At the start of this 2004 season, the question I have gotten during these first couple of days out here in Tucson is ‘what have you been up to during the off season?’ Well, I have been really busy participating in a variety of adventures and events. First off, my game has been coming along really well. I am very excited about this season.

Well, 2004 started off great with a trip to Myrtle Beach to visit friends for New Years. It was a wonderful week full of golf and football. My Georgia Bulldogs once again had a fantastic year topped off by a close but victorious bowl game. Go Dawgs!!!

I then headed down to Florida to practice in some warm weather. I visited with close friends and family. Thanks to Kev, Beth, the Meeks, and Grandma and Grandpa for making my off season so much more enjoyable. It was great to spend some quality time with everyone. I was also able to play some wonderful golf courses; my favorite was Black Diamond Ranch. It has 4 holes located on an old quarry with unbelievable views. I was able to play the course with my swing coach and some of his friends. Just incredible!

A lot happened right before season started off…

AJ and sister Amanda

As many of you may know, I used to ride horses before I played golf, however I had not ridden since I was 12; until recently. My dad took my sister, Amanda, and I to a nearby ranch to ride for our Valentines Day gift. It was like old times riding around the arena with Amanda. I was a little hesitant at first, but overall it was like old times. I believe I will try and ride more often as it seems like it is an integral part of me.

AJ and Kev at Daytona International Speedway

For the first time I was able to attend the Daytona 500 race. Kevin and I enjoyed the race with fellow tour players and our seats were perfect. No one can explain just how loud and fast those cars fly past. Dale Earnhart Jr. can really control that race track. It was amazing to see him win on such an incredible track. To have over 200,000 people watching the race was unbelievable, especially when you try to leave Daytona right after the race, I didn’t expect the long ride home, ha-ha. I will never forget the experience of my first NASCAR race.

Jimmy Buffet

After a trip home I headed back down to Beth’s home to have some good practice and take part in some Pro-ams. One in particular was so much fun. The Outback pro-am had Jimmy Buffet as the entertainment. I had so much fun with Beth, Brian, DeCap and Johnny Carrabba. As you can imagine the food was spectacular along with the entertainment.

After another quick trip up to Atlanta to see my sister and my nieces - 1 year old Angelina and 2 ½ year old LeAnn; my mom, dad, and I headed towards Tucson with many stops along the way. First we headed to Florida to go sport fishing.

AJ and Capt. Jeff Moorman

We went to Anderson Pier- Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach, FL. Capt. Jeff Moorman is a Live Bait Specialist. His company is called First Light Charters and his website is http://charterfishing-moormannbrothers.com. If you are ever in the area you should contact Jeff as he was fabulous. On my first line I threw out, I caught a big slimy trout. We caught many types of fish to include trout, flounder, pin, and lady fish. We also had a dolphin swim right up to the side of the boat. They are amazing creatures. It was a great way to get away from golf, but still enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Mardi Gras 2004, Biloxi

Farther down the road we ran into a mardi gras parade. We stopped in Biloxi MS and took part. Obviously my mom and I were not hesitant when it came to collecting beads of all sizes and colors. It was so much fun to let down your entire adult like qualities and just have fun.

Our next stop was in Houston where I was able to run into Johnny Carrabba once again. He set me up to play at his home course where I was able to play with some great golfers. Apparently his course is well known for the vast amount of scratch golfers and I definitely played with a few of them.

AJ and Johnny Carrabba

We then headed to San Antonio and the river walk. If you are ever in the area you should make a point to visit this city within the city. The river walk is so unique with the restaurants directly on the water. The Mall is completely glass over looking the water. I also went dancing with my folks at a country western place. It was so much fun to be spun around and to do the Texas two step. What a memorable trip to the city within the city.

We then headed on to Tucson, where I am now in my room about to go out to the course. I will keep everyone up to date throughout the season. If you ever have any questions or comments please don’t hesitate to send me an email. I am so thankful to have your support and encouragement throughout the year. Have a wonderful day and keep reaching for the stars!!!