Hello, everyone! I hope all is well with you and that you've been carrying yourself with a strong spirit and head held high.
Lots to catch everyone up on. Going back to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, I had the opportunity to walk with Jon Rahm for a second time. I always enjoy and appreciate that opportunity. It was especially nice having him at TPC Scottsdale, as Jon is a former ASU player. Jon managed a solid top-10 finish that week, T9. A week later, Russell Knox didn't enjoy the same success, but it was still fun. After round three (playing three different courses), he missed the cut. Something really unique and special that week was that he was paired with amateur partner, Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons QB). That was pretty special getting to meet him. He's a really cool guy!
Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in L.A.
At the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in L.A., I was able to pick up J.T. Poston for a first time. It was an interesting week that resulted in a LOT of travel. Good friend and fellow TOUR player Brice Garnett was to be married the Friday of Genesis in Valdosta, GA. As one of the invited guests, I really didn't want to miss it. So, I walked round one with J.T. and then took the redeye to Valdosta Thursday night. The wedding was incredible. I'm so happy for him and was so honored to be a part of the ceremony.
I flew back to L.A. early Saturday morning and managed to get back with J.T. for the last seven holes for round three and all of the final round Sunday. J.T. finished 30th.
From L.A., it was South of the Border to Mexico City for the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship. I was thrilled to be with Justin Thomas again for the week. He enjoyed a great week, finishing sixth.
The Honda Classic in West Palm Beach, FL
At last week's The Honda Classic in West Palm Beach, FL, I was with Jupiter resident and good friend, Ryan Armour. Unfortunately, he missed the cut, but he's a guy who never loses his good spirit and attitude. I wish I could bottle up all his optimism and spread it throughout the world. I enjoyed a nice dinner with he and his family one evening, which was great. It's always nice to have the chance to see these guys away from the course and around family. You get a real sense of just how human they are.
Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando at Bay Hill
That brings me to this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando at Bay Hill. I will be with Rickie Fowler this week, who always keeps me laughing and smiling. He's one of many, many people who make me feel really good and proud of what I do. He has been an incredible supporter from day one.
Upcoming Tournaments
A few notes on what's coming up. At the PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, I'll be with local resident Billy Horschel.
A week later, at the Valspar Championship, I have reigning U.S. Open Champion and 2011 Valspar champion, Gary Woodland.
Following that, at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, I'm thrilled to report that Bubba Watson is on board with me.
So, it has been a busy month, but I am still so incredibly grateful for every opportunity I have. The players continue to be incredibly generous with their time and donations to the Walking For Kids Foundation.
I know I sometimes sound like a broken record, but I always want to stress to everyone the importance of finding it within to remain positive and upbeat. In some form or fashion, we all have handicaps. But, in no way, can anything deter the spirit of a strong-willed individual. I've learned that comparisons to others serve no purpose and contain no value. Remember, success in life isn't based on what we can do as well as or better than others. It's based on what we can do for ourselves under any circumstances. Not everything is going to be easy or fun, but we do get through things with a determined spirit. A great quote (at least to me) comes to mind.
Winston Churchill once famously said "When walking through hell, keep walking."
Just keep at it, no matter what you're doing. By virtue of being alive and on this earth, you DO have the ability to make an incredible life for yourself. In the end, that's everything and all that matters! Not only can you inspire yourself, but when others see you working at your own life, it's infectious. In turn, they will work to improve theirs. I've see it countless times from both sides.
I truly do look forward to seeing as many of you as possible down the road sometime, somewhere. It brightens my day to see and visit with so many people.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to read my stuff. Take care of yourself and keep moving forward. After all, when you look back, the best takeaway is to see how far you've come.
Sincerely,
