Masters Wrap Up

Exciting finish – wow!! As far as my guys go, nobody quit or “packed it in”, but a couple (Lucas and Stewart) just got too far behind to make up ground.   All 5 had stretches of good play, but each also had stretches somewhat sloppy play. I will give each guy time to reflect on “what went wrong” and then we will process those thoughts at Hilton Head where I will make notes for us to use next year in preparation.  Four of my players (Lucas Glover, Jonathan Byrd, Zach Johnson and Nick Watney) are taking a well deserved week off.  Stewart Cink was a late entry into the Texas Open field, and had good finishes in Tampa and Orlando.

Ryder Cup to Sea Island

Several of Dr Mo’s players are having a busy October.  Last week’s Ryder Cup matches in Wales included two of his players, Zach Johnson and Stewart Cink.  Playing at the McGladrey Classic at Sea Island this week are Zach Johnson, Lucas Glover and Jonathan Byrd.   It’s a home game for Dr Pickens this week, as a St Simons Island resident and being the Mental Performance Specialist for the  Sea Island Golf Learning Center. 

 

Lucas Glover (PGA Tour)

“As a Tour player there are so many things you can get caught up in if you are not careful – perfecting your swing, watching other players, playing the money list instead of the golf course, etc. What Mo has helped me do is simplify what I need to be focused on and then given me sound advice on how I should go about practicing the concepts we are working on.” – Lucas Glover, PGA Tour

Lucas Glover Interview

In the next to last week of the 2005 PGA Tour, Lucas Glover won the Funai Classic in Orlando, FL with a score of 23 under par.  It was his first win on the PGA Tour and put him in position to qualify for the season-ending tour championship (which he ultimately made with a good showing (tie for 35th) the following week).  The win and the 2005 season are a good illustration of the progress Lucas has made from 2001 when, after missing qualifying through Q-School, he didn’t even have status on the Nationwide Tour.  Following are questions I asked him during the week of the Tour Championship.

Dr. Mo: What did you learn from your experiences at Atlanta & New Orleans (in contention on the last hole) that helped you coming down the stretch in Orlando?

Lucas: Well it was a little different because I was behind instead of ahead or tied.  I just thought about keeping everything in front of me and staying aggressive.  The two close calls were a big help at Funai because I had been there before and knew just to stay in the present.  And this time I was actually able to do it (stay in the present) better.

Dr. Mo: Did you draw on anything from the Orlando tournament in 2004 (where Lucas finished 10th & played with the eventual winner on Sunday) in this year’s tournament?

Lucas: Yes.  I knew I had some good “vibes” there.  There were a lot of birdies to be made and that is my game, aggressive with a lot of birdie chances.

Dr. Mo: What role did your caddy play coming down the stretch in Orlando?  What were y’all discussing on the course?

Lucas: He was great.  He is very level on the course, good or bad.  We were walking up 17 talking about making 2 birdies, and we decided that we were going to do it.

Dr. Mo: What were your thoughts on 18 tee, 18 second shot, 18 bunker shot?

Lucas: My thoughts on 18 were not what they needed to be.  I hit it right there last year and had some issues.  That was in the back of my mind and I believe that is why it went a little left.  It wasn’t that far from the fairway, but my brain wasn’t going to let it go right this time.  When I got to the ball and saw what I had to deal with I was thinking par and par only.  All I could do was try to run it up to the front right of the green.  I hooked it a little too much and it went in the bunker.  I was still thinking about par when I was preparing to hit the bunker shot.  All I was hoping for was a playoff at that point.  I hit it and knew that it was pretty good, and then it went in.

Dr. Mo: How long did it take to get over the win and start preparing for Tampa?

Lucas: Honestly only about 2 hours.  I knew that I had to play decent in Tampa to make The Tour Championship.  I celebrated Sunday night but in the back of my mind I was thinking about getting ready for Thursday already.

Dr. Mo: What has been the biggest difference in your play from 2004 to 2005?

Lucas: My putting is more consistent.  I wouldn’t say it is great, but it is consistently better that last year.

Dr. Mo: What has been the biggest difference mentally from 2004 to 2005 (or have there been any?)?

Lucas: I have been a lot more patient with myself and my game.  That has helped me with my temper and my all around attitude. I can be hard on myself so that’s been big.

Dr. Mo: What will be the focus of your off-season in 2005?

Lucas: Becoming a great putter will be my focus.  I have some great stuff that I am working on and I am looking forward to getting ready for a great year in 06.  My fitness will also be a focal point.  I want to be in the best shape possible when I start out next year.  That will also help me mentally.  Knowing that I won’t get tired physically will obviously help with the mental side of the game.