February-Update

This week, I'm finally back to playing, teeing it up at the AT&T Pebble Beach Classic. I can tell you that after being on the shelf for so long, it feels good to be out here and getting back to playing some golf.

I know the surgery and all the rehab was worth it but it's been quite a grind. The first three months were really hard, not doing anything just rehabbing and wondering how it was going to feel. It was pretty darn painful the first month then it got a lot better.

That was the hard part, not being able to do anything and watching my arm shrink and then trying to build it back up.  Even when I first got back to swinging the club the toughest part was just breaking through that soreness, mentally trusting it, trusting that it's healed and then going ahead and going after it.

It was also tough watching my colleagues out there playing and missing it. That's probably the toughest thing, just missing it. I love the game, and love to be working at it. Now I'm back and I'm feeling quite good about my game. I've been working with a new coach, David Woods, who is from down in the Palm Springs area. We haven't been doing anything revolutionary, just trying to get my game back up to speed with some fundamentals. David is a fellow Canadian, originally from Winnipeg and who spent a few years working at St. Charles.

I'm also happy to be working with Mike Bestor, who is caddying for me. He's an experienced caddie, having worked with people such as Dean Wilson and Y.E. Yang. He's been a great help at getting me ready for this week.

Although it's only been a month that I've been back playing, I'm pleased with where my game is. I feel as if I've been able to simplify everything in my swing and get less technical and more feel-oriented. When I've done that in the past, I've played my best golf.

I have made one significant change in my game and that's moving to the belly putter. I have been putting with it for about three months now and really like what I've seen. I find that there's a lot more consistency with it, from the setup and ball position to the actual stroke.

This tournament has always been one of my favourites on Tour and I'm extremely grateful for the organizers to have given me an exemption. I hope I can repay them with some good golf. I've admired the great organization here, the wonderful crew of volunteers and of course all the money that's raised for charity. It's one of the best all-around tournaments we play.

On the same subject, I was hoping to get an exemption into the field at the Northern Trust Open but it's tough because there will never be enough spots for all the players who want them. The organizers had to make the best choice for their tournament and I wish everyone involved with the Northern Trust Open all the best with this year's event. I'm sure it will be another good one.

Future sponsor exemptions are just going to be coming when I get them. I don't have anything secured at the moment with the exception of one for the RBC Heritage, the week after the Masters. I've been talking with sponsors and tournament directors and hopefully I'll be getting some starts. Right now, however, I'm going to enjoy this week and play as well as I can. It's great to be back!

As always, thanks for your support.
Mike