Tournament on Friday, February 6th

This week I went to Palisades at Clermont on Friday to compete in a one day tournament. With a little fire under my belt from a recent disqualification, I felt good about the round.

I arrived late Thursday afternoon and putted in the green for about 45 minutes and tried to start preparing mentally for the next morning. I went into Oralndo and stayed at my favorite Red Roof Inn and ate at my favorite place, Dennys.

I had a fair nights sleep but woke up a little stiff. Only to be greeted by thick ice all over my car and what seemed like -10 degrees fresh morning air, I had to use my debit card to scrape it off so I could find the Dennys. I ate a big breakfast and was on my way to Palisades.

I arrived at the course and did my usual warm up of stretching, warming up on the range, then off to the green.

I was pair with some unique individuals this time, one of which didn't speak English. I hit a long straight drive about 290 right down the middle. So off we went.

I ran into some trouble on the front nine, starting off the first six holes with four double bogeys. For those who don't know, that's terrible. I finished the front nine with a 47, eleven over par. I couldn't believe it. I can't remember the last time I shot that bad. After having a moment on the turn to collect my thoughts, I decided that I have come to far to give up on a round.

I cleared my mind and acted like I just started playing. I started number ten with a driver-3 wood, eagle. Only to be followed by 3 birdies, 2 pars, two more birdies, then a par. I finished the back nine at an amazing 7 under par, 29! I had shaved two strokes per hole off on the back nine and improved by 18 strokes. What a turn around!

The 29 beat my personal nine hole record, and I tied the Palisades 9 hole course record. I had played my game and "zoned" out. I was very proud of my 29, but upset about the 47. I practice hard every day to shoot the 29, not the 47. Lesson Learned!

I turned in a 76 that placed 11th out of about 74. I left for home please with the result but ready to work on the "cause" of the front nine. I wanted to beat the 80 I shot previously on that course and I did by 4, so I feel as if it was a success. Improving myself is my goal, and I met that this week.

I know it will all come together one day, now I know I can shoot a 29, but if I don't stay in my game, I can also shoot a 47.

I will be playing 3 days in a row starting next Sunday, the 15th. I am hopefully going to travel around and practice this week on some courses I haven't played yet. I put in a good days practice today, Saturday, and will continue working on the mental side of the game. One day I'll get it.

Thanks to Carrie and Chris Conlon for the Business Golf Shirts from Choice! Energy.
Thanks again to my family for the total costs sponsorship last week!

Your support is overwhelming!

Glen Bishop

"There are two types of golfers, the ones who keep their nerves in tack and win tournaments, and those who don't". - Harry Vardon