June 24, 2002

I thought this month I would write about what a typical week is like for me on Tour.

Monday
The week begins with Monday traveling from one event to the next. There is usually a pro-am set up on the tournament course each Monday, but I often opt not to participate. I prefer to get in a workout at a local gym. Dinner is sometimes shared with manufacturer reps or room service with my family.

Tuesday
Tuesday is typically one my busiest days. I register for the tournament, secure any additional tickets I might need, make phone calls, settle into my locker, sign up for special events such as ballgames and play a practice round. I often try to get to the course by 8:00 a.m. so as to tee off by 9:00 a.m. I like to play with whoever is at the tee when I get there. I have had some of my more memorable experiences on Tour during practice rounds having played with the likes of Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Steve Elkington, Nick Faldo, Scott Hoch, Paul Azinger, Larry Mize, Scott McCarron, Grant Waite, Bob May, Jay Don Blake and Craig Perks. The vast majority of players are very cordial.

Tuesday afternoons are spent on the range trying to fine-tune anything that might be out of sorts. This may involve testing equipment or working on my swing, short game or the mental aspects of the game. I am not a big tinkerer with respect to the foregoing, but it doesn't hurt to experiment at times.

I end my day at the course by stopping in the Healthsouth fitness trailer for a stretch session with one of the staff members who travel with the Tour each week. This is a great service provided to the players for their fitness, minor injury treatment and injury prevention. Dinner is again spent with manufacturing reps or family.

Wednesday
Wednesday is pro-am day on the tournament course, usually with a morning and afternoon draw. This is a very important day spent playing golf with all those closely associated with the event, namely our sponsors. Professionals are required to participate and if you fall in the Top 70 category of the prior year's Money List, you can count on teeing it up.

The top players will be found hitting the links at dawn. Tiger Woods always takes the first time out freeing up his afternoon to prepare for the tournament itself. If I get a Wednesday start it usually falls in the afternoon draw toward the "back of the bus." With my 85th finish in '01, I usually fall in the alternate category. If I'm not slated to play, I will work in a day of light practice (2-3 hours) and spend the afternoon either at a local theater or sightseeing with my family. I often times work out in the morning as well.

Thursday & Friday
The schedules on Thursday and Friday are dictated by what tee time we've drawn that week. Players either tee off late-early or early-late. Regardless of my tee time, I try to allow two hours to dress, get to the course, eat and warm-up before getting to the tee. Most days I will do some practicing after my round, concentrating on whatever area of the game may not be up to par.

I like to work in a cardio session, some stretching and a workout as well. The majority of players are all doing the same form of physical exercise, either with trainers or on their own with the help of the staff in the Healthsouth trailer. I think Tiger and a few others have heightened this aspect of the new wave of Tour players.

As the week progresses, outside activities usually come to a halt. Dinner is something early and quick and, if there is time, another trip to the movies may be the ticket.

Saturday & Sunday
The weekend is much like Thursday and Friday as far as preparations to play. Long practice sessions after a round are generally not the norm. Energy is conserved for that Sunday afternoon push to the finish. Exercise focuses on light weights and stretching. Time is spent with family in the evenings resting and relaxing.

I treat playing professional golf as a business and try to conduct my weekly activities accordingly. One must constantly search for what works for them - I am still trying to find that right mix myself.

On weeks I miss a cut, I either try to get back home for a couple of days or maybe play in a pro-am on Saturday to earn a few extra dollars. My travel day then shifts to Sunday and a new week begins.

I try to limit myself to playing 3-4 weeks in a row. The last two years I have played in 32 and 31 events, respectively. At this writing, I have played in 16 events and fall 130th on the Money List. The year is already half over, but keep your eyes peeled because I sense a strong second half ahead of me!

Sic 'em Bears,