Blog: Blackmar discusses his off season, 2010 goals

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Phil Blackmar is excited to begin his season at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship.

Phil Blackmar is a three-time winner on the PGA TOUR who picked up his first victory on the Champions Tour late last season at the AT&T Championship in San Antonio. As a result of his win, Blackmar will make his first appearance in the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai. PGATOUR.com caught up with Blackmar this week in Park City, Utah where he was relaxing with his family. What did he have to say about his off-season activities and his goals for 2010?

As the Mitsubishi Electric Championship roars around the corner to kick off the 2010 Champions Tour campaign, I can't help but be both excited and enthusiastic. I have not yet had the pleasure to participate in this event, nor have I had the opportunity to enjoy the resort, but I have certainly heard great things. Most players on the Champions Tour have spent a lifetime traveling the world pursuing their careers which, as a byproduct, allows them to stay at some of the swankiest and most renowned resorts in the world. With that in mind; when every player you talk to about Hualalai says "best resort I ever stayed", you know it's going to be special. Further, and since it is sure to be so special, it wouldn't be complete without taking my wife Carol. I am sure we will have a wonderful experience, with or without golf.

Speaking of golf; it can be interesting to hear different player's preparation for the beginning of a new season. Last year ended in a whirlwind for me with three top 10s in the last four events, my first Champions Tour win at the AT&T Championship in San Antonio and my first trip to Sonoma, Calif., for the Charles Schwab Championship. I followed that up with a two-week trip to help with the TaylorMade Adidas pro-ams in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It wasn't until after Thanksgiving that I began to catch my breath and reflect on what all had transpired during the year. Obviously, I played well the last month of the year. My goals for 2010 primarily include building on the adjustments I made at the end of the year and continuing down that path.

To do so, I have tried to avoid the trap which has caught me so often throughout my career -- changing too many things in my game. Also, the mental side of the game is soooo important, and the best mind is a fresh mind. So, for both reasons, I have played little since Sonoma. I have hit some balls and the swing has continued to feel pretty good, so I am leaving it alone; same for the putting stroke. With fingers crossed, I am hoping this will bear fruit. This week, I am accompanying my family in Utah for a ski trip. I'm too big to ski so I am handling the taxi services and cooking for the group. Last time I skied, I was accused of starting an avalanche. Next week, the week prior to Hualalai, will be a cram course which will include many hours around the chipping green, some practicing on the range and quite a bit of time on the course playing. The wind blows in Hawaii, so I will be working on knock-down shots and controlling my ball flight in the wind. Mainly, I am looking forward to enjoying the week and keeping a smile on my face for the entire time.