June Update

Here is what has been going on since my last blog post:

I have played in three more Symetra Tour events.  I finished off the month of travel in the South in Asheville, NC, had a three week break in Boise, then began the Midwest swing. 

My golf game has seen a lot of struggle over the past few months.  My time in the South was difficult mentally.  I lost confidence and was really doubting myself.  This was the result of a large combination of factors, and as anyone who plays golf knows, you cannot play good golf without confidence.  I was so happy the break in the tournament schedule came when it did so I could go back to Boise to recharge my batteries.  It was great to be home.  I played a lot of golf with friends and investors, spent time with my parents, practiced at Hillcrest, and worked with my coach.  I cannot emphasize enough how much the support from the Boise community means to me.  Each kind of word of encouragement helped to lift me up again.  Being away from the tour also allowed me to spend time with my own thoughts and really put things into perspective.  I realized that everyone misses cuts, even the great players.  I realized that it is silly to put so much pressure on myself during my very first year on tour.  I realized what kind of attitude I need to create on the golf course in order to play my best golf, and some steps I need to get there.  I realized that being a professional golfer means more than just chasing my little white ball around the country- it means I am in a position to inspire others (especially juniors) to develop passion for a game that teaches so many wonderful life lessons. 

I arrived in Decatur, IL on June 10 armed with all of this positive energy.  I wish I could say that I then immediately played the best golf of my life and never looked back... but this is life, not the movies.  I actually had my worst tournament of the season and missed the cut by nine shots,  BUT I made huge progress that week.  I played with a new caddy on the bag, my close friend Chelsea Harris who lives nearby Decatur.  She helped me to realize when I was getting negative and what I needed to do to stay positive.  Also, all of the mechanical parts of my game that I had been fixing at home needed some more time to sink in.  I then headed north to South Bend, IN.  I missed the cut, but this time only by two shots.  Again, the results did not reflect the progress made.  I can honestly say I was focused, relaxed, and confident for all 36 holes of the tournament.  I did not use a caddy which really helped me to get back into my own rhythm.  The only piece missing was scoring- three 3-putts cost me.

I am now in Harris, MI prepping for the tournament on Friday.  Despite the last two MC's, I still feel very positive.  I know that if I continue to focus solely on the process, the results will eventually follow.  There are still eight Symetra tournaments left this year- more than enough time to play great golf.  Tour life is one giant roller coaster, and I am learning to appreciate the lows as well as the highs.  I am so lucky to be in this position, there is no reason not to enjoy the ride! :)

Finally, I will leave you with my mantra for the rest of the season:
"Be patient, be prepared, and have a sense of humor."

I had a really fun time staying with the Gray family in Decatur. Mason (age 6) made me this card when I left.

I traveled to Angola, IN in between Decatur and South Bend to play in a Junior Achievement Pro-Am. My group loved hot dogs as much as I do!

I stayed with a great host family in South Bend, Don and Willette Fleischman. This is myself, Marta Silva, Caitlin McClearly, and Marta's cousin/caddy Homberto posing with their grandson, Wyatt.

Don Fleischman took my travel buddy, Caitlin McClearly, and I to see Lake Michigan.

Here we are on Lake Michigan again, but this time on the north side in the Upper Peninsula. Some people in Escanaba volunteered to take us out on their yacht last night!