The Tour Championship

Stuart Appleby is 1 shot back from the lead after the 1st round of the Tour Championship here at Eastlake in Atlanta. Apples bogeyed the first 2 holes in cold and windy conditions and then settled down and played very solid tee to green golf. A bogey on the 235 yard into the wind last cost him a tie for the first round lead, but he is in good position to set up a weekend challenge if he continues his good form. Stuart and I have been working on a swing drill that stops him from dropping the club inside on the downswing, causing blocks and hooks of the tee. I felt he drove the ball pretty straight today, so there were good signs. K.J Choi had a 2 over 72 and is still in good position as that was by no means a bad score in the conditions. K.J's new swing gets better and more comfortable for him at every session. I think he will chalk up another win before the end of the year with the confidence he has going. Nick Flanagan arrived tonight and is staying with us for the next 4 days and working on his game before he goes to Houston next week before the Nationwide Tour Championship. Nick probably needs a top 3 finish next week to finish top 20 and secure his card, that aside, he is straight in to the Tour School final in Palm Springs in late November for finishing in the top 35 on the money list.