AT&T Classic Diary -- Inside the Ropes With Jeff Hull

[Yoda]

I shot a full hour of video today and have some great footage with Jeff Hull and Chris Asbell, PGA Professional/JH caddie; also, Brian Beatty, Adams Golf TOUR representative; and Jay Williamson, PGA TOUR player. The wind was howling, so I hope the noise isn't unbearable.

I got both tapes off late this afternoon. Unfortunately, with three to play, we ran into the final Pro-Am group, and I missed the last FedEx pickup from tournament headquarters. Not to worry, Bagger will have everything Wednesday, and we'll have video up that evening.

Jeff will play a practice round early tomorrow morning. He's played the course only in the afternoon, and he wanted to get some morning time in. We're meeting for a 7 a.m. breakfast and then it's out to play.

Tomorrow afternoon I'll be working with Brian Gay and will get some good footage of that experience as well. Brian is having his best year ever with Y-T-D earnings of $1,049,613 (37th on TOUR). The guys at Mizuno will be on hand, and we'll do launch monitor tests similar to those we did last year. That video is in our LBG Gallery.

Sorry for any perceived braggin', but I'm just so proud of these guys I can't help myself!

[golfgnome]

As Lynn stated, I spent today at TPC Sugarloaf. I told him I would be there about 11:30 or 12:00 but anxiety got the better of me and I showed up at 10:00. It was very windy and somewhat cold early on but I still managed to get some really good practice in.

Because the wind was blowing so hard in my face I was able to work on rhythm. The wind can really help you practice when it is directly in your face. I spent a good deal of time around the putting green and boy are the greens quick. My baseline 6 foot stroke was sending the ball at least twice as far. Even though they are fast they are very true so just get it on line and they will go in.

Lynn, Chris and I enjoyed a nice lunch in the players lounge and even spent the last part of the meal with Jay Williamson. It was at this time that Jay realized he needed a good pair of eyes (which Lynn was more than happy to provide). As I was practicing I could see Lynn and Jay working on Top alignments (my guess). Alignments are alignments! Normally I would be on top of both of them watching, but this week I am more concerned with my own game.

After some great range work (coming soon to LBG video), we went out to play 9 holes. The wind was still blowing pretty good, but it was very enjoyable. I hit some really good shots on the course but lost my focus on #7 when we caught up with the pro-am groups and were joined by TOUR player Richard S. Johnson and his "entourage".

I can't wait for tomorrow when the real fun begins. Most of the players will be there and all of the manufacturers will have their product on display to try. I want to play in the morning so I will know how the course plays then since I mostly played in the afternoon.

I am feeling confident in my ability and I am excited about the opportunity in front of me. The course is to my liking and I feel I can put up a good number. Just like any other event, a solid game plan and proper execution will be the key. I will let you know how tomorrow goes.

Jeff

[curtisj76]

Wow, what a cool experience. Something most dream about. Good luck!!

[Trig]

Jeff,

Thanks for taking the time to post your experience here...this will be a real treat for all of us.

Good luck out there. Feel free to "shock the world"!

- Trig

[golfgnome]

Sorry that I did not post last night, I got home late and after my son's school awards show I was tired.

Tuesday and Wednesday is really when everything happens out here. Tuesday is the only day here with no Pro-Am scheduled and most practicing is done. All of the Manufacturers are lined up and players are testing out the latest equipment and making any necessary changes.

I played the front 9 solo but was with Chris and Augie. I played pretty well and felt very good about my game. On the back 9 I was joined by Y.E. Yang.

After a great lunch we went back to the range to work out a few things that I felt were out of synch. I have a tendency to create to much right wrist bend on the takeaway and I can get steep and shut which disrupts my rhythm. I usually do not like to look at my swing this close to an event but Lynn and Steve Ferguson had their system set up so I decided to take a peek.

My thoughts were confirmed and it was an easy fix from there. I have to maintain a much firmer right wrist from takeaway to the top. I feel a definite RFT and "fanning". I know it is actually turning and cocking of the left wrist but it is MY FEEL. Anyway I started hitting it much better and was ready for some more practice on Wednesday.

Wednesday is Pro-Am day so no other rounds may be played. All of those players not in the Pro-Am are diligently working on their games, as was I. I had several great sessions today, working on all aspects of the game in a very relaxed manner. I am confident in my ball striking and my short game feels very solid as well.

This has been a dream week for me and I could definitely get used to this lifestyle, as could my wife. she got to do a "spa day" today with some of the other Tour wives and she really had a great time. The food here is outstanding and the players are really not wanting for anything. These are the best players in the world and are treated as such. They all have worked very hard to be where they are and are deserving of the "spoils".

I will post a summary to the week but now I must get ready for the 1st round. My family is coming in from out of town tonight and will be on hand along with some other friends from around town. As always you can follow the round on pgatour.com.

Before the round I have to thank Chris, Augie, and Lynn for all of their help and encouragement this week. Golf is an individual sport but you must have a team to be successful. I have a great team with me so now it is up to me to do my part. I can't wait for the challenge and all of the fun we will have.

[neil]

Have a great time Jeff,you deserve it -and you can do it.
Play to win-you can

[holeout]

Great read, Jeff. Thanks for giving us new perspective with your posts. With everything going on for you right now (which must be nearly overwhelming), your time is valuable and we appreciate that you've shared some of it with us.

[99toty]

Golfgnome and I are ready. We had a great session today. Really fine tuned the feel he needs. It will be nice to step up on the first tee and focus on fairways and greens. Anything feels funny, we know what the feel and look should be to get back on track.

Jeff said his goal is to try and lead the field in GIR this week. If he can do that it will be a fun 4 days. The weather forecast for Thursday does not look very good right now. Thursday could be a trying day for patience. May not start on time, could have a couple of stop and wait periods. But if you have to sit and around and wait, who better to pass the time with, Golfgnome and Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey, one of our playing competitors.

[Yoda]

Golfgnome and I are ready.

Me, too!

[mb6606]

Jeff,
Best of Luck and have fun out there!