Matt Donovan: October 3, 2005

October 3rd already. Man, where has the summer gone? Twenty something tournaments down and one more to go before the big "Fall Finish," aka tour school. It seems like just yesterday I was riding the pine in the Seminole caddy yard, thinking how much I couldn't wait to get back out there playing full-time again. Well, patience proved to be a virtue because I was fortunate enough to return to New England to play full-time and keep the dream alive.

As I sit here at my computer sipping my coffee, I reflect on my play over the past five months. I can honestly say that I am pleased with my play, but not satisfied. I feel as though I let a lot get away from me this summer for whatever reason. I walked away from many tournaments this summer shaking my head thinking what could of been. But at the same time there was success and a lot to be proud of. I feel like my game has been improving each year and certainly heading in the right direction. Ever since I turned pro I always told myself that as long as I keep getting better, each and every year, the dream will never die. Its hard to really know what ones full potential can be.

Well, as I said, there is one event left (on the Cleveland Tour) and then its time to pack up the wagon and start heading heading south. It's the time of year where all of us mini-tour grinders try to make our dreams come true at tour school. For me, this year will mark the third go-round in five years. The first year I attempted I'm not so sure I was ready and failed to advance to second stage; Great experience none the less. My second try was last year. In the end I was one 68 away in my final round of second stage from advancing to the finals where I would of been assured status on the PGA Tour and/or Nationwide Tour. Aaa...the fine line of what we do. So with that in mind I returned to south Florida and the caddy yard for the winter to chew on the fact that I had to wait one full year before I got another chance. The reality of it is, that was then and this is another full year later. Lets hope the third time is a charm!