Join us as we take a tour on the PGA Tour with Parker McLachlin, a former Punahou athlete. McLachlin earned his PGA Tour card for this season. He joins Castle alum Dean Wilson as the only Hawai'i golfers on the PGA Tour. McLachlin, Waikoloa's touring pro, will write his impressions on events that he's just completed and tournaments that are upcoming on his calendar.

Aloha from Charlotte.

Last week was the EDS Byron Nelson in Dallas. It is one of the premier events on tour, in my opinion. This tournament is so prestigious because it is one of the few events on the PGA Tour that has the name of a player in the title. Only Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods can say they have a tournament named after them. So needless to say, it was a great tournament with an electric atmosphere.

I started the week well, shooting a 68 on Thursday and a 69 on Friday. It put me into a great position going into the weekend tied in fifth. Since it was only my second year to play in that event, it was a great situation to be in. Two weeks ago at the Verizon Heritage in Hilton Head, I went into weekend play in a good position as well, finishing Friday tied for 15th. Every time I'm able to get a good first two days under my belt, it's always a good learning experience regardless of the outcome. When you are near at the top of the leaderboard on Friday, you tee off with the last groups on Saturday and Sunday, which is always a great experience. Even though this week's end result was not exactly what I wanted, I took a lot away from the experience. Those experiences help build your memory bank for the next time you're in that situation.

Kristy and I were able to slip away from the golf course on Friday evening and went to the Dallas Mavericks' playoff game. Since we are huge basketball fans, we always love the opportunity to go to a basketball game, whether it's a high school game, college game or an NBA game. We both played basketball growing up, so it was really cool to experience that playoff atmosphere.

Monday after the Byron Nelson was over, I went to San Antonio for an outing for the Valero Texas Open. It was my first time to do a golf event like this where I didn't actually bring my clubs and play. Three other PGA Tour golfers — Rich Beem, Rocco Mediate and last year's Valero Texas Open winner Justin Leonard — and I met with sponsors and charities from the event. After we were done, Valero flew us from San Antonio to Charlotte on their corporate jet. It was the first time Kristy and I have flown on something that nice!

Now we're here in Charlotte getting ready for the Wachovia Championship this week. It is one of my favorite events to play on the tour for several reasons. Quail Hollow Country Club is one of my favorite courses. But the greatest part is that the fans here are welcoming and very knowledgeable. The spectators always give you great ovations. It has the feel of a Major championship. Also, my courtesy car this week is a Mercedes Benz, which is an incredible car to drive for the week.

A couple of my coaches are in town this week to help me keep my fundamentals in check. After three weeks in a row on tour, I need to make sure I've got my mind in the right place and my swing in line. It's great to have sessions with my coaches while I'm on tour and in the mix of things, rather than back home. Overall, I feel great this week and I'm looking forward to another productive weekend.

Mahalo,

Parker

Parker McLachlin can be reached at www.parkermclachlin.com