Okay, so I’ve been hearing a lot about this John Deere Classic thing, especially the Monday qualifier. Sounds like a big deal, so I figured, why not give it a shot? I mean, I’m no pro, but I’ve been hitting the green pretty regularly and thought it would be a fun challenge. Plus, who wouldn’t want a chance to play in a PGA Tour event?
So, I did a bit of digging and found out that the 2024 John Deere Classic Monday qualifier was going to be held at the Pinnacle Country Club in Milan, Illinois. The date was set for July 2nd. I marked it on my calendar and started practicing like crazy. Every day, I was out there, rain or shine, trying to perfect my swing, working on my short game, and basically just living and breathing golf.
I also tried to find out who else might be playing. The field list wasn’t going to be finalized until June 28th, but I saw some names floating around, like Anders Albertson, Tyson Alexander, Paul Barjon, and a few others. It was a little intimidating, to be honest, knowing I’d be up against some serious players.
The day finally arrived, and let me tell you, the atmosphere was electric. There were tons of golfers there, all with the same dream of making it into the John Deere Classic. We were all vying for one of the four spots available. The format was an 18-hole qualifier, so I knew I had to bring my A-game from the very first hole.
I teed off, and things were going pretty well. I was hitting the ball consistently, my putts were dropping, and I felt like I was in a good rhythm. But it wasn’t easy. The course was challenging, and the competition was fierce. Everyone was playing their hearts out, and the pressure was definitely on. I had to stay focused and keep my nerves in check.
- Focus on each shot individually.
- Don’t get distracted by other players.
- Stick to the game plan.
- Stay hydrated and energized.
As the day went on, I started to feel the fatigue setting in. It’s not easy playing 18 holes under that kind of pressure, you know? But I kept pushing, reminding myself why I was there. I wanted that spot in the John Deere Classic, and I wasn’t going to give up without a fight.
Finally, I reached the 18th hole. I took a deep breath, lined up my putt, and sent the ball rolling. It felt like an eternity as it made its way towards the hole, and then… it dropped! I couldn’t believe it. I had finished strong.
Did I Qualify?
After all the scores were tallied, they announced the four qualifiers. I held my breath, hoping to hear my name. But, alas, it wasn’t meant to be. I didn’t make the cut. It was a bit of a letdown, I won’t lie. But you know what? I was proud of myself. I had given it my all, and that’s all you can really ask for. Plus, I learned a lot about myself and my game. This whole experience, it’s made me a better golfer, and a more determined one, too. I’m already looking forward to next year’s qualifier. Who knows, maybe that’ll be my time to shine.
