Tomorrow morning is the first round of the Saginaw District Golf Association Invitational Tournament. It’s the 3rd year in a row (out of 3 attempts) I’ve qualified, but I’m taking a new approach this year because my results in the tournament were poor the first 2 years.

In the 2010 qualifier, I shot a 75, then shot 89-93 in the tournament to tie for last place. In 2011 I qualified with a 79, but shot 95-91 to finish 3rd from the bottom. This year I barely qualified by shooting an 84, so I’m hoping for better results in the tournament.

I decided not to play a practice round at the course hosting the tournament this year. I play the course once or twice a year and know the layout. I took an hour on Tuesday and an hour today to hit nothing but pitching wedges at the driving range. This really helps me to groove the swing plane I’ve been working on since February. I’m also trying to change my attitude and not put any pressure on myself. It’s a great accomplishment just to be playing with the best golfers in the county, so I have nothing to lose. I’m going to go out there and have some fun, play my game, and try not to worry about my score.

My golf game has been so close to being great lately, but tee shots on 2-4 holes every round have ruined my scoring chances. If I can keep the ball in play off the tee, I’ll be shooting in the 70s every time out with ease.