My first 6 months

Following graduating from the University of Minnesota in late may I elected to turn professional right away. During the summer months I played some events on the Dakotas Tour as well as one or two others here and there. I enjoyed the opportunity these mini tour events presented me as I was able to gain valuable experience and continue to learn about my own game as well as try to improve every time I was out there. If I was to be completely honest I wasn't at all happy with the  shape of my game during the summer but I did manage to put a few scores together and make the cut in all 6 of the events I played. It wasn't until the end of the season, in my final two events, before I could notch a couple of top tens (5th at the North Dakota Open and 7th at the Dakotas Tour Championship). Despite not being on top of my game, all in all I would say that I was pleased with my play out on the Dakotas Tour.

Next came the USPGA Tour Qualifying School. I prepared very well in the weeks leading up to the pre qualifying stage and went down to Dallas confident in my abilities to go through the process and play well. I did that and moved on to the first stage, which would be held at the Dayton Valley Country Club outside of Carson City, Nevada. Here, I  would strike the ball average but a consistent putter helped to produce some low scores (72, 69, 70, 68) and advance me through to the second stage, which was held at the TPC Craig Ranch in Dallas, Texas. Again, I prepared well and went into the tournament feeling good and despite playing some solid golf over the four days some missed putts at inopportune times led to scores of 71, 73, 73, 71 and an even par week. 6 shots shy of the advancing number.

Failing to qualify for the final stage was very disappointing knowing that I had put a great amount of preparation into the process of working towards my goal. However, I left Dallas not discouraged, rather with a level of belief that I do belong out there on tour and a new determination to to work hard every day on the process of becoming the best player that I can be.