Luke Swilor's Road to the Tour

Better

2008-06-26T18:51:00.000-06:00

66 today. Scores are low, so that is just keeping pace. It got really windy this afternoon, so I am very pleased.

I had a good swing thought today, just tried to keep the club in front of my body. I had fun. The weather should be better in the morning, but the mosquitos???

Luke

Searching...

2008-06-25T18:16:00.001-06:00

It's been a struggle the last two weeks, and I'm not exactly sure where the hole in my game is. There are no glaring mistakes, but I'm not scoring at all.

My goal tomorrow is to hit more greens. My stats are down here. Middle of the green all day tomorrow...

Luke

Let's Go

2008-06-11T21:45:00.001-06:00

Made it into Canada. Victoria (and the rest of BC) is beautiful. The weather hasn't been great, but I can handle a bit of rain.

The Canadian portion of the Canadian Tour starts tomorrow, and I'm fired up. I'm stuck without the internet this week, so a couple of phone posts will have to do. Suffice it to say I'm fired up and ready to go.

I'm looking forward to some gallery and giving the title a run.

Luke Swilor

Catch Up

2008-06-08T21:10:00.001-06:00

Before I leave the country, I better recap the last two weeks...

I feel like my old self. I've been doing a lot of work the last two weeks at home, on both my physical game and my mental game. I feel like I'm much better prepared heading up to Canada than I have been lately, and my confidence is extremely high.

Along with the work on my game, I've put in a lot of work on equipping myself to play better. I put some new shafts in my irons, got a new driver, new shoes, new clothes. I got some things that I need to succeed. Why I didn't already have them is beyond me, but I righted that ship.

I solidified a place to practice/play/hangout when I'm home, too. A lot of the people who have helped me as I grew up have moved on, so I needed a good place to practice and play. The guys at River Oaks GC have really helped out there.

So, I am pumped to play some good golf. My mind is in a much better place, a place where I feel like I can do great things. I saw some results this week while playing with some buddies. My scores are ready to go down.

And somehow I had a win/place/show on Da' Tara at Belmont. That made me happy.

I'm catching the ferry to Canada in the morning. I'll be in the great white north for 6 straight weeks. Talk to you from the other side.

Luke Swilor

Back in the USA

2008-05-27T07:58:00.001-06:00

The course won the battle this week. It played extremely tough, and I wasn't able to overcome a couple of bad breaks the first round. My putter let me down in the second round, and I ended up missing the cut by 1.

I've said it before, but it is hard missing cuts. I've missed a lot in a row now, and need to break out of this rut. I really started to hit the ball well this week, now I need to start scoring.

I gave my mind a bit of a reset during this two week trip in Mexico. I haven't been thinking in the proper way to play great golf. I wasn't even thinking of cut lines my first year as a pro, and I rarely missed one. The cut has become way too big a part of my thought process, and my scores tend to be right around the cut number every week as a result. Not anymore.

So I'm making my way back to Salt Lake for a couple weeks of work on the game. The second week of June is the beginning of the Canadian portion of the Canadian Tour schedule. I'm looking forward to preparing for it.

Luke

WILD

2008-05-22T16:56:00.003-06:00

It's been a wild trip in Mexico. I struggled off the tee last week, and it wasn't the type of course you could get away with that. I ended up missing the cut by 3.

We then had a charter flight from Cancun to San Luis Potosi. Over 100 people, all with the Canadian Tour. As we began our taxi down the runway, we saw 4 full baggage carts that didn't make it. I brought out the positive thinking, and I was one of maybe 15-20 guys who got both bags. I felt bad for the guys without luggage, but hey (the bags didn't arrive 'til late Tuesday night).

I got in two practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday. The course is very steep, and the ball goes a long ways. We're somewhere above 6000 feet, so that's high. I have a bit of an advantage having grown up playing at elevation. I feel really comfortable with the elevation, the grass, and the elevation changes on the course.

Needless to say, I was looking forward to round 1 today. Well, it didn't quite go off. The wind was blowing a little bit too hard for golf to happen. Balls wouldn't stay on the greens. So, after 30 minute delays for more than 3 hours, the round was postponed until tomorrow.

During the delay, a guy named Jack Nicklaus made an appearance. THAT was cool. He came out, no warm up, and ripped a tee shot off the tenth tee. I can't believe I didn't have my camera.

It really has been a crazy trip. I got sick, too, on Tuesday. No fun at all. I really don't know if I'm better or not, I'm just trying to get by. I'm just looking forward to playing tomorrow. We can't get out there too soon!

Luke

Riviera Maya

2008-05-12T19:48:00.001-06:00

I'll tell you the thing about being on the coast near Cancun. The days are wonderful, but the nights get you hooked.

I'm not talking about parties or anything like that. I'm too far away from the city for that nonsense. I was just down on the beach at my hotel, the only person there. It was like a movie. No sounds except the natural. No light. It was the most peaceful hour I've spent in a long time, maybe my life.

The travel today was rough. The festivities at the Cancun airport alone took 2 hours. Now that I'm here, it seems like a breeze.

I'm really looking forward to this trip. . I felt a switch flip last week, and I'm expecting some really good scores. Either way, I'm living the dream.

Luke

Qualifiers are Hard

2008-05-07T21:22:00.001-06:00

Not just the playing part, but the gigantic loss you feel every time you miss. It's tough. It's like losing a playoff when you don't make it. Crushing.

I played really solid today. I didn't get anything going until making birdie on 15 and 16. That put me at -2 with a par 5 remaining. Pretty good shape. Disaster struck on 17.

17 is an island green par three, 170 yards. The pin was in the back (178), so I pulled an 8 iron, trying to hit it in the middle of the green. I hit it right at the pin, landing pin high, bouncing over the green into the water. That hurt. Really bad. I had to drop at 103 yards, didn't get it up and down, made double. I ended up with a 72, while 70 was going to advance.

It was a weird feeling at the end of the round. I was pissed off at the near miss. It's really frustrating not getting through qualifiers. But my game was better today than it has been all year. I made a confident, aggressive swing on every shot. A few bad breaks cost me, but I really played well.

I think I've been trying to guide the ball around. I made it a point to make a really confident swing on every shot, and it paid off today. I didn't have anything resembling a "big miss." That is a very good sign, as the "big miss" has been a major drain on my game lately.

Mixed feelings today. Major downer, but there are some positives.

Luke

Casa Grande and Me

2008-05-06T18:29:00.002-06:00

I got in a practice round this morning. The course is good. There's a whole lot of room, which is a bit different from most of the desert courses down here. The fairways are perfect, but the greens are a bit on the slow side. Scores will probably be pretty low, depending on the wind.

My game feels pretty solid. I hit a few loose shots today, but nothing severe. I drove the ball better than I have been, and I don't feel like there is a big miss lurking on every shot. I feel better about the game this week, so I'm looking forward to getting hot again.

On the way home from the course I stopped by the Casa Grande National monument and saw me some 14th century ruins. Pretty cool.

(I don't think the big structure covering the ruins has been around since the 1300's. Too much steel, but I may be wrong :)

Luke

Qualifier

2008-05-05T20:22:00.002-06:00

This Wednesday is the "local" qualifier for the US Open. I'll be in Mexico for Utah's real "local" qualifier, so I'm down south of Phoenix this week. Big plus ---- WEATHER. I haven't had a chance to check the forecast, but it was in the low 90s today. Much better than it has been in Salt Lake, and I love the heat. It just feels more like golf in the heat. Not sure why that is, but that's how I feel.

The drive down here didn't seem too bad. It's been a couple months since I made a 10+ hour drive, but it didn't seem hard or long. I've got two satellite radios going these days, so there was no lack of entertainment.

I've really been getting pumped the last week or so to play golf. I hit the heat this afternoon, and I got really pumped. I can't wait to get to the course tomorrow.

We're playing in a small town I didn't even know about. I basically lived in Phoenix in 2006, but I never ran across this course or town. Poston Butte GC in Florence, AZ. 84 players for 7 spots. The successful qualifiers move on to one of the sectional qualifiers in a couple weeks.

Practice round early tomorrow.

Luke Swilor

Home until...

2008-04-30T08:46:00.001-06:00

I struggled with my ball-striking last week in Mazatlan. It is very frustrating because I putted as good as I ever have. Hitting 15 greens over two days isn't going to cut it though.

So I'm in the states for a couple weeks before heading back down to Mexico for a couple more Canadian Tour events. I've got the US Open qualifier next week, so I'm always up for that. I didn't get to play last year, as I was down in Mexico for four weeks straight. It's nice to get a break this year, as traveling down there can be tough.

Ball-striking will come around. It always does. I just need to dig it out of the ground.

Luke

Back to Mexico

2008-04-22T17:08:00.001-06:00

I've left the country. It never seems normal, but I've made my way back to Mexico. Mazatlan, to be exact. It's not my first time this year, but there's still a culture shock. Last year was a completely new experience, and I was stuck down here for a month. This year I know a bit more of what's going on, and I'm going to enjoy every minute. The weather is wonderful, and I'm hitting the ball well. I'm going to have a blast.

No good last week. I was hitting the ball fairly well, but I really struggled with the greens. California poa has always been tough for me. It's just so bumpy in spots, and I start to lose the trust of my reads. Anyhow, I'm over that.

I had a decent weekend, though. I got to go to the minor league hockey playoffs in Stockton. Then on Sunday I made my way to Oakland for an A's game. It's always fun to see new parks, and the A's routed the Royals.

I'll try to keep you posted. If not, scores are at cantour.com.

Luke

2008-04-17T22:03:00.000-06:00

Today was one of those rounds. I hit it pretty good, I hit some good putts. Nothing wanted to go in. It was a very frustrating round, but I hung in there, and didn't let it get out of control.

Scores were low. My 71 wasn't close to good enough, so I have some work to do tomorrow.

Time for bed.

Luke

Stockton

2008-04-16T20:08:00.001-06:00

My favorite basketball player of all time is without a doubt John Stockton. I wore the number 12 throughout my little league career for that reason. He was (probably still is) the man. So, it seems like a good time to get my first win, as I'm in the city of Stockton, CA.

I played here last year, and one of the keys to the course is to keep it out of the rough. It's deep, but worse, it's gnarly. Different types of grasses growing in different directions tends to lead to some horrendous lies. I've had some good practice sessions, and my driver has begun to feel really good. Good sign.

Through two events, I've been lucky to have some good caddies, too. It becomes a bit of a crap shoot when you don't have a steady caddie, so that's another good sign for the week.

I managed to get my US 1040 off in the mail yesterday. Now I just have to deal with the Canadian Tax return. I should be getting some money back from them, though!

Fairways and greens

Luke Swilor

Starting Point

2008-04-13T21:51:00.001-06:00

Today was a battle. I've been having such a hard time off the tee, and it caught up to me. I didn't make the putts I needed to either.

I was a little nervous on the first tee. The first tee shot and the last putt are always the toughest shots of the day. I hit a really good one down one, though. All I was thinking was "this is my turn." I completely misjudged my second, and made bogey. Oh no.

But I hung in there. I had it to one under through ten. I was actually in really good shape. The course was getting crispy, and anything under par was a solid score.

I three putted 11 for bogey. Then I made a really good birdie on 12. Then I hit a couple bad drives and bogied 13 and 14. Wasteful.

It seemed like everything that went right yesterday went wrong today. I had quite a few putts today that should have gone in, but didn't. I didn't go out expecting to shoot another 63, but I played better than 74. That's golf, though, and I'm still happy with my overall performance over the weekend.

My driving is the one part of my game that need extra attention. I putted good, I wedged it good, and I hit my irons good. I just wasn't in good position off the tee enough times this week. It feels good to throw the low score of the week at them, though.

Decent start. Next week I'm throwing it all at them.

Luke

Good Number

2008-04-12T18:42:00.001-06:00

I spent all day yesterday wondering whether I was going to make the cut. I did, barely.

This morning golf just felt easy. I got a good swing thought working on the range, which is always nice. Then I hit three good shots on 1, making birdie. Then I got hot, making birdie on 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12,14, and 15. I made a good 6 foot putt for par on 17, and that's how you shoot 63.

My game feels good, a little inconsistent off the tee, but everything else has been solid. I'm hitting really good iron shots, and I've been able to save some strokes with my wedges. When I putt good (like today, unlike yesterday), I'm shooting good scores.

It feels really good to get over the hump and shoot a really good score. I've had good rounds, but it's been a long while since I've gotten out there and blistered the course. It's really fun.

Another good one tomorrow.

Luke

Hot

2008-04-12T14:00:00.001-06:00

63 today. Much more fun than shooting 74.

Uhh, Bubble

2008-04-11T16:07:00.001-06:00

Crazy round today. I lot of very bad shots through 12 holes, then a lot of good ones on the last 6. Major grind, and I'm back at my home "on the bubble." I've got to move. I'm planning on moving into my new home "around the lead" VERY SOON.

Luke

Foster Farms Spring International Round 1

2008-04-10T20:41:00.001-06:00

I was nervous starting the round today. It was a good nervous, an exciting nervous. I haven't had a whole lot of that lately, and it was fun.

I made a twenty-five foot putt on one for par. That's always nice. Made a good save from the bunker on two. Chipped in from 38 yards on six. After that, my swing came around and I played some solid golf.

I played really well on the back nine, making four birdies, and just missing another. I ended up with a solid 70, -2, putting me somewhere inside the top 20.

I felt good today. I grinded through a rough part of my round, and overcame that to shoot a good score. I've been working hard on my game, and it's starting to pay off. I love having the course for the whole week. It makes things a lot easier when you don't have to call ahead to make sure you can practice. Show up and hit some balls, then head over to the tee and play a few holes. Go back to the range for a bit after. I'm looking forward to a lot of work over the next few weeks.

I go early tomorrow (7:15), then I get to finish up my taxes. Fun, and not quite as fun.

Luke Swilor

Back On Tour

2008-04-08T14:00:00.001-06:00

Well, I flew into Northern California last night. Opening day of the Canadian tour season is just two days away. I'm pretty pumped, and looking forward to making it a great year.

It's just a different feeling at these events. It feels much more like a "real" tournament. It feels like we're a big deal, and that feels good.

My game is so-so. I haven't gotten in to a groove lately, so I'm excited to play a lot of golf. I seem to need that to play my best. The course is the kind I love, tree lined, without many unnatural hazards. There is some OB (not really in play) and a few lakes, but for the most part if you miss the fairway you'll have the opportunity to make a recovery. The greens are perfect and fast, too.

Sorry about the lack of posts lately. I just haven't felt like posting all that much. I'm sure that will change after a few rounds in the 60s.

Luke

Not Gone

2008-03-27T23:02:00.000-06:00

Wow. Sorry about the break. I haven't been on the road a whole lot, and I kind of fell off the blogging rhythm.

I played a match play tournament this week. Unfortunately it didn't last long, but I put up a strong effort. I played solid, but my opponent didn't make any mistakes. I was two under on a pretty good course, but I still couldn't push it to the 18th hole. More on that later.

My game is getting better. I'm pretty confident right now. I've got a big season that is right around the corner. I'm really excited, and my motivation has never been higher. I won't let the updates lapse quite so much any more. Hopefully.

Luke

Pelican Hill

2008-03-14T23:46:00.001-06:00

I got a call out of the blue yesterday, and I ended up in LA this morning. I got the chance to play Pelican Hill GC in Newport, and we had a blast.

I was planning on being home in Salt Lake early Thursday night, but I couldn't pass this up. The drive was well worth it. I got to meet a couple great guys, and catch up with a great friend. And the course was spectacular! Not incredibly tough, but not easy. Just plain fun.

The South Course has three holes right over the ocean. You can't beat that on any golf course, or any walk, for that matter. "Soak it up," I told myself, and that's exactly what I did.

I woke up this morning at 5, making sure I was there for the tee time. I was very early, so I got a chance to drive up and down the Pacific Coast Highway. I did a little reading on the beach, and still had time for a solid 1 1/2 hour practice session/warmup before the round.

I saw a lot of great shots in our group, and managed a few good ones of my own. My team made a nice comeback on the front nine, and ended up winning the total as well. I have to thank Joe for holding me up!

So it was a very fun day. I'm looking forward to being home a bit before I head out on the road for an extended period, but I'm glad I got the opportunity to play such a fun course with some amazing people today.

Luke Swilor

2008-03-13T21:46:00.001-06:00

No good today. 76, T8th. I'm having a hard time on the final rounds this year, something I'm not used to. My buddy Nick thinks it is the excellerated pace of play. All of my final rounds have been two-somes, riding, so it is an entirely diiferent pace than three-somes. I don't know if this is it, but maybe. I'm already a very quick player, and with just two I seem to play even quicker. I just play fast, but I need to keep an eye on it when I start to struggle. It can get out of hand in no time.

Two-somes walking (Canadian Tour format on the weekend) is an entirely different matter. Walking automatically slows down the pace, so the effect might not be as obvious.

Anyhow, I can't say for sure this is the problem, but it makes sense. I need to keep an eye out for things like this. I did slow down my swing on the back nine, with some marked improvement.

The great thing at this stage in my career is that I figure out something like this every week. It all goes in the memory bank, and it all pays off in some form at some point. I get closer every week, whether or not my scores are showing it. It makes for one great journey!

Week off now.

Luke

Back in Action

2008-03-12T19:45:00.003-06:00

I was home last week, and I didn't do a whole lot golf related. I hit a few balls, but nothing too serious. I've got a long year ahead of me, so I took the rest while I could.

I'm back down in Vegas playing the Harmon Tour. I needed to make a check this week to make sure I was in the Tour Championship. It was a battle...

I hit the ball well yesterday. Despite some bad shots around the greens, I was three under after nine. It caught up to me, though, and I ended up shooting 1 over.

I was VERY frustrated last night. Throwing away the little shots, which are normally a very strong part of my game, was completely unnecessary. It hurt big time, and put me outside the cut number.

So I needed a good round today. The front nine was almost a carbon copy of yesterday. I hit it very good, but struggled around the greens. Two under on the front. Pretty good.

The back nine was a bit strange. I didn't feel like I hit it very good, and I didn't feel like my short game was very good. Somehow, I managed to shoot 1 under on the back, 3 under for the day, for a total of 2 under. Just inside the cut.

Anyhow, I'm in sixth place now. The leader is at -8, and second is -6. I'm in a pretty good spot, all things considering.

Things are coming around. My whole game feels pretty solid, and my bad rounds have improved tremendously. Now it's time to get hot and post some low numbers. My "preseason" (not a very fitting term, it's all big) is coming to a close. I'm looking forward to this year. Upwards.

Luke

Inconsistent

2008-02-29T07:34:00.002-07:00

I got off to a bad start yesterday, and it kind of snowballed from there. A little frustrating, but things are moving in the right direction. I've got some things I'm working on that seem to be paying off. I've got a week at home now, and the weather is supposed to be good. I should be able to really practice at home for the first time in months. I'm looking forward to getting some major work done.

Luke