andrew scott jensen

Yesterday was my first event on the Great Lakes Tour.  Unfortunately, it was a less than stellar debut.  The weather was cold, wet, and windy…which are conditions that I’m actually very happy to compete in.  Pairing my comfort with the weather with the good vibes I had entering this event(after a long month of hard work back home in Ottawa) I went into the round expecting to play well.  Most importantly, I went into the round with the hope to find my feet again in competition after a month and a half away from it.

The first tee was awful!!!  I have no explanation for what happened, but I laid the sod over two consecutive 3 woods and dumped them both into the hazard in front of the tee.  I walked off the first hole with a quintuple bogey 9.  Frustrating, to say the least.

I chose to make the best of the blunder.  I told myself that if I made a 2 or a 9, my mental approach would have to be the same; I’d have to attack the next 17 holes with the same mindset or patience and focus and ultimately the ability to stay present.

This was a big victory for me mentally.  I didn’t let myself get concerned with what others would say or think about me playing yet another poor round, but focused on me and trying to hit great golf shots.  I played the next 17 holes well, not great but well.  I drove it well, hit a descent amount of greens, but struggled with my reads on the greens.  I played the next 17 at 2 over par, not stunning play, but play that re-assured me of the work thats been put in will pay off with patience.

So, I fired a 78 and finished well outside of the money.  But, that’s not what I’m concerning myself with.  I’m concerning myself with the process.  This round is just part of it.  I have to assess the day and take the positives and move forward, with my focus set on my next event, a one day great lakes event on the 12th of May.

If I keep moving in the right direction, this year WILL be the great year that I’m hoping for.

I hope this blog finds you well.  It’s been a while since my last entry and I apologize.

Things have been coming along great back home here in Ottawa.  I’ve been getting a lot of great work done in the gym and on the range.  The weather has finally turned the corner and the Canadian golf season is upon us.

Courses opened this week and I got my first local round in on Thursday at a course I’d never seen before.  I went out with some good friends and had a great time.  Highlight of the round was firing my first career course record!  I was very happy to finally accomplish this feat.  Now I’m encouraged to do it more often on more courses!!

I’m currently planning my tournaments for 2009 and I’m looking forward to getting back into competition.  The only thing dictating where and when I’ll start competing is the finances.  With the economic state and my poor play from last year, my sponsor hunt is getting a little challenging.  I’m not discouraged though!  I believe that my break will come.  I’m working so hard on my game so that I’ll make great use of the break(when it comes).

All and all, things are great here!  I’m loving being home.  It’s recharging my batteries and motivating me like never before.

I think my first event will be an 18 hole Great Lakes Tour event on April 28th.  I’ll keep you posted on how it goes and what will follow.