Q-School Set To Begin

It's that time of year again! First stage begins tomorrow at Lantana Golf Club in Dallas, Texas.

Click here to follow the scores from First Stage

Thanks for checking in, I will be in touch soon
Matt

Pictures from Golf Chronicles by Allan Henry

Gateway Players: Matt VanCleave - Images by Allan Henry

Iowa in October

Smart people don't go to Iowa in October to play golf. The Gateway Tour has made a habit of playing the biggest tournament of the year in the worst weather we see all year. My game and the Iowa weather were both miserable. The course was tough as usual with the greens beyond difficult and the weather didn't make any part of playing easier. I shot a first round 78 in windy conditions that turned out to be the best I would play in all week. The second round started after a morning rain delay and I was only able to play seven and a half holes before being pulled off the course for the day. The restart at 7:45 Friday morning was in just as pitiful weather with 46 degree temps combined with rain and wind. My second round score of 75 was a pretty solid round that could have been really good if I would have putted well at all. I am disappointed that I wasn't able to carry over the good play of the last month or two into my favorite tournament. I really wanted to highlight my year with a great week in Iowa but that wasn't the result and now I have to regroup and get ready for the Adams Tour Championship in Gulfport, Mississippi. I am confident I can regain my form and turn it around before qschool in just under a month. Thanks for checking in.
Matt

Tie for 28th in Lubbock

The tournament in Lubbock was a mix of rounds that seemed easy and rounds that felt like work. The first and third rounds were fun and everything clicked with a 69 and 66. The second and fourth rounds were definitely work and a grind with scores of 73 and 72. After making the cut exactly on the number at 2 under and in a tie for 45th I went out on the weekend with no place to go but up. The third round 6 under 66 included a closing nine of 31 to move up to a tie for 18th. The final round just never got moving in the right direction. I got off to a slow start and despite an eagle on the par 5 16th I couldn't gain much momentum. I finished the tournament at 8 under par in a tie for 28th and took home a check for $1,110, pushing this years earnings over $30,000. I felt the most important part of the week in Lubbock was getting to play all 4 rounds and have the chance to asses my game going into the Gateway Tour Championship in Iowa. I like where my game is right now and look forward to the opportunity of playing in Iowa next week. I am excited for my trip home on Thursday and can't wait to play Mozingo on Friday in the Chip Strong Memorial. I will keep you posted as things get under way in Des Moines, thanks for checking in.
Matt

Gateway Summer Ends with Tie for 8th

The Gateway Tour summer series was definitely a success. I was 6 for 6 in made cuts and earned $17,500 after a 68.17 scoring average. This week was up and down and a mix of poor stretches and a great finish in the 2nd round. After opening with a 4 under par 68 I struggled through the first 13 holes of the 2nd round and was back to 1 under for the tournament. With 5 holes to play I closed with 2 eagles and a birdie to shoot a 2 under 70 and make the cut. Heading into the final round I was at 6 under and in a tie for 11th. In the final round I hit the ball great and continued to putt very well. I didn't get everything out of the round but was pleased with a 4 under 68 and a tie for 8th worth $2,100. I am really pleased that I made all 6 cuts and really played solid golf in every tournament. It's always great to be playing your best golf heading into the fall finish. I am off to Lubbock next week for another Adams Tour event. I will keep you posted after the tournament.
Click here to check out pictures taken by Allan Henry / Golf Chronicles at recent Gateway Tour events.
Thanks for stopping by the site.
Matt

Runner Up Finish at Southern Dunes

There aren't too many weeks when shooting 19 under par isn't going to walk away with the trophy. Unfortunately, this was one of those weeks when it wasn't the winning score and it wasn't even close. Chris Kamin shot an incredible 27 under, 62-63-64. I played great all week and was able to hold on for a 1 shot cushion over 3rd place. I started the week with a solid 67 and then followed it up with a bogey free 64 in round 2. The final round was another solid round, 66, where I did everything I could to put pressure on the leader but it just wasn't good enough. I am excited that I was able to hold on for solo 2nd and take home a check for $6,500. After struggling with the putter the last few weeks I made a ton of putts at Southern Dunes. I like where my swing is right now and look forward to playing on the Gateway Tour again next week. I've had a great run of events this summer on the Gateway Tour and hope to finish strong in my last event in Arizona next week. Stay tuned for results from Tonto Verde Golf Club.
Tournament story on the Gateway Tour Website
Thanks for stopping by the site.
Matt

T18 and Missed Cut in Texas

The two week trip to Texas on the Adams Tour didn't get off to the start I was looking for. I struggled on the bermuda greens at Beaumont Country Club and just couldn't find my rhythm with the putter. I hit the ball as well as I have all year but couldn't convert it into a successful week after rounds of 70 and 74. I want to thank the Iceton family in Beaumont for hosting me and Todd Rossetti for the week, by far the best host family of the year. After a couple days of short game work in Beaumont I felt good about my game going into Horseshoe Bay. I played very solid all week in Horseshoe Bay on the extremely difficult Ram Rock Course. The cut fell at 5 over par, the highest cut in my professional career. The first three rounds were all very solid and I entered the final round 4 shots back at even par, 70-71-72. In the final round I never could get a birdie putt to drop and ended with a 4 over 75. I finished in a tie for 18th earning $1,635. I look forward to the next few weeks on the Gateway Tour in Arizona where I have had some decent success this summer. Hopefully I have worked out the kinks with the putter and will find some confidence on the familiar Arizona greens. Thanks for checking in and I will post back soon.
Matt

T15 in Grayhawk Gateway Event

It was another solid week on the Gateway Tour, 70-70-72: T15 $1,250. So far this year on the Gateway Tour I am 4 for 4 on made cuts and have cashed $8,900. All three rounds at Grayhawk felt about the same. I struggled to play consistent golf all week. I made plenty of birdies but had too many poor holes to go low in any round. I felt better about my swing this week but never figured out the greens hitting several great putts that just wouldn't find the bottom of the cup. I have a week off this coming week so I am looking forward to continuing to work on my swing and gain confidence with the short game. I have two events in Texas on the Adams Tour to close out the month of August. I am pleased that my game is continuing to improve and the results are starting to show up as we get closer to the all important fall season. I will keep you posted as the tournaments in Texas get started. Thanks again for stopping by the site.
Matt

2nd Round 63 Leads to Tie for 3rd

This week on the Gateway Tour was somewhat of a home game for me. I worked this past off season at Troon North Golf Club so I was definitely comfortable with the course. I got off to a solid start in the 1st round with a 4 under 68. The 2nd round was the best round of the year so far with a 9 under 63. I wasn't overly comfortable with my swing but I kept it in play all day and made a ton of putts. For the first time in over a year I went into the final round with the lead. I played really well in the final round but just couldn't make enough birdies to keep up with the eventual winner. I was really pleased with the way I played down the stretch, I hit the ball great and didn't shy away from taking a run at putts. The tie for 3rd was good enough for a $3,900.00 payday. Hopefully we can get back into this position soon and walk away with the trophy. I am back on the Gateway Tour next week at Greyhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale. Thanks for stopping by the site and click on the Gateway Tour Link on the right to follow next weeks action
Matt

T13 in Gunter Adams Tour Event

It was a crazy week on the Adams Tour in Gunter, Texas. I had some ups and downs and a stretch of golf I've never experienced before. I shot 8 under for the tournament to finish in a tie for 13th earning $1,930. I played really solid golf the 1st round shooting a 3 under 69. I struggled the 2nd round and fought out a 1 over 73. The 3rd round was a ton of fun. I had a 6 hole stretch that included 3 eagles, all on par 5's, to shoot 7 under 65. I've never had a round with multiple eagles, let alone 3 of them. The final round felt like I had used all my good shots in the 3rd round. I never got comfortable and struggled with a 1 over 73. I definitely have to say the week was a success. I feel like I have made some positive strides the last few weeks. I have a nice break for the next several weeks to get recharged and continue to work on my game. I hope everyone has a great 4th of July and I look forward to seeing everybody back in Maryville. Thanks again for checking in.
Matt

T6 in Gateway at Anthem

I finally had a week that was solid from start to finish. I've been close this year and I knew a good week was coming soon. I started the week with a 5 under 67 that was bogey free and included an eagle and 3 birdies all on the par 5's. The 2nd round was my best of the week with a 6 under 66 that included 8 birdies and 2 bogeys. The final round was solid, 2 under 70, but I was a few missed putts from getting into contention late in the round. I am very happy with shooting 13 under for 3 rounds and finishing in the top ten, earning $2,400. For the first time all year I felt like every part of my game was sharp. I am looking forward to playing on the Adams Tour next week in Gunter, Texas. To follow the scores from Texas click on the Adams Tour logo on the right. Thanks for checking in
Matt

Up and Down Play in Louisiana

It was an interesting two weeks on the Adams Tour in Louisiana. I got off to a great start in Baton Rouge with rounds of 69 - 66. Unfortunately I lost momentum and struggled on the weekend with two rounds of even par 72. I finished in a tie for 38th. Next we were off to Alexandria where I got off to a terrible start with a 4 over par 76. The second round was a lot of fun with a 5 under 67 that included 9 birdies. Unfortunately I missed the cut by a shot and wasn't able to continue moving up the leaderboard. I left Louisiana with a bit of confidence and looking forward to teeing it up this week on the Gateway Tour in Phoenix. The tournament starts on Wednesday at Anthem Golf and Country Club. To follow the action click on the Gateway Tour logo on the right side of the page. Thanks for checking in
Matt

Made Cut in 1st Gateway Desert Event

It was back to business in the desert for the first time in 2009. The tournament at Talking Stick got off a good start with a 4 under par 66. For the first time all year I putted great. The second round was solid, even par 70, but I couldn't get the same momentum I had during the first round. After making the cut on the number the final round got off to a slow start and ended poorly with a 3 over 73. I finished in 21st place earning $1,350. I was pleased with my position after the first round but dissappointed to go backwards the last two rounds. I played solid golf for the most part but wasn't able to get the putter going the last two rounds. Hopefully I can build on this week and take some momentum with me to the Adams Tour. I leave Sunday to travel to Dallas and then drive to Baton Rouge on Monday. I am looking forward to getting back out to the Adams Tour and playing a few events in Louisiana. To follow the action from Louisiana click on the Adams Tour Logo on the right side. Thanks for stopping by the site.
Matt

T26 in Adams Event at Sugar Tree

It was an up and down week at Sugar Tree Country Club. I opened the week with a 5 over 75 and then backed it up with a 5 under 65 to make the cut. I never got anything going on the weekend with a 70 and 72 to finish at 2 over par and in a tie for 26th. The $1,165.00 paycheck wasn't a great finish but definitely a success after the slow start to the tournament. I am still confident with my ball striking and I was starting to gain a little momentum with the putter. I am looking forward to the next two weeks off and a chance to recharge and work on my game. I need to put in some quality time on my short game in order to continue to gain on the positive strides I've been making this year. I need to continue to improve on my mental game this year. I know this is the difference between moving on and staying on the mini tours. I am working on a few possible mental game coaches that would make a big difference, I will keep you posted if anything works out. Thanks again for checking in on the website, I will be in touch soon.
Matt

Missing By 1

I hate those words. On Tuesday I played in the Byron Nelson Pre-Qualifier. I had an up and down round going but was doing a great job of grinding out a decent score. Unfortunately that was all wasted after a double bogey on the final hole to miss getting into the Monday Qualifier by a shot, 73:+1. Next the Adams Tour event in Thackerville, OK. The wind was howling during the first round and I put together a very solid one over 73. Today I went out in pretty calm conditions and hit the ball really well. Unfortunately I closed with two bogeys on the last nine holes to miss the cut by a shot, 73/73: +2. The good news is that I am hitting the ball really well. My chipping has really improved and I feel good standing over the putter. I'm just not getting the ball in the hole as quickly as I should be. All I can do is keep plugging away and hope the ball falls in love with the hole again, and quickly. Next up is US Open local qualifying on Tuesday and another Adams Tour event in Fort Worth Wednesday through Saturday. Thanks for stopping by the site.
Matt

Tie for 4th in Waco

What a turnaround from a week ago. I was so disappointed and discouraged after Victoria that I couldn't even find the words to post anything. I went to Waco with very few expectations and being a bit embarassed. The great thing was that I still believed in what I was doing and knew I was on the right track. Waco was a great week from the start. I shot a 1 over 73 in tough windy conditions on a course I had little experience playing. The next two rounds were solid 2 under 70's to get me into 6th place going into the final round. It was great to be playing close to the last pairing with my name posted on the leaderboards throughout the course. I played a solid final round, 3 under 69, that included 3 birdies in the last 7 holes to finish in a tie for 4th. The finish was worth $4,650 and a big confidence boost moving forward. I finally am starting to feel more comfortable playing in the tough windy conditions that I knew so well growing up. I know this is the right place for me to get ready for q-school and prepare my game for the next level. I am looking forward to a week off and some time at home before hitting the road again on the Adams Tour. I will be in touch again soon, thanks for stopping by the site.
Matt

Missed Cut in 2nd Louisiana Event

It was another week interupted by weather on the Adams Tour. The second day of the tournament was postponed a day due to another rain storm leaving the golf course unplayable. I struggled all week on the greens at Mallard Cove, 73 / 72 : +1. I feel good about the way I hit the ball these last two weeks in Louisiana. The work I have put in with Doug Hammer is really going to pay off this year. I look forward to a few weeks back at home and some good practice sessions. I have a few areas of the game that need a little work but I am confident I will get them ready to go before I head back out on the Adams Tour in a few weeks.
Thanks for stopping by the site, I will be in touch soon
Matt

Rain Shortens Houma Event to 36 Holes

T21 --- 68 / 74 : -2 --- $1,390.00
The season got off to a great start after an opening round 4 under 68. The conditions were difficult with strong and gusty winds. I was very pleased to grind out a great round early in the year. The second round was a tough break having to play in the afternoon. The morning conditions were very mild while the afternoon was strong winds and periods of hard rain. I hit the ball better in the second round but wasn't able to get anything going with a 2 over 74. Thursday night and into Friday morning produced some of the hardest rains I have ever experienced. Areas around the golf course received up to 10 inches of rain in just 3 hours. Unfortunately that lead to the golf course being under water forcing the tournament officials to shorten the event to 36 holes. I am dissapointed I didn't get a chance to move up the leaderborad on the weekend but I am pleased with the way I played in the first event of the year. I got the first cut out of the way so now I can go out and continue to build on the momentum gained in Houma. I am heading to Lake Charles, Louisiana in the morning and will play a practice round on Monday and then the Pro Am on Tuesday. The tournament begins on Wednesday so stay tuned to the Adams Tour Website for scoring updates:

Adams Golf Tournament Leaderboard Link

Thanks again for your support this year and for stopping by the site.
Matt

Season Set To Begin Next Week

The 2009 season has finally arrived! It has been a long and productive off season. I have been able to do some really good work on my swing with Doug Hammer, Director of Instruction at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale. My short game has also really benefited from the time off. I have been playing some great rounds lately so I am eager to test it out in competition.
I will be driving from Arizona to Louisiana this weekend. A big bonus on the Adams Tour is local housing at several tournaments. Along with a few other players I will be staying with a family that lives near the tournament site in Houma. Local housing is a great way to save some money and avoid a few run down motels along the way. I will keep you updated after the practice rounds, as long as I can find an internet connection. Thanks again for stopping by the site.
Matt

Off Season Update

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. It has been a long and positive off season so far. I have had a lot of time to recover from the near miss at Q-School and I am eager to get the 2009 season under way. At this point I am still working on finalizing the financial details for the upcoming season. We are still working to find a few new investors at this point. I am hopeful we will be able to find the necessary funding for 2009. I am planning to tee it up on the Adams Golf Pro Tour Series this year.
Adams Golf Tour Link
The Adams Tour plays throughout the south part of the country in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Mississippi. I am looking forward to the opportunity to travel and play different styles of golf each week. The Adams Tour is a great place to continue to improve my game and prepare for golf at the next level. I can't thank you all enough for the support over these last three years and I am really looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in 2009. Please feel free to contact me anytime: vancleavegolf@hotmail.com
Thanks again for stopping by the site.
Matt