2011 Update

This one has been a long time coming for all of you!!
In late December, I hurt my elbow playing golf.  It happened with one bad shot during a casual round of golf here at Coral Creek Club.  I tried playing 10 days later, but it seemed to just get worse.  Throughout the remainder of the season down here I have re-aggravated it a couple of different times.  I then decided , along with some Doctor's opinions that rest was going to be the best possible solution.  From then on I did not play a round of golf, let alone swing a club, for about 3 months. I wanted to make sure I was completely healthy.  I started back into golfing activities about a month ago, slowly progressing into my long clubs.  About a week ago I started hitting drivers.  I felt pretty good, so I decided to try and locally qualify for the U.S. Open down here in Florida at Timacuan Golf Club, in Lake Mary, FL, on May 19th. I went into the day with no expectations, just trying to play well and gain some confidence, not only in my game, but with my elbow. I ended up playing really well and finished the day with 2 eagles, 3 birdies, and 2 bogey's, en route to a 67 and one of the 5 spots available to move on.  Next is the U.S. Open sectional qualifying at Canoe Brook Country Club in Sutton, NJ on June 6th. For now, practice and taking care of my elbow is on the agenda as I prepare for my next step.


Thank you everyone for your continued interest!!

End of 2010 Season Update!

 First of all I would like to apologize for the delay of this update. The month of December has had some up's and down's, with a lot of learning experiences as a result. I have had some great conversations with players, coaches, and mentors, which will help me to achieve my goal of capturing my first win.  I have been knocking on the doorstep and I feel like it is just a matter of time before this milestone will occur.  

 I have played in 7 tournaments during the month of December.  The WFGT held its Summer Series Tour Championship on the 29^th of November. I was happy with the way I was hitting the ball but struggled on the greens a bit and as a result shot 75-41 – 216. .  Moving on, I traveled to River Hills in Tampa and the Riviera Open in Ormond Beach, where I shot rounds of 74-74 – 148. I was able to diagnose the problems I was encountering with my golf swing and take a step forward while building some confidence entering into the next tournament at Ridgewood Lakes. This was a difficult course with small landing areas and fast greens. I played alright, still making a few mistakes, but held it together to finish 72-73-145 and finished back in the top 10 with a t-7. Feeling better about my game I went to the Founder’s Club, where we played in 25-35 mph winds and cool temperatures. It was fun, but the course played hard. I ended up shooting 80 with a t-11  Next on the list was Old Corkscrew in Estero, which may have been the hardest, ruthless and most relentless golf course I have ever played. I played great for 16 holes, maneuvering the golf ball around the course to my liking, but it’s one of those courses that will come up and bite you. I ended up finishing with a 77 and a t-7. The final tournament to round out December and the 2010 season was yesterday at the Ritz Carlton Members Club in Sarasota. Again, I played well for 16 holes and unfortunately made one bad swing that put me into a double bogey and a finish of 74, a t-11.

Overall, I have learned a lot this month; most importantly I have re-evaluated my practice habits.  I have learned that first and foremost I need to understand who I am as a golfer and what works for me.  I have been hitting a lot of golf balls and working on my short game relative to what I have and will encounter in the upcoming tournaments. I have gotten to the point that I understand I am not going to hit the ball perfect day in and day out, but if I can get up and down that will help in keeping the round going. Also, I keep coming back to this, but when you are in the heat of battle it sometimes gets overlooked, and that is to commit to every shot.  Pick a target, fit the shot to that target  and make the swing needed.

I have the next two weeks off to take some time and recharge the battery to get ready for the 2011 season.  I am very excited about where my game is going and how I have taken a step back to look at what I need to do.

The Holidays are right around the corner and I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season and  Happy New Year with your families and friends. We are all truly blessed with the friends and family that we have.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Eric Higgins

Week 2!

Hello again,

Week two is complete!!  This week I had two 1-day tournaments that were a part of the West Florida Golf Tour.  The first was in Tampa Bay at The Bayou Club; a very narrow and long golf course that was challenge for all.  I played extremely well shooting a 74 and placing t-2.  The second tournament was held at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, on their Kings Dunes course. This was a very long golf course with demanding approach shots.  I also played well there, shooting a 72 and again finishing t-2!!  Two second place finishes this week, but looking for that break through, it will happen soon, I can feel it. 

The upcoming week is an off week which will allow me to practice and prepare for the WFGT's Tour Championship held at The Ritz-Carlton Members Club in Sarasota on Monday, November 29th.

Thank you all for your continued support,
Eric Higgins

Week One

Hello Everyone,

Week one is in the books!!  Over the past week I have competed in 3 tournaments, 1 2-day event and 2 1-day events.  The first tournament was apart of the FPGTour in Orlando on Monday and Tuesday at the Wekiva Golf Club.  I played well and had rounds of 68-69-137 for a t-3rd.  The second tournament was apart of the WFGT on Thursday in Sarasota at Misty Creek Golf Course.  It was a difficult course with a lot of dog legs. I ended up finishing one shot out of the money, with a 74.  The third tournament was also apart of the WFGT with the host site being The Longboat Key Club.  The day started out calm, but as we made the turn the wind picked up on a very tight back nine. I finished with a 34 - 38 - 72 for 3rd place.  All in all it was a good week with some up's and down's. 

This upcoming week I have two tournaments scheduled on Monday and Friday, both being a part of the WFGT.

2010/2011 Season about to Start

Thank you all for your continued interest and support. This year, I have set up a blog to help my friends and family remain updated on my progress with a weekly posting. My plan for the upcoming year is to compete in over 30  tournaments ranging from 1- 4 days on various mini tours in Florida.  This winter I will be back working at Coral Creek Club in Placida, Florida. The design challenges of this private course will allow me to hone my golf game and continue to improve. I look forward to hearing everyone's comments and insights during the upcoming months.


Take care,
Eric Higgins