Pars Anyone?

I've never gone two consecutive tournament rounds without a bogey, until today. In fact, I only made one bogey in the entire tournament, a three putt to boot. Unfortunately, I didn't make my share of birdies either. I didn't hit the ball that great, but I got it around in -4 68. Scores were low, so I ended up tied for 25th. Solid, but not great.

Off to NO Cal for a little tournament before a 5 day break.

Luke Swilor

Log Jam

UPDATE: Played pretty good in round 2. 70, no bogies, couldn't get a birdie to go in. -5 was good enough to make the cut, barely. Need a good one tomorrow, but I've made a check.



Round 1 of this weeks Gateway event went okay. I hit the ball solid for most of the day, but I just couldn't convert. The greens were much slower than past weeks, and we had a little trouble adjusting. The greens on the course tomorrow are much better, so hopefully the hole will become a bucket. 68 leaves me in decent shape.

Scores are extremely bunched. The courses this week are a bit easier than past weeks, so it will be hard to get any separation without a fantastic round. The leader is only at -7, but my -3 leaves me clear back in a tie for 31st. Two more solid rounds should get me up the leaderboard. Throw in a great round and I will have a shot to win.

The game feels the best it has this year. My confidence is finally returning after taking a long sabbatical, so I'm looking forward to the rest of the summer.

The Phoenix Gateway leaderboard can always be found here:

http://thegatewaytour.com/desertseries/leaderboard.html

--Luke Swilor

Thanks Dad

Happy fathers day to my dad (and all you dads out there). He taught me everthing I know about this crazy game, and we're best friends.

Thanks for everything, dad.

Luke

Gateway results

I hit the ball poorly the last two days. The conditions were much
tougher, mainly because the green doubled in speed. 73 75 left me tied
for 23.

Scores for the gateway tour are updated daily at thegatewaytour.com.

--Luke

In Contention

It took awhile, but I've finally worked my way into contention in the later rounds of a tournament. In a wild round, I ended up with a solid 67. Going into the "weekend," I'm tied for 5th, just two back of the leaders.

Today's round was a bit odd. I played really good, but I had to play two balls twice because I was unsure of rulings (haven't had to do that since freshman year in college). Playing two balls is very awkward. It just takes you out of the flow. I'm very good with the rules, but I came across a couple of areas where "local rules" had to be taken into account. Mainly it was dealing with stacked rocks and rocky drainage areas. I ended up being entitled to relief both times, but I scored the same with both balls any how. Go figure.

Keep the ball on grass and keep the putter hot. If I can do that I'll give it a run.

--Luke Swilor

Gateway: Tonto Verde Round 1

Slowly but surely, my game seems to be coming around. My scores have been coming down a little bit each week, hopefully that trend will continue all summer.

I finally got off to a good start in a Gateway event today. A little 68 leaves me tied for 8th. We play two courses in the first two rounds, and I had the tougher course today. Tonto Verde is tight, but if you can stay on grass there are birdie chances. The greens are quick, too. I had a lot of chances today, but the main thing was that I was able to stay out of all of the big trouble. We all leave a few out on the course, so I am pleased with the results.

I'm planning on a hot putter tomorrow (maybe as hot as the temp). Have I mentioned that Phoenix is hot this time of year?

--Luke Swilor

Bleep

Shot 73. Missed the cut by a shot, actually one guy. Let the
expletives fly.

--Luke

Grinding

GATEWAY TOUR WEEK 2

Talk about a grind.

I got off to a rough start. I hit a couple of bad iron shots and was 3 over after 7. I grinded all the way in, and was able to get to the clubhouse at even par 72. We're playing two courses, and today's course played a little bit tougher than tomorrow's. I'm in decent shape, and a good round tomorrow will put me in a good spot.

More tomorrow.

Luke Swilor

If you can navigate the site, leaderboards are updated after each round at:

thegatewaytour.com

Gateway Tour 1 - Talking Stick

I couldn't get anything going this week. 74, 72 to miss the cut. Too
many bogies. It was a rough start, but I seem to be working some things
out.

I haven't had a lot of internet access the last couple of weeks. Posts
may be short and funny looking until I settle in (phone posts).

I've got a few things to work on, but I feel like I'm getting better
every day. The results haven't showed that, but I'm sure they will in
time.

--Luke