The first tournament of the season has been officially completed! It's hard to believe the 2014 Symetra golf season is under way after feeling like the 2013 season just ended. My practice rounds leading up to my tournament went well. I felt my ball striking was improving and I was gaining more confidence with my putting. I know I had mentioned in my last post that there was supposed to be a big match for a burrito bowl from Chipotle, but unfortunately I couldn't play in it. I had to get an iron fixed that morning which lead me to an awesome golf place, Cool Clubs! If you are ever near a Cool Clubs I would highly recommend checking it out for a fitting or club fixing. They are very knowledgeable and helpful! After getting everything squared away with my clubs I played Longbow for the fist time that afternoon. I thought it was in great condition and a fun course to play! On Wednesday I had a good practice session before playing that afternoon. I was happy with everything in my game from short game to long game. On Thursday I had a pro-am to play in that morning but for this tournament it was only 9 holes. My group was a lot of fun and we started out well with going birdie, birdie. After that we slowed down and finished the 9 holes at (-2). Overall, it was great to meet my pro-am group and have fun playing the scramble format. I really enjoy playing in the pro-ams because of the new people I get to meet.
As for the tournament I shot 72-74-73=219 (+3) and finished T54th. I was happy to make the cut in the first event especially since the last time I played golf outside competitively was December 7th. I had only been practicing outside for two weeks in AZ until the first round of the tournament had started. My ball striking was pretty good everyday and I think I've gained some distance. I must say that my putting has improved too because after the first tournament I 'm ranked #1 in putting average! This is a huge accomplishment coming out of the offseason because I saw how much my putting hurt my golf game in 2013. During my off season practice, I really focused on my technique and putting routine. I can say that I felt confident during all three rounds while standing over my putts. I also had NO 3 putts the entire weekend!! Last season I averaged 2-3 a tournament and am very proud of seeing 0 to start to the season :) Each round also ended in 2-3 birdies on my last 3 holes. I was happy to see a strong finishes for each round and for not giving up. Now I just need to get more birdies to start in my first couple of holes in my round! I had a caddie for this tournament too who is the rep for Wilson Staff in AZ. He was a great help on the course and kept me relaxed with having a few first tourney nerves. We worked really well together and it was fun to have the support of another person out there on the bag with me!
Overall, my first tournament and trip to AZ was a lot of fun and successful! I met some amazing new people, especially my host family for the week of my tournament! I enjoyed my week with them and couldn't have asked for better housing. I saw improvements in my golf game and am looking forward to my next tournament in Florida! I'm ready to keep up with my practicing and take in all the experiences from traveling state to state while playing golf for a living.
As for the tournament I shot 72-74-73=219 (+3) and finished T54th. I was happy to make the cut in the first event especially since the last time I played golf outside competitively was December 7th. I had only been practicing outside for two weeks in AZ until the first round of the tournament had started. My ball striking was pretty good everyday and I think I've gained some distance. I must say that my putting has improved too because after the first tournament I 'm ranked #1 in putting average! This is a huge accomplishment coming out of the offseason because I saw how much my putting hurt my golf game in 2013. During my off season practice, I really focused on my technique and putting routine. I can say that I felt confident during all three rounds while standing over my putts. I also had NO 3 putts the entire weekend!! Last season I averaged 2-3 a tournament and am very proud of seeing 0 to start to the season :) Each round also ended in 2-3 birdies on my last 3 holes. I was happy to see a strong finishes for each round and for not giving up. Now I just need to get more birdies to start in my first couple of holes in my round! I had a caddie for this tournament too who is the rep for Wilson Staff in AZ. He was a great help on the course and kept me relaxed with having a few first tourney nerves. We worked really well together and it was fun to have the support of another person out there on the bag with me!
Overall, my first tournament and trip to AZ was a lot of fun and successful! I met some amazing new people, especially my host family for the week of my tournament! I enjoyed my week with them and couldn't have asked for better housing. I saw improvements in my golf game and am looking forward to my next tournament in Florida! I'm ready to keep up with my practicing and take in all the experiences from traveling state to state while playing golf for a living.