Dallas

I was sure that I was going to wait another week before I could express my thoughts about our week in Dallas, but already this Monday, we have moved forward and can reflect back on the last few days with a smile.

I would consider myself a pretty relaxed spectator. I can take both bogeys and birdies in stride, and know that 18 holes is a lot of golf and 72 holes is even more. A lot can happen in that time frame so I try to never get too high or low when I am watching. When people gasp when these guys hit it in the sand, I barely flinch. I have seen Parker get it up and down so many times now that I am pretty confident when the ball goes a little off the target he can make a great recovery. In fact, I think that is why people say "these guys are good" - because they can and do "recover"! All of that said, it doesn't mean that I don't let my emotions get involved when I am watching.

Again we were able to experience Parker's name at the top of the leader board for the second week in a row. With just some consistent play he managed to be at T3 going into the weekend. It was unfortunate to not see his game materialize the way he wanted on Saturday and Sunday. He had a stretch on Saturday of 7 birdie putts that just did not go in. Then a a couple bogeys... and boom, he was over par like "that." (Doesn't it aways seems to add up a lot faster when it is going in the wrong direction) At the end of the day, I felt deflated. Trying to keep my head up for Parker was hard when it seemed like everything was so in his reach. It just seems like when you are there in the moment, it can get so emotional.

Now a day later, already in a new city, I look back, it all seems like part of a greater learning experience. This has been the first time in a few years where Parker has been consistently getting off to a really great start. Before he often seemed to be putting himself behind the 8 ball on Thursday and Friday, and his top finishes came from the weekend rounds. So now is he on the other side of the spectrum. Now more that ever I am so confident that all of this experience is helping him develop into a stronger player. He is getting experience playing in the last few groups on the weekend and that is invaluable.

Off the course we had a great week. The Byron Nelson is a fabulous tournament that gives so much back to charity. The PGA TOUR Wives Association was also able to donate money to a local charity to help sponsor students to go to college. The Salesmanship Club (those guys in the "red pants") were so generous and accommodating the whole week. Plus we had access to a great gym this week, which is one of those little things that make such a difference!





Also since we were in Dallas we were able to attend a playoff game (Mavericks vs. Hornets). We went to the game with our great friends, the Allreds (who also play on TOUR). Fun story... Parker and I met at their wedding!


*You might not know that Parker has another quite unique talent...arcade basketball! They have an basketball game at the movie theater close by and last year Parker posted a record score. This year we went to that same movie theater...and his score still held!

We are already looking forward to this week in Charlotte. This was Parker's favorite tournament last year and I know he is excited to be back.
-Kristy