Brett Viboch - Professional Golfer

I have played a few more tournaments since my 2nd place finish in my pro debut at Metropolitan Golf Course back on Jan. 18th and 19th. It has been an educational experience so far filled with many ups and downs as expected. I have been competing on The Pepsi Tour and The Players Golf Tour. I struggled in some tough weather conditions on tough courses but managed to break even in 3, 1 day events at Wente Vineyards Golf Course, Crow Canyon Country Club, and The Bridges Golf Course. As my play wasn't my best, I took away some good and some bad from these events. I was frustrated with my struggles on the course and dejected knowing I would need to play much better in future events if I planned to have success, make money, and climb the ranks. However, after seeing guys on the PGA Tour struggle like Steve Stricker shooting 77 after shooting 62, 61 the previous 2 rounds in the Bob Hope, or Phil Mickelsone shooting 8 over in his 2009 debut at the FBR Open, I realized even the best don't have it all the time. Golf is too hard to do well all of the time. I think I have been pressing too hard in the beginning to help convince myself I can do this. I've been putting too much pressure on myself to not lose the money my parents have been fronting for these entry fees. I have been getting in my own way and need to just let myself go play golf. I need to be patient, trust my ability, and keep that confidence that has always been the best club in my bag.
Yesterday I competed in another Pepsi Tour event at Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore. It was the strongest field I have competed against so far as a professional. One player on the Nationwide Tour, three others from the Canadian Tour, and others who have competed in PGA Tour events. The weather was brutal. The high for the day was 50 degrees excluding the windchill factor which felt like 35 the entire day. I fought all day hovering between -1 and +1 throughout the round. I finished with a birdie on #18 to shoot even par, 72, for the day and finish in a tie for 2nd. I cashed my largest check as a pro and once again, came away with a lot of experience. It has been nice to have a couple top finishes so quickly. It might sound wierd, but I think I have also been lucky to experience some struggles so far as well. 2008 was a year filled with so much success, I didn't have to deal with the struggles I have encountered already in 2009. I have learned so much at such little cost. I feel very fortunate. The more people I talk to, and the more tournaments I follow on T.V. and the computer, the more I realize that the same people that win tournaments, are the same people that miss cuts and shoot bad scores at times. Golf is too hard of a game for it to not kick you in the butt and send you to the ground from time to time.
I am also feeling the pressure of possibly not having enough money to travel and compete as planned for the 2009 season. I think the pressure of trying to raise some money quickly on my own through my first few events has held my play back as well. I am learning that it is very tough to go out with a clear head and simply play golf in the pro ranks. I am continuing to work hard trying to raise money through contract proposals and donations, while also working hard on my game. I appreciate all who are following and supporting me in any way they can. I am enjoying this adventure thus far and experiencing and learning so much, very quickly. Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions and hope you are enjoying this experience!