How can you ever be the best at what you do if you don't know what the best is? Well, I got a first hand taste of what I need to continue to do to get to the PGA Tour on Monday. I got a spot into the U.S. Open Sectional after waiting the morning as an alternate. It was a 36 hole day. 120 guys for 15 spots into Chambers Bay. I began my quest at Brookside Country Club at 8am. Brookside had faster greens, more tucked pins, and a slightly more difficult layout. The recipe for success was a couple under at Brookside, then go play well on the much easier Lakes Country Club in the afternoon.

    Unfortunately, I didn't have my best stuff Monday morning and the course bit back from not executing. I short sided myself time and time again, which led to next to near impossible up and downs. I continue to hark on the importance of playing the par 3's better. This requires better execution from my mid and long irons. I made a handful of really poor swings with my par 3 tee shots that cost me. I know I can't be perfect, but I have to be better.

    I was paired with PGA Tour rookie, Nick Taylor and long hitting Jason Kokrak. Nick won in his 4th start last year on tour in Mississippi. Jason has been a mainstay on tour for years, and has the ability to overpower a course. When he is on with his driving, golf can be very easy. What I took away from playing with these guys is that they aren't robots. To take zero away from their extreme talent, I without a hesitation of a doubt can say I measure up and can compete with them week in and week out. I got my butt kicked Monday, but it was more a measure of my lack of execution, not a talent gap.

    After firing a 79 in the opening round, I began my 2nd round trying to get some reps in. I was playing much more solid in the afternoon, but a weather delay occurred 12 holes into my round, and I withdrew to get on the road back home. What I took away is I need to keep simplifying my game. It's easy to get trapped in improving my mechanics. There is a time and place for that, but my focus when the gun goes off need to be really putting together a great game plan for each shot, getting into my target, trusting it, then making my swing with great rhythm.

    I did a great job of that Monday for the most part, but need to continue to improve on having better clarity with improved visualization, TRUSTING it, then swinging it with better rhythm. I got quick in transition for whatever reason, and it led to some wayward shots. This simplicity day in and day out is going to lead to really good things. I have to stay accountable on really focusing on this simplicity. Here's to great rhythm and trust moving forward!!! I tee it up next Monday in a 27 hole local tournament that will be a great confidence builder for me, then an Adams Tour event starting next Thursday in my backyard of St. Louis. It's going to feel great to sleep in my own bed and compete. I'm excited about my progress and what the rest of the year has in store. Keep it right here for continued updates!