Andy Matthews has glimpsed professional golf's good life.

He's played lush courses, been included in PGA Tour fields that read like a Who's Who of the world's best players and had his shot at Sunday paydays.

But for Matthews - who captained the University of Michigan men's golf team in 2002, golf's main stage remains elusive.

Matthews has bounced from one golfing locale to another. He's spent time on the Canadian Professional Golf Tour, he has played Monday qualifiers hoping to earn a spot in an event field and has traveled afar - Canada, Africa and Mexico - to keep his golf dream alive.

So far, Matthews' PGA aspirations haven't panned out on a full-time basis. But at 29, Matthews isn't about to give up the chase.

"I've definitely seen both sides of it and (the good side) is what keeps me going," Matthews said in a phone interview Thursday, four days after missing a playoff to get into the Buick Open by one shot at a qualifier in Auburn Hills.

After winning the Michigan Amateur in 2001, Matthews has experienced golf's roller coaster ride, competing in four PGA events, including a U.S. Open and two Buick Opens.

Matthews - who holds a degree in sport management communications from Michigan - often misses a playing field by a shot or two. The near misses sting.

"There are times when you're playing in events that nobody comes to or where the golf course isn't up to snuff and when you just spent time in the car or in an airplane just chasing the dream," Matthews said. "But there are so many great players out there that are all motivated to get to where you want to be as a golfer."

Last fall, he reached the second stage of the PGA's Qualifying School, coming within a couple of shots at the finals, which would have earned him an automatic Nationwide Tour card.

After losing his status after five years on the Canadian Tour, Matthews has played well enough recently to move up to 15th on the Canadian Order of Merit. He has made the cut in four of five events this season and earned $22,756.55. He finished tied for first and lost in a playoff at the Corona Mazatlan PGA Championship on April 26.

"There's no doubt I am playing the best golf of my life," Matthews said.

What changed with Matthews' golf game isn't as much about the time he has spent working with his coach Charley Vandenberg at Grand Rapids' Thousand Oaks Golf Club spent on a practice green or driving range.

Last October, Matthews began working with Hope 139, which was founded by doctors Tim Royer and Brad Oostindie, who operate the company in Grand Rapids.

The program, which has been tested by NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki and retired women's golfer Annika Sorenstam, is designed to get the brain and body to work together more effectively.

Matthews saw the chance to work with Hope 139 as a way to improve his golf game, but over time, the state-of-the-art program has changed his life.

Often before traveling to the golf course, Matthews spends anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours connected to laptop computer. Matthews begins with a series of breathing exercises aimed at slowing his heartbeat.

Once there, he moves on to neurofeedback training, which operates through any DVD, which only continues to play if Matthews' bio-rhythms are within the guidelines of where his doctors want them.

The positive reinforcement comes through continued viewing of two of Matthews' favorites, the television show "The Deadliest Catch" and the movie "Band of Brothers."

The results have been astounding.

"People who knew me before I started with Hope 139 say I am a lot more relaxed and laid back," he said. "And the thing is, I thought I was pretty laid back, but now when I see how I am now, I really see the difference."

Matthews also sees a difference on the course. Vandenberg said being able to control the body and how it reacts in certain situations is like having a 15th club in the bag.

The trusty laptop are now as much of his traveling gear as are his clubs. He sometimes needs a session lasting no more than 15 or 20 minutes to get to the relaxation level where he most feels comfortable.

"I know I have the game to compete," Matthews said. "But a lot of times, it comes down to who has the hottest putter that week. But I have had streaks where I have played really well. Now it's just a matter of doing it more often."

Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2554 or jeffarnold@annarbor.com