Parker's blog: Not a bad start

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Aloha,

Well it's been an eventful few days. On Tuesday, I was in Southern California to participate in the 2008 Oakley fall catalogue photo shoot. It was really cool to be part of an experience like this. When I got to the studio, there was a staff of seven people there just to cater to me and the photo shoot. There was a photographer, a stylist, a wardrobe expert, a lighting person, and three other people there to make sure the entire photo shoot went off without a hitch.

Parker McLachlin has played in eight TOUR events so far this year. (Graythen/Getty Images)

As some of you may have noticed, Oakley is one of my primary sponsors, and I wear their clothing and sunglasses on the golf course. I love their products, and everyone who was a part of the photo shoot treated me incredibly well.

As for the actual shoot, it was a fun experience. I had my mind made up on what participating in a photo shoot would be like, but I had never actually been in one that was going to be used in a catalog. The photo shoot lasted a few hours, as I was photographed in five different outfits. It was like being on "America's Next Top Model."

The photographer - who was great - would use really funny examples to try to get out certain facial expressions. One time he asked me to make a face as if my golf ball had just hit a tree and the ball landed in the water. I tried as hard as I could. One time he yelled "show me that rage!" Another time he said "explore all of your feelings!" It was great. To be representing a global brand as great as Oakley is really an honor.

In the golf world, this is Masters week, and this is also the first time in my life where I feel that I should be at Augusta playing. My first thought when I turned on the television was "I am this close to playing in that event next year." I know the tournament is within my grasp. Previously, that was just a pipe dream. But I know now that I can play with the big guns on TOUR.

As for my selections this week, I'm going with three players to watch: Geoff Ogilvy, Brandt Snedaker, and Rory Sabbatini. Brandt played there in 2001 when he won the US Publix Championship. Last year I told you guys to watch out for Brett Wetterich, and then he goes out and leads the Masters heading into Saturday. Okay, okay, he didn't play so great on the weekend. But if it were a 36-hole tournament, I would have been a genius!

This week I'll be spending some time working on my game. On Monday and Tuesday, I didn't pick up a club. When you are on the road so much, you almost forget how nice it is to just make yourself breakfast, lunch and dinner. My wife and I spend so much time eating in hotel rooms or in restaurants across the country that we try to take full advantage of cooking a great meal when we are at home.

I'm also spending some time working with my swing coach and my mental coach setting out goals for my next tournament week and goals for the next month. I really think the next few weeks and months are going to be great, so I look forward to checking back in with you all next week!

Mahalo,

Parker