Without speaking with Paul... I have never seen someone that puts as much time into practicing specific shots for hours on end. He's worked very hard for over 2 years to have an opportunity to win the Charlotte Am Worlds. Many of us in Charlotte would love to compete with him forever as an AM but I imagine that Am worlds will be one of his last events in Advanced. Sure he got second in the Clash this year... but I believe that he tried to play open and it was full and was on the wait list for both Open and Advanced and Advanced is the only one that opened up. The CAC and Bowling Green are AM only tournaments, and besides that he has played open in the only other event he has played in this year. Isn't that all you could expect from someone that has the goal to win BG, and win Worlds... to play the major Am events for experience and a goal, and play open in the others?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking his skills or work ethic. It is obvious that he is a great golfer. I would love to be rocking a rating that high, and have the record he is sporting. If he tried playing Open, then kudos.
I'm just saying that sticking around in the Am divisions for the sole purpose of winning Worlds, after taking 4th, or another major, is pretty weak. I understand guys that do it for one year. I don't understand the guys that are clearly rated high enough to be a competitive pro, continuing to play Am year after year until they finally win.
How many of the guys that finished top ten at Am Worlds last year, are still playing advanced? My guess is very few if any. My fellow Arizona golfer Pete Ulibarri did it the respectable way. He held on to his Am status to make one good run at Worlds. He took 10th and moved up. He didn't keep trying until he won.
I think I've made my points on this. I know I'm not going to change anyone's mind. I'm just voicing my opinions, which I am entitled to. Just as you are yours. Keep one thing in mind though. I'm not the only guy out there that thinks this way. I'll go back to my bad analogy.
What did you think about the big kid in the 3rd grade that picked on all the kids that were smaller than him?
Anyway, good luck to everyone that is playing. Paul, you better win.