Brian Quackenbush Golf

I finished the last 17 holes today in the first round of the Tarheel Tour event at Sapona CC. I started today on the second hole with a 12 footer for birdie from the fringe. This is where I was when play was suspended yesterday due to weather.

The course held up reasonably well for all the rain it got. There were some messy areas and casual water, but overall the course was very playable. We continued to play lift, clean and place which helped a lot with the conditions. I was surprised to see several hole liners filled with water even though the greens weren’t overly soft.

I didn’t hit my approach shots close very often and therefore had only 2 birdies and 16 pars. I did hit the flag on 4 and 18, but both times the ball bounced about 10 feet away. I can’t complain since the approach shots were both hit slightly too hard. Still, I can’t remember ever hitting the flag with two approach shots in one round.

With about three quarters of the field in, scores are higher than I would have expected. At 2 under par, I’m currently tied for 5th. I would have guessed with good greens and ball-in-hand that scores would have been lower. The event is shortened to 36 holes, so tomorrow is the final round.

I received my assignment for Stage 2 of Q-School. I’m going to Lake Jovita CC in Dade City, FL (just west or Orlando). The event starts on November 15th and is a four-round event. Here are the links for the info and results:

• Results
• Information

We got dumped on for about 2 hours this morning in the Tarheel Tour event at Sapona CC. Play was suspended for the day. I was putting for birdie on the second hole when play was stopped. It was cold and very wet…a lot like the final round of Stage 1 Q-School actually. It would have been miserable to continue playing in that mess all day.

I’m back at Sapona CC for the Tarheel Tour event this week. We played out here earlier in the year and I had a third place finish. I really enjoy this course.

Today’s practice round went well. The course looks good.

This week’s event will be a great warm-up for Stage 2 of Q-School next week. In past years, it’s been difficult to find tournaments and stay competitive leading up to Stage 1 and 2. Though it’s been cold, the Tarheel Tour’s events have been a real help staying sharp for Q-School.

I’ve received a few shipments from Titleist over the last few weeks. They sent me:

• 905S Driver (replacement/backup for the one I have)
• 906F2 15 degree fairway wood - this should give me a softer 3-wood option than the Callaway Steelhead 3+ I normally play
• Two pairs of DryJoys PRO shoes
• Carry bag

It’s like Christmas came early!

I’ve taken it pretty easy for the last few days including two off days. I was still tired from last week as of yesterday despite lots of sleep and food. My practice sessions have been great. Everything feels about how it should. The grip pressure changes are getting easier to maintain.

I’m thinking I chose Lake Jovita in Dade City, FL for my second stage site. If that’s the case, then it’s an easy drive if I break it up into two days. I would go 4 hours to Sea Island, GA and practice for an afternoon. Then, go the last 4 hours to Dade City just west of Orlando the next morning.

It’s looking like colder weather next week, but I think I’ll play the Tarheel Tour event at Sapona CC regardless. It shouldn’t be as cold as last week in Florence and it will definitely get me warmed up for Stage 2.