Last week at Pebble was perfect. I want to thank Harry and Margaret Robinson for once again inviting me into their home for the week. It's always special when I'm able to stay with friends and on top of that, the weather was perfect. I could not have asked for a better week.
As everyone already knows, Kevin shot five under for three days (73, 68, 69) and missed the cut by a shot. He continues to play solid but failing to take advantage of the scoring opportunities. I feel most of it is due to not making putts. It then carries into the short game and eventually into the iron game. Confidence is a strong thing and when it's not around, even the best will struggle.
As for this week, we both spent Sunday traveling from Pebble to LA. I left Harry's house Sunday morning and took the six hour drive down the coast and arrived mid afternoon. JT (Kevin's instructor) also flew in on Sunday night so we all met Monday to start our prep for this week. Our focus this week was on the wedge game, short game and putting. Tuesday we played a practice round with Lucas Glover, Scott Brown and Andres Gonzales. Then today was our normal Wednesday practice day. Since we tee off Thursday at 6:40, we decided to get our work in early today so Kevin could rest up for the early start tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Caddies vs PGA Tour lawsuit
I am sure by now that everyone has heard about, read about, and most likely formed an opinion about the lawsuit that was filed by caddies against the PGA Tour last week. Since I am part of this lawsuit, I feel it is best that I do not say too much about it, however, I do want to clarify a few things and I hope this answers any questions.
About a year ago, the caddie association (APTC) had a meeting and we asked our board to look into a few areas that would help all the caddies. These areas were 1) better/more consistent facilities each week. Pressing issues included; a bathroom with running water, timely shuttles when required to park off site, shelter during storm delays for all caddies and their families. 2) check on healthcare and retirement plans.
As our board moved forward with our request, they were continuously met with empty responses from the Tour. They told Tour executives the caddies wanted an opportunity to fund a retirement and healthcare plan and the caddie bib was the best avenue to raise these funds. The Tour said NO. So we asked for a small portion of the bib. This would give us an opportunity to sell space on the bib to raise much needed money to fund these plans. In exchange, the caddies would continue to wear the bib and happily help promote professional golf, allowing the caddies to secure retirement and healthcare and fund it while wearing the bib. The Tour once again said NO..."the bib is off the table". This didn't seem right. We feel like the Tour is taking advantage of the caddies and requiring caddies to serve as human billboards without compensation, therefore, preventing caddies from entering into endorsement contracts of our choosing. So, after numerous meeting and hard work by the APTC, it has become clear the Tour is not willing to work with the caddies.
This brings us to where we are today and it needs to be known that the caddies have no intention to involve the players. The player retirement programs and weekly purses will not be affected in any way by the funding from the Tour of any program to support caddies. The caddies simply want the right to fund needed healthcare and retirement plans.
I hope this helps with any questions. Thanks in advance for respecting my position.
About a year ago, the caddie association (APTC) had a meeting and we asked our board to look into a few areas that would help all the caddies. These areas were 1) better/more consistent facilities each week. Pressing issues included; a bathroom with running water, timely shuttles when required to park off site, shelter during storm delays for all caddies and their families. 2) check on healthcare and retirement plans.
As our board moved forward with our request, they were continuously met with empty responses from the Tour. They told Tour executives the caddies wanted an opportunity to fund a retirement and healthcare plan and the caddie bib was the best avenue to raise these funds. The Tour said NO. So we asked for a small portion of the bib. This would give us an opportunity to sell space on the bib to raise much needed money to fund these plans. In exchange, the caddies would continue to wear the bib and happily help promote professional golf, allowing the caddies to secure retirement and healthcare and fund it while wearing the bib. The Tour once again said NO..."the bib is off the table". This didn't seem right. We feel like the Tour is taking advantage of the caddies and requiring caddies to serve as human billboards without compensation, therefore, preventing caddies from entering into endorsement contracts of our choosing. So, after numerous meeting and hard work by the APTC, it has become clear the Tour is not willing to work with the caddies.
This brings us to where we are today and it needs to be known that the caddies have no intention to involve the players. The player retirement programs and weekly purses will not be affected in any way by the funding from the Tour of any program to support caddies. The caddies simply want the right to fund needed healthcare and retirement plans.
I hope this helps with any questions. Thanks in advance for respecting my position.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Waste Management Open (Scottsdale, AZ)
Kevin and I met up on Monday to start preparing for this week's Waste Management Open. We had a great practice session which included working with wedge guru, Roger Cleveland. After working with Roger, Kevin will be getting some new wedges built to help produce the shots he wants and needs around the greens. After the short game work, we headed out to the range and spent time with the Callaway team getting Kevin into a better three wood and driver. Once everything was dialed in, we went out and played a late nine hole practice round with Woody Austin.
Tuesday was an early day as we teed off about 8:00am with Lucas Glover and Kevin Chappell. Kevin's new driver and three wood were awesome. He was swinging it well and we just spent the day learning the new redesigned course. With new tee boxes and greens that are less then a year old, the course was playing very long with extremely firm greens. The firmness of the greens reminded us of the US Open and it was difficult getting the ball close because we were hitting so many long to mid irons. When we finished, Kevin called it a day so he could support Brittany and the PGA Tour Wives Association at a wives golf outing.
On Wednesday, Kevin worked out in the morning and I met him after lunch. With the help of JT, we restructured our practice routine this week with an emphases on drills and mechanics during Monday and Tuesday and then focusing only on shot shapes, execution and results starting Wednesday. We incorporated this by calling out shots (yardage, trajectory, shape) and then playing the entire course on the range. We finished the day with some putting, working on speed drills and games.
Thursday we were first off at 7:30 with Luke Guthrie and Bo Van Pelt. Kevin played solid most of the day with only a few loose shots but once again we failed to get anything out of the round. His one over par (72) was frustrating for him and we headed to the putting green and range to do some work. Friday's round was played in some miserable weather. After an overcast morning, the rain started right as we were teeing off. It was never a hard rain but it was a steady, windy, cold rain that kept the umbrella up all day and the course playing extremely long. With a steady dose of 4 irons, 3 irons and hybrids, Kevin kept hitting lasers to about 20 feet. It was the most impressive day of ball striking I have seen, PERIOD. With the exception of the tenth tee shot, he did not miss a shot. But, unfortunately, this game all comes down to getting the ball into the hole. As well as he hit it, we just could not make the putts. We walked off the 18th green with another one over par round (72) and the two over total left us one shot shy of making it to the weekend.
So, once again, we leave a tournament disappointed but we have to keep reminding him of the positives. The work that we all have been putting in WILL pay off. I know because I can taste it! As for this next week, Kevin will be taking Torrey Pines off and staying out in Scottsdale with Brittany and Kate to practice before heading over to Pebble Beach. For me, I changed my flight and I'm on a plane right now heading back home to see the family. I'll check back in when we get to Pebble.
Tuesday was an early day as we teed off about 8:00am with Lucas Glover and Kevin Chappell. Kevin's new driver and three wood were awesome. He was swinging it well and we just spent the day learning the new redesigned course. With new tee boxes and greens that are less then a year old, the course was playing very long with extremely firm greens. The firmness of the greens reminded us of the US Open and it was difficult getting the ball close because we were hitting so many long to mid irons. When we finished, Kevin called it a day so he could support Brittany and the PGA Tour Wives Association at a wives golf outing.
On Wednesday, Kevin worked out in the morning and I met him after lunch. With the help of JT, we restructured our practice routine this week with an emphases on drills and mechanics during Monday and Tuesday and then focusing only on shot shapes, execution and results starting Wednesday. We incorporated this by calling out shots (yardage, trajectory, shape) and then playing the entire course on the range. We finished the day with some putting, working on speed drills and games.
Thursday we were first off at 7:30 with Luke Guthrie and Bo Van Pelt. Kevin played solid most of the day with only a few loose shots but once again we failed to get anything out of the round. His one over par (72) was frustrating for him and we headed to the putting green and range to do some work. Friday's round was played in some miserable weather. After an overcast morning, the rain started right as we were teeing off. It was never a hard rain but it was a steady, windy, cold rain that kept the umbrella up all day and the course playing extremely long. With a steady dose of 4 irons, 3 irons and hybrids, Kevin kept hitting lasers to about 20 feet. It was the most impressive day of ball striking I have seen, PERIOD. With the exception of the tenth tee shot, he did not miss a shot. But, unfortunately, this game all comes down to getting the ball into the hole. As well as he hit it, we just could not make the putts. We walked off the 18th green with another one over par round (72) and the two over total left us one shot shy of making it to the weekend.
So, once again, we leave a tournament disappointed but we have to keep reminding him of the positives. The work that we all have been putting in WILL pay off. I know because I can taste it! As for this next week, Kevin will be taking Torrey Pines off and staying out in Scottsdale with Brittany and Kate to practice before heading over to Pebble Beach. For me, I changed my flight and I'm on a plane right now heading back home to see the family. I'll check back in when we get to Pebble.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Humana Challenge (Palm Springs, CA)
It was a tough week in the Desert. The Humana is a pro-am played on three different courses on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the cut falling on Saturday night. I've always enjoyed this tournament because it's a week I rent a house rather then stay in a hotel. The weather is usually perfect and it's always nice to go back and relax in the comfort of a house rather then a hotel room.
When the week started, Kevin had a few good days of practice. His instructor, John Tillery, came in on Tuesday and stayed until Friday. They not only spent time on the range but JT helped clean up the short game and we came into Thursday ready to go.
Thursday's round was on the Nicklaus course and Kevin got off to a great start birdieing three of the first four holes and finished the day with a four under (68). All in all, it was a solid day but there were a few loose shots and some missed opportunities. 68 is always a great score but around here with perfect conditions and reachable par fives, 68 will only feel like even par. Before the week got started, my thinking was we needed at least four under each day so we could have a chance heading into Sundays final round.
Friday and Saturday's round were almost carbon copies of one another. During both rounds, we were able to get it to four under par late in the day only to lose it coming in. Finishing both days with a disappointing one under par round (71). Both rounds included a late bogey on a par three that killed the momentum which was then followed up with a double bogey on the very next hole after a poor tee shot. Our six under total (68, 71, 71) through three rounds left us two shots off the cut number and the second week in a row with Sunday off. We'll now pack up and head back over to Scottsdale tomorrow and get back at it for the Waste Management Open.
When the week started, Kevin had a few good days of practice. His instructor, John Tillery, came in on Tuesday and stayed until Friday. They not only spent time on the range but JT helped clean up the short game and we came into Thursday ready to go.
Thursday's round was on the Nicklaus course and Kevin got off to a great start birdieing three of the first four holes and finished the day with a four under (68). All in all, it was a solid day but there were a few loose shots and some missed opportunities. 68 is always a great score but around here with perfect conditions and reachable par fives, 68 will only feel like even par. Before the week got started, my thinking was we needed at least four under each day so we could have a chance heading into Sundays final round.
Friday and Saturday's round were almost carbon copies of one another. During both rounds, we were able to get it to four under par late in the day only to lose it coming in. Finishing both days with a disappointing one under par round (71). Both rounds included a late bogey on a par three that killed the momentum which was then followed up with a double bogey on the very next hole after a poor tee shot. Our six under total (68, 71, 71) through three rounds left us two shots off the cut number and the second week in a row with Sunday off. We'll now pack up and head back over to Scottsdale tomorrow and get back at it for the Waste Management Open.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Sony Open - Round Three
Well....DAMN. How could something that felt so right go so wrong? We had a perfect day for golf but for whatever reason, we just didn't have it today. Kevin told me early on that things didn't feel right and sure enough, we struggled right out of the gate. Starting on the tenth, we missed the first five greens and could only manage to get one of those up and down for par. Not only was he struggling with the ball striking but Kevin also had trouble dialing in the speed on the greens. He left a lot of putts short but on the right line. The greens this week were much slower and grainy, so Kevin had a hard time getting the ball to the hole...especially into the grain.
After the rough five hole start, Kevin started hitting his irons better and kept giving himself good looks at birdie. He maintained a good attitude and fought hard trying to get back into it but the putter wouldn't let that happen. With over 78 players (85 total) making the cut this week, the secondary Saturday cut was in play. We needed to be two under (-2) after today's round to survive the secondary cut so our two over (+2) total leaves us out of the mix for tomorrow. It was a big disappointment but considering our track record here, we'll take a lot of positives away from this week. There were too many good things that happened to let today's round bring us down.
After the round, Kevin packed up his stuff out of his locker and we headed back to the hotel. We were both scheduled on red eyes Sunday night but Kevin will try to catch an earlier flight to Palm Springs tomorrow morning. Brittany and Kate are already in Palm Springs so he told me "I'm ready to get off this rock". I've looked into changing my flight but since I'm flying to Phoenix, renting a car, and driving over to Palm Springs; it was just too much of an added expense to make all the necessary changes. Looks like I'll be staying here until my original flight tomorrow at 11:15pm and will be arriving into Palm Springs around lunch time on Monday. At least I'll be able to watch the football tomorrow. Gotta root for my boy Alex's team...Go Green Bay!!!
After the rough five hole start, Kevin started hitting his irons better and kept giving himself good looks at birdie. He maintained a good attitude and fought hard trying to get back into it but the putter wouldn't let that happen. With over 78 players (85 total) making the cut this week, the secondary Saturday cut was in play. We needed to be two under (-2) after today's round to survive the secondary cut so our two over (+2) total leaves us out of the mix for tomorrow. It was a big disappointment but considering our track record here, we'll take a lot of positives away from this week. There were too many good things that happened to let today's round bring us down.
After the round, Kevin packed up his stuff out of his locker and we headed back to the hotel. We were both scheduled on red eyes Sunday night but Kevin will try to catch an earlier flight to Palm Springs tomorrow morning. Brittany and Kate are already in Palm Springs so he told me "I'm ready to get off this rock". I've looked into changing my flight but since I'm flying to Phoenix, renting a car, and driving over to Palm Springs; it was just too much of an added expense to make all the necessary changes. Looks like I'll be staying here until my original flight tomorrow at 11:15pm and will be arriving into Palm Springs around lunch time on Monday. At least I'll be able to watch the football tomorrow. Gotta root for my boy Alex's team...Go Green Bay!!!
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Sony Open Second Round
I want to start off by saying thank you for all the kind comments on Facebook yesterday. I have always wondered if I was wasting my time blogging but with all of the positive feedback, I realize many people actually enjoy what I have to say and follow us on the road. I will continue to try to keep the blog updated but please understand there will be some weeks that it will not be possible. I will do my best!!
Today's second round of the Sony Open was as solid as I've ever seen since caddying for Kiz. After an opening tee shot that found the right rough and led to a double bogey, Kevin's ball striking was awesome. Even though there were a few loose shots, he managed to hit every green (17) after the opening hole and is ranked number one in the greens in regulation through two rounds. He was able to make a few imore putts today and finished the day with a three under par round of 67 ( I believe this was the first under par round of his career here in Hawaii).
After the round, we had some lunch and then met up for some practice. Kevin spent most of his time chipping and putting with only a few minutes hitting the ball.
Everything is on point and he is ready for three day. We tee off tomorrow at 10:40 with Tom Johnson and Zach Jihnson
Today's second round of the Sony Open was as solid as I've ever seen since caddying for Kiz. After an opening tee shot that found the right rough and led to a double bogey, Kevin's ball striking was awesome. Even though there were a few loose shots, he managed to hit every green (17) after the opening hole and is ranked number one in the greens in regulation through two rounds. He was able to make a few imore putts today and finished the day with a three under par round of 67 ( I believe this was the first under par round of his career here in Hawaii).
After the round, we had some lunch and then met up for some practice. Kevin spent most of his time chipping and putting with only a few minutes hitting the ball.
Everything is on point and he is ready for three day. We tee off tomorrow at 10:40 with Tom Johnson and Zach Jihnson
Friday, January 16, 2015
Sony Open in Hawaii (2015)
The new year has finally begun. After a nice nine weeks off over the holidays, we are finally back to work on the beautiful island of Oahu in Hawaii. I flew here on Sunday and spent Monday preparing and doing some course work before Kevin arrived. We had two great days of practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, coming in refreshed and ready to start the year.
Paired with John Daly and James Hahn, Kevin played great this afternoon from tee to green, ranking T-16th in both the fairways hit and greens hit in regulation categories. Since we have never had much success here in Hawaii, those stats are very impressive and shows how hard he has worked and improved over the past year. I was also very happy with the equipment changes he made when switching to Callaway from TaylorMade over the past few months. His distance control with the irons today was outstanding and he has driven the ball nicely since he arrived. Changing equipment can sometimes be a difficult process but it seems like Kevin has adjusted to the changes nicely.
With only one birdie and one bogey, Kevin's even par round (70) puts us in a tie for 70th after the first round. Not bad considering we had 32 total putts today, ranking T-124th in the field. So, we just need to keep on with what we're doing, continue giving him good birdie opportunities and he'll start making a few putts. We tee off tomorrow at 7:20. Time of bed!!
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Shriners Hospital Open (Las Vegas, NV)
It's been a long week here in Vegas. We all arrived on Monday and took the day off. I headed to the Doctor's office to figure out why I was getting red, itchy, rashes popping up on my body for the past five days. The Doctor ruled out shingles, bug bites, etc. and believed it was a reaction to a flu shot I received the day I left for California. He prescribed me some medication and I've been getting better each day.
Tuesday and Wednesday was our normal preparation. We played an afternoon practice round on Tuesday with Lucas Glover and their instructor, John Tillery. Kevin continues to hit it well so there was just some maintenance work done on the full swing with the majority of work spent in the bunker. We're still struggling with consistency out of the bunkers so he is trying to figure it out.
Thursday and Fridays rounds were played with Sean O'Hair and William McGirt. Kevin played well but we had two three putts the first day for a one under par (70). Friday's round was a bit of a struggle starting out but Kevin was able to make a 12', 17' and 33' putt on the first three holes to keep us even par. He settled down and stayed hot with the putter. He was able to birdie 6 of his last 10 holes including his last four to shoot six under (65). His seven under total had us in 12th place heading into the weekend and feeling great about the opportunity ahead of us.
Unfortunately, the mojo with the putter left us. Kevin struggled a little with hitting a few shots but he absolutely made nothing over the weekend. We could only manage four birdies over the final 36 holes and the 72-72 (2 over) weekend fell us back to T56th when it was all over.
When we finished, I helped Kevin get packed up and he headed straight to the airport to meet Brittany and Kate for an earlier flight home. Our early tee time in twosomes allowed them to change the flight so they would not have to deal with the red eye flight home with Kate. They'll get home tonight and be able to spend the day home before heading out to Sea Island for next weeks event.
This week I was surprised by my great Canadian friends Rick and Beverly from Victoria, Canada. They showed up Friday morning to watch us play and it was awesome having them here. We had some great dinners and it was fun catching up. Rick is also planning on coming to Mexico in a month when we play in Cancun. I'm looking forward to another great week with him down there. As for me now, I'm still in Vegas waiting on my red eye home. I'll be flying back to Charlotte tonight and will head home for the day before driving down to Sea Island early Tuesday morning. It will be another long night but I'm looking forward to seeing Geraldine and the kids for the day.
With Sea Island being close enough to feel like a "home game", I'm also looking forward to seeing some of you all next week.
Tuesday and Wednesday was our normal preparation. We played an afternoon practice round on Tuesday with Lucas Glover and their instructor, John Tillery. Kevin continues to hit it well so there was just some maintenance work done on the full swing with the majority of work spent in the bunker. We're still struggling with consistency out of the bunkers so he is trying to figure it out.
Thursday and Fridays rounds were played with Sean O'Hair and William McGirt. Kevin played well but we had two three putts the first day for a one under par (70). Friday's round was a bit of a struggle starting out but Kevin was able to make a 12', 17' and 33' putt on the first three holes to keep us even par. He settled down and stayed hot with the putter. He was able to birdie 6 of his last 10 holes including his last four to shoot six under (65). His seven under total had us in 12th place heading into the weekend and feeling great about the opportunity ahead of us.
Unfortunately, the mojo with the putter left us. Kevin struggled a little with hitting a few shots but he absolutely made nothing over the weekend. We could only manage four birdies over the final 36 holes and the 72-72 (2 over) weekend fell us back to T56th when it was all over.
When we finished, I helped Kevin get packed up and he headed straight to the airport to meet Brittany and Kate for an earlier flight home. Our early tee time in twosomes allowed them to change the flight so they would not have to deal with the red eye flight home with Kate. They'll get home tonight and be able to spend the day home before heading out to Sea Island for next weeks event.
This week I was surprised by my great Canadian friends Rick and Beverly from Victoria, Canada. They showed up Friday morning to watch us play and it was awesome having them here. We had some great dinners and it was fun catching up. Rick is also planning on coming to Mexico in a month when we play in Cancun. I'm looking forward to another great week with him down there. As for me now, I'm still in Vegas waiting on my red eye home. I'll be flying back to Charlotte tonight and will head home for the day before driving down to Sea Island early Tuesday morning. It will be another long night but I'm looking forward to seeing Geraldine and the kids for the day.
With Sea Island being close enough to feel like a "home game", I'm also looking forward to seeing some of you all next week.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Frys.Com Open (Napa, CA) - Rounds 3 and 4
It was another solid weekend after making the cut on the number. The overall game improved each day and solid putting kept us fighting when things weren't going well. With rounds of 70-68, we moved up 40 spots and finished the tournament t-21st. A nice way to start the new season.
After the round, we packed up and headed to San Fransico for the night. We are all flying over to Vegas this morning and will take the rest of the day off when we get there. Kevin's instructor is coming in tomorrow and we'll have a couple of full practice days in before Thursday.
After the round, we packed up and headed to San Fransico for the night. We are all flying over to Vegas this morning and will take the rest of the day off when we get there. Kevin's instructor is coming in tomorrow and we'll have a couple of full practice days in before Thursday.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
New 2014-15 Season (Frys.Com Open - Napa, CA)
After a short six week break, the new season has begun. Finishing last season 104th on the FedEx list, we begin our first "fully" exempt season in Napa, CA for the Frys.Com Open at a new venue - Silverado Resort. Kevin flew out a few days early and was able to play the golf course on Sunday before playing in an off site proam on Monday. I arrived Sunday night and spent the day on Monday doing my course work. We finally met up on Tuesday and had two good full days of preparation before starting on Thursday.
The first two days had a little bit of everything. Kevin fought his ball striking a little on Thursday but made some nice saving putts and managed a one under par (71) during the first round. Today's round was much better tee to green but we left a lot of opportunities out on the greens. Hitting 14 greens, we were only able to convert two into birdies. Two birdies and two bogeys left us with an even par round (72). His one under total left us right on the cut number heading into the weekend.
Sitting on the cut number, we have an early tee time tomorrow at 7:51 with Russell Knox but two solid rounds over the weekend will put us right back into the tournament.
The first two days had a little bit of everything. Kevin fought his ball striking a little on Thursday but made some nice saving putts and managed a one under par (71) during the first round. Today's round was much better tee to green but we left a lot of opportunities out on the greens. Hitting 14 greens, we were only able to convert two into birdies. Two birdies and two bogeys left us with an even par round (72). His one under total left us right on the cut number heading into the weekend.
Sitting on the cut number, we have an early tee time tomorrow at 7:51 with Russell Knox but two solid rounds over the weekend will put us right back into the tournament.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Wyndham Championship - Round Three
It was another solid day with a few hiccups around the greens. After starting with a nice birdie on the second hole, a sculled chip shot from the front of number four ran over the green and led to a double bogey. One over through four, Kevin bounced right back with two birdies in a row and five over his next eight holes. One last bogey came when a bad lie in the rough on the par five 15th forced us to lay up with a sand wedge combined with a tough break when the approach shot finished pin high. From 30 feet and having to play about twelve feet of break over a mound, Kevin had to bring the back fringe into play. He was unable to two putt. If the approach shot finishes a yard or two shorter, it would have been a routine 30 footer for birdie. The bogey was only the third hole over par for the week (2 doubles, 1 bogey) but his six birdies on the day had us finishing with a nice three under par (67), 10 under for the tournament and in a tie for 8th heading into the final round.
Four shots off the lead and many of the guys ahead of us with a lot to play for (PGA Tour status, Ryder Cup selection, etc.) I like our chances. Kevin is playing great so when we keep making the birdies, we're going to have a great chance today. Its going to be fun and I'm looking forward to the opportunity. We tee off at 1:25 with Bill Haas.
Four shots off the lead and many of the guys ahead of us with a lot to play for (PGA Tour status, Ryder Cup selection, etc.) I like our chances. Kevin is playing great so when we keep making the birdies, we're going to have a great chance today. Its going to be fun and I'm looking forward to the opportunity. We tee off at 1:25 with Bill Haas.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Wyndham Championship (Greensboro, NC) - Rounds 1+2
After two weeks off, Kevin and I met early Tuesday to start our preparations for the week. I had a "caddies caddie" for the day as my close friend, Dennis Woolard, came out and carried the bag while I walked the course. It was great seeing Kevin refreshed and full of energy after the much needed two week break. We put a full day of work in before a rain shower forced us to quit about 5pm. Wednesday was once again the normal routine with some extra time spent in the bunkers working on the sand game.
The first two rounds was some of the best golf we played all year. Through 36 holes, Kevin has played only one hole over par (16th / round 1) and is seven under par with rounds of 69-64. His stats prove how well he is playing. He is first in greens in regulation, second in fairways hit, and second in approach shot distance to pin. The work he has been putting in with his instructor, John Tillery (JT) is paying off.
We tee off today at 12:35 with Johnson Wagner.
The first two rounds was some of the best golf we played all year. Through 36 holes, Kevin has played only one hole over par (16th / round 1) and is seven under par with rounds of 69-64. His stats prove how well he is playing. He is first in greens in regulation, second in fairways hit, and second in approach shot distance to pin. The work he has been putting in with his instructor, John Tillery (JT) is paying off.
We tee off today at 12:35 with Johnson Wagner.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Canadian Open - Final Round
What a day. With so much on the line, knowing a solid final round will ensure his card for next season, Kevin was a stud. No bogeys and six birdies later, we finish the tournament T-9th. Kevin saved his best for last. When I met him Sunday morning, he was still not feeling well but it did not affect his play. He drove the ball great and continued with an unbelievable short game. He finished the week leading all three categories in putting (strokes gained, total putts, putts/GIR) and was about 75% getting the ball up and down all week.
This finish has now moved us to 95th on the FedEx list. This week's event is in Reno opposite the WGC event at Firestone. Not feeling well and with only half FedEx points available, Kevin has decided to take the week off. It will give him two weeks off to recharge the batteries before we head to Greensboro and then make a run through the playoffs.
This finish has now moved us to 95th on the FedEx list. This week's event is in Reno opposite the WGC event at Firestone. Not feeling well and with only half FedEx points available, Kevin has decided to take the week off. It will give him two weeks off to recharge the batteries before we head to Greensboro and then make a run through the playoffs.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Canadian Open (Montreal, Quebec) - Rounds 1, 2, 3
As most of you know, we were able to close out the weekend at the John Deere Classic with a T-20th finish. That finish moved us up on the FedEx list to 108 and sitting in great shape with only a few tournaments left before the playoffs. We did not qualify for the British Open last week so it was a much needed week off.
This week, we arrived in Montreal on Monday afternoon and had a light afternoon practice session before a full day of practice on Tuesday. Kevin is fighting a little bit of a head cold that he picked up last week so he decided on a late day practice session on Wednesday.
The first three days have been pretty solid and improved each day (70, 69, 68). In the windy conditions, the ball striking is a little off as we've only hit about half of the greens in regulation (28/54) but the short game has been great. According to ShotLink, Kevin is 17/26 getting the ball up and down and leads the field in putts/GIR. He ranks second on total putts and fourth in the Strokes Gained statistic through three rounds. The good news is the ball striking has been getting better each day and with bad weather (rain) in the forecast for tomorrow we will need our best stuff.
Due to the forecast, the Tour moved up tee times and will be teeing off split tees in threesomes. We will be off at 8:25 on number one.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
John Deere Classic - Rounds One and Two
We survived. After opening with a solid first day, we struggled a bit on Friday but found a way to get it in and will be playing the weekend. Thursday's first round had five birdies with one double bogey for a three under (68). It was a solid ball striking day with the possibilities of really going low. Solid putts that were rolling down his intended lines just wouldn't fall as he kept giving himself birdie opportunities throughout day. One lone bad shot on the par four, fourth, put us in a tough position. Two chips and two putts later, we walked off with a double. Grinding hard, he came right back hitting an eight iron to three feet on the very next hole to get the momentum right back. His three under total finished the day in a tie for 24th.
Friday's round picked up right where we left off as Kevin started the day with a birdie. Gusty, windy conditions during the afternoon made the late tee times play difficult but we managed an even par front nine. A few loose shots starting on 10 had us fighting to hang around. Two bogeys with wedges and one drive into a fairway bunker had us two over for the day thru 15 and one shot outside the cut number with three to play. Kevin didn't panic and finished the day making five great swings over the last three holes. An eight iron to 15 feet on the par three 16th, two perfect shots on the par five 17th, and a perfect drive and nine iron to 12 feet on 18. He was only able to get one birdie over the closing three holes but it was good enough to get us to the weekend.
With storms forecasted for Saturday, the Tour moved tee times between 9:50 - 11:50 off of the first and tenth tees. I woke up this morning to a thunderstorm but it looks like its moving out and we should still be going off on time today. Our tee time is 11:50 off number 10 with Chad Campbell and Derek Ernst.
Friday's round picked up right where we left off as Kevin started the day with a birdie. Gusty, windy conditions during the afternoon made the late tee times play difficult but we managed an even par front nine. A few loose shots starting on 10 had us fighting to hang around. Two bogeys with wedges and one drive into a fairway bunker had us two over for the day thru 15 and one shot outside the cut number with three to play. Kevin didn't panic and finished the day making five great swings over the last three holes. An eight iron to 15 feet on the par three 16th, two perfect shots on the par five 17th, and a perfect drive and nine iron to 12 feet on 18. He was only able to get one birdie over the closing three holes but it was good enough to get us to the weekend.
With storms forecasted for Saturday, the Tour moved tee times between 9:50 - 11:50 off of the first and tenth tees. I woke up this morning to a thunderstorm but it looks like its moving out and we should still be going off on time today. Our tee time is 11:50 off number 10 with Chad Campbell and Derek Ernst.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
The Greenbrier Classic
It was a tough week at The Greenbrier. Even though we managed an even par round on Thursday, we really didn't do anything good. The misses were both ways (right and left) and the short game was awful (5 for 15). Kevin is good enough to get things done when one is off but when both the ball striking and short game are off, it's almost impossible.
Thursday's round was up and down with five bogeys and five birdies but I was extremely proud about how he finished. Struggling early in the round and over par, Kevin showed some guts and fought hard making three birdies coming in to shoot even par (70). That finish kept us in the tournament and looking forward to Friday. Unfortunately, we couldn't getting done on Friday. Missed up and downs and wayward tee shots had us fighting most of the day. We finished the day at five over and had the weekend off.
This was the first of two weeks that Geraldine and the kids are out on the road with me. We stayed in Roanoke, VA this week and had a blast. We were able to do some sightseeing, take in the caverns, go to a water park, play some golf and see an amazing July 4th fireworks show. On top of that, we were able to spend some time with my old college roommate, Lou Masini. We don't get to see each other much so it was nice to have dinner and catch up.
This week, we are in Moline, IL for the John Deere Classic. The family and I flew up yesterday (Monday) and I will meet Kevin today for our practice round. Kevin went home after the Greenbrier and put a work day in yesterday with his instructor at home. With only four events left on the schedule for us and sitting 117 on the FedEx list, it's time to take care of business.
Thursday's round was up and down with five bogeys and five birdies but I was extremely proud about how he finished. Struggling early in the round and over par, Kevin showed some guts and fought hard making three birdies coming in to shoot even par (70). That finish kept us in the tournament and looking forward to Friday. Unfortunately, we couldn't getting done on Friday. Missed up and downs and wayward tee shots had us fighting most of the day. We finished the day at five over and had the weekend off.
This was the first of two weeks that Geraldine and the kids are out on the road with me. We stayed in Roanoke, VA this week and had a blast. We were able to do some sightseeing, take in the caverns, go to a water park, play some golf and see an amazing July 4th fireworks show. On top of that, we were able to spend some time with my old college roommate, Lou Masini. We don't get to see each other much so it was nice to have dinner and catch up.
This week, we are in Moline, IL for the John Deere Classic. The family and I flew up yesterday (Monday) and I will meet Kevin today for our practice round. Kevin went home after the Greenbrier and put a work day in yesterday with his instructor at home. With only four events left on the schedule for us and sitting 117 on the FedEx list, it's time to take care of business.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Quicken Loans National - 2nd and 3rd Round
Friday's second round was just what we needed. Teeing off early, Kevin was able to take advantage of the conditions and shot a great round of three under (68). For the day, there were only six rounds better and his round moved us well inside the cut line to t-40th after two rounds.
Today's third round started right where we left off on Friday; hitting fairways and greens. Unfortunately, two early birdies were voided by two early three putts and we were even par through five holes. A hooked 8 iron into the par five 6th put us in a bad spot and then two missed up and downs later, we walked off with a double bogey. Making the turn at two over, things didn't get much better on the back nine putting up three 6's on the card. The first 6 (double) came on 11 after a hooked tee shot led to a chip out. From there, we missed the green with an 8 iron and failed to get that up and down. The next 6 (bogey) came on the par 5 - 16th. After laying it up in the rough, we couldn't find the green. Another missed up and down led to another six. The final 6 (double) came on 18. The second shot (another 8 iron) hooked into the water hazard and another missed up and down after the drop near the green. The final nine (40) left us at seven over par for the day (78) and backing up all the way to 74th place.
Although we were ten shots higher today, we hit the same amount of fairways (8/14) and only two less greens (11/18) from Fridays second round. The biggest difference today was on and around the greens. Those two early three putts along with the missed up and downs throughout the day was the difference. After the round, we spent our entire practice session chipping and putting. We have nothing to loss tomorrow (74th out of 75 players) but know a good solid round will still go a long way. Every FedEx point matters and every position we can move up will help get those extra valuable FedEx points needed to secure his card for next year. I'm looking forward to getting out there early and seeing what we can do. We tee off tomorrow at 8:36 with Jason Bohn.
Today's third round started right where we left off on Friday; hitting fairways and greens. Unfortunately, two early birdies were voided by two early three putts and we were even par through five holes. A hooked 8 iron into the par five 6th put us in a bad spot and then two missed up and downs later, we walked off with a double bogey. Making the turn at two over, things didn't get much better on the back nine putting up three 6's on the card. The first 6 (double) came on 11 after a hooked tee shot led to a chip out. From there, we missed the green with an 8 iron and failed to get that up and down. The next 6 (bogey) came on the par 5 - 16th. After laying it up in the rough, we couldn't find the green. Another missed up and down led to another six. The final 6 (double) came on 18. The second shot (another 8 iron) hooked into the water hazard and another missed up and down after the drop near the green. The final nine (40) left us at seven over par for the day (78) and backing up all the way to 74th place.
Although we were ten shots higher today, we hit the same amount of fairways (8/14) and only two less greens (11/18) from Fridays second round. The biggest difference today was on and around the greens. Those two early three putts along with the missed up and downs throughout the day was the difference. After the round, we spent our entire practice session chipping and putting. We have nothing to loss tomorrow (74th out of 75 players) but know a good solid round will still go a long way. Every FedEx point matters and every position we can move up will help get those extra valuable FedEx points needed to secure his card for next year. I'm looking forward to getting out there early and seeing what we can do. We tee off tomorrow at 8:36 with Jason Bohn.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Quicken Loans National - First Round
We just didn't have it today. Only hitting half the fairways 7/14) and half the greens (9/18) it was a tough day to score. Congressional is playing long with high, thick rough so ball striking is at a premium. Sitting at five over par through 11 holes, the ball striking started to turn around as Kevin hit the last five fairways and five of his last seven greens. We managed to finish the round at four over (75) and we were only a few putts away from shooting a respectable score. But, as bad as the score may sound, we are still in the tournament with a solid round tomorrow. With the course playing difficult, two over par (73) is tied for 62nd place. Anything under par tomorrow will have us playing the weekend.
After the round, we had a range session and then called it a day. We tee off tomorrow morning at 7:12 so it will be an early wake up call. Good night all.
After the round, we had a range session and then called it a day. We tee off tomorrow morning at 7:12 so it will be an early wake up call. Good night all.
Update - Memphis, US Open, Baby Kate
Once again, I've failed to blog for an entire month and it has been an exciting month. After qualifying for the US Open on the Monday of Memphis, we had a long week filled with weather delays. Kevin played well considering having so much on his mind that week. With weather delays threatening to push the tournament into a Monday finish, it was hard to maintain focus not knowing how it would all work out. A few loose shots finishing our round on Sunday led to a couple doubles but, all in all, it was a solid week. Happy we were done, Kevin hopped on a plane and headed home for the birth of their child.
Kathleen Grace "Kate" was born Monday afternoon (June 9th) at 2:49pm. Everything went well and everyone was doing fine. Kevin stayed in Aiken until Tuesday night and then drove over to Pinehurst for the US Open. We met up Wednesday morning and worked a little with JT on the range before our practice round. I rolled into town Tuesday morning and spent the day doing course work. The golf course was playing extremely firm and fast and shots landing on the front edge to five yards onto the green were releasing all the way to the middle of the greens. Our keys for the week was all about where we wanted to land each shot on the green, patience, and a solid short game. Unfortunately, an afternoon storm rolled in on Wednesday and we were called off the course after only 12 holes.
We ended up missing the cut but it was still a solid experience. I feel Kevin learned a lot of competing in his first US Open and the experience will only help him in his future major championships. The US Open was our fifth week in a row on the road and with a new baby, he decided to take Hartford off. It was nice to get away from the game and he had a great week being a dad.
This week we are at the Congressional in Washington, DC for the Quicken Loans National. We met Tuesday and had two solid days of practice. We tee off today at 12:12 with Russell Knox and Robert Streb.
Kathleen Grace "Kate" was born Monday afternoon (June 9th) at 2:49pm. Everything went well and everyone was doing fine. Kevin stayed in Aiken until Tuesday night and then drove over to Pinehurst for the US Open. We met up Wednesday morning and worked a little with JT on the range before our practice round. I rolled into town Tuesday morning and spent the day doing course work. The golf course was playing extremely firm and fast and shots landing on the front edge to five yards onto the green were releasing all the way to the middle of the greens. Our keys for the week was all about where we wanted to land each shot on the green, patience, and a solid short game. Unfortunately, an afternoon storm rolled in on Wednesday and we were called off the course after only 12 holes.
We ended up missing the cut but it was still a solid experience. I feel Kevin learned a lot of competing in his first US Open and the experience will only help him in his future major championships. The US Open was our fifth week in a row on the road and with a new baby, he decided to take Hartford off. It was nice to get away from the game and he had a great week being a dad.
This week we are at the Congressional in Washington, DC for the Quicken Loans National. We met Tuesday and had two solid days of practice. We tee off today at 12:12 with Russell Knox and Robert Streb.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
The Memorial - Final Round / US Open Qualifier
It has been a great couple of days. Kevin worked through the bad feeling he had with his golf swing on Saturday and had a few great rounds on the golf course both Sunday and Monday. Muirfield was playing firm and fast on Sunday but once again he showed patience and a solid short game. Both of these were tested late in the day as his wedge flew into the flagstick on the par five 15th and ricocheted off the green, down a slope, 15 yards away into a difficult position. But he was able to get it up and down to save par. The very next hole, par three 16th, our tee shot found the water but he walks up to the drop zone and was able to get that up and down from 120 yards to save the bogey. As most players would have just packed it in after those two shots, Kevin once again showed his maturity and grind it out. We finished the day with a birdie on 17 and shot a nice round of three under (69) finishing T-46th. But more important, his finish gained us those extra valuable FedEx points and we moved up two spots on the list to 103rd.
Because we had to be in Memphis for the 36 hole US Open qualifier in just over 12 hours; Kevin decided to fly private using his new sponsor, Wheels Up, and brought me along for the ride. I do have to say it was one of the coolest experiences in my 44 year life. Little did I know, it was only about to get better!!
I met Kevin at the golf course about 7am Monday morning. I was joking with Kiz telling him it was a bit of an anniversary for us because it was here in Memphis at Colonial Country club in 2008 where we first met. I was caddying for Doug LaBelle and we showed up to play a practice round. We went to the first tee and Kevin was standing there with his good friend Mike Hostilo waiting to play their practice round. We ended up playing two rounds together, striking up a good friendship, and now six years later, I'm back carrying his bag. Can you say fate???
Since I save all my old yardage books, without any practice rounds and not being back here since 2008, all we had to lean on were my old notes from those books. We started on the "tougher" South course with some on and off drizzling rain. With 145 players trying for 13 spots, I knew if we just managed our way around and gave Kevin plenty of birdie looks, we would do fine. An early three putt bogey was washed away with three straight birdies on 7, 8 and 9 making the turn at two under. One more bogey and two birdies on the back had us shooting three under (69) for the first round. We had only 20 minutes before round two so we had a quick lunch. When I took a look at the scores, I saw that there was only one score better then ours on the South course. With all the other low scores on the North course, I knew we where in perfect position. Starting on 10, Kevin birdied 10, 12 and 16 getting us to six under through 27 holes. Another nice birdie on the par three 2nd as the rain started and then another birdie during a torrential downpour on the very next hole put us in the drivers seat. The rain finally stopped and the winds laid down for the final five holes but now we had to deal with mud balls. One more birdie with a bogey coming in had us shooting five under (66) for an eight under total for 36 holes. Eight under was good enough for T-3rd and a trip to THE US OPEN.
Completely worn out, it took awhile for it all to sink in. Having one of my biggest accomplishments in my playing career occurring at Pinehurst #2, winning the 1992 North South Amateur, I am excited to be heading back to a place that means so much to me. Having to play nine rounds of golf in six days during that week in 1992, I leaned on my bother/caddy, Darrell, to get me through. I would have never won that Championship without his help. Now, to be going back as a caddy, I just hope I can do as good of a job as he did 22 years ago.
As for Baby Kiz, Brittany and Kevin had a plan in place just in case we qualified for the US Open. Brittany and the baby are doing well, so if Baby Kiz does not arrive this week, they have scheduled an appointment to induce Monday morning. If Baby Kiz decides to come this week, Kevin and I have our plan worked out and we will get him home. It's definitely an exciting time for the Kisner family. Please keep them in your prayers.
Because we had to be in Memphis for the 36 hole US Open qualifier in just over 12 hours; Kevin decided to fly private using his new sponsor, Wheels Up, and brought me along for the ride. I do have to say it was one of the coolest experiences in my 44 year life. Little did I know, it was only about to get better!!
I met Kevin at the golf course about 7am Monday morning. I was joking with Kiz telling him it was a bit of an anniversary for us because it was here in Memphis at Colonial Country club in 2008 where we first met. I was caddying for Doug LaBelle and we showed up to play a practice round. We went to the first tee and Kevin was standing there with his good friend Mike Hostilo waiting to play their practice round. We ended up playing two rounds together, striking up a good friendship, and now six years later, I'm back carrying his bag. Can you say fate???
Since I save all my old yardage books, without any practice rounds and not being back here since 2008, all we had to lean on were my old notes from those books. We started on the "tougher" South course with some on and off drizzling rain. With 145 players trying for 13 spots, I knew if we just managed our way around and gave Kevin plenty of birdie looks, we would do fine. An early three putt bogey was washed away with three straight birdies on 7, 8 and 9 making the turn at two under. One more bogey and two birdies on the back had us shooting three under (69) for the first round. We had only 20 minutes before round two so we had a quick lunch. When I took a look at the scores, I saw that there was only one score better then ours on the South course. With all the other low scores on the North course, I knew we where in perfect position. Starting on 10, Kevin birdied 10, 12 and 16 getting us to six under through 27 holes. Another nice birdie on the par three 2nd as the rain started and then another birdie during a torrential downpour on the very next hole put us in the drivers seat. The rain finally stopped and the winds laid down for the final five holes but now we had to deal with mud balls. One more birdie with a bogey coming in had us shooting five under (66) for an eight under total for 36 holes. Eight under was good enough for T-3rd and a trip to THE US OPEN.
Completely worn out, it took awhile for it all to sink in. Having one of my biggest accomplishments in my playing career occurring at Pinehurst #2, winning the 1992 North South Amateur, I am excited to be heading back to a place that means so much to me. Having to play nine rounds of golf in six days during that week in 1992, I leaned on my bother/caddy, Darrell, to get me through. I would have never won that Championship without his help. Now, to be going back as a caddy, I just hope I can do as good of a job as he did 22 years ago.
As for Baby Kiz, Brittany and Kevin had a plan in place just in case we qualified for the US Open. Brittany and the baby are doing well, so if Baby Kiz does not arrive this week, they have scheduled an appointment to induce Monday morning. If Baby Kiz decides to come this week, Kevin and I have our plan worked out and we will get him home. It's definitely an exciting time for the Kisner family. Please keep them in your prayers.
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