I'm proud of making the cut at the 68th Senior PGA Championship, though I truly believe I could have played a little better. The conditions were tough, make no mistake, that was a real challenge. It was a good experience and I enjoyed it, and the week got better and better as we went along.
Whenever you come to a course like The Ocean Course here at Kiawah Island Resort, you have to know that you're going to battle the elements as much as anything on the golf course. There is always a good bit made about altering swing mechanics and the types of shots you need to hit into the wind, but I'd like to discuss something that is often overlooked. You need to think your way around the course when the wind is in play.
The first two days were just brutal as far as the wind goes. This is where your mental game, and your ability to strategically place your ball around the golf course, will make all the difference.
For instance, in most cases, you don't want to short-side yourself around a green. But in winds like we faced, I think you're better off chipping into the wind, no matter where the hole is cut, rather than have to face a downwind chip or pitch. The one thing you don't want is a downwind, downhill shot of some sort near the green.
I kind of liken it to playing defense, which I felt like I was playing most of the week. I'm not one of the longer players so I can't just over power a course. But that may have played to my advantage this week. I'm not one to just pound the ball and send it soaring, I don't launch it high and far, and that's when the wind can really take over your shot.
Remember, you're not going to hit all the greens, probably in any round, but especially one with strong winds. So look for the areas where you are most likely to be able to get up and down and save a good score.
Gary Robison is the PGA Director of Golf at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. Robison is an accomplished competitive player who has competed in a number of Champions Tour events, won several Section Tournaments, and was one of nine PGA Professionals who made the cut at the 68th Senior PGA Championship. He tied for 52nd.
