The Journey

From 16.5 to scratch

Every lesson learned. Every swing change documented. The real, unfiltered path toward elite amateur golf.

16.5 Starting (2019)
5.7 Current
2.3 Target
15+ Lessons

The timeline

February 2017

First round back

Shot 114 at Troon North Monument in Arizona. Hadn't played in years. Couldn't break 100 for months after.

2019

First official handicap

Registered at 16.5. Started tracking rounds seriously. Began to understand what I didn't know.

2021

Found my coach

Started working with Dave Theise at GolfTec Westport. Monday lessons became the anchor of my practice.

2023

Single digits

Broke through to a 9.x handicap. Path control became reliable. Started focusing on short game.

May 18, 2026

Winged Foot East

First time playing Winged Foot East (A.W. Tillinghast). First Tee charity event. Team came in 3rd gross out of 72 teams. Shot 77–80, 3 birdies.

May 10, 2026

Sterling Farms

Front 9: 41 (+5), 1 birdie. Game rounding into form.

April 28, 2026

The hinge breakthrough

Monday lesson with Dave. Best iron striking session. Wrist bent, thumb toward elbow. 7-wood 246 yards carry. 5-7 irons from 186 onto green. This feel is the key to the next handicap drop.

April 21, 2026

Midland Trail — Valhalla South

9 holes at the course across from Valhalla. Shot 40 (+4) with old P790s and a childhood putter. Driver: +0.1 SG (270 avg, 322 longest). Family legacy course — great-grandfather was founding member.

Now (2026)

Chasing scratch

Current: 5.7. Target: 2.3 to qualify for US Four-Ball Mid-Amateur. 200+ rounds tracked. 15+ lessons with Dave. 3 birdies toward the 100-birdie goal. Season kicking into gear.

2026 season so far

Winged Foot East — May 18

77–80 · Team 3rd gross / 72 teams · 3 birdies 🐦🐦🐦

Sterling Farms — May 10

41 (+5) front 9 · 1 birdie 🐦

Midland Trail — April 21

40 (+4) · 9 holes · 270 yd avg drive, 322 longest

3 Rounds
4 Birdies
5.7 HCP
289 Practice min

The goal

US Four-Ball Mid-Amateur Championship.

Qualification requires a handicap index of 2.3 or lower. From 5.7, that's 3.4 strokes. At current trajectory, targeting 2028 for first attempt.