A Sucessful Start

      Well, Ladies & Gentlemen, my first professional event is in the books!!! I had an amazing time at my first tournament and couldn't have asked for a better result. Bruce and I drove from CDA to Federal Way, WA to compete in the Pepsi Northwest Women's Open. Upon arrival, I was expecting a course that had a sort of "easy" "country club" layout.... however, what we saw was something much different. Put together huge pine trees, intimidating undulations,

treacherous greens and 8 dog-legs, and you get Twin Lakes Golf Club. On our first day in Federal Way, we played a practice round to learn the layout of the links and Bruce put his caddying skills into full gear. The following day, I participated in a Pro-Am event that was very enjoyable and allowed me to become a little more relaxed. My team and I had a great time and we shot a lightening round of 54, but ended up losing by two strokes. Although we lost, I walked away from the Pro-Am with a relaxed mentality and was ready to take on the course the following day. 

          On the first morning of competition, I have to say my nerves were running a little more than wild. I stepped out on the first tee with my heart racing, but Bruce has always told me, "Channel your nerves into focus." So keeping his words in mind, he lined me up, I took a deep breath and I smoked it down the middle!! It was a great start to my first event. The day continued with a couple birdies, a few bogeys, due to nerves and some little mistakes. I ended the day with a score of 3 over, 75. Although I knew I lost some shots out there, I also knew how difficult the course was playing and that I couldn't be too far from the lead heading into day two. 

           I went into day two a few shots back but held a lot more confidence than the previous day. The second day started out much like the first, but this time the competitive side of me came out and I was looking to shoot low.  Although I hit the ball better than I had in weeks and I was sticking it close, I couldn't get my putts to drop. As I stepped up on my 18th hole of the day, I stood at one under par. I looked down the skinny fairway to see a group of people sitting around the green. I thought to myself, "wow, my first professional gallery... let's do this!!!" I striped it down the middle and had just a wedge into the final pin that was tucked in the back corner of the green. I hit a good approach shot and missed the birdie putt by only centimeters. I walked away happy and content with the way I played in my first event. Once all the scores were in, I realized I had moved up a couple spots and I walked away with 3rd place and a nice paycheck!

       All in all, I was very happy with the way I played in my first tournament. However, I know I could have played better, which gives me confidence that the best is yet to come. Also, I couldn't be more proud of the way Bruce conducted himself as my caddy. He did a wonderful job and kept me calm the entire tournament!!! We really make a spectacular team and I know I would never want anyone else on the bag besides him. Playing in this event really helped me regain the love of the competition that this game provides and helped me to remember that the only person I am really competing against, is myself.