Just as I was gaining momentum and starting to play consistently well, my season ended abruptly and unexpectedly. I missed qualifying for the Final Stage of Qschool for the European Tour by 2 shots, finishing -1 for the week when -2 would have been in a playoff and -3 was in safely. I struggled on the slow greens all week and my late, near-heroic effort of 6 birdies in my last 10 holes (with 4 of the last 5! where was that all week?) was too little too late. And as if that wasn't enough heartache for one day, my backpack with passport, computer, everything, was stolen out of my car that night.
The American Consulate in Barcelona was unexpectedly efficient and I made it back home with a day to spare before heading to southern California for 2nd stage of Web.com qualifying.
With my mom on the bag and quicker greens I was ready to make up for the previous week by blazing to a record-setting victory, with trumpets and confetti heralding me as I birdie the last hole, find my backpack in the trunk, and drive off into the sunset. Alas, the par-5s had other plans. I finished the week +3 on par 5s, in contrast to the top three finishers who were 14, 10, and 14 shots better than me on those holes for the week (I missed by 5 at +1 total). And that is without hitting a single drive out of play--historically my achilles heel.
So I finish the season. Or two seasons really. Following my spine operation in January, from April through August, I played 11 events, was +43 total, with a 73.12 scoring average. Then, from September through November, I played 5 events, was -30 total, and had a 70.30 scoring average including a win at European first stage (-16) and a top 20 at the European Tour's Russian Open. I'm finally healthy and swinging well and excited to build upon the last few months going into next season.
Next up will be Asian Tour Qschool in early January. As far as European or Web/PGA events, I have to rely on sponsor exemptions, so when you talk to your friendly local tournament director don't forget me!
Thank you very much again for all your support and enjoy the holidays!
Dodge Kemmer
