US Pro Golf Tour Update

What started out as a great year with endless possibility has just taken an unfortunate turn. We were recently informed that the US Pro Golf Tour has lost its main sponsor and will have to cancel 4 weeks of tournaments to buy time to find more funding. The sponsor who was putting up the funding for expenses and prize money has unfortunately decided to withdraw his sponsorship of the USPGT. This is the worst possible thing that could have happened to the USPGT. The tour is not going to completely fold, instead they are going to spend the next month searching for a new sponsor and more money. I do have faith that the people behind this tour are going to do everything they can to get us back up and running by the April 26-29 event in Baton Rouge, LA. The plan is to reschedule all of the events that are postponed and continue with the rest of the schedule as planned. Unfortunately, we have no guarantees that they will have any success in finding a new sponsor. We can only hope that things work out for the best and get back to normal as quickly as possible.
As far as my future schedule I am still in the process of working out the kinks. I will fill the empty weeks by buying into two Gateway Tour events here in Phoenix. If the tour does not recover I will play the entire summer series on the Gateway Tour. I am certain that I can find tournaments to play in all year. This set back with the USPGT is a major one right now but in the long run will only be minor. I will make the best of any situation I encounter as we move forward. At the end of the day, good golf is good golf anywhere. My main goal is not to play on the USPGT or Gateway Tour. These tours are merely a stepping stone to the PGA Tour and achieving my goals on the highest level. I will do everything I can to find the best opportunities to gain experience and make money along the way. If anyone has any questions please feel free to send me an email at: vancleavegolf@hotmail.com
I would be more than happy to forward you the latest financial and tour updates that I receive from the USPGT. This is only a small hurdle in the road along the way to the PGA Tour. The tough times along the way are what build character and make the journey that much better when we make it to the top. Thanks again for checking in. I will keep everyone up to date as I find tournaments to play in and hear news on the USPGT.
Matt

Garland Firewheel Classic

Well, the first event of the 2007 US Pro Golf Tour is in the books. I have to consider it a successful week with a few could have beens along the way. I finished the tournament at one over par in a tie for 34th, earning $1,955.00. Unfortunately I stumbled a little on the weekend and lost a little ground on the field. It is always frustrating to be in a decent position on the weekend and go the wrong direction on the leader board. But, looking back I am very pleased with the way things turned out. To start out the year with a paycheck is always a good feeling. I really feel as though the lessons I learned last year are going to carry me a long way this year. I am already much more comfortable on the course and in the tournament setting. I am excited about the opportunities on the US Pro Golf Tour. The way the tournament was run and the feeling of big tour golf was amazing. The community of Garland and the USPGT staff did a great job of putting together a first class event. I can only hope that this was a sign of what is yet to come this year.
I am taking this week off to recover from a cold that I picked up while in Texas. This will also give me a great opportunity to work out the kinks in a few areas of my game that need work. I need to continue to learn to simply play golf and work on getting the ball in the hole, not work on how pretty my swing looks.
After a week off I will be back on the road to Hollister, California for the 2nd regional event on the USPGT. As soon as that tournament ends I will be flying to Tunica, Mississippi for the second $300,000 USPGT event. I learned this week that I love the travel and have the best job in the world. It is definitely going to be tough to be away from Sarah and Molly (our dog) as much as I will this year. Hopefully Sarah will make it out a few times to caddy and take care of me on the road. I am also looking forward to having my parents on the road a few times and my Dad putting up with me as my caddy.
Thanks again for checking in and the continued support. I will be in touch again before I hit the road to California.
Matt

Welcome to the new website!

March 8, 2007
Welcome to the new and improved website for VanCleave Golf. Thanks to the help from Noah Hurst, a fellow Spoofhound, we are upgrading and improving on the website. We will be working to add a few new features to the website that will allow you to better track our 2007 results. These features will be up and running in the weeks to come as we put the finishing touches on the new site.

We are about to kick off the 2007 season on the US Pro Golf Tour in Garland, Texas. The first event is one of the 10 main USPGT events with a purse of $300,000. The tournament starts next Thursday and finishes on Sunday. We will be playing at the Firewheel at Garland Bridges course. I have not played the course before but will get a chance to play practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday. I am excited about the opportunity to travel and play different styles of golf this year. I feel comfortable with my game and a year of experience under my belt. Last year was a tough year with plenty of chances to learn. I am looking to build off of the solid play I showed during the qualifying event a few weeks ago. This year is all about patience and acceptance. If I can go to the course every day with a patient outlook and more accepting approach, then it will be a great year. I am looking forward to the triumphs and challenges that await us in 2007. To follow the results check out the US Pro Golf Tour website by clicking on the link above, or by going to www.usprogolftour.com
Thanks again for the continued support, I can't thank all of you enough for this opportunity.
Matt