.

A slight change in schedule unfortunately happened while I was at the Tapemark event. Because of the recent tornadoes around the Joplin, Missouri area, the Hooter's Tour felt it was best for us to not interfere with the relief/clean-up efforts in the area. Many people hit by the tornado were being housed or living in or around the Miami, OK area where the tournament was supposed to be. The event has been rescheduled for later on in September. I'm hoping to make the trip down this fall to compete to see what the Hooter's Tour is all about.

Next up on my golf schedule is the Waterloo Open in Waterloo, IA. The tournament will take place on July 16th-17th. In the mean time I will continue putting in long hours at the practice facility, as well as playing on a regular basis to prepare for a busy summer of traveling. Also, this Tuesday I'm headed to "The Kingdom" on the Reynolds Plantation east of Atlanta, GA to get a tour fitting from TaylorMade. This facility is one of their two "tour fitting facilities" in the country for professional golfers. This is a great opportunity to get clubs that match up to my exact specifications and golf game characteristics. Check out their website: The Kingdom at Reynolds. If the fitting goes well and the equipment will benefit my game, I'll have the option to play and represent the TaylorMade brand. As one of the top club manufacturers in the world, I'm excited for the opportunity to try out and see what TaylorMade has to offer.

That's all for now from "the tips", but until next time remember...."It doesn't matter how you get the ball in the hole. There are no pictures on a scorecard, only numbers."


Bryce

Back in the swing of things...

After a few weeks off from competitive golf to practice and recharge, I'm ready to get back at it this weekend at the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am. The tournament takes place at Southview CC in West St. Paul, MN. This is where I made my professional debut one year ago, and I can't wait to tee it up again this year. The tournament is doing great things for local charities by helping to raise money for those in need. In just 40 years of its existence, they have raised and donated more than $6,150,000 to the agencies it supports. I'm proud to be a part of the tournament and everything they represent for the second year in a row. The event runs from June 10th-12th, and the field will be cut down after 36 holes for the final round on Sunday. I hope to get myself back into contention again this year after doing so last year through two rounds before faltering some on the final day. You can follow the action through their website at Tapemark Charity Pro-Am website.

My schedule doesn't slow down after the Tapemark however, as immediately following the final round I will be on to road to Oklahoma. The "Buffalo Run Casino Classic" is being put on by the Hooter's Tour in Miami, OK from June 15th-18th. I was fortunate enough to be able to get an exemption into the event, and am excited for the opportunity to see what the Hooter's Tour is like. I've heard great things about how the tour is run and their treatment of the players. The four round event will have a cut after 36 holes to the top 65 & ties. You can follow the scores through the Hooter's Tour Leaderboard.


That's all for now from "the tips", but until next time remember...."As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round."
-Ben Hogan

Take care and thanks for all your support!

Bryce

Destination: Congressional CC

Four spots were on the line to advance to the sectional qualifier of the U.S. Open last Monday at Bunker Hills GC in Coon Rapids, MN. The 61 player field was full of hopes and aspirations of playing at Congressional CC in Maryland at the second major of the year next month. Once again, the typical spring elements in Minnesota came through as thunderstorms and lots of rainfall passed through during the night and into the morning. This caused tee times to be backed up 2 hours later than originally intended. When we finally teed off it was cool and breezy, but luckily enough we didn't have to deal with any more rain.

My round got off to a solid start with a good two putt par. A wayward drive at the second led to a bogey on one of the shorter holes. Nearly making birdie at the par-3 third, I knew I'd have a good opportunity to get back to even at the short par-5 fourth. Finding the fairway and having 5-iron in my hands I was able to get it just in front of the green, and make a good up and down for a birdie. After another solid chip to save par at five, another wayward drive cost me a stroke when I found the hazard. The par attempt from 10 feet just wouldn't fall, and I was back to +1 after six holes. Following routine pars at 7 & 8, I was left with a great birdie opportunity from 18 feet on nine. The putt was online the whole way but wiggled at the hole and rimmed the cup on a hard lip out. It was going to be a day where I would have to earn each shot as the ball just wasn't going to fall in anywhere but right in the middle of the cup.

Scrambling again to get up and down on number ten for par gave me some momentum as I headed into a stretch of holes where birdies could come in bunches. Splitting the fairway with a drive, and a 3-wood up near the green left me a chip and a putt away from getting back to level par. One of my better shots of the day lifted the ball high over the short side bunker and soft onto the green, leaving an easy four foot birdie putt. The next five holes would prove to be full of missed opportunities. On four of them I would have makeable birdie putts inside 15 feet. Unfortunately, I couldn't get any of them to fall as they either burned the edge or just didn't have the right speed. Sitting at even par for the day with two holes left, I figured -1 would give me a great chance to move on, or even a look at a playoff at Even par. A flared iron shot on 17 tested my chipping abilities yet again. The cushion I was looking for going into the last hole almost came on the very next shot as my chip sat on the edge of falling in for a birdie. I was happy with par on the difficult par-3 knowing 18 can yield some birdies if you can find the fairway. Doing just that, I had 131 yards to a tucked front right pin just over a bunker with the wind in my face. Taking dead aim, I caught the ball just a little thin causing it to spin and climb in the air, therefore coming up short of both the green and the bunker. My 60-degree wedge would be put to the test yet again to try and save par. I hit a great shot under the circumstances, leaving myself an 8-foot par putt for 72. I was confident in my reed, and put a good stroke on it, but the ball wouldn't take the brake as it skirted the edge of the hole on its way by. Devastated, and knowing I had probably missed my chance I tapped in for 73.

The scores continued to come in, and the more and more it looked like 72 would be a playoff. In the end, my 7th place finish would cause me to miss out on a 4 player for 2 qualifying spots playoff by 1 shot. Two years in a row now I've just missed out by 1 shot to move on to the next stage to qualify to play in the US Open. It's times like these that I have to take as learning experiences and opportunities to become a better player for the next chance that comes along. I'll continue to work hard and get better everyday until the next time I tee it up. Results like these only fuel my desire to get better and achieve greatness at the next level.

My next scheduled tournament is the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am at Southview CC. This takes place June 10th-12th in St. Paul, MN. Between now and then I am looking at playing in one additional event outside of Chicago next week. I will be sure to keep you all posted as I'll be firming up those plans in the next day or two.

That's all for now from "the tips", but until next time remember...."You're either getting better or getting worse, there's not such thing as remaining the same. You make the choice!"


Bryce

Home Sweet Home!

The long drive back home to Minnesota from the desert had me excited to compete and get back on the course. After a couple weeks of practice and preparation at the Alexandria GC, I headed down to "the cities" for the Minnesota Golf Champions event at Minneapolis Golf Club. The weather finally cooperated for the first two rounds after a very unpredictable stretch of conditions to begin the golf season here in Minnesota. My first round found me struggling to hit fairways and give myself the opportunities for easy pars and makeable birdie chances. I was fortunate to make some great up and down par saves on the front nine, and head to the back at only +1. Another bogey on the 230 yard par three tenth followed by a sloppy bogey on twelve, quickly had me at +3 and trying to grind out the rest of the round and have some damage control. One more bogey on another long par three, followed by a couple gritty par saves over the last two holes allowed me to get in the house with a first round 76. I was very disappointed after getting off to yet another slow start in a tournament. Finding myself in 25th place, it lit a fire in me to perform the way I know I can. The afternoon was used to find some answers to get myself back in the tournament over the last two days. Playing 18 more holes (non-tournament round) in the afternoon at a course nearby gave me the chance to regain some confidence and gather a couple positive swing and putter thoughts for the next day.

Round two yielded much better results, and I think the afternoon the day before is to thank for the positive turnaround. Two quick birdies through five holes got things kick started as I looked to move up the leader board. One bogey on yet another tough par three on the front tallied up to a one under 35 as we moved to the back nine. Things really started to heat up on the back nine with a great par save at 10, a near birdie at 11, followed by birdie conversions at 12, 14, and 15 to get to -4 on the day and even for the tournament. An unfortunate break on the 18th pegged my ball directly behind a tree forced a chip out, and resulted in a bogey and a round of 69. This score was enough to move up the leader board all the way to 10th place with one round to go.

After two prime days of weather, we were bound to run into some elements in the final round during a Minnesota spring. A windy and rainy day made the already tough course tougher, and longer. The scores reflected the conditions as the rain began to come down harder as the round progressed. I wasn't able to connect on a couple early birdie chances, and a couple gritty par attempts just wouldn't fall. A front nine 38, and a bogey on 11 to fall to +3 on the day caused me to have to dig even deeper as the conditions worsened. My patience paid off as the turnaround shot came in a blast from the fairway bunker on #12. I found myself in a soaked fairway bunker 217 yards away and desperately needing a birdie to get things headed in the right direction. The 4-iron blast just cleared the lip of the bunker and carried to the front edge of the green, and trickled all the way to the pin at the back of the green. The ball came to rest just 10 inches from the cup leading to an eagle 3, and back to +1 on the day. I was able to put the first 11 holes behind me and had a new found confidence and swagger to climb my way back inside the top 10 on the leader board. I kept clawing my back back with a near miss at 13 for birdie, a great sand save at 14, and a two putt birdie at 15 got me back to even. Easy pars at 16 & 17 gave me one last chance to get back to even for the tournament as I walked to my ball in the 18th fairway. A solid 8-iron left me a 10 foot downhill putt to achieve my goal. The putt tracked the entire way, and fell in the cup for a round of 71.

The 7th place finish wasn't what I was hoping for beginning the week, but I was pleased the way I fought through not having my best and climbing my way back up the leader board. Finishing -4 over my last 7 holes left me confident going into the US Open Qualifier the following morning.

That's all for now from "the tips", but until next time remember....."golf is the only game in which the players are their own referees. It's all about integrity"

Bryce