Hey, everybody, Tommy Gainey here. This is my first year on the PGA Tour and my first blog on GolfLink.com. Hopefully I’ll be able to use this blog to give you an idea of what things are like in my world.

In my first two events of the year, I played the Sony Open in Hawaii and the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in La Quinta, California. Overall I think I played well, except for two bad rounds.

Since then, it has actually been great having the time off. I really wanted to play at the Buick Invitational because of the great field and the fact they were playing at Torrey Pines, where the U.S. Open is going to be coming soon. But even though I didn’t make it off the alternate list, I got to play a few practice rounds there, so I’ll know what it’s like if I get in the Open. I worked a lot on my game with my caddie, Scott Feaster, and some friends and got into a good rhythm…even played TPC Sawgrass.

This week I’ll be playing in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. I haven’t played any of the courses in the event—Pebble Beach Golf Links, Poppy Hills or Spyglass—only seen them on TV, but they are legendary and I’m looking to go out and have a great week.

The event is a pro-am, so I’ll be playing alongside celebrities as well as other golfers. People have asked me if I felt like pro-am events were a distraction from the game, but I can tell you that after being on The Big Break, nothing feels like a distraction. I also play in an event every year with Hootie and the Blowfish. That tournament is a blast and they raise a lot of money for kids in my state, South Carolina. In fact, if I had to choose a celebrity I’d like to play with this week, I’d have to say Steve Spurrier, coach of my beloved Gamecocks!

Mostly though, I hope to play some great golf. I’ve spent my two weeks off working on consistency and focusing on my short approach shots and putting. I feel really good about my game and expect to have a good year. Thanks to all my fans for your support!