Amateur

July 11-12, 2016 - I competed in my first MA Amateur Championship @ Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown, MA!  Over the past 15 years, I have tried to qualify for it (not every year, but I am guessing 9-10 times)!  Achieving it this year was one of my biggest goals for the season and I did it in style with co-medalist honors at my qualifier at Haverhill CC. 

Now I title this post "Amateur" for two reasons: 1) I want emphasize the importance of the word "Amateur" and 2) Every competitive golfer's "Amateur" is different and changes over time.

1) The Amateur world of golf is so much fun and speaks love for the game.  Everyone, with some exceptions, have other full-time jobs and commitments and we aren't getting paid for this.  The camaraderie and pride at the MA Amateur could be felt in the air.  There was mutual respect between competitors and people really respected the tournament.

I was randomly paired with my good friend Swen (his first trip too) and another really nice guy Rob.  Competing alongside good players that are positive, respectful, fun, and supportive is no better.  Additionally, I practiced with and watched players that are much more accomplished than me; learning many new things about preparing for and playing at this level and what it takes to do well.  At the end of the day, it comes down to who is most prepared, most confident, most purposeful, and most in the zone at the right time (some days you just don't have it or someone will just have it more than you), because everyone here can play golf well.  

(L to R) Swen, Flio, Rob (4th hole)

2) The second point is that a golfer's "Amateur" may be a local club championship, a U.S. Amateur, a U.S. Mid Amateur, a senior amateur, the Hornblower, high school state tournament, a member-guest, a BAGS tournament, and so on.  All have different levels of attention and notoriety, but if its important to you, that is what matters most.  Whatever it is, it gives you that feeling of pride, accomplishment, and joy.  The MA Amateur gave me this feeling and more...

I came here with my Dad and my goal was to make it to match play (top 32 after two rounds of stroke play).  I fell four shots shy and I played my heart out through the last putt (Par 71 - I shot 76-75).  I walked away with my head high and had so many great memories in a mere three days.  It is such a special game and I believe it pushes you to be a better person...more than how you finish (because only one person wins each time...at the MA Amateur, over 130 players went home with a loss), its about what you learned about yourself and from others to get ready for the next opportunity.  Its about being aware of your emotions and body during different pressure situations.  Its about having a plan and enjoying the whole process.

Yardage Book and Notes

I recently got time with a very well known golf executive and when I asked him about handling the highest competition and highest pressure, he said the great thing about golf is that it is an invitation-based sport, so you are privileged to have each opportunity.  He said make sure you appreciate that and the work you put in to get there.  Whether you win or lose or get nervous or make a big mistake, at the end of the day, always learn something each time.

Some highlights:
1)Taconic lives up to its ranking as of the best public courses around; its a special place, fantastic condition and layout.  Its worth a trip if you haven't played it
2)MGA runs a very professional event, the attention to details makes a world of difference to me and the rest of the players
3)Making birdie on my first hole
4)My Dad makes it the most special for me; to share this week and emotions alongside with me; walking the course on Sunday prior to tournament in rain; #preparation
5)Thanks to my family and friends for rooting me on (and to my friend Andrea for coming to watch in Round 1).

Can't wait for Part Deux

To raising yourself to a new standard,
Fli