July 15 - What a great experience and opportunity to compete for a spot in the US Amateur at The Country Club, marking the 100th anniversary of Francis Ouimet's US Open victory. I came in swinging awesome. Played the day before at Lexington in our Memorial Scholarship tournament with the Keegans and D. Brennan. I was loose and ripping it. The bad news was my caddy got sick. I scrambled to find a replacement, but ultimately ended up carrying myself for 36 holes at Weston. Conditions were hot, low 90s and humid. Course conditions were excellent, fast greens and thick rough. Pin positions were very difficult. My game plan was solid and I rarely got myself in bad spots on the green. My self-inflicted pressure and strong desire to make it translated into some tight swings that cost me and was scrambling. I managed a 78 in the morning, which surprisingly put me 4 shots off the cut line. After a short 15 minute break, I stepped up at #1 and knocked my approach stiff for birdie. Here we go! (short lived :( ) I was up and down to shoot 39 on the front. Then my final nine included three consecutive disaster holes on 11, 12, and 13. It was the end of a hard fought day. Was really bummed about missing a dream opportunity, but felt so good about the experience and will try every year I can in the future. Great vibe, great competition, great tournament operation. Played with K. Rourke which was a pleasure. He and I actually competed in high school at St John vs. Woburn matches and local NEPGA events. Good times. Lesson learned: Caddy is very important in this thing! (Score 78-86; Cut was 150, very high for this event; typically its under par, course was playing very difficult)
Onward,
Kurt
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