Blog: Park thinking birdies instead of Bourbon Street

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New Orleans. Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, Casinos, and great food ... and all I am interested in is the 10-footer I just made on the 18th hole to shoot even par through two rounds of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. I am hoping that will be good enough for me to make the cut. A made cut this week will make it seven out of nine tournaments in 2008. Not a bad start for a guy who was splitting time between the Gateway Tour and the Asian Tour last year.

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Jin Park is enjoying life of the PGA TOUR.

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Article: Learn more about the Citi Mentor Program

I'm not sure how to describe the PGA TOUR in word. I had so many expectations about the TOUR, and thus far they have all been surpassed. Starting with the brand new courtesy cars each week to staying at five-star resorts ... playing golf courses like Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Innisbrook and Torrey Pines ... standing next to players like Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, K.J. Choi and Tiger Woods. Oh yeah, not to mention we are playing for purses that range from $4 million to $8 million each week. One of the best amenities the TOUR offers is the child care system. TOUR child care has made traveling with my wife, Judy, and our 1-year-old baby girl, Ellie, very convenient. The PGA TOUR is a place I would love to play for many years to come, and plan on it!!

I'm learning pretty quickly that in order to play on the PGA TOUR for a long time you have to be consistent, patient and persistent. I have been fairly consistent but lacking patience and wanting so badly to have a good finish has been holding me back on the weekends. I am waiting patiently for the good weekends to come and know they will.

Playing practice rounds with veteran players has been very helpful. I have made excessive efforts to play my practice rounds with players who have been successful on the PGA TOUR. Many practice rounds are with my fellow Korean, K.J. Choi. He has taught me various secrets to being successful on TOUR. K.J. has taught me what it will take for rookies like me to win, how to prepare, how to manage my time and how to make the most of each tournament. Paul Azinger is another player everyone respects. Being part of Team Citi this year and having Paul Azinger, a former PGA TOUR champion and this year's Ryder Cup captain, as our mentor, helps significantly. It definitely helps to have players like K.J. and Paul, proven winners and accomplished players, guiding me in the right direction.

Yes! I just got an Internet connection here in my hotel room. I am able to see that I'm tied for 64th place and will most likely be playing this weekend at the Zurich Classic. Not exactly the position I wanted to be in, but it sure beats not having a tee time on Saturday and Sunday. We'll see if I can make a big move this weekend!