Opinion & Analysis
Is competitive golf for you?
Many recreational golfers often wonder if they should dip their toes into the waters of competitive golf. This article will give you an understanding of what it’s like to play under the pressure cooker of a stroke-play event, and offer some ideas on how to pursue an amateur career.
Make no mistake, competitive golf is an entirely different animal from a Sunday morning round with your buddies. There are no gimmies, X’s on the scorecard for bad holes, and certainly no breakfast balls. Every shot carries more significance, and in the back of your head you know that one errant swing could cost you any chances of success.
That being said, it can be extremely fun! Starting an amateur career can open up a whole new dimension of golf for you, and give you an intense focus on what you can do to improve your game.
My Experience
I grew up playing high school golf, junior events, and a bit in college. I have lost count at this point, but I have played well over 100 rounds of tournament golf. Competition was always a mixed bag for me. I had the exhilaration of success, and the awful sinking feeling when I blew my chances of making the cut at the most important tournaments. I was never a standout player, but was good enough to stick around.
After college I took about a 10-year hiatus from tournaments and a couple of years ago I decided it was time to get back into it. I’d like to take you through the process I’ve gone through from finding events, setting goals, and dealing with just how different it is to play golf in a real competitive environment.
Setting Goals
In 2014, my goal was to get my handicap below 1.4 so I could compete in the U.S. Open Qualifier the following year. I had started the year around a 4, so I had some serious work to do. Because my goal was extremely specific, and not completely far-fetched, it helped me focus on what I needed to do to get there.
I took a hard look at my game, and decided that in order to reach that level I needed to put some serious work into both my short game and fixing errant tee shots. More importantly, I needed to play more golf. There is no substitute for improving at this game other than live action.
Sixty rounds later and some serious time spent practicing on the range and in my backyard, I ended the year at a 0.7 handicap. It might not sound like a lot, but moving from a 4 handicap down to almost scratch is a huge jump. There were many bumps along the road, but I kept my focus on the goal and I was happy to get there.
Having the goal of playing in the U.S. Open qualifier is what kept me practicing hard all year, and I strongly believe that it was the main factor for my huge drop in scoring. If you are looking to get into competition I would recommend setting some goals for yourself based on the level of golf you’re looking to compete at. Not all tournaments have such a low handicap requirement, so it’s best to find one that represents a reasonable level that you can achieve. Don’t go thinking you can drop from a 13 handicap down to 2 in six months though!
The Tale of Two Tournaments
Now that I had spent 2014 getting my game in gear, I had registered for the 2015 U.S. Open Qualifier and another amateur event that I found through our local golf association. After a brutal winter that ended late, I only had a few weeks to prepare for the qualifier, which was in May. I continued my work on the range, and tried to play as much as possible leading up to the tournament, and I felt my game was as sharp as it could be.
Since this was my first competitive round in more than 10 years, I tried to be reasonable with my expectations, and I urge you to do the same if you are just starting out. You never really know how your game is going to react in a tournament situation. I told myself that if I broke 80 at the qualifier I would be happy with myself. If I’m being completely honest, all I really wanted to do was not make a fool of myself and get banned from ever trying to qualify again by the USGA!
The day of the tournament I was pretty nervous. I showed up to Bethpage State Park a few hours early, which was probably a huge mistake. After walking around the practice green and the range I could see that the field was a mixture of college players and seasoned pros.
What am I doing here?
My warm-up session was a bit terrifying to be honest with you. After going through my normal routine for about 20 minutes, all of a sudden I started shanking 8-irons. It was like a scene out of Tin Cup. I looked back at my friend who was caddying for me that day, and we both gave each other a look that clearly said, “uh oh.”
After watching player after player bomb 300-yard drives off the tee of the intimidating 450-yard opening hole, I was in full freak-out mode. I was about a 9 out of 10 on the nervous meter.
My first tee shot was horrific, a pathetic duck hook that landed in the worst part of the golf course. Luckily a marshal was able to find my ball in about 2 feet of rough. I pitched out, and somehow managed to make a bogey.
Then something funny happened. All of the nerves went away, and my routine took over. I went on to have a great round. Despite some shaky putting and a double on No. 18, I shot a 76 in difficult conditions. I ended up 63rd out of roughly 120 players. I had finished ahead of some great golfers, and felt pretty good about myself.
I had achieved my goal, and all of the preparation before the tournament had paid off.
What Goes Up Must Come Down
Here’s the thing about competition, and golf in general really: It has a way of humbling you pretty quickly if you get a little too conceited.
My next tournament was a qualifier for a pretty important local amateur event. I knew that I had to shoot roughly 5- or 6-over in order to make the cut, so there was a very specific number in my head beforehand. I had never played the course, but it was only 6,100 yards, and I assumed that it would be no problem to overpower it and make the cut.
Expectations are a funny thing in golf. At the U.S. Open Qualifier I knew I didn’t have a realistic chance of qualifying, and I really had nothing to lose. However, in this tournament I was fully expecting to make the cut.
When you play in a tournament all of your deepest fears as a golfer are exposed. Shots that you aren’t completely confident over all of sudden are magnified 100 times more than a normal round. On the third hole I was faced with a 30-yard bunker shot, which is by far and away the shot that terrifies me the most as a golfer. There was water over the back of the green, and all I could think about was not blading it into the drink.
Well that is exactly what I did, and I made a triple bogey.
It was completely embarrassing because my playing partners were all in line to make routine pars, and they had to wait for me to clean up my mess. There was a terrible sinking feeling walking off that green at 4-over par after only three holes. All of my momentum was completely gone, and the rest of the round was a blur of bogeys, self-doubt and embarrassment. I ended up shooting an 85, and was not even close to the cut line.
At the scorer’s table I couldn’t help but laugh at myself for the way I had felt before the round, and what transgressed on the course. It was only my second tournament back into competitive play, and I realized that I had gotten way ahead of myself. Lesson learned.
It’s a Mixed Bag
So what can you learn from my experience? Well, a few things hopefully. If you are interested in pursuing an amateur career in tournament golf you need to be prepared, and I mean that in a few ways.
- Planning: Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to select the tournaments you want to play in; it could be as much as a year in advance in some cases.
- Preparation: If you are serious about success, your game needs to be ready. Don’t expect to show up to a tournament without having played or practiced much and perform well. Set specific goals that are reasonable and measurable.
- Expectations: Your mind needs to be ready. Tournament golf is nothing like a normal round. There are no safety nets, and if this is a new experience, you need to expect the unexpected. Anything can happen out there, and it’s OK!
What Tournaments Can You Play In?
The first thing you have to do is find actual tournaments to play in. The best place to start is your local golf associations. For example, in the New York Metro area we have the MGA, Long Island Golf Association, and New Jersey Golf Association. They all run a bunch of tournaments for golfers at various levels.
There are also some national resources where you can find events like the Golf Channel Amateur Tour. Amateurgolf.com is also a fantastic resource because it has a searchable database of tournaments.
Each event will have registration guidelines such as age and handicap level. My advice is to pick two or three events on the calendar that you think you want to play in. It’s best to start off slowly if competitive golf is new for you.
Competition can be extremely fun and rewarding. It also can be terrifying and embarrassing. Everyone who has ever competed at any level can attest to this. Dealing with the highs and the lows is part of the deal, but there is no substitute for experience. The more tournaments you play, the better you will be at handling the pressure. Start off slowly, and try to have fun with it.
Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
Opinion & Analysis
AVL: We’re talking about practice! My best tips for taking your game to the course
With the beginning of June on the horizon and courses rounding into peak condition for the season, it’s time to hone the finer skills that often get rusty over the winter. More sunlight also means more time to get out on the course and work on your game.
Whether it’s the practice green or the driving range, there’s always something to improve—whether you’re enjoying the fresh air or preparing for a weekend game or tournament. You can work on drills or freestyle around the green, and friendly competition is a great way to sharpen your skills.
While there are endless ways to get better at golf, I’m going to focus on practicing around the green. Let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind as we head into the summer months.
Drills
From the driving range to the practice green, it’s important to incorporate drills into your routine. Years ago, I spent a weekend working on my short game with James Sieckmann. He recommended doing drill work for 5–10 minutes, then returning to your main practice.
This way, you create a balance between structured drills and real-world scenarios, so you’re not confined to “perfect” situations. For example, hitting the same three-foot putt over and over is good for repetition, but after a while, it becomes less interactive for your brain.
My approach is to use a putting trainer with a narrow gate for the ball to pass through, or simply place tees just outside the width of the ball. I’ll hit a series of four putts through the gate for three sets. Then, from a similar distance, I’ll hit four putts without the training aid and repeat that sequence three times.
Next, I’ll hit a number of 15–25 foot putts in a random fashion, then circle back to repeat the short putt drills with and without the training aid.
This breaks up the rhythm of hitting short putts with the training aid. When you hit the same short putts over and over, it’s easy to get into a groove—which is great for the drill, but not reflective of actual course play. While finding a rhythm is fundamental for drills, I like to introduce variation with longer putts to keep things realistic.
Game Mode
Once you’ve established a foundation with drills, it’s time to simulate on-course scenarios. This is where a few practice games come in handy.
One that I’ve been enjoying lately involves putting 10- to 15-footers with two balls. If I make the putt, great! If I miss, I pull the missed ball back a putter length. Suddenly, that little tap-in becomes a nerve-wracking three-footer—at least at first. As you get better at this game, those three- and five-footers become much more comfortable and routine.
It may sound cliché, but each shot is just what it is—it’s how we react that makes the difference. I like this game because it blends the pressure of on-course putting with the consequence of leaving yourself a much longer putt than usual.
Another game I like is one I recently learned from Brad Faxon. Place three tees in a line at four different locations around the hole: one at 3 feet, one at 6 feet, and one at 8 feet. The 3- and 6-foot putts count as par, and the 8-footer is for birdie.
This game keeps you focused on scoring and helps you get into a competitive mindset. You can even think about this putting game while you’re on the course. I just started playing it, and last week I couldn’t get better than two under par.
Competition
Competition during practice is when drills and games come to life, and you start to see results. For me, nothing beats a putting contest with a friend or two. In the right setting, these contests can become talking points for the whole season.
Match play, a game of 21, or simply seeing who can make the most one-putts (with a small prize on the line) are all great ways to simulate real on-course pressure. Recently, I played in a putting contest where one competitor made back-to-back 30- and 50-foot putts. As they say, expect your opponent to make every putt—and he nearly did. That’s impressive, and it’s something you see on the course, too: you have to stay committed to your game plan, no matter what.
When it comes to practice, it’s important to blend feedback from recent rounds with the fundamentals you want to reinforce. Drills, games, and competition—from the driving range to the putting green—form the backbone of skills you’ll rely on during actual rounds.
Finding the right balance is something we’re all working on, one practice session at a time. With the beginning of June on the horizon and courses rounding into peak condition for the season, it’s time to hone the finer skills that often get rusty over the winter. More sunlight also means more time to get out on the course and work on your game. Whether it’s the practice green or the driving range, there’s always something to improve—whether you’re enjoying the fresh air or preparing for a weekend game or tournament. You can work on drills or freestyle around the green, and friendly competition is a great way to sharpen your skills. While there are endless ways to get better at golf, I’m going to focus on practicing around the green. Let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind as we head into the summer months.
Drills
From the driving range to the practice green, it’s important to incorporate drills into your routine. Years ago, I spent a weekend working on my short game with James Sieckmann. He recommended doing drill work for 5–10 minutes, then returning to your main practice. This way, you create a balance between structured drills and real-world scenarios, so you’re not confined to “perfect” situations. For example, hitting the same three-foot putt over and over is good for repetition, but after a while, it becomes less interactive for your brain.
My approach is to use a putting trainer with a narrow gate for the ball to pass through, or simply place tees just outside the width of the ball. I’ll hit a series of four putts through the gate for three sets. Then, from a similar distance, I’ll hit four putts without the training aid and repeat that sequence three times. Next, I’ll hit a number of 15–25 foot putts in a random fashion, then circle back to repeat the short putt drills with and without the training aid.
This breaks up the rhythm of hitting short putts with the training aid. When you hit the same short putts over and over, it’s easy to get into a groove—which is great for the drill, but not reflective of actual course play. While finding a rhythm is fundamental for drills, I like to introduce variation with longer putts to keep things realistic.
Game Mode
Once you’ve established a foundation with drills, it’s time to simulate on-course scenarios. This is where a few practice games come in handy. One that I’ve been enjoying lately involves putting 10- to 15-footers with two balls. If I make the putt, great! If I miss, I pull the missed ball back a putter length.
Suddenly, that little tap-in becomes a nerve-wracking three-footer—at least at first. As you get better at this game, those three- and five-footers become much more comfortable and routine. It may sound cliché, but each shot is just what it is—it’s how we react that makes the difference. I like this game because it blends the pressure of on-course putting with the consequence of leaving yourself a much longer putt than usual.
Another game I like is one I recently learned from Brad Faxon. Place three tees in a line at four different locations around the hole: one at 3 feet, one at 6 feet, and one at 8 feet. The 3- and 6-foot putts count as par, and the 8-footer is for birdie.
This game keeps you focused on scoring and helps you get into a competitive mindset. You can even think about this putting game while you’re on the course. I just started playing it, and last week I couldn’t get better than two under par.
Competition
Competition during practice is when drills and games come to life, and you start to see results. For me, nothing beats a putting contest with a friend or two. In the right setting, these contests can become talking points for the whole season. Match play, a game of 21, or simply seeing who can make the most one-putts (with a small prize on the line) are all great ways to simulate real on-course pressure. Recently, I played in a putting contest where one competitor made back-to-back 30- and 50-foot putts. As they say, expect your opponent to make every putt—and he nearly did. That’s impressive, and it’s something you see on the course, too: you have to stay committed to your game plan, no matter what.
When it comes to practice, it’s important to blend feedback from recent rounds with the fundamentals you want to reinforce. Drills, games, and competition—from the driving range to the putting green—form the backbone of skills you’ll rely on during actual rounds. Finding the right balance is something we’re all working on, one practice session at a time.
For Korean golfers, we always look forward to the last of the kkot-saem-chu-I for the true start of a new golf season. The term refers to a cold snap, but literally translates as “winter being jealous of the flowers beginning to bloom, thus lashing out one final time before surrendering to spring”.
A rather poetic mouthful packed into a short expression.
Koreans can be like that. Understated, yet oddly expressive at the same time. And nowhere is this more true on the golf course and in our golf bags. In fact, I suspect many Korean golfers look forward to new apparel and accessory drops more than they do actual equipment launches each year.
At this point, Korean golf fashion may exist on its own timeline. (courtesy of @seonbi_golfer)
There is ample evidence to support that suspicion. Korea is the world’s third-largest golf market behind the United States and Japan, yet its appetite for golf apparel exceeds that of both countries combined. Recent estimates suggest that Korea accounts for nearly 40 percent of the global golf apparel market, placing it among the world’s most influential golf fashion markets and punching well above its size.
Simply, we care deeply about how new golf clubs look and feel, but enjoy looking good while swinging them even more.
Golfers in the West may laugh and say that golf is played on a course, not a fashion runway. Perhaps. But what’s the harm in trying to look and feel good, if the added self-confidence can help actual performance? It certainly seems to have worked for Jason Day, who may have unlocked a new stats category: dormant strokes gained. Coincidence?
During the COVID-era, estimates placed the market near $9 billion, an astonishing figure for a single country.
As a proud member of Gen X, I’ve witnessed the highs and lows of golf fashion firsthand. The pleated trousers and wing-tipped shoes of Jack Nicklaus, the stylish plus-fours and knickers of Payne Stewart, the baggy black trousers and fitted mock-necks of Tiger Woods, and the thigh-hugging athletic tailoring of Rory McIlroy. Golf fashion, like the golf swing itself, has rarely stood still.
But nowhere have those trends shifted, evolved, and been scrutinized quite as relentlessly as in Korea. Here, golf fashion moves faster than fairway gossip, and consumers dissect brands with a level of discernment that can be both impressive and mildly terrifying. New brands are studied, judged, embraced, or dismissed with startling efficiency.
The result is a consumer base with one of the sharpest eyes for quality and authenticity anywhere in the world. It is difficult to quantify, but easy to recognize. Clean lines without trying too hard. Luxury mixed with utility. Trend awareness balanced by restraint and purpose.
It’s golf fashion shaped by one of the world’s most style-literate cities, something I like to call Seoul Sensibilities, referring to the taste level forged by a uniquely competitive environment.
And increasingly, global brands have noticed.
Many golf brands in Korea have their own flagship shops dedicated to apparel only
Titleist understood this years ago, when its apparel business in Korea took on a life of its own under new ownership and local direction. What had once been a straightforward extension of an iconic equipment giant became something sharper and more premium. By going all in on the serious Tour-player look (I couldn’t even fit into their XL sizes), Titleist struck the right chord with Korean consumers and helped its fledgling apparel business break into the mainstream. Titleist became a household name even for non-golfers who wore its caps, shirts, and windbreakers in daily life. In many ways, it proved that even heritage golf brands could carry real fashion credibility when viewed through a Korean lens.
Several years later, PXG took a page out of Titleist’s playbook and followed suit. Korean consumers helped transform the brand from one known largely for irons and loud commercials into something broader and more stylish. PXG apparel’s growth in Korea was explosive, where it found an early audience and turned the category into something more than mere logo merchandise. It is still hard to walk anywhere in Seoul without seeing its palindrome logo.
Malbon’s meteoric rise in the United States was genuine, but its ascent into a global golf lifestyle brand owes much to Korea, where it was elevated by a market already fluent in modern golf style. Korea did not simply embrace Malbon. It pressure-tested the concept, refined its appeal, and helped push it into the global spotlight.
As such, new brands may arrive from abroad, but more often than not, their sharpest evolution happens here. If a brand can earn credibility in Seoul, it’s deemed to have passed one of the toughest style audits in the game.
That is why the next meaningful chapter may not come from outside, but from a Korean brand moving in the opposite direction, carrying those Seoul Sensibilities outward as K-pop once did.
Play young Stay dope.
From Seoul, With Intent
Khalhon is a label that feels less like a trend-chasing newcomer and more like the product of a market that has already seen everything. Golfers here have long been surrounded by luxury logos, technical fabrics, and tour uniforms disguised as lifestyle wear and vice-versa. In other words, novelty alone rarely lasts here, and the Koreans seems to understand that instinctively.
Its style language leans into clean silhouettes, relaxed but tailored proportions, muted palettes, and premium materials that speak quietly but confidently. There is a modern city aesthetic running through it all, with strong layering pieces, thoughtful textures, and subtle branding that suggests sophistication rather than demanding attention.
“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”
Most importantly, the garments seem designed to blur the line between golfwear and everyday style. Shirts, trousers, knitwear, and outer layers move comfortably between a game of screen golf, a lunch reservation, an airport gate, or an afternoon coffee in Gangnam with friends.
It raises the question of whether this is golfwear that happens to look good off the course, or everyday clothing that performs beautifully on the fairways.
Personally, I have long appreciated Nike Golf for its clean, athletic modernization of golf attire. It also has the useful side effect of making me look like a more serious golfer than I probably am. But off the course, there are times when being instantly identified as the golf guy in a crowd of non-golfers can feel a touch self-conscious.
“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”
That is part of what drew me to Khalhon, which seemed to blend golf and everyday wear naturally. While some of the outfits may be slightly beyond my personal confidence level, the brand also offers tasteful options for older guys like me who still want to express a little personality without regretting the decision later.
These are not simply flashy outfits worn on the course and then banished to the closet until the next tee time. They work surprisingly well off the course too, and I suspect many of the pieces will still look right a couple of years from now, which would certainly be kinder to my wallet than most golf fashion trends tend to be.
And perhaps that broader lifestyle positioning also helps explain why someone like Sean Wotherspoon would find Khalhon creatively interesting in the first place.
“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”
“Korea is not only one of the most fashion-forward golf markets in the world, but one of the most fashion-forward markets globally. Korea is ahead, and I love to watch and try to catch up.” – Sean Wotherspoon, Creative Director at Khalhon
Seoul and Beyond
If Khalhon’s rise says something about where Korean golf fashion is today, its relationship with Sean Wotherspoon says even more about where it is heading.
For readers less familiar with Sean Wotherspoon, his arrival at Khalhon is not some routine celebrity endorsement or influencer collaboration. In design and streetwear circles, Wotherspoon is regarded as one of the more influential creative voices of his generation, particularly when it comes to blending nostalgia, storytelling, and contemporary culture into products that people can connect with.
He first gained widespread attention through his now-famous Nike sneaker collaborations, where his vintage-inspired designs and instinct for color helped turn him into one of the defining artists of the late-2010s sneaker era. His work gradually expanded beyond footwear into apparel, automotive collaborations, collectibles, and broader lifestyle design.
Modern golf style now extends well beyond the fairways, where performance and functionality are largely expected by default. And while plenty of brands already make technically competent golfwear, Khalhon seems more focused on designing clothes people would genuinely want to wear even after the round ends.
And when guys at Wotherspoon’s level show genuine interest in working with a Korean golf brand as its new Creative Director, fashion circles tend to sit up and pay attention. There’s already a huge buzz among the fashion-conscious here about upcoming collabs with iconic sports stars and brands.
“My creative direction for Khalhon is disruptive, colorful, nostalgic, and modern. My goal is to blend these avenues seamlessly within each collection.” – Sean Wotherspoon
In chatting with Sean, what stood out most to me was how genuinely energized he sounded about the project itself. Despite having already worked across and countless other creative spaces, he described golf as a completely fresh category for him, saying that Khalhon “will be an amazing vehicle for my design work.”
At the same time, his enthusiasm seemed tied just as much to Korea itself. He spoke openly about admiring Korea’s fashion culture while repeatedly insisting he is still a terrible golfer.
There was something oddly refreshing about that humility. Rather than sounding like a celebrity parachuting into golf simply because the category suddenly became fashionable, Sean sounded genuinely curious about what Korea might do with the category next.
And perhaps that is what makes Khalhon feel interesting right now. The brand feels less like a trend-chaser and more like the natural result of a market now confident enough to export its own point of view.
For years, global brands came to Korea to sharpen their image against one of the most discerning audiences anywhere. Now, a Korean label appears ready to send those Seoul Sensibilities outward instead.
Which brings us back to kkot-saem-chu-i.
That final cold snap before spring always arrives with a reminder that seasons are changing, whether we notice it immediately or not. Golf fashion feels a little like that right now as well, as the old boundaries between sport, streetwear, luxury, and everyday style continue to soften.
And somewhere in Seoul, a Korean golf label already seems prepared for whatever season comes next. I just hope they have everything in my size.
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Maria Torres WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees) Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 5-M4 3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees) Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 6-M4 5-wood: Ping G440...
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mizuno29
Feb 24, 2016 at 8:48 am
Excellent article!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jon Sherman
Feb 24, 2016 at 8:57 am
thank you 🙂
John (ChipNRun)
Feb 23, 2016 at 11:28 am
Well written article. “Facts” are all there and the story flows well too.
The article brought back lessons of summer past, when I played in the local amateur circuit tournaments for the first time. The point about “all of your deepest fears as a golfer are exposed” is all too true. In half the rounds I had a blow-up hole (my deepest fear) where I mishit a shot… overcorrected.. and mishit again… the longest walk in golf is going up to green to try and sink a 3-foot putt to salvage a 10.
For those entering competitive golf, chalk up the first season to just learning how to play in tournament conditions. There’s a lot of mental trash that bothers you in year one – it goes away. One thing: ask the course marshal pre-round about any unusual local rules or conditions, and how to handle them. I got several bits of bad rules advice from am circuit veterans (it ended up costing me strokes when I could have gotten relief). Make sure you review the rules of golf before you enter the tournaments.
The good thing is, I got to play some fairly big name courses, and post my own score. The problem with scrambles is you get to play top courses, but you don’t get your OWN score. One such course was Glen Echo CC here in St. Louis. Build by Old Tom Morris protege Jim Foulis, it hosted the only Olympics golf tournament back in 1904. In the championship match, Canadian star George Lyon defeated defending US Amateur champ Chandler Egan 3-and-2. No. 15 tee has a plaque commemorating this fateful hole, in which Egan pulled his tee shot into the lake and pretty much lost the match. (Small victories: I put my drive into the fairway).
Jon Sherman
Feb 24, 2016 at 8:57 am
thanks John!! Appreciate you taking the time to read it
Jp
Feb 23, 2016 at 8:09 am
Great article. I love competing now. It’s a great feeling and motivator to overcome the mental as well as physical. Great journey. I’m a 3 now and if I get down to a 1 I’ll go from winning occasionally to winning a lot in the local matches. Can’t wait !
gary
Feb 22, 2016 at 6:28 pm
Playing tournament golf will improve your course management and the way you putt. When playing with your buddies it is just hit driver and get the putt to the hole. Who wants to hear “nice putt Alice” Tournament golf is a different animal. Every shot counts. Every shot needs 100% total commitment. Problem is everyone has a comfort zone and the guy that shot 66 couldn’t handle the round of his life. My comfort zone is even so if I shoot -2 on the front pretty much guarantee you I’ll find a way to shoot 2 over on the back. If I’m +3 after nine I’ll find a way back to even par. Golf is a funny game. Tournament golf is a serious game.
Scott
Feb 18, 2016 at 10:49 am
Another fun read on trying to play tournament golf is:
Paper Tiger: An Obsessed Golfer’s Quest to Play with the Pros
Book by Tom Coyne
viking62
Feb 18, 2016 at 8:31 am
I can relate a little bit with respect to expectations. I took up the game late in life and in my mid 40s decided to try tourneys – my first tournament (Ont Public Player) but the field was flighted so I was in the B group – I had no expectations – didn’t really even know the rules – made the cut and finished 7th – I was thrilled.
The next year my handicap improved and I was in the A flight – I looked at the handicaps and figured I was the worst player there so figured I’d never make the cut – I finished 4th – actually had a chance to win but tripled the 17th.
The next year brimming with confidence I qualified for the Ontario Mid Am – went there expecting to do well – got there and immediately felt inadequate – was instantly horrible – hooked first drive 75 yards left – played a provisional when it was red staked and was forced to play my provish – double, followed by a triple and I felt like an ass.
I’ve honestly never hit the ball as well as I did leading up to that tourney accept when playing alone or with close friends. Expectations seem to have overwhelmed me.
Ron
Feb 18, 2016 at 12:40 am
Jon, Thanks for telling your tournament experience – and to the rest of you who also added your stories. Here’s mine: I played young (junior golf, HS, college) without ever being particularly good or competitive. After a hiatus from golf for well over three decades as real life took over, I started playing recreationally again. After retiring I started playing a lot, my index dropped to the low-to-mid single digits, so at 72 decided to enter our county senior am tournament. I knew I couldn’t win, of course, I was in grad school when some of these guys were born – and I hadn’t played in an actual tournament since my senior year in college. But it gave me a great excuse to work on my game with some purpose. I shot 75 in round one – the same score I shot on the final day of that intercollegiate championship fifty years earlier. So I told my kid my half-century tournament average was 75. In what other sport is something like that even possible?
Matt
Feb 17, 2016 at 8:03 pm
Jon,
Really enjoyed the article. Can relate to the grind from a 4 to a scratch. Even after getting to around a .4 handicap, it was very difficult to stay at that level in college with less time to play. My hope is to play enough throughout my twenties to avoid that drop to a mid level handicap.
Our company is looking to keep players from having that 10 year lull you had. That lull certainly makes it difficult to stay sharp and people in their twenties often miss out on competition due to time or cost. You mentioned the state association and Golf Channel Am Tour as great outlets for competitive rounds which I totally agree with. For those 18-34 year old readers, they should also consider our Nextgengolf City Tour events for younger players across the country. If this was around when you were finishing your college days, you would have been a great fit to compete while still balancing your busy everyday life with kids and a job. Hope this helps supplement your article with some other ways golfers can stay sharp and have fun!
– Matt
Jon Sherman
Feb 18, 2016 at 12:47 pm
Thanks for chiming in Matt. I absolutely would have loved to play in these events when I was younger! That’s really a great idea for that age group because the competitive juices are still flowing pretty strongly, it’s just hard to find an outlet for them sometimes with golf.
ken
Feb 17, 2016 at 7:27 pm
LOL…..our tour is flighted. So the expectation that the other people in my group have done the same thing or worse, is highly likely.
I find the ball and hit it again. What are ya gonna do? Stress? Its a GAME..I have played in a few “open” tournaments where the USGA index is used to come to a Net Score. In those events, i have found there are lots of great guys. And of course there are guys that are “Living the dream”. These guys tens to act like guys like me aren’t worthy of the same turfgrass as they.
That is until they realize i play just as fast or faster than they. One thing I have noticed about playing against low handicappers that are grinders and real serious is if I am waiting on them to hit their next shot….It bugs the crap out of them…Worse yet…..Hit it inside of them from the fairway or a par three……LOL…makes ’em NUTS
McGruff
Feb 24, 2016 at 9:54 pm
No one cares how fast or bad you play.
James
Feb 17, 2016 at 2:52 pm
Great article Jon. You’ve motivated me to get my butt into gear to shave 3.8 off my handicap to qualify for my club’s major tourney each year. Coming from athletics background I can add that nerves are cruel mistress that can strike you down and ruin years of prep for an event. Ask any Olympic sprinter you train for four years and have one crack at getting it right…..at least in golf we have the next shot!
John
Feb 17, 2016 at 2:23 pm
Another thing to remember that will definitely help…THE OTHER GUYS DON’T CARE! It used to really affect me when I would hit a bad shot and do something dumb because I thought everyone else was thinking about it as much as I was. I finally realized that many of the guys I played with hit their share of bad shots, and while I might have felt a bit sorry for them for a split second, I was focused on my own game and didn’t really give them a second thought, and I’m sure they did the same thing when I hit a bad shot. That took a lot of the pressure off and really helped my game.
Great article!
Scott
Feb 18, 2016 at 10:40 am
+1
MIKAH
Feb 17, 2016 at 2:10 pm
You wasted so much time getting to scratch. Everyone on WRX knows is that all you need to do to get to scratch is buy a set of blades! DUH!!
Luis
Feb 17, 2016 at 2:02 pm
Jon
Can you provide a sense of how much you played/practiced in 2014 to get yourself ready? 2-3 games a week? practice 5 days a week? what about conditioning, how were you able to squeeze that in?
thank you – great post!
Luis
Luis
Jon Sherman
Feb 18, 2016 at 9:13 am
I tried to get about 2-3 solid practice sessions in a week. A lot of that was concentrated on honing in my wedge distances, and improving my putting. My game inside 100 yards was one of my weak links. On top of that I would say I averaged about 2 rounds a week for a 6 month period. Some weeks I was able to play and practice more, and others less. It’s obviously hard to squeeze golf in with family and work obligations. I will say I have an amazing wife who is extremely supportive!!!
M-Herd4
Feb 17, 2016 at 11:12 am
Great article Jon! I can completely relate to overwhelming nerves. I played in a few tournaments on my highschool team and shot a 108 in the last one I played. Took a 14 on the 2nd hole of the day! I’m 46 now and played in a NY State Mid-Am qualifier a few years ago and scraped it around all day for a 92. I love the thought of playing competitively but my nerves take over to the point where I completely lose my focus and thought process. This game can mentally scar you for sure. I love the game though and maybe some day I’ll find the courage again to try my hand at some competition.
OH
Feb 17, 2016 at 10:29 am
Great article! I’ve been playing on the GC Am Tour for a couple years and love playing competitive golf. I’ll never qualify for the US Open but it’s still fun to get out there and compete. There are a lot of great options available for amateurs today at some incredible courses around the country. I think the GCAT is a solid option for a broad range of handicaps to “dip their toe” into competitive golf. Just remember, though, you aren’t playing for a paycheck so keep the ego in check and have fun. I’ve seen way too many guys get all worked up like they are playing a Monday qualifier for the Open.
Rob
Feb 17, 2016 at 10:01 am
I’m don’t want to sound demeaning, as I play a lot of amateur tournaments at both the state and national lever, but why would you spend $150 to sign up for US OPEN local qualifying with the goal to only break 80? Seems like a bit of a waste of money. Or were your goal really to qualify?
Jon Sherman
Feb 17, 2016 at 10:23 am
Overall it was something to motivate me to improve my game. I always wanted to play in a U.S. Open qualifier. Was I capable of actually making it out of that first round? Absolutely. I actually hit 14 greens that day, and anyone who was at -1 got in the playoff for what I believe was 8 spots. So in an alternate universe where I was putting well that day I certainly had a shot (easier said than done). That being said, I tried to be reasonable with myself. If I went in there thinking I was going to qualify I don’t think I would have played as well. In the future I am just going to be playing in local events, and probably won’t play many USGA tournaments.
Nick
Feb 17, 2016 at 4:19 pm
These qualifiers are often at nice golf courses and they allow a practice round. Heck, that’s a bargain for two rounds at most of the qualifying sites in my state tournaments. He shot 76 in a U.S. open qualifier, that’s more than commendable considering his time away from tournament play.
ken
Feb 17, 2016 at 7:30 pm
I know……The type of tournaments Jon is playing are under conditions as tough as they can get( unless it is a USGA event) for Amateur golfers.
I think going out and breaking 80 on a relatively difficult course while playing among golfers that can shoot lo 70’s or even high 60’s is good experience.
If not to win, but to prove to one’s self they can do it.
Scott
Feb 18, 2016 at 10:46 am
I have to agree with the responses indicating that it is $150 well spent. No one wants to embarrass themselves, but playing for something cool on a great track is well worth $150.
Simz
Feb 17, 2016 at 3:35 am
Thanks for this! Much appreciated.
I am looking to play more competitive golf this year, starting with the Club Champs. I wont pursue an amateur career, as I’m way over the hill…but definately more tournaments. It’s pretty difficult with a full time job & family, and I squeeze in all the practise & lessons I can.
Thanks again & all the best in future tournaments!
Jon Sherman
Feb 17, 2016 at 8:49 am
thank you! It’s definitely a time-consuming endeavor. I am only planning on playing 2-3 tournaments this year as we have two young children. Luckily I have enough space to fit a practice net in my basement so I can get in some practice sessions here and there. Definitely need to get creative with it when you’re short on time.
Other Paul
Feb 17, 2016 at 12:32 am
I have had such a great virtual golf season this winter and improved so much (controlling a hook took time) that i really want to play amateur golf. So this article was a great read for me. Just cant wait for the snow to melt. Also I found a pro that is willing to take me under his wing (He is playing competitive golf already and doing well).
Jon Sherman
Feb 17, 2016 at 8:52 am
If your goal is to play more competitive golf, I think it’s important to work with a pro who has tournament experience. Coaching is just as important as instruction when gearing up to play in some events.
Andrew
Feb 16, 2016 at 8:29 pm
Unusual to have unanimous consent on a WRX article – I will add to it: great article both personal and informative. Many thanks Jon!!!
Jon Sherman
Feb 17, 2016 at 8:47 am
thanks Andrew! glad people are enjoying the read
dwc
Feb 16, 2016 at 7:33 pm
Not just a great article but do yourself a big favor and check out the author’s website “Practical Golf”. I did so this morning. It contains a wealth of great information including tips and reviews. Definitely one of the best golf sites I have used. Thanks Jon!
Jon Sherman
Feb 16, 2016 at 7:54 pm
thanks for checking out the site!
Johnny
Feb 16, 2016 at 2:33 pm
Great Article Jon, it was a pleasure to read! Playing in tournaments is where you really develop a passion for the game. I believe the only way to truly develop the game is to get more people (especially juniors) involved in competitive golf at whatever level. Tournament golf is the most rewarding and the most soul crushing activity that you can take part in. A couple years back in our club championship I shot 66, 86 making an 8 on the last hole to lose by 1 shot. Brutal, but I still love it! Can’t wait till this white stuff goes away, and I can start grinding to get my game ready for this year.
Jon Sherman
Feb 16, 2016 at 3:17 pm
thanks Johnny, glad you enjoyed the read. 66-86 is certainly a hard pill to swallow, but it keeps you coming back for more!
Ronald Montesano
Feb 16, 2016 at 4:43 pm
It does? Maybe him, but I know fellows who would have broken all their clubs, torched their bag and gone to a monastery to pray for clarity. Johnny, you are more man than many men. Any success stories in subsequent club championships?
Jon Sherman
Feb 16, 2016 at 5:06 pm
haha I guess I was thinking about that opening round 66. John does certainly have resolve for continuing on after heartbreak like that.
Alex
Feb 17, 2016 at 9:23 am
This is what competition is about. Especially golf. You have awful days, but you always believe the next will be a brilliant round. Last year I only won our Fourball Match Play competition, got two runner-ups in stroke play and played all year round. Had some terrible rounds, a subpar round and some good scores in the wind. Playing gets to to accept the bad days and get over.
Johnny
Feb 17, 2016 at 9:57 am
That 86 came thanks to strong wind mixed with a lot of nerves. I didn’t torch my bag or brake all my clubs, but I had to search for clarity in a bottle of Johnny Walker that night. Unfortunately, because of work commitments I was unable to play in the club championship last year, so I missed my chance at revenge. Hopefully I will get the chance this year. I live in Germany, and over here the opportunity for competitive events is endless. Each club has a team and the team travels and plays all the clubs in the area. Also, at least a couple times a month there are stable ford events. I did my fair share of winning last year, but nothing would be sweeter than lifting that club championship trophy up this year.
Alex
Feb 16, 2016 at 2:11 pm
In my country we play tournament golf every weekend. Club competitions, Open tourneys, Match play championships. I don’t play that much these days but I still love tournament golf so there’s a bunch of us who used to compete a lot when we were kids and we really enjoy tournament golf.
We don’t have a lot of time to play but we all have some short focus-oriented practice sessions. Competitive golf is totally addictive and we all want to play our best.
Cliff
Feb 16, 2016 at 12:46 pm
Not sure what it is but I seem to play better golf in tournaments. Maybe my decision making is better. Once in a tournament I topped my driver on the first hole. Only used driver 2 times that day.
Erik
Feb 16, 2016 at 10:01 am
I’ve played in “hundreds” of tournaments myself, starting in high school, college, USGA, etc. The big factor for me was once I got over being “embarrassed” by my bad shots I had nothing to lose. Who cares if you skull one over the green, every player at this level should be good and have enough respect to realize that this happens to everyone. Just as in life, it only matters how you react to that bad shot going forward. Are you going to let it mentally end your round, or are you going to let it go and move on to the next shot.
Jon Sherman
Feb 16, 2016 at 10:14 am
I think this is an important point for most golfers to take note of. EVERYONE who has played tournament golf has had moments that are completely embarrassing. You may have had a great start, and are settling into your round, then all of a sudden you make a terrible swing that rocks you to your core. Being able to deal with that moment is the hardest thing to do in competition, and takes a ton of experience to overcome.
Erik
Feb 16, 2016 at 10:48 am
Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Par 4 5 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 5 4 3
RD 3 3 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 6 4 4
17 18 Tot
Par 5 4 72
7 5 75 +
Do you mean something like this Jon? 🙂 -3 after 2, finish +5 over the last 5 holes, shoot a 75 and miss the cut by 1.
Jon Sherman
Feb 16, 2016 at 11:30 am
ugh, I know that feeling. One moment I will never forget is making bogey from 100 yards out in the middle of the fairway on the last hole of my final high school tournament. Missed the cut by one stroke.
15+ years later and it still stings!
Dan
Feb 16, 2016 at 9:52 am
This honestly might be my favorite GolfWRX article ever. Loved reading the 1st hand experiences. Great advice.
Jon Sherman
Feb 16, 2016 at 10:11 am
thanks for the kind words Dan, glad you liked it!
Tom Allinder
Feb 23, 2016 at 9:41 pm
Dan, I agree. Best article ever on GolfWRX.
Ryan
Feb 16, 2016 at 8:44 am
A great start for many players is amateurgolftour.net – the Golfweek-sponsored amateur tour. Last I checked there were 44 tours nationwide, mostly East of the Mississippi. Ability ranges from Champ Flight (3hdcp and better) to D flight (19+). No, I don’t work for the tour, but I do play on it. Getting 25+ competitive rounds a year is very helpful and takes the 9 out of 10 nervousness down several notches. I play it for fun, for gift card money to buy golf stuff (total club ho here) and as warm-ups for local and state amateur events.
Nick
Feb 16, 2016 at 8:12 am
I would say that I think you can almost practice too much to where you play poorly in an event. I think that happening to me one year really should me how to always take a relaxed approach into tournaments. But the realistic expectations are a good reminder. I have played better and won tournaments when I didn’t really have many expectations. It relaxes you and allows you to play more naturally.