The Oklahoma Open is a professional event that brings out great players every year. I look forward to this event because it is played at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond, OK which presents a great test of championship golf.
I had been playing exceptionally well leading up to this event, including a course record 61 at Oaks CC, so my expectations were quite high. But in the first round, I played tense all day and I kept over-thinking and I didn’t score very well. I shot an opening round 73. Friday’s conditions were relatively easy based on the pin placements and only a light breeze. It was frustrating knowing I was blowing an opportunity to get off to a great start. By shooting 73, I was tied for 34th out of 144 players. Not terrible, but not where I needed to be to contend for the championship.
The second round on Saturday was canceled due to heavy rain, shortening the tournament to 2 rounds instead of 3. This was disappointing because I needed as much golf as possible to catch up to the leaders and by canceling the 2nd round, it meant I would have fewer holes to do so. I decided to shake it off and I came up with a game-plan to play in a good rhythm and to stay aggressive, no matter how difficult the shot might be.
Sunday’s final round conditions were very difficult. The greens were extremely firm and the wind was really blowing. I played in great rhythm through the entire round and I putted very well. I ended up shooting a 68, even after starting with a bogie! I moved all the way from 34th place to 10th and it felt great! There’s something about playing in difficult conditions that I love. Maybe it’s because I picture it being like the PGA Tour, or maybe because it gets me thinking creatively. Either way, it seems to bring out the best in me.
Of all 144 players in the tournament, the scoring average for the final round was almost 78, 10 shots above my score of 68. The conditions were so tough that only 3 players, including myself, shot under par. One of which was the eventual winner, who grew up playing at Oak Tree and the other was a PGA Tour member, Bill Glasson. Bill Glasson was one of several past or present PGA Tour players in the field.
I had tremendous peace the entire round and I am very thankful. I had a small gallery following our group and it was fun to put on a show. The Oklahoma Open was a great stepping stone for me and a great experience that I will build upon as I continue to progress.
Remember, always play your best golf!
-Greg Mason
