Upon return from the Omega European Masters, we had one week before the fall season 2019 started for the Columbus State University Cougars. We kicked off the season at the Osprey Point Golf Course at Kiawah Island. Unfortunately, my driver was broken on my flight back from Switzerland and I wasn't able to get it replaced before our first event. I also struggled to get back into the strong winds and bermuda grass. Ending with scores of 74 and 72, I finished 32nd. We did get to see alligators, deer, large squirrels and a variety of birds at this beautiful estuary.
Our next tournament took place at our home course at the Country Club of Columbus. Temperatures soared to 37 degrees celsius on all three days. I really felt like my game was coming together nicely heading into this tournament. Facing a strong field I started with rounds of 70, 71 and put myself into contention for the win late in the third round but an undesirable finish let me shoot a final round 70. The 10th place finish was my first top-ten for the Cougars.
Only two weeks later we travelled to the Copperhead Course at the Innisbrook Resort, the annual venue of the PGA Tour's Valspar Championship. I started the tournament with rounds of 70 and 68 (the second round being bogey-free), which gave me a tied for 2nd place in a field of 90 after the first day. Stronger winds and tough pin positions saw me end the tournament with a disappointing 76. My three-round total gave me a 7th place finish. Still, a lot of positives I could take away from the tournament, including a bogey-free on a PGA Tour course and my next top 10.
Next week we head to Memphis, Tennessee for our next tournament (thankfully in some cooler conditions)! I have never been to Tennessee and look forward to checking it off the places I have visited in the U.S.!
To get the real Tennesse feeling you should listen to some country music while practicing on the putting green. Take the relaxing beat on the course and shot under par every day! Good luck on your last tournament.