Annual Letter
DBC In The Zone, LLC Annual Letter
To the Supporters of My Golf Dream:
About a year ago, I was finishing up the MAC Championship playing for the Miami University RedHawks. Shortly thereafter, I hit my first professional tee shot at the Clovernook Open. In a couple of days, I will hit that same tee shot, but it certainly won’t feel the same. This past year has been a rollercoaster that has helped me gain a wealth of knowledge that I am very grateful for. I experienced some of the highest highs followed by some unfortunate lows so I look back on year one with a combination of excitement and a few ‘what could’ve beens’.
Last Year’s Performance
Since my professional debut in May of 2024 at the Clovernook Open, I have done a few things to be proud of. My career got off to a hot start, finishing one shot back of the eventual winner, receiving my first paycheck in my very first event. Over the next year, I went on to rattle off multiple top 10’s in several mini tour events, making the cut in 83% of my starts. Most notably, I finished runner-up at a Dakotas Tour event in Minot, ND, with a four day score of -25.
Some of my biggest accomplishments this year were my success in Monday Qualifiers. I qualified twice into PGA Tour sanctioned events: The Manitoba Open in Winnipeg on PGA Tour Americas and the NV5 Invitational on the Korn Ferry Tour in Glenview, IL.
These two weeks ‘inside the ropes’ allowed me to not only play in front of healthy grandstands, but also stack my game up against players making a career playing golf. These two weeks provided incredible insight into what having ‘status’ looks like.
Status can be gained a couple of ways. One of those being successfully Monday qualifying into an event and then playing great (Top 10), which then exempts the player into the following week's event on that tour. The other way to gain status (the more traditional way) is through Q School, also known as professional golf’s toughest test.
Korn Ferry Tour Q School has 4 stages: Pre-Qualifying, First, Second, and Final, with approximately 20 finishers moving on from each stage. Players who make it to the final stage are guaranteed status. Back in September, I competed in the Pre-Qualifying stage in Illinois. I advanced, finishing in a tie for 7th and well inside the cutline. I then traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska for First Stage. Playing alongside former Korn Ferry Tour winners as well as guys fresh out of college like myself, the tension was palpable all week, with livelihoods on the line.
I missed the four day cut of -7 by three shots. Although the result was disappointing, it sets the benchmark for this year. With my Top 35 finish at First Stage, I am exempt through the Pre-Qualifying Stage, one less week to tackle.
Areas of Strength and Areas of Growth
As I look back on Year 1 and head into Year 2, it serves as a great opportunity to look at my body of work over the last 12 months and see where on the course I was successful, and where the biggest room for improvement is.
With the help of the statistics program DECADE, I can decipher those strengths and weaknesses.
Overall Scoring Avg: 70.1
Strengths:
● Approach play from 100-225 yds
● 3 putt avoidance
● Double bogey avoidance
Room to Grow:
● Driving accuracy
● Up and down percentage
● Make rate from 5-15 ft
Using this knowledge, I design my practice plans around these needs, while continuing to improve my strengths.
I have also continued to work diligently with Dr. Arthur Hoffman on my mental game. This year has been by far the most challenging one on my mind. With last minute travel, staying in new places, and competing against stronger competition, my work with Arthur has kept me
grounded. Back in November, Arthur and I participated in a 6 hour mindfulness retreat, my longest practice to date! As we head into year 2, I am excited to continue to develop and cultivate more of a killer-instinct attitude and go take it!
What Your Support Has Contributed To
Of course, none of the above would be possible without your support. Over the last 12 months, I have met and talked with many players in my situation. The biggest stressor, hands down, is the financial cost to play professional golf. Your generous contribution towards my dream has afforded me the opportunity to get the most out of my schedule, covering travel, housing costs, and the most expensive part of the journey: entry fees.
Your support has also allowed me to purchase items essential to elevating my game. The Bushnell Launch Pro is a launch monitor that tracks carry distance, ball speed, and spin rate. I can take the device on the course allowing me to work on wedge distances with the scoring clubs. I also have invested in putting training aids that consistently put my stroke in a good spot each day.
Your contribution is also allocated towards coaching. In addition to Arthur Hoffman, I continue to work with Chris Oehlerking. My coach for the last 10 years, Chris and I continue to leave no stone unturned as we chase gaining status together. He experienced great success this last year too, as he was named the 2024 Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year. Along with Arthur and Chris, Jantzen Miserak helps me with all things fitness-related to keep my body both strong and mobile, especially important during busy tournament stretches.
The resources I have listed above are all possible thanks to your generosity.
The last year has opened my eyes to amazing golf courses, new cities, and most importantly, stronger and more impactful relationships.
Like I mentioned earlier, the emotional and mental toll this journey can take can sometimes be overwhelming, but knowing you are supporting me truly means the world.
I am forever indebted to you for your generosity.
What Does Year 2 Have in Store?
As I head into my sophomore year of professional golf, I am fired up. With an enhanced level of understanding about the entire professional golf landscape, I am excited for year 2. My schedule will be a steady blend of Monday qualifiers, mini tour events to keep me competitively ready, and most importantly, 3 different Q-Schools, giving myself the largest opportunity to gain status.
● This June, I will compete in PGA Tour Americas Q School.
● In September, I will travel to Europe to compete in the First Stage of DP World Q School.
● Beginning in October, I will take another run at Korn Ferry Tour Q-School.
I am bullish about this next year and I cannot thank you enough for your support.
Thank You
As I continue to reflect on Year 1, it makes me so thankful for all the opportunities I had.The combination of places seen and people that I met makes me so grateful as I chase this dream. This was especially evident during the last four months.
To escape the cold this winter, I spent time in several places in Florida, including Naples, Vero Beach, Boca Raton, and Orlando. I also was able to take trips to both Saint Simons Island, GA and Scottsdale, AZ. Accompanied by gracious hosts and great golf courses, it allowed me to continue to work on my game while also seeing amazing places many professional players call home.
I am so grateful for your support in year 1 and look forward to a great year ahead!
Best,
Danny Fisher
