Top 5 Finish Despite Rough Final Round

A four over par, 76, was not the round I was looking for starting the day. I'm not sure if it was the nerves or inexperience of playing in the final pairing that lead to my poor play. I struggled all day after getting off to a terrible start, 2 over par through 3 holes. Unfortunately I was not able to make as many birdies as I had made the previous three rounds. Even with a disappointing 76 I was still able to collect my first ever top 5 on the Gateway Tour. I am frustrated with my play today but excited about the progress I made this week. I was able to cash a $5,554.75 check that is the second largest check in my professional career. I also gained some valuable experience playing in the final group and going through the emotions that come with a chance to win on the final day. The next time I am in that situation I will have a better idea of what to expect and what I need to focus on to overcome my nerves. I am making strides each week and I am getting closer to that first professional win.

Thanks again for hanging in there with me as we go through a few bumps along the way. All the struggles and frustration will be worth it the day I get my PGA Tour card. I will be back in Maryville next week as we have a week off on the Gateway Tour, I hope to see everyone then. I will be in touch soon

Matt

2 SHOTS BACK HEADING INTO FINAL ROUND

After a third round 6 under, 66, I am just two shots back of the leaders with one round to play. So far I have shot 66, 68 and 66 to sit at 14 under par. I played in the final pairing today sitting in third place alone entering the round. After all three of us in the final group shot 66 I am still 2 back and in third place alone. I am really playing well and feel great about my chances of finishing on top after tomorrow's final round. I've been saying that I'm playing well for the last few months so it's finally nice to have the scores reflect that feeling. I will be in touch again after the final round. To check out the full leaderboard go to: http://www.thegatewaytour.com/

Matt

T2 through 1 Round of 4th Gateway Summer Event

The 4th event of the Gateway Tour Summer Series is off to a solid start. A first round 66, 4 under, is just 2 shots behind the leader and in a tie for 2nd. I played very solid hitting 16 of 18 greens with 30 putts and managed to play bogey free for the round. I continued my solid ball striking and average putting. As soon as I get some momentum with the putter I think we can expect some career low numbers and high finishes. I have never felt this confident standing over the ball with every club in the bag. I can't wait for the next few rounds for more chances at getting my putter on a roll.

Last week was a solid tournament that definitely could have been much better. I played consistent golf and lacked that spark I needed to take it low in a round to vault up the leaderboard. A tie for 33rd was a tough finish but definitely a step in the right direction. My game is starting to come around and the results are not far behind.

Thanks for checking in, I will be in touch again soon.

Matt

Gateway Summer Event #3 Up Next

The Gateway Tour summer season is off to a bit of a slow start. I have played well in the first 2 events but have had trouble scoring well and missed both cuts. I need a week where I can put all aspects of my game together. So far I have hit the ball well but struggled to make enough putts to get much momentum and take it low. I am looking forward to this week's event at Pinnacle Peak Country Club and Tatum Ranch Golf Club. I played both of these courses on the summer circuit last year.
As you all know we lost a great man this fall in Chip Strong. Chip was an investor for Van Cleave Golf and continues to be one through his daughter Allison. I was lucky enough to play golf with Chip several times at several great courses and there was no one that loved the game more than he did. This fall they will be starting the Chip Strong Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit a scholarship fund and Northwest Basketball. The fund raiser will be Friday, September 21st at Mozingo Lake Golf Course. I am looking forward to coming back and playing in this great event. Please help to make this tournament a success by signing up to play and possibly becoming a sponsor for the tournament. If anyone is interested in playing contact Allison Strong or the Northwest Foundation for information. This is going to be a great opportunity to celebrate and remember Chip Strong.
Thanks again for checking in. Feel free to contact me at any time; vancleavegolf@hotmail.com.
I will be in touch again soon,
Matt

T25 in US Open Qualifying

A 72 - 76 were not good enough to finish in the top four qualifying positions for the 2007 United States Open. I got off to a great start at 3 under through the first 5 holes, unfortunately I was not able to maintain that pace and went in the opposite direction. I hit the ball well for the 36 hole one day marathon but was not able to get hot with the putter and give myself a chance down the stretch. I was very disappointed with the score but pleased with the confidence I had with my swing. It has been a long time since I was that confident with a club in my hands. Now it is just a matter of getting the ball in the hole and getting my confidence with the putter to match that of my swing. I started the first summer event of the Gateway Tour today at Talking Stick Golf Club with a very similar 2 over par 72, a good ball striking day and poor scoring. I will need a good number tomorrow to get back within shouting distance of the leaders. Professional golf is a funny game where sometimes all you need is that one small opening to propel yourself to the next level. That break and chance have got to be just around the corner.

Thanks again for checking in, I will be in touch again soon. To stay connected with the results on the Gateway Tour click on the link to the right or simply go to: www.thegatewaytour.com

Matt