Hello.  As I get ready for next week's Hooters event in Saint Louis, I sit here at home in Saint Louis just trying to get rested.  I got back home from Orlando a week ago today and had all week to get my game in order.  The week went very smoothly from a golfing standpoint.  I had been struggling a bit with my iron play.  The crispness in the strike just hasn't been there.  I have been hitting a "baby push cut" with my irons that just isn't 100% flush.  It is more like a bit of a sideswipe.  The problem is very small, but I think I made some nice strides in correcting it.  Other than that the rest of my game is good.  I have been dealing with a sore throat the past couple days.  I am trying to narrow it down to allergies, a cold, or strep throat.  The latter of which I may need to see my physician and get on some antibiotics, but that can't keep my down.  Next week I also have been selected for the pro-am on Wednesday to play in as well as assist in the junior clinic on Tuesday.  It is nice to be able to give back a little to this game that has given me so much.  It is apparent that I am excited for next week, but the month ahead has a lot in store.  Following the last putt next Sunday, I will be flying up to Minneapolis to play in US Open Local Qualifying at Hazeltine National Golf Club the very next day.  This as many of you are aware is a course that I have fond memories of, when in 2006 I made it to the finals of the US Amateur there.  It is nice to go back to a place where great things have happened for me.  I am sure on the first tee there in 9 days I will have a range of emotions from nerves, to feeling of triumph, to feelings of what could have been.  It will definitely be a reunion I can't wait to make and hopefully I will be able to take away more positives from that spot.  There will be 150 players in Minnesota seeking roughly 10 spots to advance to the sectional qualifier on June 7th.  From there it gets a little more complicated.  On May 24th I have signed up for the International Final Qualifying for the British Open in Plano, Texas.  In order to qualify for this qualifier, one must have official world ranking points from the OWGR ranking system.  Only 78 players can fill the qualifier, and about 150 players have signed up.  I sit about 135th or so on the list in terms of the rankings (I'm ranked 843rd in the world), so that puts me at about 50th or so alternate.  It is actually very satisfying to be able to look at the list of names signed up next to mine for this qualifier.  The likes of Fred Couples, Billy Mayfair, Chris DiMarco, Davis Love, etc. sit right next to mine.  Many PGA Tour pros drop out at the last second due to one reason or another, so I should have a decent chance of getting in at the 11th hour.  Right now I am sitting in limbo until the last few days before to see if I get into the field.  Either way I will fly down to Texas on May 23rd to see if I can get in the day of due to a last second withdrawal where the officials turn to the onsite alternates.  If I don't make the starting field there, I am working on a Plan B to fly to Scotland for the June 29th Qualifying held across the pond where I will be given my chance to obtain a spot in the British Open field.  These qualifiers kind of get you back in the mindset of strickly playing golf.  You don't earn a dime for your efforts, just the satisfaction of moving along to the next stage or ultimately qualifying for the big event.  Before I get too far ahead of myself, I want to settle down and thoroughly enjoy this week in St. Louis.  You can follow me this week at http://www.ngahooterstour.com/ .  If anyone is interested in coming out I will be playing at Sunset Hills CC in Edwardsville, IL just across the river.  Admission is generally free or maybe less than 5 dollars for the day.  Tee times are posted on the website two days before the start of play.  Sunset Hills is indeed a hilly course that requires smart course management on a funky layout.  It rewards the patient golfer.  It is ironic the event's main sponsor is Lumiere Casino.  The reason being is I won't be doing a whole lot of gambling out there.  Those golfers that do gamble may as well take the weekend off and find a seat open at the Lumiere on Saturday and Sunday at the blackjack table with their name on it.