Bellinghamgolfer.com

The second round at the PGA PNC has a little different flavor to the nerve-wracking first.  Round #2 is “do or die” (ok, more like “shoot 64 or go home”). That is exactly what Mike needed to do yesterday. Someone did fire a 64 on Monday (Sean Dougherty from Millburn CC in Overland Park, KS), but unfortunately it wasn’t Monty. Mike missed the cut this week (rounds of 79 and 78), but the victory was in the experience.
Mike struggled with releasing the clubhead a little, and that led to him hitting out of the rough half of the day. The rough this week was a consistent two inches deep, and certainly didn't allow you to hit the required shots to tough pins. At Hershey C.C. you really can't miss the correct spot on the greens and make birdies (unless you can make 25 footers that break two ways, up and over ridges). I will say that Mike’s short game improved each day, and was great yesterday.
We were walking up to Monty’s ball on our last hole yesterday and Michael Breed was there greeting us. Of course, Breed was there to watch his hometown pro, Chris Case, but it was a pleasure to meet him and have a laugh prior to hitting our approach shot to the 9th. Breed really does have as much energy in person as he does on his show, 'The Golf Fix'. Good guy.
We played with quality guys all week (practice and competitive rounds). And they weren't just good golfers but great guys to play alongside and hang around with too. When it comes right down to it, almost every course has the same stories but with different characters (sometimes same characters, but different stories). Mike and I have open invitations to visit and play with these professionals. Hey Mike, just don’t expect me to carry your bag!
We learned a lot this week: We confirmed that we actually know how to utilize practice rounds and map the course; we learned that short-game practice at the tournament course is infinitely more valuable than practicing at a generic course; we learned some tricks and tips from seasoned players and caddies; we learned that PGA Professionals that can play at this level do so with many other job-related distractions; we learned that the bar at the Hogan Grill was under-staffed yesterday; we confirmed that we are good friends and both love the game of golf.
It was an honor to carry Mike’s bag this week. Thank you, Monty, for asking me to be your sidekick. Speaking of that, Monty will be carrying my bag in August for the U.S. Mid-Amateur qualifier at Tumble Creek. Does anyone have a Tour staff bag I can borrow?

(Hard luck Mike - next year. And thank you James for some very enjoyable and informative blogs - ed).