That's what I needed to do, ... I made eight birdies ... and, unfortunately, three bogeys. So I'm still making mistakes. But I've got to be happy with that.

Because of the grass and open face, I take one more club for shots from the rough, unless the ball is sitting on top of dry grass. Then, I use more loft and swing softer, trying to hit it about 70 percent to avoid a flyer over the green.

I wouldn't say I missed it, I did not miss it for a good three months. I guess subconsciously I knew I was out. I was going to be out for a long time. I think I just wanted to shut myself off. Not watch it or read about it or anything like that and concentrate on other things in my life.

For all the fun, don't forget: I always knew when to put my golf balls down and practice.

If you can hit your 3- and 5-woods with confidence from the fairway, par 5s become birdie opportunities, and 420-yard par 4s are a lot less scary.

Mondays are a good day to make statements, not Friday.