The transition from college golf to professional golf can come easier for some.
Rodolfo Cazaubon, a former post graduate student at the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy, solidified his game here at GGGA as a junior before receiving a scholarship to play at the University of North Texas. After graduating,Cazaubon played his first year of professional golf, winning both the European Tour and PGA Latin America Qualifiers. Cazaubon adapted well to the transition from college to professional golf, already securing two Web.Com Tour events and a spot on the PGA Latin America Tour this coming season. The biggest difference forCazaubon is the pressure.
“First off, you are playing for money and it’s your living,” Cazaubon said. “It’s a different environment. Otherwise It’s still golf. It helps that most of the guys I played with, I’ve played with them in college. I found that I adapted quickly after the second event and I felt relaxed.”
Cazaubon stopped by the academy one last time before heading to Columbia to start his season. Txema Sanchez, a Senior Coach here at GGGA has guided Cazaubon along since he was a Post Graduate student five years ago. Cazaubon made sure his final preparation was done here with his coach.
“Txema knows I do not like to work very technical because I’ll go crazy,” Cazaubon said. “We have been focusing on tempo because sometimes I go too quick and that makes me go a little long with my back swing. We’ve also been working on alignment and precision shots. Also, distance control with my short game. Regarding my mental game, shaping shots by imagining I am on the golf course and thinking where do I want the ball to go?”
After this week here at GGGA, Cazaubon feels confident heading into the season. He is mentally ready and has set a goal for himself: “To play well in both the Web.Com events and ultimately stay on the tour.”
Cazaubon’s confidence is evident as he trains one final time here. His game is ready and his mental game seems to be on par as well.
“I learned a lot about myself last year. I realized I can fight, and I have the skill level to compete and win. Winning the European Qualifier definitely helped my confidence going into this season. It was my first professional event, and I performed really well. Txema said my swing in general looks good, and I just need to believe in myself.”
Cazaubon’s season kicks off this weekend at the Web.Com Colombia Championship Presented by Claro, ending on Sunday, February 8th. His PGA Latin America tour begins March 19th and runs through December 6th. Last year, Cazaubon had 3 top 10 finishes with a scoring average of 70.67 and hopes to increase his rank from 23rd this coming season.
