Prep for CT Women's Open

I flew to Hartford, CT yesterday and went straight to Tumble Brook Country Club to play my practice round for the Connecticut Women's Open May 28-29. I was a bit in shock at first because it was very cold and windy but the course is a neat design. It has some rolling hills and fairways that slope drastically from a high side that kicks golf balls down to a low side. The course is in great shape, and a bit wet, so the bent grass rough is thick and plush. I'm still hitting the ball well so I'm looking forward to practicing more today before teeing it up for the 36 hole championship Tuesday and Wednesday!

Brooke

Symetra Tour in Asheville, NC

Well continuing with my busy couple of weeks, I drove to Greenville, SC Monday night after I finished playing in Atlanta, then drove to Asheville, NC Tuesday to register for the Symetra Tour's event that week, the Friends of Mission Charity Classic. Before teeing off in the 1st round Friday, I had barely stopped moving... From Orlando, Greenville, and Atlanta, to then all the events associated with the tournament in Asheville, I was having a blast. I enjoyed the Pro-Am cocktail party, giving a clinic at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, and playing in the Pro-Am at CC of Asheville. There were even wild turkeys all over the mountainous golf course that I loved watching strut around. (For those that do not know, I was on a turkey hunting TV show in high school).  I was very confident in my ball striking and hit 14 greens in the 1st round Friday, but my score did not reflect that because I had 5 three putts all due to poor speed control. Luckily a great friend, along with my caddy, changed my putting setup and posture drastically after that round so that I could release the putter head more consistently.

Saturday I tried to feel like I stood much taller and crowded the ball in my putting setup (see pics below). I hit the ball beautifully, finding 16 greens and making 6 birdies on the way to a 69. I definitely had my chances but ended up missing the cut by 1 shot. Though it hurt to miss the cut by 1, ironically it was a very encouraging experience because I saw how well I can compete when I remove the horrendous 8 three putts in 36 holes. I am very grateful for my friend that changed my putting setup, my caddy that helped me believe in myself, and for all the people that came out to watch and support me. Also, another special thank you is due to the tournament sponsors and other individuals that helped me secure the invitation into the event. It was a great experience, a great week, and I'm moving on to become a better putter knowing I belong inside the ropes!!

Next up, the Connecticut Open May 28-29!

Brooke

U.S. Open Qualifying in ATL

Wow, busy busy busy! After flying back Thursday from my last tournament round at Reunion Resort in Orlando, I practiced in Greenville for 2 days then drove to Atlanta Sunday for a practice round at Druid Hills golf course. I'd never played it before but absolutely loved the long, challenging, hilly layout. Thanks to a great friend who helped me figure some stuff out on the course Saturday before I left, I was able to explain expectations to my caddy, Director of Instruction at the Cliffs, Sean Kennedy, so that we had nice communication during the U.S. Open qualifier Monday.

I played with the medalist, Jane Park, and really enjoyed competing for all 36 holes Monday. I was excited to play against a tough field of 95 that included a lot of LPGA players. We played basically non-stop for about 10 hours trying to grab 1 of the 8 spots into the U.S. Women's Open. I hit the ball well and fought hard all day, making 6 birdies and 1 eagle when I hit a 4 hybrid to a foot on a 511 yard par 5, but unfortunately also had a few tough holes that caused me to shoot 74, 74. I missed a playoff by 1 shot and missed a spot in the top 8 by 2 shots. I wish I had qualified but I'm proud of how hard I fought all day and how well I kept my mind in the moment. I definitely have lots of positives to take with me to Asheville this week!

BB

Happy Friday! I just got back from 12 days in Orlando and I'm looking forward to a couple full days of practice to prepare for my upcoming events. Next up is the Women's U.S. Open qualifier in Atlanta, followed by the Friends of Mission Charity Classic in Asheville, NC, which is a Symetra Tour event. I am continuing to work on my process of picking the right targets and committing to every shot. On a sunny day after a practice round last week at Grande Pines golf course in Orlando, a good friend and supporter of the women's Tour showed me his full set of old fashioned hickory clubs. He plays twice a week with them and challenged me to hit them... I nearly asked him if he wanted to trade 5 irons! Haha It's amazing how much club technology has changed! Hitting hickory sticks, persimmon woods, and even a mashie with a bamboo shaft made me appreciate the scores and swings of golf's legends. Although I hit them well I think I'll stick with modern materials for now, but it's always fun to go old-fashioned for a little while!

Have a fun weekend!

Brooke