A.E. Araiza / arizona daily star

Health Care
Sierra Tucson
Eating Disorders Program Coordinator Trades/Construction
RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION Health Care
Dependable Health Services
Physical Therapists Health Care
CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT Sales and Marketing
Everready Glass
Sales Reps Finance and Accounting
Charles E. Gillman Company
Accounting Specialist Administrative & Professional
Jorgensen Brooks Group
Counselor

Michael Thompson is having a great year. The 23-year-old Tucsonan finished his college career as the University of Alabama's top golfer, played in the Masters, graduated with a degree in accounting and — in June — shot the low amateur round at the U.S. Open. Thompson, a graduate of Rincon High School, turned professional last month. Armed with endorsement money from Ping and Titleist, he will attempt to master the PGA Tour's 'Q' School this fall.

I've loved golf ever since I was a kid, and because I loved it so much, it seemed like a good idea to make goals for myself.

That's something every successful person does.

When I was probably 10 or 11, I started writing down little goals. First, I wanted to break 40 (on nine holes) that year; then I wanted to break par. I wanted to have a lower handicap, win a Junior Golf of Arizona tournament, be player of the year.

There was little stuff, too — I don't want to have any three-putts.

My goals this year are a little different. I want to make the (PGA) Tour, learn more about myself and learn how to play — how to compete — every week. I know I have to do more professionally, because now there's the added pressure of playing for money.

I don't have the team to rely on anymore; I'm on my own. Because I'm on my own, I have to stay focused on what I do even more.

If I'm not playing well, I think about my goals and where I've come from, and how I've gotten better. I actually have them written down and posted on my wall so I can look at them.

Setting goals gives me something to look forward to, and really helps me stay on track. It just helps me to remember.

Do I meet all the goals? I typically have. Last year, I wanted to win two tournaments in college golf. I only won one, but it was the SEC championship, so we count that as two. I wanted to finish in the top 15 of every college tournament I played in, and I did — except for the last two.

I wanted my stroke average to go down, and it did. And I wanted to give myself an opportunity to play professionally. I've given myself that opportunity.