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Will the Early Bird Get the Worm?

Overcast skies had prevented the sun from breaking through, leaving a hint of darkness on the range at True Blue Golf Plantation. The scheduled start of the 26th annual PGA TOUR Superstore World Amateur Handicap Championship – 8:30 a.m. – was still 90 minutes away when the passion that motivates people to travel from across the globe to play brought the first player to the range. 

Wayne Rhodes lugged a bag of balls and his clubs to the range and began his preparation alone. With dreams of a flight championship alive, Rhodes, who has played the World Am the last 10 years, arrived early with a purpose. 

“I found out if you don’t get to the range early, it gets a little bit hectic, and they’ve always told me one of the best ways to be calm and collected is to take your time,” Rhodes said after finishing his work on the putting green. “You don’t want to be rushed playing a tournament - your golf swing or your preparation. So I get here early and relax.”

Rhodes plays competitively throughout the year, but he still gets a few butterflies in the stomach prior to the start of play.

“I can’t say that I don’t (get nervous) but even Tiger (Woods) says he gets nervous,” Rhodes said with a laugh. “I’d like to think it’s more excitement than nerves. It’s not as bad as it used to be. Just keep breathing, it will be alright.”

So how did Rhodes first early morning warm-up session go?

“It was scary I hit it so good,” he said. “I had to quit. It’s not supposed to be good when you hit it that good on the range.”

Hopefully the rain will subside, and Rhodes will get to see if he can bring his sweet-swinging practice session to the course.

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• world am