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Gosse's game requires little work
By KEITH NIEBUHR
© St. Petersburg Times, INVERNESS -- Kelly Gosse is at a slight disadvantage this week. Instead of fine-tuning his game -- like everybody else -- in preparation for the 84th Florida State Amateur at World Woods Golf Club, he will, as always, spend most of his time at work. "I'm lucky if I play once a week," said Gosse, who works for Apria Healthcare, a medical supplier. "I practice once every other week. I don't have time." For most, golf isn't like riding a bike. The dynamics of the swing can be forgotten if one doesn't practice. But lengthy periods away from the course haven't hurt Gosse, who once doubled as a touring professional (he played on the now-defunct Spacecoast Tour for several years) and teaching professional. Despite having a busy work schedule, the 37-year-old enters the state amateur with momentum. Two weeks ago, he teamed with Ocala's Steve Albright in a best-ball format to shoot rounds of 66-65 and win the Florida Mid-Amateur Four-Ball North Championship. "My swing is a natural swing," Gosse said. "I didn't grow up beating the ball on the range. When I grew up, we played golf 45 holes a day on a nine-hole course. I worked in the (golf) business for 15 years and I learned how to stay sharp when you don't play every day." Gosse, a Citrus County resident since 1987, is playing in his second state amateur. He first qualified for the event in 1998, when it was held at Bay Hill near Orlando. He placed 21st. Conflicts with work (the tournament was scheduled at the same time his company took inventory) kept Gosse from playing in the '99 and 2000 amateurs. His schedule was more flexible this year, but he almost didn't make it. After shooting a 2-over-par 74 in his qualifying round at the Country Club of Ocala, Gosse ended up in a tie with three other players for the final three spots. He made par on the first playoff hole to get in. The state amateur, which begins Thursday, will be played on two layouts -- the Rolling Oaks and Pine Barrens Courses. Gosse has played both courses approximately 15 times. And with little time to prepare, he'll take any edge he can get. "I've got some confidence going in there, but my problem is that I don't get to play and practice enough," Gosse said. INTRODUCING: KELLY GOSSEHOMETOWN: Inverness AGE: 37 OCCUPATION: Apria Healthcare, deliveries BACKGROUND: Had stints as a teaching professional at Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club and Seven Rivers Golf & Country Club. Played on the Spacecoast Tour, one of golf's top mini-tours, from the late 1980s through the early '90s and posted four top-five finishes. "I never won, but I made money out there," he said. Attempted to qualify for the PGA Tour in 1991 but missed the cut. Regained amateur status in 1998.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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