Qualify for the US Open

[jorruss]

Jorrus and MiniMoe, how old are you guys??

I turned 35 in Feb. 15 years to prep for the Champions tour! I feel like I'm in a good spot in my golf career. I don't hit the ball quite as far as I used to, and my body sometimes complains in the mornings, but overall my game is in good shape, and I feel like I'm right on the cusp of playing really good golf again.

Back in the summer of 2000 I went 10 weeks without shooting over par. That was fun! I was playing free and fearless, and I want that feeling back.

[jorruss]

I played Timacuan back in the late 80's/ early 90's while I lived in Lake Mary. I was always the straightest driver around, so on the second hole instead of hitting to the island fairway, I would aim for the area to the right of the pond inline to the green. I could just carry the water and be in the "drop" area and have a short shot to the green. As I got longer, I could almost drive the green on that line.

I'm not sure if you can hit that shot any more on #2. I think there are some trees blocking the way. I usually hit a 2 iron or 4 wood out there. 2 and 3 are pretty tight driving holes, but after that there are some good birdie chances. Last Oct in the Mid-Am qualifier I hit a 6 iron to a few feet and made eagle on 3, that was nice

[TN94z]

I turned 35 in Feb. 15 years to prep for the Champions tour! I feel like I'm in a good spot in my golf career. I don't hit the ball quite as far as I used to, and my body sometimes complains in the mornings, but overall my game is in good shape, and I feel like I'm right on the cusp of playing really good golf again.

It's funny that you brought up the Champions tour...we joke about that all of the time. I always say "Man I got almost 20 years to get good enough for the Champions tour." Then my buddy shoots me down saying, "yeah but you will have to play with guys like Tiger, etc..you have no chance."

My question is, are you kidding about the champions tour or is that a real possibility? I like to think that it is a real possibility. I would at least like to be able to qualify for some of the tournaments, you know?

[jorruss]

It's funny that you brought up the Champions tour...we joke about that all of the time. I always say "Man I got almost 20 years to get good enough for the Champions tour." Then my buddy shoots me down saying, "yeah but you will have to play with guys like Tiger, etc..you have no chance."

Who's to say what kind of shape I'll be in when I turn 50, but as long as I can still hit that little white pill, I'm damn sure gonna try! I know a guy that played for a year or two out there and had a blast. He just couldn't keep up his level of play and keep his card, and being on the road all the time cost him his marriage. It's not for everyone.

Besides, with Tiger being born in Dec of '75, I have 2 full years to cash in before he takes over.

[TN94z]

Who's to say what kind of shape I'll be in when I turn 50, but as long as I can still hit that little white pill, I'm damn sure gonna try! I know a guy that played for a year or two out there and had a blast. He just couldn't keep up his level of play and keep his card, and being on the road all the time cost him his marriage. It's not for everyone.

That's true. I hope in good enough shape to play at the age as well. I am keeping that as my goal!!

[jorruss]

I recently went to a great Physical Therapist/Trainer in Lake Mary called Scott Shepard. He's worked with Zack Johnson and Chris DiMarco, and now works with a few of the Korean stars on the LPGA.

We went though an assessment of my flexibility as it relates to golf through the Titleist Performace Institute's program, and we identified key areas where I need to improve. He then put together a program for me with dynamic stretches and a core workout program that will improve my golf fitness and eventually lower my scores.

I think a program such as this is key for playing at a high level through your 40s and 50s.

[TN94z]

I recently went to a great Physical Therapist/Trainer in Lake Mary called Scott Shepard. He's worked with Zack Johnson and Chris DiMarco, and now works with a few of the Korean stars on the LPGA.

I found a TPI person here in my area and it actually turned out to be a high school friend. I talked with him and he said he basically just works with people that have had an injury and are trying to get rehabilitated so they can play golf again. He didn't really do any stuff with healthy people that just wanted help. I am sure he could probably work me up something though.

[jorruss]

I found a TPI person here in my area and it actually turned out to be a high school friend. I talked with him and he said he basically just works with people that have had an injury and are trying to get rehabilitated so they can play golf again. He didn't really do any stuff with healthy people that just wanted help. I am sure he could probably work me up something though.

My guy is physical therapy specialist. The good thing about the TPI program is that it's good for injury prevention as well as overall fitness, just just rehab. Combining stretching with core strength helps stabalise the lower back and core area like the hip flexors and abs. If you are serious about improving your golf fitness I would suggest at least having the assesment done. It will identify areas where you need to improve.

[TN94z]

My guy is physical therapy specialist. The good thing about the TPI program is that it's good for injury prevention as well as overall fitness, just just rehab. Combining stretching with core strength helps stabalise the lower back and core area like the hip flexors and abs. If you are serious about improving your golf fitness I would suggest at least having the assesment done. It will identify areas where you need to improve.

Does it cost much for the assessment? I may get in touch with my buddy again and see what he says. Thanks for answering all of my questions man.

[jorruss]

Does it cost much for the assessment? I may get in touch with my buddy again and see what he says. Thanks for answering all of my questions man.

I was charged $125 for the assessment and a second session a week later to go over all the stretches and exercises. I'm sure the price will vary, but I thought that was pretty reasonable to get good advice from a professional that works with tour players on a daily basis. Now I just have to get off my fat duff and do it

Here's the website, in case you are interested. www.planeperformance.com

[TN94z]

I was charged $125 for the assessment and a second session a week later to go over all the stretches and exercises. I'm sure the price will vary, but I thought that was pretty reasonable to get good advice from a professional that works with tour players on a daily basis. Now I just have to get off my fat duff and do it

Thanks man! It looks like he is more focused on athlete specific training. My buddy is a Physical Therapist and he is TPI certified also. It sounded like he basically just works with guys that have been hurt. There is another place in town that is more geared toward athletics but I don't know if they are TPI certified. I will do some research and make some calls.

[Ben]

Well, I just missed today. 2 out of the cut, one out of the alternate playoff. Definitely threw away two simple shots. Bogeyed from 105y and the middle of the fairway. Also missed a 3' par putt. Other than that, played pretty dang solid. Caught a bit of bad luck twice on a hole where I doubled, Hole 3. Hit tee shot right into the lip of a fairway bunker, chipped out then hit my approach that plugged in a bunker. But, we can't dwell on the bad. I did birdie both the par 5s and made some really solid up and downs, and rolled in a few other birdie putts. Overall a good day, dissapointing, but good. Here's the link to the leaderboard

May 18th at Annandale Ben Tateel, T9

I recently went to a great Physical Therapist/Trainer in Lake Mary called Scott Shepard. He's worked with Zack Johnson and Chris DiMarco, and now works with a few of the Korean stars on the LPGA.

That sounds really rad! At 33 myself now, I've definitely been putting a fair share of time into physical training. Yoga, weights and cardio.

[jorruss]

Well, I just missed today. 2 out of the cut, one out of the alternate playoff. Definitely threw away two simple shots. Bogeyed from 105y and the middle of the fairway. Also missed a 3' par putt. Other than that, played pretty dang solid. Caught a bit of bad luck twice on a hole where I doubled, Hole 3. Hit tee shot right into the lip of a fairway bunker, chipped out then hit my approach that plugged in a bunker. But, we can't dwell on the bad. I did birdie both the par 5s and made some really solid up and downs, and rolled in a few other birdie putts. Overall a good day, dissapointing, but good. Here's the link to the leaderboard

Bummer dude. Good playing though, you had a chance - all you can ask for right?

[wannabe]

I like your attitude, Ben. way to go for it.

[mcfc_nick]

unlucky ben but well played mate anyway! wow that tim hogarth guy really tore it up dint he!

[Ben]

Thanks fellas, Yeah, I gave it a good run.

unlucky ben but well played mate anyway! wow that tim hogarth guy really tore it up dint he!

Tim Hogarth is a monster amateur player around SoCal and has been for many years. I think he may have even won US Mid-Am a few years back. He pretty much dominates the city championships. Actually won the Pasadena City Championship just yesterday. Finished 9 under for four days, then comes out the next and blazes the field at the US Open qualifier. I'd say he's pretty awesome.

[TN94z]

I was charged $125 for the assessment and a second session a week later to go over all the stretches and exercises. I'm sure the price will vary, but I thought that was pretty reasonable to get good advice from a professional that works with tour players on a daily basis. Now I just have to get off my fat duff and do it

I talked with my buddy again and I guess I misunderstood him the first time. He said that he would do the assessment and get me a workout for $60 and then $45 for each additional visit. He says that he can work along side any swing teacher that I have for the greatest benefit. That sounded like a pretty good deal so I am going to call and book an appointment today!! This is going to be a really game changing year for me. I am working with a teacher now on my swing and I am about to focus on the physical side of things....all of this to get myself ready for some good tournaments next year!

[jorruss]

I talked with my buddy again and I guess I misunderstood him the first time. He said that he would do the assessment and get me a workout for $60 and then $45 for each additional visit. He says that he can work along side any swing teacher that I have for the greatest benefit. That sounded like a pretty good deal so I am going to call and book an appointment today!! This is going to be a really game changing year for me. I am working with a teacher now on my swing and I am about to focus on the physical side of things....all of this to get myself ready for some good tournaments next year!

Good deal. Hope it does some good for your game! I have yet to trust my swing with a pro. Never taken a lesson in my life. maybe I'm afraid of having to make too many changes, since my swing is not "textbook". Maybe I'm just too much of a control freak to let someone else take control of my game. Or maybe it's because I view teaching pros kind of like Chiropractors, in that once you go for a few sessions you have to keep going back all the time...