Okay, here’s my blog post about trying to get into the 2024 John Deere Monday Qualifier:
So, I’ve always been a bit of a golf nut, and I figured, why not try my luck at a Monday Qualifier? The John Deere Classic is a big deal, so I decided to give it a shot. This is how it all went down.
Getting Started
First things first, I needed to actually sign up. I went online and found the registration page. It wasn’t super obvious, but I eventually found it with some digging.
- Filled out the forms: Name, address, handicap, all that jazz.
- Paid the entry fee:Gotta pay to play!
I double-checked everything to make sure I did it all correctly.
Practice Rounds
Next, I have to practice a lot! I mean, A LOT.
- Hit the range: I spent hours at the driving range, just working on my swing. Consistency is key, right?
- Played practice rounds: I found some local courses that were similar in style to what I thought the qualifier course would be like. It’s all about getting a feel for the type of shots I’d need.
- Worked on my short game: Everyone says putting and chipping are where it’s at, so I spent extra time on those.
I even got some advice from some of my friends. Every little bit helped my play!
The Day Of
Okay, so the day of the qualifier finally arrived. I was a nervous wreck, but also super pumped.
- Got there early: I did not want to be late. I got to the course way earlier than I needed to, just to soak it all in.
- Checked in: Got my scorecard, found out my tee time, and tried to stay calm.
- Warmed up: A quick stretch and some practice swings to loosen up.
Then to start my competition.
The Round
The actual round was intense. The other players were all really good, which was intimidating, but I tried to focus on my own game.
- Started strong: I actually parred the first few holes, which gave me a boost of confidence.
- Hit some rough patches: Yeah, there were definitely some bogeys (and maybe worse) in there. It happens.
- Tried to stay positive: I kept telling myself to just focus on the next shot, even when things weren’t going great.
I had to keep my spirit.
The Outcome
So, did I make it? Sadly, no. My score wasn’t quite good enough to get me through to the main tournament. It was a bummer, but honestly, I was kind of expecting it.
What I learned:
- These guys are GOOD: The level of competition is insane.
- I need more practice: There’s always room for improvement.
- It was a blast: Even though I didn’t qualify, it was an amazing experience.
I finished the rest of the competition,I’ll definitely try again next year! Maybe with a little more practice (and a few less bogeys), I’ll have a better shot.
