Q&A with Nationwide Tour Player Justin Peters (Pembroke, MA)

Earlier this year I interviewed Justin Peters before he had even tee'd it up in a Nationwide event this year. He was basically waiting for the reshuffle and his chance to play. Justin's journey to this point in his career has been a long one, but just like his ringtone "Don't stop believing", he hasn't. Justin is starting to see some great success on the Nationwide Tour and has made 4 of 7 cuts. His best finish coming at the Melwood Prince George's County Open where he finished T12.

You seem to be playing with a lot of confidence right now. Is there anything that you could point to as a reason you are starting to see so much more success?

Justin Peters: I would say I am starting to see more success because of the mental training I have been doing over the last couple of years. Working with my coach Bill McInerney and utilizing www.mygolfinggoals.com has made a huge improvement on following the map to reach my goals.

You’re making a lot of great progress, making 4 of 7 cuts so far this year. After struggling to get to this level for so many years, how good does it feel to be out there, especially being in the final group over both days on the weekend in Maryland?

Justin Peters: It makes all the struggles worth it. There have been many people who thought I was crazy for sticking with it and taking so many financial risks, but I never stopped believing that I could do it. Even though I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be, I am now a lot closer. Being able to experience the final group for two days in a row was awesome. We all work our butts off to try and get into the final group to be in position to win. I know I didn’t win this time, but as long as I keep putting myself in contention, the wins will come.

You've been quoted as saying how you’ve been able to control your emotions on the course. Is that something you’ve always been able to do, or something you’ve had to work on? If so, any tips?

Justin Peters: I have always been good at controlling my outward emotions, but I have gotten better at controlling my inward emotions. These are the ones that you can’t see. We all have them and I feel that these are the most important ones. Only the player knows if he is controlling those or not. My coach has me do a simple exercise for some tournament rounds. He calls it the bubble exercise. I put all the things I don’t want to think about or the things that I don’t have control over on the outside of the bubble. I put all the things I want to think about and the things I have control over inside the bubble. I put these on a piece of paper and put it in my pocket and read it while I am playing. This is a great tip for anyone to keep their emotions in check.

With all of the travelling and being away from your family, how difficult of an adjustment has that been?

Justin Peters: It has been very difficult. Especially since my son Domenick is only a year and a half old. He changes so much every day and when I get back from my trips I can’t believe the new things he is doing. My wife Shelle has been so great and supportive. I would not be able to play so well and focus if she was not such a great wife and mom.

Is it true your ringtone is “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey? Very fitting and obviously has some special meaning to you? You haven’t stopped believing in yourself and your talent. A great lesson for many people.

Justin Peters: To be honest, my wife got me addicted to the show Glee. They did a rendition of the song and it got me thinking. About August or September last year, I knew this was going to be my last run at Q-school , so I added the ringtone as a reminder. I have had it on there ever since. It is a little corny, but it gets me fired up. My motto in life is “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up”. This is a quote from Jimmy Valvano. If I stopped believing or if I gave up, I would have missed out on some amazing experiences over the last year or so. I am so excited for the future and I feel my golf career is just beginning.