9.22.2009

On the Way To Work



Golden Eagle. Pretty cool bird.

9.15.2009

Tour School

I hadn't looked it up, probably because I've been a bit scared to. Just did, and the PGA Tour School deadline is Sept. 23. 7+ days, and $5500. A bit daunting.

For some reason I've been thinking a lot about the first stage qualifying course. I like Dayton Valley. I have good feelings there for some reason. I get really motivated thinking about it. I think it's because the memories get seared into the brain, being such a big week. There's not a lot of messing around that week, but it gets dark early. I remember last year I was THE customer at the redbox next to the hotel.

Nostalgia. Gets you.

Luke

Catching Up

After the Utah Open, the only golf I've gotten in has been the Nationwide Tour qualifiers in Salt Lake and Boise.

I really struggled feeling comfortable on the course in the Salt Lake qualifier. I got off to a bad start, mainly due to some bad driving. I was pretty much out of it after 5 holes. The thing about Monday qualifiers is you better go low. When you are 3 over early, you pretty much have to birdie every hole. Anyhow, I ended up with 75 and 67 played off for one spot.

I felt much more comfortable on the course in the Boise qualifier, probably because I was in a better routine being out on the road. I'm much more used to getting into the golf frame of mind when I'm out of town. I got off to a good start (not as good as my playing competitor, who birdied the first 6 holes), but my chipping wasn't good, costing me too many shots. I ended up with a 72, and again 67 played off.

So there's not a whole lot of golf left 'round these parts this year. I've got some decisions to make, whether I'm going to hang around golf or not. One thing is for sure: If I'm going to continue trying to make it to the bigs, I can't go at it in such a segmented fashion. It was too hard to find any sort of rythm this year, only playing a couple times a week. I was rusty all year, never getting sharp. It is a frustrating way to go about things. SO, if I decide to play, I have to play. All the time.

Enjoy the fall weather! Leaves will be changing.

Luke Swilor

8.27.2009

On the Side

I finally got a range finder this summer after mine had been stolen a few years ago. I needed it for work, more urgently than before. Anyhow, I decided to make a yardage book for my home course, River Oaks GC. I surveyed the holes and drew them up in my spare time, and two days ago the job was done. This is a serious yardage book, much like you'll see the best players use on tv. We'll see what the reaction is.

Here's a sample:


Luke

8.24.2009

Ugly Golf at the Utah Open

I didn't do much right this weekend. I got off to a rough start with the putter, and by the time I got that to come around I wasn't hitting good shots. A frustrating weekend for sure, especially since I'm not certain when I'll get to play again.

I'm hitting the ball pretty well. A bit inconsistent, but good. I need to turn back into a good putter. It's held me back the last couple of years, and is definitely where I need to improve the most.

Back loopin' for a little bit. Going to be working hard on my game every other second.

8.20.2009

Utah Open Preview

We start tomorrow at 1:40. I've got a solid group, both guys are good players. My brother Charlie will be on the bag.

It feels good playing for a decent purse again. This tournament isn't a big deal in the grand scheme, but when you haven't been playing, it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. It should be fun.

If we make some putts we will be good to go...

Luke

8.17.2009

Utah Open Qualifying

It was a barn burner, but I made it. 69 got me in without a playoff.

Salt Lake City Open Recap

I played pretty solid this weekend at the City Open. 69-69 put me in a tie for 5th. Not too bad in a good field. Qualifying for the Utah Open today. Haven't had to qualify for this in a while, so hopefully we'll play solid and not make it close down the stretch.

Nice to be playing again...

Luke Swilor

8.06.2009

Roosevelt Pro Am

Pretty good day today in the pro am, especially considering my lack of play. 66 was good enough to only lose by 5. I played solid, putted ok, and I feel good going into the real tournament.

I've been using twitter for some shorter updates (kind of like this one), and to post some pics. Check it out @lukeswilor (twitter.com/lukeswilor).

8.04.2009

3 Week Run

We are coming up on a three week run of golf tournaments. Exciting. It has been a strange summer, not much golf. I haven't been getting in much practice, but I'm shooting some good scores on the 1-2 days a week I've been getting out. I'm looking forward to making some money!

Roosevelt Open this weekend, SLC Open next weekend, and the Utah Open the week after that.

Luke Swilor