I really appreciate everyone taking the time to visit my website. My fans are an important part of my career; I enjoy seeing Bridgestone hats in my galleries and knowing that people are rooting for me. In addition, I enjoy reading your e-mails and I try to respond to as many as possible.
Since my last blog, I have some exciting news off the golf course–I signed a new corporate sponsorship with Lexus. Lexus has been involved with golf for several years and increased their presence in 2007 by sponsoring the US Open. After I turned professional in 2000, Lexus was the first car I purchased, and Heather and I have been Lexus owners since. So, given my history as a Lexus owner, it is hard to describe how proud I am to wear the Lexus logo and to have the opportunity to partner with such a great company.
On the golf course I have competed in three events since my last entry: the FBR Open, Northern Trust Open and WGC Accenture Match-Play. At each event my game showed flashes of great golf, but the results should have been better. At the FBR, I played extremely well through the first two rounds, but was unable to sustain my momentum on the weekend. At the Northern Trust Open, I hit the ball extremely well, but putted poorly. At the WGC, my game was in good form and I was pleased with my play on both days. On Wednesday, I finished eagle-birdie-birdie to rally and defeat Stephen Ames. On Thursday I made seven birdies, but lost to Colin Montgomerie. Each day I was well under par, but on Thursday Colin was the better player. Hopefully, I will get another shot at Colin in September at those little matches between the US and Europe!!!
Overall, as the Tour wraps up the West Coast swing, I am excited about my game. I made all six cuts on the West Coast and was inside the top-10 at some point in four events. So, to quote my good friend and world #1 Tiger Woods—“I am Close”.
This week I am home in Orlando for some rest and work with my instructor, Kevin Smeltz. Most of my work with Kevin will focus on the short game with some continued work on my full-swing. Kevin is a great resource, he based in Orlando which is convenient, but most importantly Kevin is good player himself (former NCAA All-American). So, he understands that low scores happen with the short game and he constantly reinforces this to me. I am confident that a few sessions with Kevin will help me find that extra bit consistency that held me back on the West Coast.
I return to competition the week of the PODS Championship in Tampa, so I hope to have something great to report after the event. Again, thanks for your support.
CH3
February 24, 2008 at 8:54 pm |
I noticed on your wedge shots you seem to be using a technique a teaching pro showed me several years ago. He said it was great for distance control. Your weight starts primarily on your left side and never shifts during your swing, just staying on your left foot. Is that something you and Kevin have been working on? Or, have you been doing that for years and I just never noticed?
February 25, 2008 at 3:36 pm |
Charles, I’m really excited to see how good of shape your game is in. I follow you in every tournement and I’ve been noticing the improvement in your ball striking. As soon as you get some putts going in your gonna be winning like a mad man! I was a bit upset over that loss to Monty but what can you even do? He played well.
Anyway, good job on everything, keep it up and get some W’s soon!
-Your biggest fan, Caleb
February 26, 2008 at 3:10 am |
good luck!