[Big Ed]

Rick,

Thanks.

Play competitively as much as you can, against the best players that you can. I played in my first state amateur tournament in the late 90's, I think 1997, becuase the then-club champ told me I was good enough to compete at that level. I was about a 5 or 6 handicap and did not see myself in that group, until I heard it from someone else.

I made the cut in the first tournament I played in, and made it a point never to miss one again. I don't always make the cut, but it's helped my game immensely (I now hover between 1 and 3 handicap). I've made more than a few friends in those tournaments, as well.