Final Round Jump to Top 5 Finish

A 68 on the final day was good enough to move from a tie for 21st to a tie for 5th and a $3,421 check. On a day when scores were higher than usual it was great to be able to leap most of the field and collect my 3rd top 5 finish in the last 4 events. I continued to fight my swing today but was still able to find a way to make 5 birdies and only 1 bogey. I am very pleased that I am finally learning how to score and contend on days when I don't feel 100% comfortable or confident. Last year I didn't have the ability to gut out rounds in the 60's when I wasn't playing my best. I am looking forward to a few days of hard work this weekend to get my swing back to a level I feel comfortable with. I would really like to continue to build on this recent success and continue to improve in all parts of my game. I am nowhere near the level I need to be, but I am finally starting to get the results that show I am moving in the right direction. We are playing next week at Firerock Country Club and Tonto Verde Golf Club in a 4 day event starting on Monday. I will be back in touch after the completion of the next tournament.
Thanks again for checking in
Matt

66 Comes Up Short in Nationwide Qualifier

There aren't too many days when a 66 doesn't feel like a good round. Unfortunately in Monday qualifiers a 66 doesn't always guarantee you a spot in the field. It took a 7 under 64 to get through the qualifier at the Players Club at Deer Creek. I struggled most of the day finding a swing I felt comfortable with. Luckily my short game, mostly the putter, were there to pick up the slack. A bogey free 5 under round was a good score considering my ball striking and the semi windy conditions. I am disappointed with not qualifying but pleased with the way I was able to gut out a solid number and give myself an outside shot of qualifying. I want to thank Larry and Brenda Ricks along with my uncle Rob Van Cleave for coming out to watch the action in Omaha. It was also great to have my Dad caddie for me today, it's always nice to let somebody else carry the load. Unfortunately I don't get too many home games playing on the Gateway Tour so it is always nice to get close to home for a tournament. I'm back to the Gateway Tour this week as we play Wigwam and Hillcrest in a 3 day event. Follow the scoring at the Gateway Tour website: http://www.thegatewaytour.com/

Thanks for checking in, I will be in touch later this week

Matt

2nd Place Finish at Trilogy Power Ranch

A great week that came up just 1 shot short of forcing a playoff. I am extremely proud of the way I played this week. For the first time as a professional I put together an entire tournament of good scoring. The first round 62 was a career best and a great way to start the week. A 66 and 67 to finish the tournament at 18 under par capped off my best finish as a professional. The second place check for $6,904 is also the largest check to date. I am still disappointed to come up just 1 shot short of the victory. It hurts to be that close and not come away with my first professional victory. The next time I am in that situation I will have that much more experience under my belt of being in contention coming down the back nine. I know I have what it takes to win it's just a matter of being patient and waiting for things to fall into place. I am off to Omaha this weekend for the Nationwide Omaha Cox Classic Monday qualifier. I am looking forward to testing my game at the next level. Hopefully next week will be my first chance to play in a Nationwide Tour event. Thanks again for checking in, I will be in touch soon.

Matt

Tied For Lead With 1 Round To Play

Tied for lead at 14 under par after 62-66. Final round tomorrow at 9:10 off of the 1st tee. I will check back in tomorrow after the completion of the tournament. For complete tournament coverage check out: http://www.thegatewaytour.com/

Matt

T23 Finish in Gateway Summer Event #5

After getting off to a great start Wednesday I wasn't able to maintain the solid play in the final two rounds. A 66-74-72 was good enough to tie for 23rd and a check of $1,301.33. I am a little disappointed that I wasn't able to hit the ball as well as I did in the opening round the last two days. For some reason the Trilogy at Vistancia course just doesn't set up well for my game. I never got comfortable and fought my swing both rounds I played there. I still have to look at this week as another step in the right direction. The more often I put myself near the leaders the more likely I am to win a tournament this year. I will spend the next few days working out the flaws in my swing and getting prepared for another tournament and chance to continue improving. A tie for 23rd isn't the result we are looking for but I am making improvements that will soon start to show in the results.

Thanks for checking in.

Matt

Tied For Lead Through 1st Round Of Gateway Event

For the second straight event I am off to a good start after posting a 6 under 66. I am currently tied at the top of the leaderboard with two rounds left to go. I am continuing to build on the success from the last event. I feel good about my chances of finishing on top this week. To follow the scoring check out the Gateway Tour website: www.thegatewaytour.com
Thanks again for checking in, I will be in touch soon
Matt