Pearman swinging for US Open

It’s been more than half a decade since Dwayne Pearman last tried his luck at US Open qualifiers.

But that’s all about to change as the veteran pro heads off to Orlando, Florida next month to compete in a US Open local qualifier.

Pearman will tee off at the Metrowest Golf Club May 9 with hopes of extending the solid form that has catapulted him to multiple wins on this year’s Jack Daniels Tour.

So what's his strategy?

“It’s a one-day qualifier and so I’m just going out there and try and shoot as low as I can. I’m just going to take it as it comes.”

Pearman’s best showing to date at a US Open qualifier arrived over a decade ago when he reached the first round of qualifiers.

In more recent times he has remained somewhat low-key on the domestic front, limiting himself to making cameo appearances in tournaments.

But this year he intends to make up for lost time.

“I haven’t played that much golf in the last two years but I’m definitely going to try and play more this year.”

Despite the layoff the veteran golfer’s swing has been excellent lately.

“The last month or so I have been hitting the ball pretty good. My swing has been pretty good and has given me a bit of confidence,” he said.

“I’ve never struck the ball as well as I am doing now. I’m striking the ball better than I did 15 years ago.”

While satisfied with his long game, Pearman admits he has to brush up on a short game he has neglected.

“I haven’t put in a lot of work on my short game that I still need because there are going to be times when you miss the green and have to get up and down,” he added.

“The good thing is that I am hitting a lot of greens. I average 13 to 14 greens per round when I play, which makes it easier for me. But when I do miss greens I do not feel comfortable because I haven’t been practicing a lot on my short game that has gotten me through over the years.”

Pearman’s laid back approach to the sport these days appears to be paying off as earlier this week he added the BPGA Stroke Play Championship to his burgeoning trophy cabinet.

“Right now I’m playing more relaxed because I’ve got to the point where I don’t worry myself anymore,” he said.

“I feel as though I can play as well as anybody else. But I don’t beat myself up anymore because I’ve been playing for a long time and so I know that golf gives and takes.

“Sometimes you go out there and everything works in your favor and sometimes it doesn’t. Therefore you have to enjoy the good times and try and not get too upset during the bad times.”