Skins Game

24 Jun 2002 - 25 Jun 2002
Grandview GC, Muskoka, Ont.

Timing is everything in Skins, and this week, my timing wasn't that good. I made seven birdies during the 18 holes of the Canadian Skins competition at the Mark O'Meara Course at Grandview, but didn't cash in. That's kind of ironic when you think that a few years ago, I made nine birdies and won everything.

Skins Games are like that. You can play well and not do well or you can play just OK and maybe win it all. Sergio went home with all the money this year and that was thanks to some great play on one hole. He played well most of the time - like we all did - but his timing was perfect.

The Skins Game was a lot of fun, well organized and it was great to be back in Canada. Once again, John Daly was a lot of fun on Day Two. He's a pretty fun guy to have in a Skins Game. He has that long ball and he loves to laugh it up. I love all his comments - except when they come at the top of my backswing as he did on the first hole of the day.

So what do I take away from the Skins? Well, I was pleased with the way I was hitting the ball overall. I thought I played fairly well and made some good shots. I sank a few long putts - which I've had trouble with on certain occasions this year - and had some other good signs that my game is coming around.

One thing that came back to me a few times this week is that some people think I'm not playing that well. I have to disagree with them; I'm not really that upset with my game in 2002 - sure I haven't had the results that I've had in previous years in terms of finishes, but I'm not really upset with how the season has gone. I've been working on a lot of things in my swing, but it's not like I'm struggling. The year is only half over and there are better things to come, I'm certain of it.

For the rest of this week, I'm going to have some family time, some relaxing and getting away from golf. I think the break will be good and clear my mind for the rest of the year.

Next week, I'm off to the Western Open in Chicago and then home to get ready for the British Open. I'm going to play a little bit in Ireland before I head to Muirfield, just to get the juices flowing for the game "across the pond." It's type of golf that I love and I'm hoping that it will love me right back.

So while I don't like going home being shut out of skins - hey, who does? - I'm happy to have had those guys come up here and see the great Canadian golf fans and put on a show.

Thanks for your support,
Mike