Byron Easterling

Remember!

2012-02-14T06:15:00.001-08:00

Today my mind began to wonder towards the next tournament. We are presently in Bornholm, Denmark a small island with approximately 40,000 residents in the winter. To drive around the island is 60 miles and has 4 golf courses. But today it is 30° and snow covered. It would be a great place in the summertime to practice though.

Back to my mind wondering...

I think it's been good to take a break from golf. I guess this is like the off season for me as I am in forced exile with my clubs in Phoenix, me in Europe with snow and ice all around. I should do something 'Rockyesk' and run down a country road in snow boots and a heavy coat yelling something...golf appropriate.

It's interesting to take breaks. I've had a number of folks look surprised like I'm not allowed to rest and that I must always be in the midst of it all. It's not until you take a break that you realize how important and valuable they are. To much of a good thing is still to much!

It also shows me how much I love this silly little game and look forward to my return.

Here's a little picture from Alvor, Portugal near our qschool course.

Hit'em hard and look up,
Byron

PS. The knee seems to be healing fine. I arrive home February 25, just in time to prepare for a Champions Tour qualifier.

Totally Whinning...

2012-02-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

Crystal and I are in southern Germany at the moment, attempting to stay warm as we didn't come prepared for the cold snap. I'm totally whinning. But I have some right if you look in my suitcase and see lots of golf shirts. What was I thinking.

My clubs went home with Matt where they wait expectantly for my return. It's been a week since qschool and I'm very excited about getting home to work on the game change. To stand over each shot and see it the way I would desire to play it. It's that time in my golf career when I get to step into a place of sheer fun and even enjoyment.

Which is part of the joy of playing tournaments. To create shots and then pull them off. On our practice round, before we left Portugal, it was a busy day with many people waiting on tee boxs so, Matt had me call my shot or tell me what kind of shot he wanted me to hit. By the back nine the other groups around us are starting to bet if I can pull off the shot. (I don't think there was money involved...I'm sure there wasn't).

That was great fun. It was creative, unique to how I love to play the 'game' and part of my personality. I'm looking forward to this years tournaments and all that lies before me, because I took a little risk to go where my heart suggested going.

Crystal and I have until February 25 here in Europe. It's a much needed break as my knee is starting to feel better as I rest it. But I am looking forward to being back out there.

Thanks again for all your kind words of encouragement, prayers and thoughts.

Hit'em hard and look up,
Byron

The Drouthers

2012-02-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

Now comes the tedious bits. Preparing my schedule for the year. Having missed the cut (I don't like having to say that) it's now time to consider where, when, what kind and how many tournaments I can play in 2012.

If I had my complete drouthers, I would play the Sunbelt Senior Tour for the remainder of the year. It's an excellent tour with great players (but that's true of any tour) and all full events. And a drouther has to be worth something!

I'm not the administrative type. I'm more than a little challenged in that way but I do my best and push on through. And it doesn't hurt that I'm in Lisbon, Portugal waiting to join Crystal in Germany as I follow after her as she speaks in Germany, Italy, Denmark and England. Woohoo!

If my drouthers are going strong then I'll be home February 25 and will go play a tournament five days later. That would be great.

I'm going to put up my dream schedule for the year over the next few days. In the mean time I'm going to try and stay warm while in Eurpope as it's not California right now.

Hit 'em hard and look up,
Byron

Find It!

2012-01-27T09:39:00.000-08:00

It's probably not a good time to write a blog directly after not making it through Stage 1 of qualifying school. So much goes into these days and preparation for them that it's a large let down to not make the cut forward.

Being my first attempt at anything this big was a huge step forward and if I can bore you for a moment I want to explain why I'm so thrilled.

Today was the first day in two years that I loved playing golf in tournament. Let me clarify. I have been learning to play tournament golf for several years now. I was told by several long time tour players that I have to first learn how to play tournaments and not to get overly frustrated with myself so early in my pursuit. Easier said than accomplished. But I've been taking a lot in, learning, growing and finding my game.

Finding my game...everyone is saying that once I do find my game in tournament I will move forward. Today I found it. It was to late to make any head way but let me go a bit further and then finish with a hopeful encouragement.

I've been playing tournaments with a lot of tension. Uptight. Without joy. Don't miss my meaning, I love the game but I've been very tense and uncreative in tournament for two years. I was a musician for most of my life and my job was to be creative but the last years of tournaments I've been attempting to be tied down, put together. Make all the right moves...follow course strategy to the letter but I have lost my game in the process.

Today, on #14 I took a chance and started playing the way I want to play. The way it's fun. I couldn't believe it! I was enjoying myself, I was enjoying the game and I played better! Over all my stats were better, my attitude was better and as I told Matt walking down the 18th Fairway, "This is the first time in two years that I've loved playing."

I didn't make the cut this year. That doesn't mean my year is over, on the contrary it's just the opening two rounds. But I'm headed into a new season of playing that I have been working and praying towards.

Yes, I'm a bit let down with being finished here in Portugal, and wishing I could have found that before I got here but something says it took this moment in time, on the 14th tee box at Gramacho Golf Club in Algarve, Portugal to get there.

Thank you so much for following my continued journey and for those that made this trip possible a huge gigantic THANKS! What I discovered today is life changing in several ways.
Hit 'em hard and look up,
Byron

A Very Cool Job

2012-01-25T13:51:00.000-08:00

Over the last two days Matt and I have scaled a couple of mountains. The two courses we have practiced on were reported to be ancient training grounds for Himilayan trail guides. But they've been good days. We've been planning our strategy for the course and working together on our caddy/player routine. Then we return to the hotel and crash for a couple hours before hunger sets in.

Enter stage right, Roger and Frances from England who have been a great joy and lovers of the game of golf (PJ, they remind me of you and Bob).

They are down on a working holiday. I thought I had it good. Roger writes for the RAF golf magazine. (Royal Air Force). His job is to travel about to different amazing locations, cultures, resorts, golf courses, restaurants and then review them. He is retired Air Force so he's definitely earned this opportunity, but it sounds pretty sweet.

Over breakfast on our first day we meet this wonderful couple and opened some conversation with the basics but, it seemed to be providence that we continued to connect which lead to last night dining at one of their favorite local digs. I need to figure how to follow these guys around. They found some great places. Beside the fact that they are wonderful people and new friends.

Do you remember my blog about playing in England this fall? Roger and Frances are from Gloucestershire (the county of) where the tournament was held. It's a place to return to and now I may have some new golfing partners when I return to Forrest Hills Golf Club.

Tomorrow (Thursday) at 9:40 the first day of tournament play begins. I have limited technology at the moment so if you want to follow my scoring you can go to European Senior Tour and follow the links to Q-School.

Hit'em hard and look up!
Byron

PS. I will do a follow up on some of Rogers photos and articles once I'm home.

First Days

2012-01-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

Matt and I finally made it to Portugal! Over seven hours off schedule from delayed, altered flights and attempting to navigate through small villages in the dark without GPS.

We're here and have finished our first day of practice. It's a good work out with lots of hills. I was thinking this was more of a flat terrain being on the ocean...not so much. It's lovely as you can see from the pic. I have a feeling we will sleep well tonight considering we are carrying some jetlag and those hills.

Tomorrow is another practice round on the course we will be playing for our Stage 1 qualifier. The morning hours are set aside for the players in the tournament and then the course is open for general play. This is getting boring...-

What would be fun for you to hear about and what pictures would you like to see?

Thanks for following our time here in Portugal. Talk to tomorrow.
Byron

...and away We Go!

2012-01-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

I met up with Matt in the Dallas/Fort Worth airport. Now it's the waiting game until our departure to Madrid and on to Lisbon. We have afew hours. But Matt seems pretty happy.

If you want to follow the scoring on line for my Stage 1 you go to, www.pestanagolf.com and follow the link through the European Senior Tour badge. Then click on the Gramacho logo and it will take you to the scoring page where you can find my name.

I'll keep you posted when that will start. We have time yet.
Byron

Whydanerveofdaguy....

2012-01-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

It's one week before Matt and I fly the friendly skies to Lisbon, Portugal where we will be competing in our first qualifying school for the big stage. Exciting - yes. Nervous - yes. But that's a good sign.

I recently watched an interview with Tiger where he admitted to still having some nervousness before a tournament. This is a guy who has won how many times? If this guy is nervous then who am I to worry about a few nerves?

What we do with that nervous excitement is the key. I remember often being a bit nervous before concerts when I was playing piano professionally. How many years and how many concerts had I played? But once we started I would find myself no longer nervous but in the moment, relaxing and focusing.

I've got that excited nervous thing happening, but then I think this might prove I'm alive. It will be the next step of turning that into focus and shot making. Beeee...me! I think this is something Steve Jobs might have left the world. Be yourself and help others do the same.

Maybe in my own little way I'm doing this...nerves and all.

Hit'em hard and look up,
Byron

What Has Ten Legs and Says...

2012-01-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

In beginning of this new journey (now entering my fifth season) I had to give up some things. I used to travel and speak to various size audiences on a variety of topics. Included in my talks I generally told stories. Stories of my life experiences or of others or even made up stories to place an exclamation to a point.

Interesting that I really don't care that much for public speaking. I'm not afraid of it, but I have found very few people that I really enjoy listening to pontificate over a topic. So, why would I want to have others listen to me? Unless it's a good story.

Stories have been a common history lesson in societies throughout the world. Stories that are passed down from generation to generation. I remember, after my fathers funeral, an extended group of family sat together and listened to the stories of my great uncle. Amazing stories that I had not heard before (make note to self to find tape) about my grandfather and his brothers. Stories about great grandparents and relatives, etc., etc., etc. I sat spell bound. I don't care if the stories are 100% accurate. What I do care about is that the heart of the story, the spirit of the tale is true and accurate. That we stay true to the heart and spirit and not become tangled to deeply in the technical aspects of the story.

A new year is before us, new stories will be lived and told. New days await us. Tell the stories of your life...

Byron

The Gramacho Brothers!

2012-01-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

This sounds a bit like a game or possibly a syndicate/mob. It's neither. In fact I'm not sure there any brothers Gramacho but it is the course where Matt and I will be playing our Stage 1 Q-School.

If you are in the winter zone at the moment, then simply clicking on the link below will make you feel all warm - just add in a lite southern breeze, your favorite food/drink, some friends or family and there you are (just don't look out the window).

Click the link and browse the photos;

Gramacho Golf Course

Found It!

2012-01-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, New Years Eve, I had two very good things happen. Crystal and I spent time with Sam's family from the LA area, and I found something in my game that I've been looking for.

Salvador and Rosa, fixed this fantastic dinner, Pan con Pollo. I had a hard time saying "NO" to 3rds. From what I gather, this is a holiday treat. It was! I really like Sam's family and having taken the time to drive to Vacaville for a visit and then on top of that to fix dinner was a real blessing.

What did I find in my game? I'm new to this pursuit. I'm a rookie, a new guy, a pleb...(from my military school days). I have so little time in this game professionally that each year is a new era of the game. I don't have decades but months. I've discovered that in each season or era that there are discoveries on how to advance and move my game forward.

Saturday, I discovered my swing again. No changes, just the swing that people tell me they can see and know from way out in the fairway. It's much like our DNA. Our swing is personal and unique to each golfer.

As Matt and I look forward to Q-School in Portugal, these are the moments that give me confidence that what I bring to the course is me. No artificial ingredients. No substitutes, just simple short back swing and power through the ball HB (another military school moniker for my initials Henry Byron). All that to say, "B yourself!"

I believe it's 18 days before our flight takes off. That will fly by but for the moment I'm working to use every opportunity to focus in and build for Q-School. It's such a great opportunity.

Hit'em hard and look up,
Byron (HB)

Check out Scotty's Page

"So What"

2011-12-31T10:46:00.000-08:00

It's just another new year...what's the big deal. A few declarations and promises that will soon run away and I'll be back in the middle of my year sweating it out, trying to make life work. OUCH!

That's not what the new year is all about. It is about hope and looking to new possibilities. It's not magical. It starts with what's happening right now, and that for me started when I made a commitment to travel to Europe and play two Europa Senior Challenge Tour events. I didn't know what to expect. I had stepped off my map.

Then it happened --- I went, I played and I was greatly surprised by the blessing of friends who are sponsoring Q-School. I didn't have any knowledge this would happen. I just stepped off my map and Viol'e I'm now going to Portugal (with Matt) for my first ever Q-School.

What I did in 2011 set me up for 2012. I know this is happening in your life as well. It's no coincidence. It's an amazing journey and one I'm so grateful you are following.

To you, your family and all you have in your hearts desire ---

Happy New Year~!

To the Coast

2011-12-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

We're headed to Santa Barbara for a little R &R. The temps are in the upper 60's and no rain.Sounds like a blast doesn't it!? While we're there I'm headed out for one round of golf with Leo and his new set ofTaylormades. I have a slight advantage due to his just arriving from their homein London.

It's been a while....tolong...since visiting SB and enjoying the SoCal coast. We will see some otherfriends while we're there as well, havesome great meals, taste a few new wines from the area and generally do nothing.Yeah...moments of nothing.

So, have a wonderful week and I'll do eveything to take pics andvideo...really!

In the mean time --- hit 'em hard and look up.

Byron

Matts Going Fishin'

2011-12-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

Matt is a great guy. I met him a couple years ago but at that time we didn't really get a chance to connect. He was busy, or I was busy, or something came up...yada yada yada.

I don't really know all about Matt yet, but the journey has started and so far I like his joy of life, his love for his children, his humor and his engineering mind. Matt, actually makes inventions work. He has the ability to create from an idea a working model. Right! This makes this such a cool team. I can vision and envision but I couldn't make a prototype. He sees things differently than I do and that's Sehr Kool!

Matt also likes speed. I have to tell a story on him just to break the ice. The day before I arrive in Phoenix, to work for the very first time on the course, he goes for a longboard ride down a mountain! Not at a skate park but down a mountain. When he tells the story it's very funny because of the group of 20/30 something women watching him turn a blind corner to an unknown steep grade that sent him flying into a ditch. I think he's going to be bored with my driving. Note to self: I've driven 155 on the Autobahn -- don't give Matt the Ferrari keys.

Matt's in for a great surprise as we play tournaments in Europe because fishing is a hobby for him. There's going to be some great streams and lakes to fish. One more note to self: Find lakes and streams after the tournaments.

Well, if I don't see you before Christmas --- Merry Christmas and hit'em hard and look up!
Byron

Smilin'

2011-12-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Here's a little update on Q-School. Well, first you might like to know what Q-School is? It's not a college or a university. Nor is it a seminar or a classroom for golfers. You don't sit down for this school but walk and walk we will for six days of intense golf. I CAN'T WAIT!

It's my first qualifying school opportunity. You don't leisurely consider Q-School if you're game, your mind, your attitude or your wallet aren't ready. Last year I considered it but realized I was just not quite there. THIS YEAR...I can't wait...did I say that already?

Matt and I, leave for Portugal on January 21 and fly to Lisbon where we will drive a couple hours to the Pestana Golf Resort where 1st Stage will be played on January 26 - 27. Then we practice a day and start the 2nd STage, four day tournament for those coveted tour cards that get us on the European Senior PGA Tour.

Q-School sounds like a blast. It sure seems like a great way to start my tournament year and who can argue with being in Portugal in January. I'm Smilin'!
Byron

Donald Fagen?

2011-12-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

Donald Fagen wrote a song back in the day with one of the lines reading, "...walk through the rain drops back to your door." Today, at Colonial CC in Fort Worth, John Ratliff and I went to the range, back in the door, out to the range, back in the door and out to the range....that was enough walking through the rain.

We would just about start to warm up when flashes of lightening would strike around us. This is not a good moment for golfers who walk about with steel clubs swinging to the sky. I like the game but not enough to be a lightening rod.

Statue of Ben Hogan on site
at the Colonial CC

The Colonial Country Club is the home of Crowne Plaza Invitational, one of the oldest PGA Tour events still running. I believe it started in 1941. Colonial is also known as the home of the infamous, master golfer Ben Hogan.

Ben Hogan was a steely eyed, exact player that spent many hours tweaking, messing about and generally finding new ways to hit the golf ball. He was never satisfied. He wasn't known for his casual demeanor or his need to be liked and in Scotland was called, "The Wee Ice Man." He had a wonderful career before a major car accident head on with a Greyhound bus created life long problems, yet he came back to have a fantastic second half of his career.

For me I'm most encouraged by the first part of Hogan's golf life. It took him quite some time to win on tour but when he did he found a personal confidence to be one of the greatest players, ever. He turned something that was good into greatness.

Obviously, I'm not on the course, as I'm writing this blog, but I hope to be out again tomorrow....pulling on the greatness that was Ben Hogan and the inspiration of the numerous amazing players that have walked the closely mown fairways of the Colonial Country Club.

Hit'em hard and look up!
Byron

New Wine

2011-12-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite seasons is the crush. Living in the near direction of Napa Valley, the crush is only a few days of the year when the grapes are plucked from the vines and the process of creating the wine begins. It involves the entire senses. The aroma is amazing! It fills the valley. Every inch of the air is saturated with the fragrance of freshly crushed grapes.

Then the new wine begins to take form. Having spent months preparing the grapes on the vine, the art of wine making begins. Science and Art come together to create a plethora of taste, aroma and color that the wine maker desires.

After a short period, the wine begins to ferment and during this brief period, especially in Europe, they celebrate Neue Wein. The New Wine. It's fall, the weather is wonderful, the wine is...well, new. It's almost fizzy and strong. Crystal and I have been blessed to travel in Germany during the neue wein season. We generally are in the Phalz area of Germany during this season and will head into the hills to visit a small village or castle serving Flammkucken and neue wein.

Sounds rough doesn't it? (read November 16 - What a Hoot!)

As I look into the new season I'm preparing to advance to the next place on this journey. I'm learning to combine the art and science of this game. It's a good season and one that will end quickly just like the new wine but lead into a bigger and bolder place.

Hit'em hard and look up!
Byron

Scotty Takes Off

2011-12-10T09:20:00.001-08:00

Many of you have met Scotty Thompson via a conversation with me or in person. Scotty has been on this journey with me from the beginning. He was there before it started and was one of the people that encouraged me to pursue the dream.

Scotty has experience at the top of the game of golf, behind the ropes. He looped for the US Women's Open Champion, Kathy Baker and spent 5 years on the LPGA and PGA Tours caddying. What Scott brings to the table is a wonderful view of the golf course. He sees things I don't and in doing so helps us visualize and 'manage' each course I play.

The other thing Scott has is plenty of stories and comments from his time as a professional caddy and years of playing the game. You can find his latest and greatest blogs under the Scotty's Page. Stop by and have a good read.
Byron

It Was A Blustery Day

2011-12-08T08:01:00.001-08:00

Oscar and John Fighting the Wind

This past week has had some interesting winds. Golfers generally have to play in all kinds of weather. It's not always the postcard perfect experience on the course and if we don't learn to play in adverse weather, well, let's just say learning is always a good thing. But sometimes the winds or rain become to much that don't allow us to play. Especially when the wind is pushing the ball around the golf course.

But Oscar, John and I had a great game last week during some serious winds. We each took one club and played 9 holes. We had to be extremely creative with each shot. Five iron was my choice of club. Oscar took a four iron and john a hybrid.

When I was about 17ish, the head pro at our course in Mexico, Missouri (See the club I grew up on) took my clubs from me one week. Each day he would hand me a different club and tell me which tees to play from. I was getting bored and I needed some change. It was amazing how differently I looked at the same golf course. I had to think differently and hit shots I had never hit before. I guess changing up our routine is a good thing from time to time.

I head to Haggin Oaks this week to pick up my 'other' driver which Dan has prepped for me, and hopefully get some more work done on a couple other clubs. In the mean time, be watching for a new page from Scotty Thompson. You can find it right here.

Hit'em hard and look up,
Byron

!!!NEW--- CHECK OUT SCOTTY'S PAGE ---- NEW!!!

Back To The Beginning

2011-12-06T09:20:00.001-08:00

This week I'm headed back into the world of music. It's been a while since I've played a production/show/extraveganza...

I won't be hanging up the sticks for the week, but I will be focusing on a new production of a friend, Bob Book, who has written and produced SkyDor. Ever wonder what happened to all those Knight Templars. This is the story of one Templar that faced a new reality, encounter in his life.

Bob is a wonderful songwriter/singer who pours out his heart. SkyDor has it's premiere performances on Saturday evening (7PM) and Sunday morning (10AM) at The Mission and I'm fortunate enough to be able to add in my bits of musical talent along with some great musicians I've known for years.

THIS IS NOT A CHRISTMAS CANTATA --- LET ME REPEAT --- THIS IS NOT A CHRISTMAS CANTATA

The Mission

6391 Leisure Town Road

Vacaville, CA 95687

Both performances are free

a donation can be given

I Gotta Say

2011-12-04T12:10:00.001-08:00

What a team! I mean really!! When I think about this journey and the future I have, I am so amazed to have around me this team. From Mark Drohman my swing Doc to Scotty, Dan, Matt, Crystal, friends, family, and the incredible people that follow this blog and read it (please join:-).

For many years I thought I could do it all, but then that's a piece of my personality. It's the same personality that pushes me towards that desire to win. But winning with out a purpose doesn't do anything for me. I have to have purpose.

When I was in my twenties, and Crystal and I were recently married I worked at two jewelry stores. The first was much like a Jared's and the other was a high end, custom design shop. Both were good businesses and had a number of stores in the city where we lived. I worked hard to learn the trade and was studying gemology to advance my career. I was a top salesperson in the first store and I believed in the people who owned the stores. I was then hired to manage one of the high end, custom stores and I lost all interest. Why? I didn't connect, believe in, and understand their mission.

Today we have a team mission. It's to win but it's not just for the sake of winning. Our end goal is to build a foundation for widows and orphans. It's a team pursuing something, hopefully, bigger than ourselves. That's the driving force behind my pursuit/desire/dream. The cool thing is that both are my desires --- to play golf on tour and to raise up a foundation. I'm just hoping to knock down two pins with one ball.

A Romanian Widow/photo by Jared Teska

What Day?

2011-12-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

Thursday becomes Sunday, Friday becomes Monday, and Saturday and Sunday are free days that seem to come from nowhere. Thus is Thanksgiving weekend (except those that brave the world of Black Friday).

The holidays begin! This is my off season which means I spend most of my time in the gym attempting to push a 56 year old body back into a 25 year old body --- "How's that working for ya, eh?" Then I adjust my workout to fit my 56 year frame and it becomes quite enjoyable. I look forward to the discipline of the workouts, as it has end results to work towards. It's nice to see results even if it's not a 25 year old result.

During the off season I am tweaking all my clubs. I'm work with Dan at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento. Dan is a master club engineer. I just made that up...aren't I smart. He's more than a club repairman or maker. He has created some wonderful tools to help us develop more consistent clubs. You really should take advantage of the technology out there. A common phrase among people goes something like this, "I don't need knew clubs these work just fine. I've had them for 10 years and there's nothing wrong with them." True, they look just fine but they are old technology. OKAY, if the top players get help with their clubs then why wouldn't amateurs, who play once a week, or once a month. I know those guys get them for free but ten years?

Old technology isn't just about the club. Old clubs were made to hit old style golf balls. Technology has changed. Change your clubs and get them fit to who you are. It's worth it. But I digress. Dan is amazing and presently all my clubs are being tweaked in preparation for a new season.

What does this all amount to? What's my goal? To make it through the 6th day of Q-School in the top 6. The second goal after this is to make it into the top 14. Either way, I'm playing events on the EST (European Senior PGA Tour) in 2012. That's my goal for the coming year. I'm out on our local courses 4 - 6 days a week, in the gym the same and up at Haggin Oaks tweaking clubs a couple days a week. I'm working with Matt, (new caddy from Phoenix) hoping to raise the finances in order to get him to Portugal for Q-School (PayPal account is open).

...and they call this the off season. I'm so blessed to be driving toward my dream. Thanks for stopping by and reading my blogs and please feel free to pass it around to those who you think might enjoy it.

Hit'em hard and look up!
Byron
P.S. is there anything you would like to read about or encourage me to put in my blogs? Leave a comment below or email us here.

What a hoot!

2011-11-16T17:42:00.001-08:00

I'm boarding my flight home from Indianapolis yesterday where I discovery an empty seat between my row mate (not sure what to call the other guy in the other seat) and myself. All flights in the world seem to be stuffed with people. I'm not sure if the airlines are cutting flights or more people have decided to fly this year than ever before but having an empty seat in a row is quite incredible.

The doors are about to close when someone jumps on the plane...so much for my extra room in row 21. Fortunately, it's a slight woman, my guess in her early forties which is far better than a 6'4" greek wrestler on an all meat patty, special sauce diet.

As we take off we start the normal seat mate conversation. "Hi, are you headed home?' She was. Sometimes the quiet people like to end that conversation at this time. She was quiet but inquisitive. I was surprised by her question that ask, "So, what do you do?" Which I followed up with my normal answer, "I play golf for a living in Europe on a European Senior Tour."

She pulls a kleenex from her purse and begins to dab her eye in jest as she replied, "Oh, wait, I'm so sorry. You must hate your life?" Mentioning how blessed I am created a follow up dab on her right eye and her responding, "Oh, Please, let me tell the others on the plane how hard your life is. I'm sure they will want to know how difficult it must be."

I call her Miss B. She was a hoot. The remainder of the flight went pretty much the same way. At one point she asked me what I had to do next and I mentioned how I needed to start working hard on my game. "Really?" Her eyes said it all. It was in humor that she replied, and it was a great look as if to say, REALLY, you are using the word 'hard' and 'game' in the same sentence.

Thanks Miss B for reminding me what a great life I have.

Hit 'em hard and look up!
Byron

Next Move...

2011-11-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

What is your next move? What are you planning for next year? It's that time of year and for my golfing career I'm looking to the future. Each year, much like New Years Eve, I create a list of desires and goals that I would like to see fulfilled. It's not my ultimate bucket list but next years list of "to do's" that will take me on and into the next years tournaments with expectation for a better year than this one. It's goals and desires.

We all, pretty much, do some kind of planning, it may not be noted in a journal or written in a blog but generally we have a thought or two about the coming year and how we would like to see changes, increase, upgrades and a new view, taking us to that place we've never been before and we enter the new year with our eyes wide open and full of hope. This is good. Why would we want to enter a new year walking in the opposite of hope, when most of us have a choice?

Last year, I was glad to make it out of the year with a golf club still in my hand. I struggled every day to make it to the course to practice and play. You generally don't talk about down times because who is really going to give a guy much sympathy for spending his days walking about in a manicured park, playing a game? I mean come on...what could my problem really be. So, I didn't have a red letter year with my golf game in 2010 but I drug my sorry butt into 2011 with some good thoughts.

First I new that it couldn't get worse. Please God. Second, I had gained more experience in adverse tournament situations with strong players and third, my putting was much better and although it might not have been tour quality at that point it was on the way.

This year was something completely different, especially after last years complete flop! I built on my frustrating 2010 season and gained more experience in a variety of tournament situations, built my game by developing the new DreamSwing, played in Europe, played throughout the USA, putted like a stinkin' genius, got a new driver, a new 3-wood (and went back to my old one), learned about playing in winds that even the East Bay of San Fran doesn't have, found out that I need new custom clubs, made some great new friends, saw some long time friends and learned that I am able to head to Q-School in January.

...and that's not all!

Looking over the fence into next year I am glad to be taking some confidence with me, a new caddy (Matt), a new swing that brings serious consistency and those same friends that have been with me through the entire process. They are amazing and they know who they are. (Side bar: it's a real treat when I meet someone that is following my blog. Thank you. Tell your friends and don't forget to register as a friend!)

In January, I head to Portugal to play Q-School for the European Senior PGA Tour (EST). Qualifying School is six days of tournament that culminates in winning a little card given by the EST to play all, or some, of their tournaments. This little card is what we are aspiring to put in our wallets. It's a little piece of plastic that tells the rest of the golf world that you've made it to the big stage. That you have accomplished one of your goals.

There are few cards, but there are cards! Approximately 20% of those playing in the last day of Q-School receive their EST card. It's a battle for each card but it's a good battle and one I'm looking forward to.

For the next two months I will be practicing on the new DreamSwing, working out in the gym to build a little more flexibility, tone and cardio. As well, I will be looking for games that will put me in challenging tournament conditions on my way to Q-School.

I wonder what your next move is? I know you have things that will bring you great hope.
Byron

The Greatest Names...

2011-10-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

I know the title really doesn't have anything to do with golf but England has the best names for places, towns, etc. They even name their homes/cottages. Here are a few of my favorites....than I'll catch you up on the last day of the tournament.

We'll start easy with Water End. Obviously, at one point water stopped there but who would have thought to call it this? Along with these we have Hook End and Little End (Americans remember to annunciate).

Next on the plate is Bumble's Green. What does that mean? Any information is greatly appreciated.
Bassingbourn....
Saffron Walden...
Bradfield St. George...
Nedging-with-Naughton....doing what with who...is that even legal?
....and for the moment the winner today:

Abbess Beauchamp and Berners Roding.

I love the names and that's not even touching the surface, or Wales.

...and on to golf.

Today was much better. I rose a few more spots in the ranking and finished 2 places outside of the money. Unfortunately, this tour seems to be having troubles staying alive at the moment. This is quite common for developmental tours. The players are great, the money satisfactory, the experience is good but often the administration/organization is very poor and a number of players complain far to much (not all mind you). Let's just play golf boys! They are working on a new website that should be up in a couple weeks. That will help anyone stopping by to maneuver the site quite easily. I'll put the site up when it's in place.

My time here in West England is coming to an end. I have a day off tomorrow before heading East to Royston, England to visit friends and speak. Everywhere I go people seem very interested in my journey and I am so thankful for this opportunity.

A number of you have asked, "What's next on the golfing agenda?" To be honest the season is pretty much over. There are three tournaments in Spain on this tour, which is a possibility. Also, the Pepsi Tour in NorCal has small 1 and two day events with the flat bellies throughout the end of the year. The big question is do I play the European Q-School this year (actually in January and February 2012). I will be talking and strategizing a plan once I am home...in just over a week. It will be almost 6 weeks for this trip and I'm ready to be home.

Thanks so much for following my journey. Have a great day.

Swing hard and look up,
Byron

Toughing it out in England

2011-10-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

The weather has been absolutely lovely here in West England. It's been wonderful Fall California weather. Today that started to change but then what can we expect, It's England -- a tiny island surrounded by water who once ruled and reigned over a huge percentage of the world. How did that happen?

I did it again. I have not taken one photograph of the course, me, other players, etc etc etc. Sorry, it simply leaves my mind as soon as I start practicing. I'm very bad that way. Although the course is very nice. Lot's of walkable hills, much like the course I grew up in Missouri. A little tougher though. It's not an easy course to score on as noted by the high scores and only one round so far under par.

"Me," you ask. Horrible scores. Sorry but that's how it is at times. But the new swing changes are coming along just fine and I'm' making great head way with the new 'Dreamswing' that will be revealed to all who are interested in the coming months. I want to work out the edges and play a few more events with it.

Today I started with a beautiful drive center cut leaving an 8 iron to the green. Why don't I play what I think. I took a seven iron and off it went. Over the green leaving me with a tough come back. But, on #3 I chipped in for a nice birdie taking back a lost stroke.

I had three birdies today. A nice feel. I know that this swing change has great potential. I know that it works from my driver all the way to putting. It's the same idea through out each shot creating an easier, more confident and consistent approach to the game.

The great thing about the new DreamSwing is how easily you can apply it to your swing. If you would like to try the new swing give me a note, email, text, however you can. I'd like to work with you to see if it is as easy as it was for Scott in Germany. Scott, is a good golfer, not a professional, but a single digit handicap. He hadn't played or practiced in over a year but was very intrigued by the new DreamSwing. I showed him, he applied it and within 3 shots he was hitting the ball so nice. He was amazed....I was amazed and I think that word is way overused.

Golf is often made to be so complicated. The DreamSwing is here to alter that idea. It's easy as 1 - 2 - ...that's it!

Back to England -- I have one more day in the tournament here in England then a day off before heading to Royston on the East side of the country. I have just over a week before flying home after a 6 week trip. I'm ready! But I've made some great new friends on this trip and played some great golf along the way.

Have a great day. Swing hard and look up!

Byron

Catching up...

2011-09-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

I spent five days in northern Germany at the Krogaspe Golf Club playing my first tournament with the Europa Senior Challenge Tour. This course is owned, designed and operated but Chris Parker. Chris is a great guy. He welcomed all the Europa Tour players warmly and made us feel right at home. He even found me a caddy each day. Members followed us throughout the tournament, which I always enjoy.

Chris is from England and he has opened the first course in Germany that is open to the public. What that means is there is no handicap required to play. In Europe courses require a certain level of skill before you are allowed to play on the course. Chris has made his course open to all and designed it much like an English muni course.

The greens are small (if you have a large plate at home look at that and then go get a smaller one), rounded, and wet. Which made the greens play very strange. I hadn't played greens like this...ever! My ball striking was very good but my short game didn't catch up until the third day of the tournament about hole number 50 out of a 54 hole tournament. NOT GOOD for scoring.

Presently, I am in southern Germany enjoying some great weather and good golf. In one week I head to England (Gloucestershire) where I will be playing my next tournament with the Europa Senior Challenge Tour.

The guys on the tour are great. I was able to met and practice with several of the players. Great guys, good players, and I'm looking forward to meeting a few more of the players in England.

It looks like the tour is then headed for a 3 tournament stretch in Spain towards the end of November through the first of December. Hummm....will have to work on getting back for those.

Well, I hope you are doing well. Thanks for following and reading my little updates. I will do better at taking pictures. I just forget and get busy and yada yada yada....my bad!

Swing hard and look up!

Byron

Arriving Early...

2011-09-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Hamburg, Germany this morning to some very wintery type NorCal weather including the great green grounds of Germany. I've never flown into Hamburg before and it was beautiful from the air. I arrived early so ended up picking up my car and driving (well, getting lost) on my way to the hotel. When I did find my way I still have a couple hours to wait so I had some breakfast (eggs and bacon---who are they catering to?) and then did some catch up on Facebook and emails.

I started to nod off a bit on the couch in the lobby and I think the front desk people felt sorry for me and found me a room soon after. What a blessing.

Then I went to the car to unload my clubs. One never knows what might happen. I've heard all kinds of stories about broken clubs, lost clubs, etc etc etc. So, I always seem to open my travel case with care to see what lies inside. All the clubs are there and seem to be intact. YEAH!

Speaking of packing. This is the weirdest packing trip I've been on. I don't know if it's gonna rain, be cold, be warm, be hot, be something for sure. My suitcase weighed as much as my golf cubs. That's pretty rare for me as I like traveling lite. But, with sweaters, raingear, varies kinds of gloves, hats, three dozen golf balls....what was I thinking?

I've connected with the head pro at the course and looking forward to starting my practice rounds. I will most likely go to the course tomorrow (Thursday, September 8) for a short practice session. It seems I've hurt my foot and it's causing some minor concerns. I think it would be wise to consider resting the foot as much as possible but as we walk I'm not sure how possible that is. Maybe I can get a dispensation to ride? But then you know my love for golf carts and riding so I'll do all I can to see my foot healed up and be out walking the course.

Hopefully I'll remember to take some pictures, possibly even some video footage, on the course over the next couple days.

Thanks so much for following my time in Europe and please connect with me on Facebook, email or right here.

All the best,

Byron

A Good Fight

2011-07-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

Standing on the 1st tee, of the second day of a tournament pondering life could be a problem for a golfer. It's not generally a good time to start a heavy conversation with ones self, but on this particular day outside Cullman, Alabama it was going to happen whether it was wise or not.

Day one of the Yellow Hammer Open I had meandered in with a 75. Not good enough to place in the top ten and not bad enough to hold last place. It's not a good thing to wait for the other players to score poorly to move up the rankings. After day one I knew something had to change. The reality is that for the past 7 months I've not been scoring to my potential. This is a frustrating situation at best, and down right depressing if you let it.

Standing on that first tee of day 2, I realized adjustments were needed and it wasn't in my swing, but my thinking. I had to make a decision to either stand and fight for what was mine, or come to grips with a piece of reality. If I have no fight, no battle in me for playing professional golf, then I'd better head home, fold up shop and enjoy the game as an amateur. Which is not a bad thing but it's not good when you call yourself a professional!

I love the game. I'm going to love the game whether I play professionally or as an amateur but to play tournaments, in either category, requires a level of battle I had not emotionally or mentally entered. I think we all have to face that question from time to time no matter where our chosen paths take us.

Walking off #18, to the scores table, I realized I had just battled my way up the score board and I shot my lowest score in tournament golf. I discovered that I do have fight in me for this game and this has set me on a new piece of my journey. The fight is a good thing. It's tiring at times, but it's a good tired.

'Whack a Mole'

2011-05-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Did you ever see or play the game 'Wack a Mole?' It's an arcade game where these little mole heads pop out of holes and you wack them with a mallet. Great game to get your aggression out...

Golf generally doesn't have anything to do with a game like 'Wack a Mole' except for the fact that it's a game and we play it. Which in that case, I guess there's really no difference between the two except most people seem to enjoy 'Wack a Mole,' while they play golf like it's some unconquerable force.

How many times has someone said, "Golf is a game that will never be conquered!" Like they're the all knowing wizard of golf who understands something none of us lessor beings can comprehend, especially when we have a golf club in our hands.

Crystal and I spent many years traveling together (when I was a musician) and for fun we enjoyed finding a 'Wack a Mole' game and pounding the crap out those little buggers. It was a definite competition to see who would wack the most moles.

There was a repeating pattern to the game. For all intensive purposes this pattern would help create our strategy. To win you had to learn the pattern and execute the proper technique for a good mole wacking.

Golf is a game. It requires a strategy and execution of shots in order to fulfill that strategy. If you were playing football (American or other) the coach would be constantly developing strategy for his team to execute. Golf is exactly the same, it's a game with strategy and execution. The last qualifier my coach, Mark Drohman, caddied for me. It was great having him out there on the bag. His biggest encouragement was how well I had a strategy and stuck to it. Did I always execute the way I desired or had planned...

I stuck with a strategy that fit my game. MY GAME --- that's the difficult part. Knowing your game and then creating a simple, easy strategy helps this game become interesting, even fun. If you hit your drives 230 yards, and it's a 580 par 5, you're not going to make the green in two. Look down the fairway, where is the widest spots. Often these are the places the course designer considered to be the ideal spot to hit into the green?

Yesterday, I was playing in Nicaragua just outside Managua at Nejapa Country Club. On the fourth hole my caddy handed me a driver and told me to hit a little draw down the left side over the trees. But looking down the fairway I noticed a flat broad area in the fairway that looked perfect for a three wood and would leave me approximately 140 to the green up on a plateau.

I hit a beautiful drive exactly as I was told but upon arriving I found my ball had gone through the fairway and came to rest behind a tree that was placed dead center in front of the green. If I would have followed my knowledge of strategy I would have hit a comfortable 3 wood to 140 up on the plateau which took the tree out of play. I boogied. A bit of strategy doesn't guarantee a better score but it does give us opportunities that otherwise we throw away and I can say it makes the playing of golf more enjoyable.

Golf is a game and a great one at that!

Playing BREAD...

2011-04-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes tournament golf can become frustrating...wait...let's rephrase that. Sometimes golf can become frustrating. We often blame ourselves for bad shots...that have gone astray...into a neighbors back yard...or 'kurplash' into the pond. I believe it was Jack Nicklaus, that scored a 13 on a par 3 at The Open Championship in Britian. 13! Known as the greatest player to date. Maybe it was an 11...maybe it was a par 4...REALLY, does it matter at that point?

We get out of our game and away goes the score. Staying within your game is a big part of tournament golf. BUT even more important is finding your game in the first place! "To thine own self be true." Yea, but sometimes we need a bit of coaxing. Which brings me to the point.

Yesterday, during a Pepsi Tour tournament here in NorCal I had an idea to help me stay focused and in the game. I like to keep track of my personal stats, ie; Fairways hit, Greens in Regulation, number of putts, Sand saves, etc. I've been keeping my stats as a way of learning how to improve my game. Where are my strengths and weaknesses.

Yesterday, I decided to invent a new game. I call it BREAD! If you play golf then you've heard of a friendly game called, Skins. It's played in many different ways for whatever amount of money is agreed upon. Most of us play for small portions simply to 'keep focused.'

There are all kinds of different games in golf that we play for small wagers. Yesterday though, I decided to change the focus from me winning to others receiving by playing BREAD. WHAT?

Since I like to keep my stats, I decided to organize my stats as follows:

1. Fairways hit

2. Greens In Regulation - GIR

3. 1 Putts (not all putts but only 1 putts)

4. Sandy's (sand saves - out of the sand with a 1 putt)

5. Greenies (from just off the green with a 1 putt)

6. Chip Ins

7. Hole Outs (50 yards or more)

8 Hole in One (par 3's)

BREAD has Eight categories to mark. The difference yesterday was what I did with the points. Each category received one point. So, if I hit a fairway, that received a point, etc. Each point was given a predetermined dollar amount. At the end of the round, I tallied the stats and counted up the dollars earned.

Here's the fun part - for me. That money didn't go to me, it went to an account we created called, The Widow's Bread. A fund through our non-profit organization. Those funds will be distributed for the needs of widow's both near and far. From locally to internationally.

After returning home from the round I wanted to see how I played when I was truly focused on 'winning' money for The Widow's Bread fund, verses when I was more concerned for my own game. Want to know the results? Read on.

1. I made 21 points yesterday.

2. of the holes that I scored two or more points, I was -2 (that's good)

3. I had my first eagle in tournament play

4. I made points on 12 of 18 holes

5. the game was fun...

In six days I will qualify for the Nationwide Tour event, Fresh Express Classic, at Boundary Oaks Golf in Walnut Creek, CA. I will be playing BREAD. Which brings me to a challenge.

What about once a month, instead of playing Skins or Wolf, you play BREAD? Then give your 'winnings' to a local charity, or the junior program at the course where you play, or you can add it into our charity, The Widow's Bread (which is a tax deductible 501.c3.) The person with the lowest number of points has to buy a refreshing beverage of your choice. That will keep it competitive.

BREAD can be played by any number of players, in any setting. It both keeps you focused personally and it has added value beyond the course. I like BREAD!

Byron

Grow....

2011-02-11T09:54:00.001-08:00

That word has a lot of emotion wrapped up in it. Growth is never without it's bits of joy and pain. Watching a friends baby going through teething is a great example. Their they are enjoying life when out of no where comes this intense pain as teeth begin to push their way up and outward. Have you noticed the child's first reaction is to satisfy that pain. Ah...and life begins. No true growth without a bit of change.

Then there's that moment when we face the growth straight on and receive the change. Life truly changes and expands and we walk into deeper more meaningful places. What's this have to do with golf?

In San Diego, I began realizing changes were needed and that the old ways of thinking about this game must grow or the changes I desire will never occur. Is it life threatening --- No! And I'm blessed by the fact that I get to play golf day in and day out. In light of women and men facing incredible struggles in their lives this is absolutely nothing. Yet, change is change and must be accepted.

I am home and beginning some changes in my approach to the game. Not only 'how' I play golf but 'why' I play. With this I will be staying local (NorCal) into May when hopefully I'll be ready to play the Canadian Tour Q-School. Check out my Schedule page as it has all the events I'll be playing up to May.

Thanks for reading and as you are challenged by new growth, may you quickly grab hold of the change and walk into a new season of life.

Season Starters...

2011-01-31T09:35:00.000-08:00

San Diego was a great start to my season this year. The weather was great, 75 and clear for the two days. The course, Maderas Golf Club was superb. A Robert Muir Graves course design that was 'tweaked' by Johnny Miller. Johnny (can I call him Johnny?) took, what was a classic design on a crazy great piece of property, and made it even more demanding. Sloped at 144 and ranked at 75.4 it played so, but then I love hilly courses. Having grown up in mid-Missouri our home course was built on these wonderful rolling hills but only miles away were some very 'billy-goat' courses that I played my state championships on and always enjoyed the most.

My goal in this season is to learn the place where I fall into "Zone" and not accidentally. The zone is that often elusive place that once you have been, you desire to stay and play. Some say, and they are growing in number, that the zone is simply the place that we naturally play golf from. It's a long conversation but suffice that these first two events have been good in finding the zone, loosing it and knowing that it will be found again.

Then off to my second event...

I came home from Phoenix last night after having caught what I describe as the Phoenix Fever --- although sounding a bit like a new sports association it is NOT! It's a high fever respiratory sickness that started in it's infancy at the end of my practice round and took off with bold attitude on the 13th tee box the day of the pre-qualifier. Not a pleasant back nine but finished and overall, I enjoyed playing desert golf for the second time in my life.

What a different game desert golf is. Where I'm used to going off the fairway into rough and trees, with desert golf you find yourself in rock, stone, dirt and a variety of desert things called bushes....REALLY! I only found myself there twice in two days, unfortunately both were on tournament day. The first one was interesting. My drive took a nice hop right over the hill into the desert. As we went searching I found it almost suspended in a tumble weed. I could see it clearly, there was a lot of 'air' around the ball. My first thought was how I could swing a club hard enough to actually knock it out and back onto the fairway --- then a second thought struck me harder than I'd have to hit that ball. How many other golfers have thought similarly and after they had taken a wild and ruthless strike find their ball smiling back at them in the very same place, mocking the golfer.

I heard a voice in my head -- I think it is was Scotty reminding me as he has so many times, "Take your medicine and move on." It's a good lesson and so I took the advice, pulled the ball, found a decent spot to hit from, recovered and went forward.

In between these two tournaments I had the blessing to see Diether Maier, friends from Karlsruhe, Germany. We played a fun round at Hiddenbrooke Golf Club while Diether was here doing work in the Bay Area.

Now I return home to play the Pepsi Tour this Spring when in May I will be considering the Canadian Tour Q-School.

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading these little bits.

Byron

Start Ur Engines!

2011-01-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

Alright! The season is only two days off. Tomorrow I head to San Diego, to Maderas Golf Club for my first tourney of the year. You gotta know I'm looking forward to this year.

This event is the pre-qualifier for the Farmers Insurance Open. A PGA Tour event sponsored by...Farmers Insurance (Duh). It's the start of a new season and new anticipation for the year ahead.

Friday, three days before leaving for San Diego, I'm practicing with Mark Drohman (my golf coach) and after a very nice 7 iron within five feet he notices my iron and that the head is coming off. YIKES!!! It's Friday late afternoon --- who could possibly get this done in short notice.

I called Dan at Haggin Oaks and found to my delight that he was working all day Saturday. I'm not sure he enjoys that, but I was thrilled. Dan is a very knowledgeable club repairman but more than that he is just a great guy. I really enjoy the time hanging out learning more about the craft. I'm not very technical by nature so it's nice to understand why things work the way they do and he's such a blessing to me.

Well, not only did he have time to fix my 7 iron...he found two other irons needing work and he spinned and flowed my driver and three metal. Plus, we put all new Golf Pride tour gripes on. What a great grip.

Any way, because of Dan I'm on the road with club confidence. I consider Dan one part of my team, and it takes a strong team of people joining together to make this happen. So, as I start this season I want to thank, ahead of time, Brilliant Book House/Emerging Light my key sponsor, Green Tree Golf Club (#1 in Solano County for two years), Mark Drohman (golf coach) and Scott Thompson (course management). To Crystal and Kate and a God bigger than I ever imagined.

Looking forward to seeing some of you this year out there!

Byron

New Years!!

2010-12-21T11:16:00.001-08:00

Looking back on the old is a part of understanding how the new will move us forward and into new seasons and times of our lives. 2010, although not as full of tournaments as I desired, brought some wonderful opportunities, friendships, and revelation of the game.

I had my first opportunity to play a qualifier for the PGA TOUR. That's the big tour and simply to have this opportunity was a blast and one that is leading me into more in 2011. This coming year I will be playing qualifiers and pre-qualifiers on the Canadian, Nationwide, Champions and PGA Tours. I'm not limiting myself to one option but opening myself to new experiences and possibilities.

I met some great individuals this year. One is Tom from Australia. A long time professional, with a butter smooth swing, Tom and I spent a number of practice rounds together. I look forward to seeing him on the European Senior Tour this coming year.

I brought my game to a new place both in the physical aspects of my swing as well as mentally. I'm working hard on my short game, and 'they' say that is ongoing, but the greatest revelation has been the mental aspect of my game. There was a shift this year from how I approach tournaments and being on this journey. Which brings me to 2011....

....let's get this show on the road! I'm playing up and down the West coast, as well I'll be over in Arizona, Utah and Idaho this coming year. I'm going to play some great qualifiers, make some new friends and see some old ones along the way.

Keep up with my schedule and if you are from the areas I'm in, please let me know.

Here's to a great year so far and to a new year ahead!

Many blessings to you all,
Byron

Acceleration (a short piece from the second book)

2010-06-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

What was I doing playing golf in North Carolina in late June? We’re supposed to follow the best climates around the country. Yes it might rain, or thunder and lightening, or even a small hurricane may knock us over but we’re not fools. But here I was, standing on the thirteenth tee box of a Sunbelt Senior Tour event, just across the state border from Myrtle Beach situated along the gulf coast on a very hot, humid, rainy day. In fact it was so hot – “How hot was it?” We joked that it was nice having 110% humidity because all of us over fifty guys were limber and pain free.

If I was superstitious I might have considered skipping the thirteenth hole but I’m not, and skipping holes is rather frowned on to the point of disqualification from the tournament. Number thirteen is a lovely par five that doglegs slightly to the right. Your shot off the tee box has to travel no further than 285 yards or it lands in a quiet bubbling brook that runs across the fairway. This day with the rains and a slight wind in our face there was no problem taking out the big dog and letting it fly. I hit a great drive down the left center of the fairway setting up my second shot. This was a long par five and not reachable in two shots, at least by most of us regular humans. As I walked down the fairway I noticed my ball was resting in a sand filled divot, looking like a sunbather after a long winter. Not a bad lie but not one I prefer. I made a mental note to practice more sand filled divot shots and also look into tanning salons....(this is a short excerpt from one story of the next book)

Golf In Nicaragua

2010-04-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

It's 99 degrees with equal humidity and very little breeze as I squish down the fairway of Nejapa Country Club outside Managua, Nicaragua. To be honest one just doesn't know what to expect from a country that has three golf courses and two of them only have nine holes (so I guess that's only 2 full courses?).

I was invited to play by a fantastic family from the USA who moved to Nicaragua a couple years ago. It was in Nicaragua that their daughter began playing golf. It was cool to watch her play. She's thirteen and goes after that golf ball like a....tiger...or a Lorena or an Annika.

The course was wonderful, set in the beauty of Nicaraguan hills. The course was just shy of 7,000 yards with fast greens. I look forward to playing there again with Tiffany and hopefully some of the others from the junior program. It's an amazing program but here's the deal. Clubs, golf balls, shoes, etc. are all very difficult to purchase with out great expense. Also, there is no club fitting facilities. (there teaching program is wonderful)

If you stop by the web site you will notice that the Central American girl's champion comes from Nejapa Country Club and not just once but two years running. This is a strong program and one I think we could help build. I talked with Greg and Samantha (Tiffany's parents) who know a PGA Professional in Southern California that is working on bringing tour members to do clinics and I hope I have the opportunity to be a part of this. Not only for the country club but they are considering starting a program, much like the 1st Tee program, for children in the Barrio's.

I have some thoughts on how Favor500 might take part and will write more on this in coming blogs.

I'm looking forward to starting tournaments again. Check out my schedule for the coming year. I'm headed towards my first PGA Tour qualifier. This year is gonna be fun!

Talk soon,
Byron

The Weather Outside....

2010-03-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

There's a song with that line in it, "The weather outside is frightful." It's hard to get frightful weather in Northern California but endless days of rain do close golf courses.

I had a great start to the new year in playing my first tournament a step above where I finished last year. Sam and I walked on that course and not only played well but enjoyed it. Since then we've had several tournaments cancel with the biggest alteration coming in my need to change golf club companies.

I was out with Mark Drohman, my instructor, one day a few weeks ago. As we were on the second hole he ask me an unusual question. "So, Byron, when you are hitting a shot with the Mizuno's do you ever doubt that this club will pull off the shot you desire?"

WHAT! What kind of question is that? As we begin to discuss the question it came to light that if I'm having doubts about my swing these can be fixed but if I'm doubting my golf clubs then there is no fix but to change clubs.

Mark made me turn around, go back to the clubhouse, put my clubs in the car and start looking for new clubs to work with. So, good bye Mizuno's and hello Taylormade R9's.

Mark said if I'm doubting my clubs in practice there's no way I'm going to use that club well with the needs of tournament play. I needed to find a club that I was confident of hitting good shots. That the club will do what I want it to do, when I want it to be done!

Okay then! This month I'm working with my new R9's and loving them. This puts me at the end of March for a return to tournament play with many good Pepsi Tour, Nationwide and other tours coming this year.

If possible it's my goal to play two qualifying schools this year. The first will be in the Spring up in British Columbia, Canada with the Canadian Tour. The second will be in November with the PGA Champions Tour.

So, here we go. Be looking for results and stories from the course.
Byron

Charging Towards Q-School

2010-01-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

Isn't new years a really cool time. We get to look ahead, dream bigger than we did last year and consider what the year will hold for us. Truly an amazing expectation inside of each of us.

What's up for this year? I'll start by looking back at November of 2009. Our last event was a Pepsi Tour tournament. I had a good placing there and was proud of how I ended the season. I accomplished my goal of finding more about my personal approach to tournament play allowing me to begin lowering my scores. More of this in 2010!

Also in November we made a decision that I need to be playing as many tournaments as possible. 2009 I played thirteen events from Champion Tour qualifiers, Sunbelt Senior Tour to a few Pepsi Tour tournaments. Thirteen was good but not enough. Not if I want to gain the needed experience in this third year of tournaments.

Sam, Crystal and I made a plan...well, I listened as they told me some very wise stuff. First, as I mentioned I need a lot more experience in tournament play. Second, I can get that right here in California or at least in the Western portion of the USA. Third and most strategic is that my main goal for 2010 is to prepare, get my scores down and look to playing the PGA Champions Tour Qualifying School in November.

Q-School, as it's called, is a two stage process towards receiving your players card. I've never had this opportunity and until this year would not have considered it with my scores not being as I desired, and it costing more than a small pony to enter. As I watched my scores lowering in the second half of 2009 we realized that if I could get more events under my golfing belt (by the way those look much nicer these days) I could have this goal of playing Q-School.

That's our goal and to accomplish this desire I will be playing at least 24 tournaments of varying levels of play (see schedule) all based in the Western portion of the USA. Utah, Idaho, Washington, Vancouver and California.

Charging towards Q-School is my goal for 2010. If you have a chance please come out and follow us around as Sam and I head out starting January 10 with the Pepsi Tour in San Leandro, CA.

Happy New Year!
Byron

Here it is....2010

2009-12-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

2010 is moments away and we're looking forward to it. Check out the schedule. Although all the dates aren't filled in, we have 24 scheduled tournaments with the Pepsi Tour, PGA, PGA Champions Tours and Nationwide Tour.

I will go after my first PGA U.S. Open Qualifier. Topping the year off and where we are focused on the year ahead is the year end PGA Champions Tour Qualifying School.

What a great year ahead. Sam and I are looking forward to our first tournament on January 10 in Northern California.

Hope to see you out there soon.
Byron

Accomplished Goals

2009-11-23T16:10:00.001-08:00

In one week I will have finished my tournament season for 2009. November 30th I play in Danville, California with the Pepsi Tour. It is the end of my second full year of pursuing this quite incredible desire of my heart.

I played tournaments in Florida, North and South Carolina, Texas, Iowa and California. I was able to learn from amazing players with the Sunbelt Senior Tour. I want to thank Don Barnes for his genuine encouragement and help as I played in my first three day events. He is a man of high character. As well to his wife Yvonne who is joy and blessing to so many. Thanks for pushing through and continuing forward with the only senior developmental tour out there.

I played several PGA Champions Tour events in Iowa, Texas and California. In Texas I came the closest to date and it provided a huge boost to my confidence.

It was also in late August that Sam Maguire and I began a new journey in working together as player and caddy. I'll work on getting some pics of Sam and I out there on the course.

It was my goal in 2009 to discover how I played my own game in tournament. To find if I could play my own game and lower my scores. By years end I had lowered my tournament scores by five to six strokes and I'm looking for more. That's a good accomplishment.

Looking forward to 2010 you can see my proposed schedule with twenty four tournaments including events on the Nationwide, PGA and Champions Tours. As well, a number of tournaments with the Pepsi Tour here in Northern California. I have new clubs coming from Mizuno who continues to bless me in being a tour player with them.

I want to thank my sponsors and especially my key sponsor Brilliant Book House Publishers. With out the sponsors there would be no journey.

I look forward to unveiling my 2010 goal. Thanks for the friends and family that came out to tournaments this year. It was fun to have galleries.

Happy Thanksgiving.
Byron

How Many Pars

2009-10-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Walking out the desire of your heart is more than simply going out and doing what you love. There is that undeniable growth catalyst -- the process. It's almost two years that I began playing tournaments towards my goal of entering into the PGA Champions Tour, and over the last 20 months I have set personal goals, reached these goals and discovered that some of my goals were galactic in nature.

I remember my first tournament in January of 2008. It was a pre-qualifier in SoCal near LA (that would be Southern California near Los Angeles not South Carolina near Louisiana). I was sure that I had everything in me to be the winner. I hadn't played a serious round of golf in thirty five years but did that make a difference? Definitely inter-galactic goal setting.

From this point I uncovered the process and have set, each year, a new goal that is bigger than what I believe I can accomplish yet reachable by God's grace. I set a goal in 2008, after the first couple events, to find out if I had enough game to play with these guys out here. Could I hit good shots, play the greens, and have the right attitude.

This year, 2009, I set a goal to discover how I play tournament golf. What's my game? The first lesson is that this is a highly mental game and the physical game (swing) is obviously affected by the mental game. This summer I was listening to a commentator on the Golf Channel. He was discussing the ways that different players approach their game from a scoring perspective. I had never heard anyone comment on this before. It immediately caught my attention and has been a fantastic exercise.

His comment was that some players find that they make a lot of birdies but often follow these with bogey's or double bogey's, while other players score many pars with only a few birdies. And of course he mentioned those players that score a lot of birdies -- and we all want to be that guy.

I know a man at our course, here in Vacaville, that always surprises me. I've seen it out there on tour as well. These guys are birdie machines. They make five birdies on one of the nines but on the other nine they can't find a birdie or a par. I marvel at this. In fact for two years, I've tried to be this! I figured I had to be a birdie machine to make the cut.

This comment by Nick Faldo was eye opening for me. In my practice rounds I tend to make a lot of pars and a few birdies yet when I go out to tournaments I'm trying to be this birdie machine and go low, low, low. This doesn't fit my game at this point in life.

Remember my goal for 2009? What is my game? I began with a goal and with that goal answers can be formed. With out it I would have little direction to my game. At the beginning of the year, I figured if I learn my game and applied it in tournament my scores would begin to lower I'm reaching my goal

Next week Sam and I head to the first of four tournaments to end my year. This will be our first mutli-day tournament of working together. I'm looking forward to tournaments, being on the course and building with Sam out there.

Whatever you do...Go early, Stay late and enjoy God's beauty on the earth.

To Every Season...

2009-08-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

I've been off the road now for several weeks. It's wonderful to be eating home cooked meals and having time with Crystal and Kate. While I'm home I've been working hard on several aspects of the game. One thing I notice from the long time players is their dedication to their routine. It's quite amazing to watch.

I've always had a shot routine but I wanted to create a solid, repeating routine that is hard to break. When you're in a bit of pressure you need a routine that creates an atmosphere of peace, trust and focus. At a small Pepsi Tour event I started putting it into practice with great results. My ball striking was much stronger shot after shot. Hitting more fairways and greens allowed me to make more birdies and pars and less bogeys.

A major change for me is my approach to putting. It's become less mechanical allowing me to see the line, feel the line and strike the ball with confidence. I've had little opportunity to apply this in tournament but had a great time playing a match at Green Tree Golf Club last week. On the third green I had an up hill putt of 52 feet. I stood over the ball relaxed, the putt climbed the hill turned to the left and dropped in the hole for a birdie. There was a confidence that is building and this is one area of the game that creates champions.

I have a couple more weeks of preparation before playing two PGA CHAMPION TOUR pre-qualifiers. One is only twenty minutes from Vacaville at Wild Horse in Davis, California. During my prep time I will be playing some local games at a variety of courses putting my new found routines into practice.

A quick note. Scott Thompson who has spent much time and skill in preparing me for this adventure is beginning a new business in the golf industry. He is very strong in course management which is frequently overlooked in the game of golf and often the easiest place to take strokes off your game. In fact I'm pretty sure that with knowledge of course management you can knock 3-5 strokes off your game in a couple hours time with Scott. He is also providing clinics around the Northern California area in course management.

With this change, I am working with a new caddy, Sam Maguire. Sam and I are working together to build our routine. I learned from Scott that there is an art and a science to a player/caddy working relationship. In the words of Renee Russo in the movie Tin Cup, "I work with couples as well, feel free to bring your caddy." Sam is doing great...you'll have to ask him if I'm doing great.

Have a great week, I look forward to writing soon about my next tournaments.
H. B.

Break Point!

2009-07-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

July was 18 months of going hard after my dream. In 2007 I began the process and even played a few events. I also injured myself, spent hours in the gym and on the driving range. I was encouraged by a pro to take one year (2007) and build my game and physical condition.

It was in February of 2008 that I began playing with full intent, entering tournaments around the country. I started with anything I could put my hands to. Canadian Tour, Nationwide Tour, Champions Tour, Pepsi Tour. I didn't know what I was doing but I managed to muddled my way through 2008 and picked up incredible experience. It was my goal in '08 to discover if I had game enough to play along side great players. Guys who had been out there for years playing on the PGA Tour or building their game much longer than I. I do!

I have a very specific goal for 2009. If the game is there and growing then the next battle ground and most likely the strongest is the battle for the mind. You have to discover how you play in tournament and this is a bigger issue than swinging the golf club, or so it seems. At the end of 2008 season I sat with four players in San Antonio when one of the guys said, "Byron how many PGA Champion Tour pre-qualifiers have you played in this year ?" "Five," I replied. " "Well, you're just getting started. If you're not willing to put five years into this adventure then you'll be like most people who quit after 18 months." Part of the battle for the mind is longevity. Staying the course...no pune intended.

I'm at 18 months right now and I have to say, I see a lot of attrition. Players leaving because it's been 'long enough.' You start to wonder yourself, as I did two weeks ago while playing my first US Senior Open Qualifier. It was a blast to be on the course in competition but wow, did I play like....well, let's just say I didn't shine that day. I left there fighting. Fighting that urge that says, "What are you doing out here?" You know the one that feels sorry for itself. That one that's not the heart of the dream, it's the battle for the mind that has all the excuses and personal comments telling you, "No way, give it up, it's not worth your time!!!"

Then I realized, I'm sitting at eighteen months and the moment when it would be real easy to pack up your clubs and be a great local player. I fought all the way from the course back to Vacaville. On arriving I had made it through that battle and walked out the other side more encouraged, stronger toward my dream and ready to prepare my game and my mind for the next 6 months.

"See ya later 18 months. You're history! I'm looking to the future."

When Does....

2009-07-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

When does a frustration turn into expectation? When does a bad day turn into a good one? When does a rotten, no good day of golf turn into a 'great day out there?'

Monday, July 6th I played in my first ever US Open (senior) Qualifier. It had a lot of bitter sweet moments. The first sweet moment was when Sam and Lorrie came walking from the parking lot of the course prepared to follow my round. The first bitter moment was taking a double bogey on number 1 after a great drive.

It was great seeing PJ out there on number three. That was a double sweet moment on this par three when I looked up and she was working as an NCGA volunteer and I nearly chipped in for a birdie. Double sweet.

I had a number of bitter moments with putts lipping the edge of the cup or falling one or two inches off at the end --- all day. But a sweet moment was seeing Crystal waiting for me around the 9th green with a group of friends who have been such a fantastic encouragment. Sweet moment #...

I said to myself all day, "I could have been a contender." I could have been, but I wasn't. It was a bitter day of ball striking but then isn't that golf? I walked a beautiful track with good friends and played along side one of the two qualifiers into the US Open. I'm going to turn on the TV and root for Dan Bieber who placed 2nd in the qualifier and will be traveling to Indianapolis for the US Senior Open. Congradualtions Dan. Enjoy the ride.

Go early, stay late and enjoy God's creation,
Byron

Drip...Drip...Drip...

2009-06-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

...this is the sound the air makes in the Carolina's in June. Can you imagine what it will sound like in mid August. Amazing people must live there or no one moves in July and August. And by not moving I mean putting one foot in front of the other. It's possible they're a bit crazy there as well but maybe no one plays golf after 6am in the morning.

We were standing on the practice tee before one round of the North Carolina Senior Open when one of the players ask, "So, I'm not scientific or an expert on weather but, is it possible to have more than 100% humidity?" The answer, "YES!"

Arriving back in NorCal to a nice cool breeze in the late evening...oh ya I began drying out immediately. After a few minutes I became completely dehydrated with the greatest of joy. Not really but it was so nice not to take your shower with you.

Check out the schedule below and you will notice that I'm in the NorCal area through July and August for most of my tournaments. I have some other travels that will take me to Nicaragua but as for tournaments I will be playing the Pepsi Tour and Champions Tour events through late August.

This means that many of you NorCal folks that have been asking me about coming out to watch an event...you can do this. I would personally consider one of the two day events in Napa or Fairfield. Those are close by and I believe you can even rent a cart and drive along. That would be cool. Of course for you Vacaville fans the Fairfield course is maybe 10 - 12 minutes away. I don't think I can get much closer than this.

The Sunbelt Tour has been wonderful. Don and Yvonne Barnes are great folks who have been very encouraging. I've played with some fabulous players and excellent people on this tour and look forward to returning in September to the Sunbelt Tour.

Play early, stay late, enjoy the day on God's creation.
Byron

Timeless in Tejas

2009-05-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

It's unlikely that anyone from Texas and Austin will agree with me on this issue but Austin, although in Texas, seems to have been transplanted from another place. Or possibly it's that Texas being one of the larger states in the USA (spoken like a Californian) has varieties of looks, feels and expressions. Austin, at least the portion where I'm spending my week, sits in the midst of hills with lots of trees and big trucks. I have no room to talk of course as I drive a big truck originally from Texas.

Austin has one of the largest, if not THE largest universities on the planet. Add in the state capital, a strong and growing tech industry it's causing the city to grow by 50,000 people a year. I hear a number of them are flocking here from California. Well, flocking might be exaggerating but hey, I'm in Texas, exaggeration is legal.

I'm in Austin for the Pre-Qualifier for the Triton Financial Classic (a new sponsor this year as it was the FedX/Kinko's Classic). The field is approximately 50 players mostly from the Texas area.

For those of you who know Vicki our administrator and general day to day salvation (as I am administratively challenged) came to Vacaville from Austin. Before I came she called close friends and twisted their arms to allow me to stay at their lovely home. Ralph and Laura are great folks and I'm sure Vicki is paying them to have me stay there. It's nice to be out of a hotel this week and around sane, lovely, folks that are so willing to give up some of their personal space for me.

After the tournament tomorrow I will catch a flight home for the weekend. It's been a long run with having been in Europe for a month and then the past two weeks in Iowa and Texas.
Byron
PS. Be looking for the reemergence of the EAT-A-CD tour golf bag out there. Eat-A-Cd is open now and you can purchase some of my music through this website.

-----------------------Video-------------------------

Recently we had friends from Germany visiting us. I stole them away for a morning so I could practice a bit. They had never been to a golf course or watch much golf on TV and never live. While I was practicing Harald took this short video clip of me powering up a driver.

It's my swing and I'm sticking with it.

Iowa Between the Corn Fields

2009-05-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

It was 11pm on Monday night having arrived at the Des Moines International Airport (no comment)...the young woman behind the Hertz desk was overworked and running short of cars with to many people to go around. Ah...the blessings of traveling a lot...

I pulled out of the Hertz lot around 11:20pm after figuring out how to start a keyless system...boy did I feel a bit foolish having to go back into the desk and ask how to start a car. "No mam, I don't know how to start a car I'm only 54 years old."

The drive was most uninteresting at midnight. Nothing but black. But there were moments when I thought I must be going the wrong way as the only thing in sight were silo's rising from nearby barms. Not what a golfer generally desires to see on a way to a qualifier.

Arriving I found my room key, sort of where they suggested it would be and crashed. I had an 11am Tee Time.

I woke to birds chirping (man there were a lot of birds chirping) a beautiful sun shine and a view over the ninth green. Wow. This is nice. I couldn't tell you where I am but it was a lovely course by the looks of it. A midwestern course. I love midwestern courses. Tree lined, rolling hills, there's something in the air but I guess that's because I grew up on courses like this one. The staff were very pleasant...in fact I don't believe I ran into a unfriendly Iowan on this leg of my trip.

I still am placing a lot of pressure on myself to perform miracles out there but I'm learning and lowering the score in tournament and that is my goal this year, as I head into my main block of tournaments from May through November.

I head to Austin, Texas on Monday for the Pre-Qualifier for the Triton Financial Classic. I play on Thursday for a spot in the qualifier. So why am I going so early to Austin?

Monday is a travel day. To and from airports, car rentals, and lodging. For me these are the hardest work days. Then on Tuesday and Wednesday I have practice rounds. These days of practice discover what the course is like. How does this course fit my game and how will I adjust to make it work. Then Thursday is the Pre-Qualifier which is 18 holes only. This event then takes me to the following Tuesday for the Qualifier which if I place in the top four puts me in the tournament on Friday.

For one tournament it's a lot of work and this is why I'm playing more events on the Sunbelt Tour which are three day tournaments and great competition. In fact several of the guys from the Sunbelt Tour were out here this week.

Well, off to Kansas City for the weekend for a speaking engagement with Crystal (she's flying into KC this afternoon) and then Monday she's home and I'm on to Austin. Thanks for following the journey.
Byron

The Land of Micky

2009-02-22T16:25:00.000-08:00

I arrived late this afternoon to cloudy, cool, semi-dry weather. The news is suggesting that the humidity is very dry...OKay!!! Obviously I'm from California. I start my practice rounds tomorrow at Victoria Hills Golf Club in Deland, Florida. I have two days of practice and the first tournament of my years starts. It's called the Gene Jones Tribute. Interesting because Gene Jones placed second in this weeks PGA CHAMPIONS TOUR event.

I will do my best to keep you updated through out the next two weeks as I open my season.

Check out the Quick Tip video on the right hand column.

Have a great day.
Byron

A little help from a friend

2009-01-11T09:31:00.001-08:00

Today, I opened the my browser to read the Fitness Tip of the Day: Surround yourself with people and things that remind you to live a healthy lifestyle.

I know that when I go to the course it's all about a good walk enjoyed! I love to be on the course, not above it riding in a cart. I understand that there are those of you who have physical conditions that will not allow you to walk and I say, "More power to ya. Glad you're out there playing!"

But for me, to ride around in a golf cart is so boring. It makes golf a huge waste of time. Today's fitness tip speaks directly to me because I struggle when I'm out there wanting to pick up a game with friends, but they are all riding. I feel like I'll slow them down.

There are reasons why I like to walk. The first is, I just like walking - period! It's good for me and helps me build endurance for tournaments and it keeps me relaxed and not rushing from shot to shot.

Another aspect of walking is the social. I find when I walk I tend to have more interaction than when I ride. There's a freedom in walking that provides an atmosphere for interaction.

All this to say, this year on tour I'm going to take this fitness tip and apply it. I might 'yank a few chains' while I walk but I'll be a much happier - kinder person, and we can all enjoy that.
Byron

Byron's Tip for walking: Set a goal to build into walking the course. This year I have a goal of building my strength and endurance, to carry my clubs every practice round at a speed that will keep up with every one else and I'll still be relaxed. At the moment I can only walk nine holes at a good clip, but that's my goal for the year...not tomorrow.

Looks are Deceiving

2008-08-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

If you have been to Mare Island Golf Club on the Northeast side of the Bay you will understand the title of this blog. Most golf courses run about 6800 - 7100 yards, at least the courses we generally play in tournament. This little track runs just over 6100 yards with a plethora of short holes that make you wonder why people don't shoot way under par. That's the buzz about Mare Island. The low score for Monday's Pepsi Tour tournament was 69 1 under par, probably due to the course layout that lours you into believing you can smash a driver to the green when in reality you should be hitting irons off the tees and playing it safe.

Strong winds moving and swirling off the Bay add to the this little but tough track. The greens are over-sized postage stamps as this course is the oldest course West of the Mississippi. All in all it was a wonderful day as Justin and I had the opportunity to be in the same group again. I will miss our conversations as we strolled down the fairways together. I was inspired, encouraged and blessed to enjoy these last two tournaments with Justin and Scott.

We also had a gallery as Jeanne, Crystal and Kate came along for a good walk. It's short but don't think this little track won't give you some burn. Hills and more hills meet you on the journey around the course. Just above the #1 Tee is this old missile...maybe a reminder to hit it straight and true, which is just what I did.This Sunday I head back down to Callippe Preserve in Pleasanton for a one day Pepsi Tour event. Then on Monday I will be joining up with the team from Green Tree as we play a scramble together at Green Valley Country Club. It's a charity event and generally a great time.
Byron
ps. A quick note on the 1 Minute Golfer. The first video will soon be released, sign up to receive the first download for free.

Wow, this is Cool!

2008-07-22T07:08:00.001-07:00

This week started with a two day tournament in the Sacramento area. Sunday we played, The Orchards and on Monday we played, The Hills. Both these courses are part of the Lincoln Hills golf facility. Very open courses with good greens. The greens had plenty of dips and curves, (we say undulation in the golfing world).

What was fantastic about this tournament is the opportunity I had to work with my teacher Mark Drohman. He came out to observe and give me insight into my swing and my game. This was truly what I have been praying for.

It started on the practice tee before the round began and the remainder of the day kept that flavor. We spent much of the day talking through issues of how to play the game professionally and deal with the mental aspects. How to create a stronger focus for each and every swing. Wow, it was super cool!

Mark had a technique for finding the areas of my game needing the most attention. I must say...this was the opportunity I have been desiring. Mark is my coach and to have him on the course in a tournament scenario was extremely encouraging, inspirational and helpful. I walked away with so much to work on and develop in my game. Yeah!

So, this week I will be practicing in preparation for my tournament next Monday at Catta Verdera in the Sacramento area. I will be joined by Justin Thompson the young and talented golfer and son of Scott Thompson.

See you on the course...or even at it.
Byron
ps. if you are from our region, look up Mark Drohman. He doesn't just change your swing to make it look 'right,' he works with you and who you are. Check it out.

Down the Right Path

2008-07-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

I made the turn with a nice par on number 9. In fact it was the only par on that hole. As I stood on the 10th tee with a driver in hand I thought it might be a little to much club to hit as there was a small creek running across the fairway at the bottom of the hill.

That's the moment I had to make a choice to listen to that knowledge in side...that gentle voice and then trust the shot. I hit a high straight drive as a bit of concern came over me seeing it sail toward the creek. That gentle voice was now me screaming on the inside -- STOP YOU SILLY BALL!

It did. Not to worry. It was close, but a beautiful drive. As I stepped up to my approach shot to the green, 9 iron in hand I took aim but something pulled me off the shot. As I stood in question I realized the wind was coming stronger and would push the ball to the right. Aiming slightly left of my target I hit a high shot that once hitting its apex turned right with the wind, dropped on the green and ran 3 feet from the pin!

It was an easy putt for a birdie starting the round strong.

Thanks to all my sponsors who make this dream possible and for my on course golf partner who sends me down the right path.
Byron

Develop and Go Low

2008-07-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

One of the top questions I have to answer from friends, acquaintances and others is; "What is a mini-tour?"

Around the country there are a variety of mini-tours or developmental tours for golf. These are much like baseball farm clubs and each developmental tour takes on it's own personality and level of skill. One of the well known mini-tours is the Tar Heal Tour in the Southeast. Tommy 'two gloves' Gainey, who came into notoriety on the Big Break series on the Golf Channel, came through that tour and is now playing on the Nationwide and PGA Tours.

These mini-tours or developmental tours give players lots of opportunities to play competitively on descent golf courses and even earn a few dollars along the way yet not have to travel so far. Many of the events are in a three state region with 1, 2 and 3 day events.

Tiger didn't become who he is over night. He played hundreds of tournaments before he came charging on the PGA TOUR. Although he gained his experience through amateur play this is not always possible. This is the goal of the mini-tours. They provide players like myself, who are needing tournament play the opportunity to play at a professional level with others who are developing their tournament game.

I play on the Pepsi Tour. You might recognize the names of these PGA TOUR winners, Jason Gore and Nick Watney graduates of the Pepsi Tour.
Byron

Rocks Don't Move

2008-06-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

By now you might have heard that Tiger has had to pull out for the remainder of the 2008 season due to his knee injury. Wow, what an amazing feat he accomplished by winning the US Open. Did you notice in the 18 hole playoff that after a while you didn't know who to cheer for? It was a wonderful golf experience. Unfortunately, it did Tiger in for the season.

It was interesting that on Friday last week I was in the Boston area playing my third Champions Tour pre-qualifier when on the 10th hole my ball ended up resting on a rock approximately 1 foot in diameter. I thought through the best angle of attack on how to hit the ball with the least amount of jarring to my system and took a good swing at it.

Swack...the ball flew off the rock, landed exactly where I desired it to land, but have you noticed that rocks don't move! It reverberated a shock up my system that put my mind in remembrance of a tree root I hit in Houston last year and took me out of play for 4 months.

As I continued to play the next two holes my back began to tighten up...."do the tighten up..." By the 12th I had to withdraw from the qualifier as I couldn't bend over to pick up or tee up the golf ball (quite humorous actually). I had to make a decision to continue, possibly injuring myself as I did last year or to withdraw. I believe I made a wise move.

Golf is a funny game that way. Everyone thinks how physically simple the game is until you tork your body around a tree with a swing at 105 miles an hour. Or slap a rock a 90 miles an hour with a metal club. Hummm....

My back tweaked hard that Friday afternoon and I withdrew, but today I'm feeling much better and preparing for my next event. I guess at 53 I'm learning a few things. I'm learning I'm not 21, or 31 or even 41. Hey, I'm not even 51...STOP IT!

I want to thank you for all the emails, calls, and prayers that went out for me that day. They were a mighty and great help.

Here's to moving forward with full expectation of playing my next event pain free.
Byron

It's not the garage!

2008-06-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Remember how I was complaining in the last blog? I was all talking about being bored and wanting to get back into tournaments. Ask and you will...

This weekend I'm playing in Sacramento on Sunday and Monday with the Pepsi Tour. I haven't played a Pepsi event since late last year but to be back competing again is great. I'll be playing this two day event at Teal Bend Golf Club (spectators are welcome). I'll have my tee-times listed by Saturday evening for my Sunday time.

Then I have a day on Tuesday to get ready for a Champions Tour event in Massachusetts this week. I'll fly out on Wednesday for a practice round on Thursday and then the pre-qualifier on Friday in Haverhill, MA. at Renaissance Golf Club. Just so you know that city is pronounced; Havrill not Hav - er - hill. I found out from a great person that this is true.

I'm looking forward to connecting up with Marc and Pat Halverson on this trip. We met at my last Champions Tour pre-qualifier in Texas. A great couple and fellow Mizuno player. I believe we are playing our practice round together on Thursday.

It's nice to be headed back into tournaments. So, no whining I'm not cleaning the garage!

Can you feel the strains of summer running through the days and evenings this season, telling us to dust off the clubs, go to the driving range, do some stretches, pick up a dozen golf balls and enjoy a great day on the green. It's my suggestion that you check out the 1minutegolfer.com. It's going to be a great site to pick up tips for you game.

Have a great day,
Byron

How to Cure Boredom

2008-05-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

How do you cure boredom? My mother used to make me work around the house. It always seemed to me that the garage should have been the cleanest place on the face of the earth as many times as I had to clean that thing. I would be walking around the house complaining I was bored...what was I thinking? That was immediately followed by, "Byron, I have something for you to do." NOOOOO!!!! Not the garage again!

But you know there is truth in her process. If I was bored she put me to work. It didn't matter what I was doing just go do it. The last three weeks I have looked forward to playing tournaments but unfortunately my FAVOR500 account was drained of entrance fees and travel expenses leaving me left to boredom.

I decided to apply my mom's tool and put myself to work. I have been desiring to work on my putting skills and what better time to work than when I'm bored. I have been seeing such great growth and advances in my game, and there will always be room for further improvement yet I have desired more confidence with my putting.

This week I took a lesson from my swing coach Mark Drohman at Green Tree Golf Club. I will be spending the next few weeks building my putting skills to the next level to put them on display in tournament as soon as I'm able.

Summer is coming, temperatures are rising, and we will tend to play golf early in the mornings or in the late afternoons. Some of my favorite times on the course were in the early evening with my mom and dad, playing a Skins game for .25 a hole. It was such a great feeling when I would drop a putt to win the hole. It's never about how much money you win, it's about being in the competition. It's about the fun of competing with family and friends. I believe it was Ben Hogan who suggested that we should try and put a little risk reward in each round of golf we play. It keeps us honest and keeps us sharp.

I enjoy the competition at the professional tours and I'm looking forward to playing tournaments soon, very soon, very very soon...."I'm bored....what...Noooo...I'm not cleaning the garage Crystal."

Coming Into My Own

2008-02-11T17:40:00.000-08:00

Someone once said, "There is golf and then there is tournament golf." Learning to play tournaments is what I am really looking forward to this year. 2007 was all about regaining a swing and physical strength that I needed to begin playing serious golf. 2008 is about playing and developing into a fine tournament player. This requires mental focus and commitment.

Last week I played my first PGA Qualifier (actually Pre-Qualifier). It was great. I enjoyed being out there and applying what I learned last year and although I didn't make the cut I learned something so important and I realized how I have grown.

First, commitment to each shot is vital to playing tournament golf. If there is doubt in your mind that you won't, can't or shouldn't make the shot you are about to hit then most likely you won't. What I learned is that this applies for every stroke. Not just drives from the tee or iron shots from the fairway but every single stroke you take including chips and putts. This was my learning curve this first PGA qualifier. I can't wait to hit my next two weeks of practice as I prepared for my first PGA Champions Tour Qualifier February 28 in Los Angeles area.

During this past week of tournament play I realized how much my physical strength and endourance have grown. I'm not done with my training for the year and I desire to move to the next place in my strength and endurance but I was pleasantly surprised at how the stamina that I have gained over the past year.

One of the fun things in traveling is playing practice rounds with local players from the course of the qualifiers. I met a great crew of folks and look forward to seeing them again in a couple weeks at Goose Creek Golf Course in Mira Loma, California.

Over all, I am blessed. See you on the course.
Byron

And 1 and 2 and 3 and...

2008-01-29T18:20:00.000-08:00

It's January, have you walked out side recently. Here in NorCal make sure to take your umbrella and wear layers. It's not Minnesota but it sure isn't Hawaii...ahhh...Hawaii. Today it was 41* and wet with wild winds. When I'm out practicing in these conditions I think of my friends in Scotland. It is the land of golf. What were those crazy Scotts thinking of?

It's also a great time to work on your gym membership. Coming into the new year I knew that I wanted a work out that was more 'sport specific' especially golf specific. I read books, talked with several trainers and got on line. Then, I was looking through the Cleveland Golf website due to the fact that I'm playing a Cleveland Hibore Driver and I wanted to learn more about the company (I'm still playing Mizuno irons). While looking through the website I ran on to a great work out for golfers. It highlights VJ Singh one of the top golfers in the world with an incredible work ethic. It was the answer to my desire. Stop by the sight and pick up some great exercises for building golf muscles....we do too have muscles.

While you are on the Cleveland Golf website stop by the tribute to my name sake, Byron Nelson. He was an amazing man and still holds the record for most tournaments won in a row -- 11.

Crystal and I start our travels next week as we head to Southern California for my first PGA Tour Qualifier on Thursday, February 7. Please send your emails, write your notes, give us your blessings and send up those thoughts and prayers. I can't wait!
Byron

I Thought?

2008-01-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

It doesn't rain in California -- does it? Those golden hills have to turn green some how. We are in our rainy season. The temperatures have been turned down a bit and the winds have picked up. It's great for learning to play in Scotland!

We are looking forward to the new year and all that it will bring. 24 tournaments are scheduled along with clincis and Dream Big Dream Often conferences are being prepared. These are exciting times for me.

I'm working many hours on the driving range, on the putting green and on the course but when the course is soaked with rain they are closed and I'm doing all I can to keep active.

My training time in the gym is increased during this season so I can build greater cardio endurance and muscle strength especially my core. It's amazing how much strengthening our core helps even in our day to day life. In golf the core is a must.

If you can't play regularly during the winter months, utilize the indoors to build strength for the spring and practice your putting. I heard Gary Player mention a statistic that 70% of all shots made are from 100 yards and in. That means we need a lot of practice in putting, chipping and short shots.

Golf is a great game - Enjoy it any way you can. Happy New Year!

Byron
>You can follow my schedule at the bottom of the page.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

What a great time of the year. In Northern California the temperatures are running somewhere between 50 and 70 degrees which means it is very comfortable. But, this year I have had my Christmas already. Just two weeks ago I received my new set of custom fitted Mizuno irons and Cleveland driver.

I haven't had a great deal of time to practice as I've had two trips out of the country which was driving me crazy as my clubs sat waiting for me to return. Yea! But I did have a few days with them before I traveled and it was a great experience.

The day I received them I had returned from Nicaragua the night before and was not very patient to get to the driving range to give them their trial run. As I began swinging these clubs and practicing I realized that I wasn't having to think about making changes to my swing. They felt like a custom set of gloves that fit amazing. I have never felt anything like them.

Now when I go out to practice or play I am not having to adjust to the clubs I'm spending all my time working on my timing, rhythm and balance to my swing. YES!

This is making me ready for tournament play. I have to prepare for the next year but with these great Christmas presents...well, I'm chompin' to get out there.

My schedule is almost all prepared for 2008. I will be playing a variety of tournaments with the Canadian Tour, Nationwide Tour and even several attempts on the PGA Tour. I will also be attempting several Q-Schools in 2008.

As we look to Christmas and having just had 30 people over for Thanksgiving dinner I am very thankful for all that has happened this year and the many opportunities that have come my way. It is a season of great celebration. I would say it is one of the greatest opportunities to celebrate as we remember that amazing child and he being the reason we are celebrating.

I grew up in mid Missouri where December can be an odd weather month. But then there is a saying in Missouri that if you stay around for 15 minutes the weather will change. There wasn't much golf in December but at times it would clear up, turn 50 degrees and I would grab my clubs and spend as long as the sun would stay up.

Well, the sun is running at short order for a few weeks still but I will be out working on the game, readying for the new season and enjoying the blessing of my new clubs. I am thankful.
Byron

Have you heard about the new book?

A Great Legacy!

2007-11-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

"Hey, you want to ride in the cart?" That is the question I'm asked when I go out for a practice round and find myself joining other players. I kindly respond, "No, I think I'll walk today."

I have to admit, carrying my clubs and playing eighteen holes is tiring. It isn't easy, so I picked up a new three wheeler by SunMountain. It is very cool. I don't always use it but it is so smooth and easy to push. It has places for everything; there is this umbrella holder for rain and sun. You can walk along on a hot day and be covered by your umbrella. What a great idea, and it cost about 7 - 10 golf carts of golf.

It's an amazing feeling to put my feet on the ground and walk the course. For me, it brings back such great memories of my youth when I was first playing golf. My dad would never let me ride a cart, but then he never rode. Nor my mom. They couldn't understand why anyone would desire to play golf from a cart. The entire point was to be on the course getting exercise and enjoying the beauty.

As a junior player I was restricted to certain times on the course. But a favorite of mine were the evenings, when my mom, dad and I would take three clubs of our choice and play five holes as the sun was about to set. The sky was amazing, the course was quiet and we would play for 25cents a hole. That was a lot of money for a 12 year old. My dad would teach me a bit of course management and he would try to teach my mom. That was never the best idea.

Those were blessed times. I lost my folks a number of years ago, but I will never forget how important those moments in the evenings were walking about the golf course, enjoying some friendly competition and hearing my mom say, "OH shut up Rex!"

So, now you know where I get my desire to walk. It's a great legacy and one I pray I will be able to maintain for many years to come.

Byron

Byron plays Mizuno irons and is presently working towards the PGA Tour by way of the Canadian and Nationwide Qualifiers. To learn more about his story email us at: byron@favor500.com

Loft and Lie!

2007-08-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

We arrived home late...early on Saturday morning. We had some flight delays in Dallas. We made it out of the airport, off the ground and 30 minutes on our way home, when we were routed back to Dallas. On arriving, back in Dallas, we had firetrucks and EMT vehicles following us in. We're not sure why but we made it to the gate, switched planes, boarded and got back on our way. An 11:15PM arrival became 2:47AM arrival in Sacramento. Can you say, sleepy.

Monday, I took the Mizuno irons to Bob at Greentree Golf Club here in Vacaville. Bob's been a great help with my clubs. We spent the afternoon hitting on the range to discover what I need for loft and lie. I learned a lot. It is important to discover loft and lie and it's an easy process, but you have to know what to do with the process.

These are the little things that make a difference in how accurate you are, how consistent you can be. Of course the swing has a lot to do with this as well, but a few moments spent in discovering your loft and lie and having your clubs altered to fit, by a good local craftsman, is very helpful.

Once you have this done you need to check them regularly depending on how often you play. If you play more than once a week you should check your loft and lie every couple of months. Especially if you hit off of mats at the driving range. If you play once or twice a month you should check them every six to 12 months.

I'm headed into a very busy season of playing, with the addition of the Pepsi Tour, which is very encouraging. Our Favor500 Team is growing with room for more. Please consider joining us. I'm going to have a series of blogs on the Favor500 coming soon.

I get my clubs back today - YEA! I'll be out there today preparing for our first Pepsi Tour event, August 19 and 20. Would you like our 2007 schedule? Email: Byron@favor500.com and in the Subject write, 2007 Schedule.

Have a great day.
Byron