Just a quick update on my last two rounds! I'll start with the final round at Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida.
I hit more greens, only missing three for the day and actually made every save for par. However, I struggled again with my putting. I had a lot of birdie opportunities that I misread. My speed was a little better, but my reads were off quite a bit. I had two three putts for the day, and only one birdie fell. I carded a 73, and was happy to at least have improved my score every day.
I came home Thursday night, and immediately started preparing for the Navistar LPGA qualifier that following Monday, September 12. The Navistar is played on the Robert Trent Jones Senator course in Prattville, Alabama. This year, the greens were totally renovated from Bermuda to Champions Bermuda and we were the first two play on them. Translation: brand new greens that were extremely hard and lightening fast! After my practice round on Sunday, I spent two hours on the putting green.
I teed off #1 yesterday afternoon at 1:00. I got off to a great start. I hit greens and made great putts. I only missed one green on the front, but made the save for par. My first bogey came with a three putt on #10. I had played my approach shot to land on the ridge short of the pin and funnel down. Unfortunately, this was the one shot that seemed to stick. Literally one more yard, and it was perfect. I was left with a very slippery lengthy putt for birdie. My speed was great, but my line was off. I misread the five footer left for par, to bogey. I did stick an approach to three feet on #13 to make birdie and get back to even par for the round. The next hole, I hit a wayward drive over a bunker and onto a mound. I hit a pretty good shot considering my awkward lie, and had a 30 foot putt for birdie. I hit a great putt, but it just ran out a little farther than expected. I still only had about two feet left, but I misjudged the read and it lipped out. I hit another good approach into the par three 16th. I had a 20 footer that was incredibly slick and had a huge swing left to right. It took off, and I missed the comeback eight footer. I came to #18, a long par four, at two-over par. I knew two over wouldn't make it since my playing partner was two under for the day. I tried to smoke my drive, and as a result pulled it left into thick rough, leaving myself with absolutely no chance to reach the green. I punched out and hit the best iron shot I'd hit all day into the green. I was sure it would be close and I would at least have a chance to par. Unfortunately, the shot didn't hold. In fact, it hit five feet right of pin high, and rolled out to the back of the green 60 feet away. I three putted for a terrible double to end the round.
When I left the course last night, a 70 and 71 were the low scores. Although I didn't make it, I wasn't upset with my play, just disappointed with the score and result. I was actually pretty proud of the way I played. I just got some bad breaks and some heartbreaking putts. But I stayed positive and in the moment every shot. It just wasn't meant to be. And "what of the last hole?" you may ask. Well, I admit it wasn't the best decision, but I knew that whatever I did on 18, my score wasn't low enough to make it. Had I been sitting at even par or had I been in any event other than a one day qualifier, my strategy would have been different. But, going forward, I will do better to consciously decide to play every hole to the best of my ability regardless of where I stand at the end of the day. That's my only regret about the decision. Other than that, I was proud of my play.
It's hard to believe, but my next event will be qualifying school in Venice, Florida at the end of the month! I'll be heading that way next Wednesday, and the tournament begins on the 27th. It is a four day competition on two courses with no cut. The top 70 and ties will advance to Stage III qualifying. Basically, this year at qualifying school there is a double incentive: play well to gain better status on the Futures Tour and to advance to Stage III for a chance at LPGA status. Despite my scores, I feel like I'm on the brink of playing some really good golf. I've worked really hard this entire season, and will continue the process this week in preparation for Q-School. I am excited about playing, and look forward to the challenge. Thanks for following, and I'll keep you updated! Have a great week!
No comments:
Post a Comment