Breaking 70

Last night, I told myself I was going to break 70 for the first time. I planned to play Hancock Golf course in Austin TX. I believed it was possible. A shorter nine-hole course and with a par of 70, I knew if I could get to 1 under and hold on, I could do it. I woke up early today and arrived at the course at 6:30am. It was still dark outside, but I wanted to start early, so I could beat the heat. I played the first three holes with a glow in the dark ball. I started par, bogey, birdie. Good start.

On the next hole, I switched to a new ball and proceeded to par the next two holes. On the sixth hole, I pulled my drive a little left toward a row of trees on the left side. I heard a thud, but when I walked up to it, I realized the ball had been knocked back into the fairway. It was a great break. I will take it. I was able to par the hole. After two more routine pars, I had a tough look for an up-and-down from a side slope on the ninth hole. I pitched up to about 15 feet. I took a breath and drained the putt. I remember thinking, maybe this is the day. I stood even after nine holes.

I started the back nine a little shaky. I had to play from a divot out of the rough on the 10th, and under a tree on the 11th, but I managed to save par with two more good one-putts. I realized I needed to step it up if I was going to do this. On the next hole, I hit my best drive of the day. Then, from 80 yards I landed the ball to about 6 feet from the cup. I made the putt to go to 1 under with six holes left.

The next four holes were easy, routine pars. On the 17th, I hit a 9-iron fat, leaving about 30 yards to the pin. I knew I had to get this one up and down. I pitched it to 4 feet. I took another deep breath and made the putt. Now, I just had to par the last hole. It was a short par-4 up the hill. I made a confident swing with a 5-iron and ended up with 80 yards left to the pin. I hit a full lob wedge to about 6 feet. I missed the birdie putt on the low side but tapped in for a par and a 69. Bam! I had done it. I broke 70 by one shot. I have now stepped into a new reality where this is possible.

Couple of takeaways:

• I had one simple swing thought that I kept repeating to myself all round.
• If my mind started to wander to the next few holes or what my score could be, I brought it back to the present moment.
• Before putts, I would notice my breath and make sure I was relaxed before proceeding.
• I was aware of grip pressure and would ease up a little if I needed too.
• A great short game and clutch putting saved multiple pars.
• I avoided any ‘bad’ misses on my full shots.

And just like that I ventured into new territory. Excited for the possibilities.