Mike's Blog - Byron Nelson Championship

I'm deep in the heart of Texas as I write this, preparing for the HP Byron Nelson Championship. This isn't an event that's always been on my schedule, but I decided to attend this year and I'm looking forward to it. This will be the first of three consecutive starts for me which is unusual so far this year. It seems as if I've been playing a week, taking a week off almost all season so three in a row will allow me to get on a roll and build some consistency; I hope.

After the Players, I took a week off and went river rafting with some friends of mine. I did this last year and it was a blast. We just get into these big rafts and float down the river, sometimes navigating rapids, other times just lazily drifting along. At night we throw down a mat and sleep under the stars. No tents.

It's a great way to relax. I've found over the years that completely getting away from golf is beneficial and this was a good break for me.

I've been asked a lot lately about my switch of teachers, having left Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett, and going back to Mike Wilson. I guess the real reason I made the switch was because I didn't think I was getting as much out of my feel shots or when I was in between clubs. I felt I was also lacking around the greens, creating shots and using my imagination. Those were usually my bread and butter and something was missing on those. I can't overpower golf courses so I have to rely on creativity and imagination so missing those was glaring to me. At the Masters this year, for example, I drove the ball about as well as I ever have, but I didn't play well from there in and it shows in my results. About that same time as this was happening, Mike Wilson called and said he'd noticed a few things in my game and if I wanted to talk. We and I made the switch.

Andy and Mike were totally professional about it all. They remain friends and I will still ask them for help when I feel I need it. They're great guys and wonderful teachers. With Mike Wilson, I didn't have to start from scratch. He knows my game and understands the way I think. I'm not going to completely abandon what Plummer and Bennett taught me. I'll build from there and try to add in some of those touch shots that I think are missing.

Even though it was my first event since reuniting with Mike Wilson, I felt good at the Players. I hit the ball really well and could see some signs of what I want back in my game. It's given me lots of enthusiasm for the next few weeks leading into the U.S. Open.

Speaking of that, I'm looking forward to the second major of the year. I know Bethpage was a real monster last time around and I expect it to be tough, although  not quite as brutal as 2002. I spoke with Mike Davis of the United States Golf Association who is in charge of the course set-up and he said there won't be quite as many 250-yard carries as last time and the graduated rough will remain.  This means that the further off line you are, the deeper the grass will be. In other words, it won't be quite as nasty.

Obviously it's going to be tough, but it's tough at every major and that's what we as players enjoy - trying to conquer these difficult conditions that test you physically and mentally. Right now, however, it's time to focus on the HP Byron Nelson, one shot at a time.

On another note, Bricia and I were saddened to learn of Amy Mickelson's diagnosis and hope that with the support of Phil and their family, she will return to good health as soon as possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, and the children as they battle through this difficult time.

As always, thanks for your support.
Mike

P.S. - My picks for the playoffs are Detroit over Chicago, Pittsburgh over Carolina and Detroit winning it all!