Kevin played well today. Three birdies and three bogeys on the front nine had us turning at even par for the day. Even though we made three bogeys, only one came from a poor swing. After a birdie on the second hole, we drove it into the rough on three and it forced us to play our second shot short right of the green. We were unable to get that up and down but Kevin came right back with another great birdie on the par 3 fourth. That birdie was short lived as we decided to play our second shot on the reachable par 5 fifth at the green. Playing from 236 yards to the front and a water hazard right, we decided the best play would be a three wood left of the green and then try to get the ball up and down for birdie. Kevin hit a flush three wood but the ball never turned left and it landed about a yard short of the green in to the water hazard. That mistake led to the second bogey for the day. After two good pars on 6 and 7, Kevin made a great up and down on the par 5 eighth to get us back to one under par. But once again, that birdie was short lived when the first poor swing of the day came when the second shot missed the green right on nine. That bogey moved us back to even as we made the turn to the back nine.
The back nine was just a bunch of missed opportunities. Kevin hit and drove the ball great. The only struggles came from a few wedge shots not going the correct yardages and then the putts not falling. Kevin fought hard and handled the pressure like a true champion. On one of the toughest finishing holes in golf, knowing we needed birdie, Kevin stood up and hit a perfect drive and then an 8 iron to ten feet. Just like Finals in 2009, we had a 10 footer to get his Card. A great putt that refused to break and rolled over the top edge of the cup. A total of 416 shots (16 under par) over six rounds of golf and we fall one shot short.
The feelings are awful. Almost a numbness and disbelief, maybe a bit of shock. And I'm just the caddy. I can't imagine what Kevin is feeling. So, now, I sit here in the Phoenix Airport waiting on my flight home. It's a "red-eye" but I don't think I'll get much sleep. It hurts. It brings tears to my eyes. It sucks. But I guess I have to remember that it's still just a game. I've been blessed to be able to travel the world, playing it professionally for 12 years and caddying for 7 years. I truly love my job and when it is all said and done, I wouldn't trade this for anything else.
I want to thank great friends, Rick and Bev Newsome, that came all the way from Victoria, Canada and Harry Robinson, who drove seven hours from Pebble Beach, CA to support Kevin and myself over the past few days. It was great to see and spent time with you guys. I also want to thank each and everyone of you that continue to read my blog. The support is overwhelming. I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas. Thanks again for your support.
