Journal

In this section, I will be making periodic entries about my experiences playing and teaching golf. Check back often!

April 29, 2012

Home sweet home!! I'm back in the States and ready to get to work getting my game in shape for the U.S. Open qualifier in Ormond Beach, FL.  I had a rough time this past weekend in Mexico with what I think was food poisoning. I withdrew and flew home last night. I'm doing better today!!

April 24, 2012

Hola from Mexico!!  I arrived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico this afternoon after spending a day at home to do laundry and rest up from my week at the Sara Bay Classic in Sarasota, Fl.

Last week, the Symetra Tour was in Sarasota, Fl.  I had a great time with my host family, Eddie Morton and enjoyed shopping at Morton's Market on Siesta Key!! I enjoyed my Pro-Am group with John Saputo and friends from the track and thank them for their sponsorship of the tournament last week.  Sara Bay Golf Club was a welcoming host golf course and I enjoyed the challenge of the Donald Ross set up.

I struggled a bit on the greens during the first round and shot a 78, but I didn't give up.  I got a few things set in my head and came out trying to do better the second round and pulled off a round of 75.  I was surprised when my two day total of +9 made the cut, but nonetheless, it gave me one more chance to try to beat the course.  Sunday was considerably more windy than the previous two days and proved to be quite a challenge for the field. I fired a round of 71 and jumped up the leader board from tied for 52nd to a tie for 9th.  Needless to say, I was extremely pleased to record a top ten finish after my first round of 78.

This week, we're in Mexico for one more event before we take the month of May off. 

Wish me luck!

March 28

After shooting 73 and not getting into the Founder's Cup on the 12th, my dad flew into Phoenix and we drove to San Diego to get ready for the KIA Classic Monday qualifier on the 19th.  I have never been so happy with a decision to withdraw and fly home as I am right now about flying home and skipping the KIA qualifier to get ready for the Symetra Tour event March 20-25th.

I got a few practice sessions in at the Floridian before driving over to Winter Haven for the first event of the year last Monday.  I played my first practice round last Tuesday and attended the Meet the Pro's party on Tuesday night. Wednesday, I played in the afternoon Pro-Am and had a great time with my amauter pairing! We only shot 8 under, but we had a good day.  Thursday, I got one more practice round in with my caddy before relaxing in the afternoon.  

Friday, March 23rd, was the first round of the Florida's Natural Charity Classic at Lake Region Yatch and Country Club.  It was a beautiful day with little wind to speak of.  I struggled a bit on the first 4 holes and found myself 3 over after 4. I was hitting my irons extremely well, but just struggled a little with the putter.  I made five birdies total on Friday to finish the first round with a 71.  I had lunch and went to roll a few more lag putts on the practice green, hit a few drivers on the range and called it a day.

I had the afternoon round on Saturday and it was a little more windy than Friday.  I continued to hit my irons and hybrids really well and carded 6 birdies to shoot 66. The part I was most proud of was a bogey free scorecard. The second round of 66 moved me up to the top of the leaderboard.  I hit a few drivers on the range again after the round and then went to eat with my mom and my host family.  I was really glad my mom got to be there with me!! It was a different feeling for me to be in the lead after the second round of a tournament. My college wins were won on the final day with me having to come from behind.  

Sunday morning, I woke up and went for a run, just like I do every morning.  I ate the same breakfast of an english muffin and protein shake and headed off to the golf course. When I got out of my car, I noticed that it was considerably windier than the previous 2 days.  I found the first fairway and grinded the whole day.  I doubled 2 and bounced back with a birdie on 3, but had lost the lead.  I made 10 pars and then bogied 14, parred 15 and bogied 16. Standing on the 17th par 3 tee, I was only 1 ahead of the girl I was playing with and she stuffed it on the green to about 8 feet. Holding my 7 iron, I said to myself, "I need to make birdie here." I just had the feeling that I needed it. Hit my 7 iron to about 15 feet, and walked up and drained the putt. I looked at my caddy and said, "That helps." He just smiled and walked to the next tee. Walking down the 18th I noticed that the leader in the clubhouse was at -4, my birdie on 17 had  put my back to -5. I tapped in for par on the 18th green and the rest is just a blur!! I was truly speechless for the next hour.

I am extremely thankful for all the support I recieved all week long from family and friends, in person and via phone. It was a very special week for me, as this was my first professional win.  After stressing since QSchool about my playing status on the Symetra Tour, I no longer have to worry about my status.  

Florida's Natural did an amazing job hosting this charity classic. The volunteers were very kind and always had a smile on their face.  Symetra Financial proved they are a fabulous tour sponsor. The Symetra Tour staff did a wonderful job making sure everything ran smoothly.  My host family was amazing, thank you Ron Brown!! 

I truly enjoyed every minute this week. I feel extremely blessed to have this opportunity to follow and live my dream.  I look forward to getting back to work and then getting back to tournament action in April at the Sara Bay Classic, in Sarasota, Fl.

I posted some pictures from last week in the gallery section, so be sure to check those out!

Again, thank you everyone!! God is good.

March 12

Well, it didn't quite go my way today. I shot 73 today in the qualifier for the Founder's Cup. I was pleased with my ball striking, especially with my iron play today.  Just didn't get enough putts to fall.

I had an extremely positive experience and enjoyed every moment of it.  I learned alot this week, especially from the exposure to this level of professional golf. If I didn't know it before this week, I know now that this is exactly what I want to be doing and I look forward to continuing on my journey to the LPGA.  I am nothing but optimistic at this point.  It felt good to be out on the course today, and I'm looking forward to the next Monday qualifier in Carlsbad.  I am excited to be competing again. 

Had the good fortune of meeting a lot of very nice people this week in Arizona! My host family was so sweet and welcoming.  Also had the chance to meet and talk with Stephane Barras.  He is in town to speak at the World Scientific World Congress of Golf concerning focus and concentration as it pertains to golf.

2012 is off to an exciting and promising start. More to come next week!

Thank you everyone for another fabulous week.

March 7

The flights have been booked! The rental car has been reserved. The caddy has been lined up and the practice rounds have been scheduled.  I'm ready to leave for Phoenix, AZ on Friday.  I'm excited to be playing in the LPGA Monday Qualifier for the Founder's Cup on March 12.  I will also be playing in the LPGA Monday Qualifier for the KIA Classic in Carlsbad, CA on March 19.  Thank you ahead of time to Christi Scroggins for volunteering to host me in Phoenix and thank you to my friends in Richmond, VA, the Beans for arranging it.  Thanks ahead of time also goes to John Kennedy for hosting me and my dad in Carlsbad, CA. The support for this trip has been tremendous. Thank you.

I had the opportunity to meet Doug Burke and his wife Valerie this week and what a treat that turned out to be. I enjoyed playing around and learning with Doug. We worked on course management and I took so much away from this week of playing with him.  Thank you so much for coming down and spending time with me and helping me on my game.  Best of luck in your "A team" matches in Virginia! I look forward to seeing y'all again this summer in August.  

Yesterday, I also found out that I got into the first Symetra Tour event of the year in Winter Haven, the week of March 19-26.  We'll just have to play it by ear and see what happens, whether I qualify for KIA or if I fly back for the Symetra event. I'll keep you posted on here!! 

Thank you everyone for another great week!!

February 17

Bought my flight to Phoenix for the LPGA Founder's Cup Monday qualifier! I have been working extremely hard this off season and want to take my shot at getting into an LPGA event. After Phoenix, I'll drive to Carlsbad, CA and play in the qualifier for the LPGA KIA Classic.  I am excited to participate and get back into competitive golf!

I've enjoyed working with the kids in the last few months, and will miss them as I cut the clinics back to once a week on Mondays so that I can put my full focus back into competitive golf. I have also enjoyed working with the folks I've been giving lessons too. I'm proud of them for the improvement they've been making and hope they're getting more enjoyment out of the game. 

Back into tournament action the last week of February, the 28th with the Sun Coast Tour at Timacuan Golf Club in Lake Mary, FL. 

As always, thank you everyone for your support. Words don't do justice for how thankful I am. 

February 6, 2012

I spent the last month working on some swing mechanics.  I had been struggling a little with my driver and wanted to make the tee shots less stressful.  They say "drive for show and putt for dough," but if you're stressing on the tee box, it makes for a long day. I put a new Ping G20 in the bag and really love it!  

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week, I teed it up in my first tournament of the year in Sorrento, FL at Red Tail Golf Club.  The weather was gorgeous.  I shot rounds of 74, 74, and 71 to finish in fifth. While I had a good week from tee to green, it's been reconfirmed that putting is the most important part of scoring low for me and look forward to continue working with my putting coach Geoff Mangum every chance I get.  He was in town yesterday and I took advantage of the time and hit the putting green.  I also got the chance to work with him at Grand Cypress during his clinic with some of his Korean students and Amy Yang!!

Geoff has really been a huge help and supporter of my career for the last three years.  I met him and worked with him for the first time in January of 2009.  I won my first college tournament (and my first tournament after working with him) in February of 2009 and have kept working with him ever since!  Most recently, he's put together a "Support a Young Pro Program" on his website to help a pro just stepping out of college into their professional career. The program is currently featuring me, which means all donations and proceeds from the selling of his E book and videos goes directly to help kick start my career this year.  He will continue the program and feature other worthy young professionals in the future. I was excited about the idea and felt honored to have been chosen as the first young pro to be supported by the program.  I will continue to support the program through out the rest of my career as well. Check out www.puttzingzone.com for more details!!

This week, I look forward to getting back to work with the kids! They're truly a joy to be working with and we really have a good time.  Hoping the weather gets a little better today so we don't have to cancel!!

I enjoyed watching the Superbowl last night as the Giants beat the Patriots!! 

Lastly, I'll be getting back to work on my game and in the gym.   I'll be back in tournament action later this month on the Suncoast Tour at Timacuan Golf Club.

As always, thank you for your interest in me and support!! I am extremely blessed.  God is good!

January 7, 2012

Happy New Year everyone!!! Hope you all enjoyed some family time over the holidays like I did.  I got back from up north last Saturday, where I spent Christmas with some family in Pekin, Illinois. It's good to be back to South Florida, where the sun shines and it was 76 degrees today.

Monday and Tuesday of this week I spent working with Shawn Clement at Orange County National, in Orlando.  It was so good to see him and his family again, and I got to watch Savannah play a soccer game. Her team was down from Toronto to play in a showcase tournament this week. Shawn and I worked a little on my take away and on working the ball both directions with my driver. That will come in handy when I hit the Symetra Tour this spring and summer.  Most importantly we worked on my preshot routine and where I should be mentally while on the golf course.  Shawn showed me again exactly how important it is to use pictures and the feel of the desired shot during the practice swing and to hold onto that feel and picture until I execute the shot.  He is absolutely amazing to work with and I enjoy spending time with him on the golf course. You can find his videos online at his website or on youtube.

Dec 20, 2011

Wrapped up another great week with the kids and the clinics!! They are really improving and loving the learning. It's always a fun treat to take them out on the golf course and to see the excitement on their faces as the strike a ball well or sink a putt. I wish them and their families a very Merry Christmas and I will see you in the New Year!!

I had the chance to play out at Sailfish Point this past week and it was gorgeous! It's honestly one of the most challenging golf courses I have ever played...and I have played some tough ones. I am very thankful for the opportunity Mr. Bob Graves has given me by inviting me out there to play and the encouraging words he shared.  It's one of those courses that requires you to execute every shot and leaves little room for error if you want to score well. The wind is always a factor out there on Hutchinson Island, and as with most Florida courses, plenty of water, sand and palm trees to contend with.  It's a good test of golf, and I look forward to continue to tackle it. 

I feel very blessed by the support that is being shown in my hometown of Stuart. I am VERY thankful to everyone who has helped in any way. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2012 is going to be an exciting year for my golf career!! Thank you to everyone who is making this possible. I can't wait to return from the holidays and get back to work and back to tournament golf in late January in Orlando. I will be spending the holiday up north with my mom's family in Illinois, and furthering my appreciation for Florida's warm weather!

God's blessings with you this Christmas season and in 2012.

Dec. 14

We had a fun finish to another excellent week of junior clinics. We spent yesterday on the course because the driving range was under water from the 7 inches of rain we got in Stuart over the weekend. Today, Geoff Mangum was in town again and we worked with the kids on the straight stroke techniques on the practice green. The kids really loved Geoff! 

The rest of the week will be filled by playing rounds, tomorrow I'll be up at Hawk's Nest again in Vero Beach, Fl and Friday I'll be out at Sailfish Point.  This is an exciting part of my career and I'm really loving every minute of work logged in on the range and practice green. I'm looking forward to getting back to tournament action after the Holidays!

Nov. 27,2011

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!! I enjoyed being home and spending time with my family. 

After I finished playing in the Chi Chi Charity event, I drove over to Daytona Beach, FL to play in a Suncoast event at LPGA International on the Legends Course on Nov. 16-18.  I had rounds of 73, 74, and 68 to finish in second place. I was extremely pleased with my final round score in the wind to move up the leader board and into my best finish since May.  It felt good to strike the ball well and to roll in some putts. I was also very thankful that my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jim Allen came out to watch my final round, it meant alot to me.

I played again at LPGA International in another Suncoast Event on the Champions Course, Nov. 21-23. I fired rounds of 71, 76, and 70. I finished tied for twenty-second, but saw improvement in my game and ability to score nonetheless.   

I was lucky enough to have Geoff Mangum as my caddy for week.  We worked well together to read and hole putts and I enjoyed having him along.  It's always a much appreciated learning experience.

November 13 and 14, 2011

   I had the amazing opportunity to play in the Chi Chi Rodgriguez Charity Classic to help support his Academy.  Chi Chi's Academy gives special attention to youth who need a second chance and gives them the one on one attention they need in the classroom to succeed. I was impressed at what the foundation does and felt blessed to participate. I also had the opportunity to attend the auction dinner to support the foundation. Anyone in attendance could recognize the heart felt effort Chi Chi makes to help the kids. The kids adore Chi Chi and seem to be making the most of their second chance at the Academy. Chi Chi's kids' high school graduation rate is an outstanding 99%. I plan to stay involved with this foundation and help continue to make a positive impact in these children's lives.

Nov. 9, 2011

   We finished another successful and fun week of junior clinics!  We worked on the basics of putting and hitting, starting with the grip.  The best part of teaching kids is watching their facial expressions as they make solid contact and send the ball into the air for first time.  Its awesome! It's a very rewarding way to spend the afternoons.

   Today, I also had the good luck of meeting Chi Chi Rodriguez! Leave it to my dad to bring him home from Golf Gear to watch me hit a few balls at Pine Lakes.  He graciously shook hands and took pictures with all of the admirers that had gathered.  I enjoyed listening to his stories from the tour and tried to soak in every word of advice he gave.  I feel very blessed to have spent two hours with him, it was very inspirational. 

Nov. 6, 2011

    Spent the week with my putting coach Geoff Mangum and learned some new things while the refreshing old.  We worked on the straight stroke and more on distance control with touch. 

    As far as the full swing goes, I'm starting to learn how important the proper grip is. It's the only connection a golfer has with the club, so it had better be a good solid grip.

    I also gave my first lesson on Wednesday. I'm pretty sure I enjoyed teaching him as much as he enjoyed learning! I look forward to working with him again, as well as getting the kids' clinics started.

Oct. 22, 2011

    I had the opportunity to play in the 2nd Annual Indian River Golf Foundation Pro-Am and I loved it! It was a pro-am to raise funds for the junior program in Indian River County and I enjoyed the chance to give back to junior golf. We even got to meet some of the kids!

    The event was held in Vero Beach, Fl on the gorgeous layout of Hawk's Nest Golf Club. I had never played there before and was pleasantly surprised at the elevation changes you don't normally find in south Florida! Needless to say, I look forward to playing in the event again next year.