I'm back n Florida this week! We are playing the Legends course at LPGA International Golf Club. I teed off #1 at 9:40 this morning. I got off to a good start, hitting the first three greens in regulation. My first hiccup came at #7. It is a fairly long par 3 slightly uphill and into a VERY stiff wind today. If you miss anywhere, short of the green is the best place to be. I played a great shot that landed a couple of yards short of the green. I was happy with my miss, knowing that short was the best chance to save par. When I approached my ball I noticed that there was something strange about the lie. It looked to be nestled down into the ground as if it had landed in its own ball mark. However, there was a definite ball mark about a foot in front of my ball...I assumed that was mine. Lesson learned: never assume. I proceeded to flub my chip shot because it was in fact sitting in its own ball mark (had I investigated this further, I could have dropped my ball out of its plugged lie according to the rules of golf). Another poor chip left me with a 10 footer I didn't make. I left the green with a double. The only blemish on my front side, I made the turn at 2 over par. Lesson learned.
As the day progressed, that stiff wind became huge gusts from 30-40 mph. It became harder to hit greens, and I added two more bogeys to my card from missed up & downs. In fact, I only hit 4 greens on the back side. My first birdie of the day finally fell at the par 5, #16! Unfortunately #17 played particularly long into the wind, and I was unable to convert the putt for par. I ended on a good note, though, hitting #18 in regulation, and tapping in for par(after a heartbreaking lip out for birdie).
Although I'm not thrilled with a 76, I am encouraged by several things in today's round. Putting, first and foremost! If you've followed me via Facebook, you've noticed that I had a putting lesson on Friday. I learned the Aimpoint putting technique from instructor Justin Blazer at the Falo Institute in Orlando. It was quite possibly one of the greatest putting lessons I've received. If you aren't familiar with Aimpoint...google it. As great as it is, this was only my third day with the material and the first tournament round using it. My nerves were a little on edge to begin with, but I felt more comfortable by the end of the round. I found myself assessing putts quickly and being more decisive over the ball. Any concerns about the concept being too technical for me to use on the course sort of fell away, and I made some GREAT putts today (not every GREAT putt fell...but a lot of them did)! I am very excited to continue integrating this technique into my game! Also, I hit some really solid golf shots today and made some great course strategy decisions.
My score putts me 6 strokes back of the lead and tied for 11th with two more rounds to go. I'll be teeing off tomorrow at 8:20 EST off #1! As always, I am deeply grateful to even have the opportunity to play and pursue golf as a career. Thank you for your encouragement throughout this adventure & I'll keep you updated!!! Have a great night!!!
Soli Deo Gloria
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