Hello everyone. I apologize again for the late post. After the completion of the final stage at Qschool Friday afternoon, I had the privilege of watching the Tide ROLL into victory in Gainesville, Fl Saturday night! I did not arrive back to my apartment until late Sunday night.
Well, if any of you have previously seen or heard the results of the final day at Qschool you will understand why I am saying what I am about to say, Thank God for another day! I am so thankful that I serve a God who guides me through difficult times and questions in life. I did not play well again during Friday’s round, which rapped up not only a tournament of ups and downs, but an entire season.
I carded an 83 during Friday‘s round. I started the day off fairly steady on the front nine with two great saves for par on holes eight and nine, but found myself on a bogey streak once again on the back nine. I was having trouble off the tee which left me with many difficult second shots into the green. On the back nine, everything seemed to collapse yet again. It was an all too familiar feeling as I made big numbers on my last two holes to leave a very bad taste in my mouth. Needless to say, I did not make the cut (top 70 and ties) to move onto Qualifying Stage III, but I will gain some sort of status on the Futures Tour for the 2012 season. I will not be told what my level of status is until the last week of November.
This was not only the biggest event on my schedule for the year, but it was my last event for this season as well. As I am wrapping up my season in words for you I am also packing things up here in Florida to head back to my beloved home land of Alabama, and I must admit I am very excited!
If you have been following along during my 2011 season on the SunCoast tour you may recall many emotional rollercoaster’s I have faced. I began the year really struggling to keep up with my fellow playing partners off of the tee. My lack of distance was a crutch that I was forced to play with most season. But, also within this year I have been connected with my new swing coach Patti McGowan. I truly thank God for connecting Patti and I. Between the two of us; we are in the early stages of unlocking the key to what I believe is my success. My swing has made drastic improvements this year and in return I have gained 10-15 yards off of the tee!
The future is looking bright with Patti and I working together. With many more hours of hard work and determination I WILL be one of the longer players off of the tee this time next year.
Also you may recall my total score at the end of most tournaments to be filled with shots I was not pleased with. Although that is a true statement, I will not see my 2011 season as a complete failure. I was once told that even the biggest failures, the worst, most intractable mistake beats the heck out of never trying! This year wasn’t exactly what I had planned, but I know I gave it my best.
This was a year of growth and change for me. I have been living in Florida on my own which means I have learned a lot about myself and my golf game. I understand more than ever what it takes to compete at the level I will compete at one day. It is not an impossible goal by any means. It is a goal that I know I can achieve with God on my side and my supporting family, friends and coach.
I also want to thank everyone involved who helped me live out my dreams this year. My mom and dad who are always there as my number one fans, but also all the businesses and individuals who helped sponsor me in my journey to becoming a professional golfer. I would also like to give a special thanks to Mr. Bill Acker. Without you all, this year would not have been possible. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to live my dreams everyday!
As for next year, I am not exactly sure what my plans are. I know one thing is for certain, I am not finished yet. The best is yet to come for Ashley Cox :)
As I said earlier, I truly believe God is molding me. He is shaping me for greatness. I do not know when that day will come, but I do know it will come to pass.
The 2012 season on the SunCoast tour will not begin until mid spring. As of now I do not have any events in the near future. As soon I my schedule begins filling up I will keep you all posted.
Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers!
Jeremiah 29:11
