I spent the past couple of weeks in Phoenix playing in a Cactus Tour event and getting ready for the US Open qualifier. Some girls decided to take it easy during May but by deciding to play I won my second professional golf tournament!!! It was a great win against LPGA players and a solid field. It was nice to see some of my work paying off. I’ve been learning a lot in Phoenix, spending some time with a long time LPGA caddy who has taught me how to chart courses and really think out there, by playing smart yet staying aggressive and using my advantages all at the same time. I’m really grateful for him.
After the tournament win with my friends Tara and Tracy
I flew out to Portland last week to play in my US Open qualifier. I traveled with fellow LPGA Futures Tour player Jessi Gebhardt. We visited the Nike campus in Beaverton, which is a dream place for me to work or at least to work for one day. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the Swoosh. We woke up early Saturday and played Pumpkin Ridge Ghost Creek with my Oregon caddy. That course is the home of the LPGA Safeway Classic held in August. We will be taking a red eye from the east coast to Monday qualify for that tournament in August so we used Saturday’s round as a practice round. I had my qualifier yesterday at Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver, WA. It was by far the tightest golf course I’ve ever played. I didn’t play as well as I have been playing lately and it was a shame because I missed qualifying by one shot. My group finished our 36th hole last night and was told by the rules official that we were stroked one shot from our first round because we were 2 minutes late finishing the 18th hole. It had started to rain heavily on our 16th hole and my two girls shot 85 and 89. You can only play so fast when you hit that many shots and trees. What could I do? How can I be responsible for them shooting scores like that when you are supposed to have a 6 handicap or less to even play in the qualifier? I was furious because at the time my score was sitting in a playoff. It turned out that a late score came in and I missed the playoff by 1 shot not counting the ridiculous penalty stroke. I learned a lot on this weekend trip up to the Pacific Northwest and have realized HOW CLOSE I am to breaking through. It’s bound to happen. I’m not giving in that’s for sure.
Nike
Jessi and I
I’m en route to Phoenix currently to get my belongings and Jeep and head for the Midwest for more Futures Tour events. I’m excited to get back in the groove of things and playing some smart and solid golf! Happy Memorial Day everyone!
What I’m Listening to: Everything!
What I’m Reading: Play Your Best Golf Now - Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott
