This week's Fry's Electronics Open proved to be one of the best fall golf tournaments we have been treated to in quite some time. It was filled with some low-scoring opening rounds and closed with treacherous conditions that really forced the cream to rise to the top. The Raptor Course at Grayhawk is a tremendous facility to showcase West Coast desert golf as well as an excellent venue for the world's best golfers to test their skills.

Some of the highlights included Michael Allen's opening-round of 63 in front of his home town crowd, Mark Hensby's blistering second round of 61, and Ryan Moore's two-day total which, leaving him in the lead, reassured us that he is getting closer and closer to finding his way to the winner's circle. And then, of course, there was Mike Weir.

Weir started slowly with an opening-round 69, and continued to build through the week with second and third rounds of 64 and 65, respectively. His closing round, 68, was one of the best scores posted for the day and definitely the kind of round one would expect from a Major Championship winner. Weir is a tenacious player who grinds away at the golf course and picks away at a leader board.

I believe there were three major factors that led Weir to this victory. He has worked very hard for the last few years on swing changes, had some great recent success with his win over Tiger Woods in the Presidents Cup, and he was poised for this victory, seemingly having complete control of his golf game and his emotions.

Here are my recommendations for incorporating these factors into your game successfully:

Swing Changes

It seems interesting to me that some of the best players in the world, who appear to be at the peak of their game, continue to work on their golf swings and try to improve upon their techniques. This should be a great indicator, to the average golfer, of the importance of taking lessons and trusting the slow, steady process of golf swing improvement. Weir has waited over three years to see swing changes bring him back into the winner's circle. Be patient with your own improvement and trust that all the changes you are making will lead you to a better swing and, in turn, a better game.

Success

A critical part of growing as a player is the ability to build off of success. Many players don't allow themselves to succeed for fear that they are actually getting better. If you have a good front nine, or shoot your best 18-hole round, or perhaps a great summer of fantastic play, allow each success to build on your overall view of the direction your game is going. Trust in the fact that each one of these successes is a sign that you can attain the goals that you have set for yourself as a player.

Control of Game/Emotions

I put these two together because they really work hand in hand. A player who can control his emotions is much more capable of controlling his game. Sometimes, when you're not swinging well, your emotions are all you're in control of. A positive outlook on your ability and the possibility for a positive outcome in any given situation will always lead to better results.

Weir had several errant approach shots coming down the stretch, but he kept his composure and hit confident pitch shots with great saving putts to close the deal. Trust yourself with relaxed, confident play to attain your best results.

PGA Golf Professional, Jeff Shores is currently the Head Golf Professional at The Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg, South Carolina. A native Californian, Jeff has spent the last 15 years teaching high school, collegiate and amateur golfers to reach new levels in their golf endeavors. Jeff is also at the forefront of PGA Professionals taking their teaching skills to the internet with his golf blog and podcasts. For more information on PGA Professional, Jeff Shores, log onto www.golfingwithjeff.com or contact him at pgajeff@charter.net.