Am I A Closer?

[JEFF4i]

Am I A Closer? That's a tough question.

I began one behind. Hole one I knock out a birdie and take the quick lead with their bogey. I took my driver off of the tee mostly today, even on holes I was going to do more course management. And it paid off, worth it totally.

But what do you do, one ahead with 17 to go? Play your own game? Or play smart based off of theres? Well, I knew this wasn't going to be an easy victory, at all. I played tough, hit my fairways and hit my greens. Made some birdies, and all that.

Hole 17: I hit a good drive, but just too much draw on it. Hits in the fairway, rolls off and to the range fence. Now, the range fence offers relief, as per the local rules. There is only one place to go through the range fence, a small hole created by some animal for its home. I go through it. That makes me OB, and have to go back to play a provisional. I play it well, make a 7(twas a par 5) with the penalty.

My competitor makes a 5. This puts me one behind.

Hole 18: Well, last year I put it on the internal OB (same part as 17, did I mention I've always hated internal OB? I do.). So what do I do? I'm one behind, but its a tight fairway, barely 13 yards wide. OB left, 20-30 foot trees right and bunkers.

Trust your irons. I go 4 iron, fly it about 230, 235. I'm about 190 out, the pin is in the front right. Now, my fade has been weak lately, really weak. I hit my normal shot and end up on the far left of the green, a little past pin high, but its going to be tough. My competitor lands short of the green right after, but its an easy chip. He chips and puts it about 4 feet from the hole.

Now pressure is a funny thing. Its the closing thing. Do or die. Focus. All or nothing. My putt measured 38 feet, it broke to the left initially, but not much given the speed of the putt. Shortly after, it breaks hard right, then finishes going a little left. Tri-break. Did I mention its downhill slightly? Well, my competitor thought to putt after me and missed, making a 5.

I'm not the prideful sort, not sincerely so. But I must say, if there is one thing that I will always remember.

Its making that putt.

[Clugnut]

Nice!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!

[Dusty90]

Congrats, thats sounds like one heck of a putt. Im assuming that making that meant that you won (Im to lazy to go back and read it again). It's always nice to hear about other people's success in tournaments.

[JEFF4i]

Originally Posted by Dusty90

Congrats, thats sounds like one heck of a putt. Im assuming that making that meant that you won (Im to lazy to go back and read it again). It's always nice to hear about other people's success in tournaments.

Yeah. Thankfully. Should be in the paper tomorrow, I just need to get my old crappy scanner out. Hehe.

[twelvegage]

you made the putt?! frickin' nice! congrats on the victory!

[footballking732]

Nice work senor!! Bien hecho

[MIKE1218]

Congratulations Jeff! State ameteur?

[JEFF4i]

Originally Posted by MIKE1218

Congratulations Jeff! State ameteur?

Yeah. Finally.

[warbirdlover]

Holy Cow!! And you still choose to grace us with your presence? I AM impressed Jeff...

So.... when are you turning pro?

[JEFF4i]

Originally Posted by warbirdlover

Holy Cow!! And you still choose to grace us with your presence? I AM impressed Jeff...

So.... when are you turning pro?

Its something I'd love to do. Its just a tough life, especially when you have a family(well, wife).

I'm not good enough anyway.

[warbirdlover]

Scan the paper and put it up in here!!! I'd love to read about it.

[ezra76]

Just remember who built your driver... I could use a job on a tour van... as long as they have a gas range onboard.

So this is "the" State Amatuer? Like you are now the best amatuer in New Mexico?

[emc]

Choker OB on 17? Jeeez, wouldn't see Tiger do that now would ya?? Superb win tho, had to read it about 5 times to make sure you had won it, but thats unreal, mucho congrats

[JEFF4i]

Originally Posted by warbirdlover

Scan the paper and put it up in here!!! I'd love to read about it.

Eh, we don't get articles often. Should have scores posted though.

Originally Posted by ezra76

Just remember who built your driver... I could use a job on a tour van... as long as they have a gas range onboard.

So this is "the" State Amatuer? Like you are now the best amatuer in New Mexico?

There's a couple, actually. But this is the one that I've always loved.

Originally Posted by emc

Choker OB on 17? Jeeez, wouldn't see Tiger do that now would ya?? Superb win tho, had to read it about 5 times to make sure you had won it, but thats unreal, mucho congrats

That's what I was sayin!

[LeftyHoges]

Nice shootin Jeff, couldn't even fathom winning anything of that magnitude. Must be an awesome feeling. Congrats on the win champ and never forget it....