Practice day at Kiva Dunes - February 3, 2012

Stuart and I ran a 15k (Double Bridge Run) in Pensacola, Florida last weekend. It was a great race ... very scenic, beautiful weather, well organized, etc. We will definitely be back next year! We went to Gulf Shores the day before the race to play golf at Kiva Dunes. I have practiced at their range many times, but never played. We hit a few balls on the range and then headed out to the first tee. I hit my driver in the fairway on the first hole! Unfortunately, that was probably the highlight of my round. I still struggle with standing up on the ball. Also, my backswing is a little flat, so I get stuck and either stand up or come over the top of the ball. Stuart and I scrambled, so there was no pressure. We did use one of my shots on most of the holes. It was getting dark, so we played through 13 and then headed to 18. I played my own ball on 18 and did pretty well. I hit a decent drive and second shot. I stood up on the next one and had to hit it again. My chip was fairly close and then I 2-putted. It gave me hope that I can improve. It was so much fun to play a great course with Stuart!

My own clubs!

My family bought me my own set of golf clubs for Christmas. I am beyond excited! We went to RTJ yesterday to practice. They were so much easier to hit than Stuart's clubs. Now I just need 70+ degree weather:)

Day 91 - August 16, 2011

Even though I have yet to play 18 holes, I am officially ending this challenge. I know you are probably disappointed, but I will explain my reasons. First of all, I am a goal-oriented over-achiever. Stuart did not take this into consideration when he issued this challenge. He also intended for me to practice golf every day for the 90 days. This is realistic for a college player, but not so for a mother of two toddlers with a job. I practiced 15 days for an average of 5 times per month or a little more than once a week. I am busy and this is all I could fit in my schedule.

Yesterday, on day 91, I had an opportunity to play since my mom had the kids. Stuart was supposed to play with me early in the afternoon, but got caught up and could not go until 4:00. I already felt rushed and pressured to finish the challenge. We got to the course, Cypress Lakes, and found out that 3 holes and the putting green were closed due to heat damage on the turf. I didn't get to warm up at all. I hit it in the water on the first hole and it went downhill from there. I got frustrated, emotional, nauseous, etc. Stuart said "Just have fun." To which I replied, "I could if you hadn't given me this stupid challenge!"

I got myself together and decided to try to make a par ... a personal goal of mine. We played hole 15 twice and the second time I hit my 3 wood into the middle of the fairway and my 7 iron about 15 feet below the hole. I putted it within 1 inch and thought it was going in for a birdie. However, I did make my first par, so I call that success!

I realize that I will not be able to enjoy playing golf with Stuart, which was the point of all this, while this somewhat unrealistic challenge is hanging over my head. So, I am going to end it here and feel free to continue working on my game and enjoying time with Stuart on the course. I am happy for me! Thank you all for following. I will continue to post to this blog every once in awhile to update you on my progress. I hope to play once a week or so and continue to improve.

Day 88 - August 13, 2011

After my 9 hole practice round on Thursday I was ready to get back to the range. Stuart and I took the kids to Blackberry Trail on Saturday morning to hit balls. I practiced only with my 3 wood and hit it much better than I did on Thursday. Jackson practiced too, but Kate was running around playing with golf balls, taking grips off clubs, dancing, etc. I'm looking forward to the day when they both want to play!

Day 86 - August 11, 2011

Last Thursday Stuart and I went out to Cypress Lakes and played 9 holes. We warmed up a little on the range and putting green and then headed to the back side of the course. It was the first time I have ever really played golf and I was nervous! I played ok ... 55 on 9 holes, which is +5 for my goal. I think the main problem was that I always, always, always practice with my wedge and sometimes a 7 iron. I never practice with my 3 wood and I hit it on every hole ... usually more than once. I think I could have done much better if I was more comfortable with it. I chipped well and only hit it in the water on the first hole. I did not hit into any bunkers, but got close - see pic:) I am pleased, but ready to improve!

Day 82 - August 7, 2011

Stuart and I just got home from San Francisco. We went because I co-chaired the branding & brand management track at the American Marketing Association Summer Marketing Educators' Meeting. We went a few days early and went to Monterey so Stuart could play Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill. We LOVED it there! I would move there in a heartbeat if there were a faculty opening in my area at CSU Monterey Bay. We went to Napa the next day and I could also live there. Ditto for San Diego. I just really, really love California! You cannot beat the weather and natural beauty.

Stuart played well and enjoyed the courses. He really liked Spyglass the best because it was more secluded and less of a tourist attraction. He was paired with three guys that could actually play. Also, there were lots of deer, sea lions, etc. He was paired with a brother and sister at Pebble that really did not play golf. He said that I could beat either of them and I think I could. It took over 6 hours to play and was so cold by the end. I couldn't even feel my fingers and toes. The natural landscape is so beautiful! I think I took 130 pictures of the two rounds. They even gave me a bag tag for my golf bag.

Although I didn't play in Monterey, we did go to Presidio Golf Course in downtown SF to practice on Sunday. It was freezing ... 55 and windy. We were going to play since it was so close to our 90 day goal, but we could not play by ourselves. They would have to pair us with two other players, so I didn't want to do that for my first round. We are planning on playing 9 holes sometime in the next few days so I can get a feel for it. I'm looking forward to it!

Day 68 - July 24, 2011

Stuart and I went to Pensacola for the U.S. Amateur Qualifier last weekend. We stayed in Orange Beach and took the kids, Mimi and Aunt Sharon. It was a fun trip! We played in the pool and ocean, cooked fresh local seafood, practiced golf, kayaked, etc.

On Saturday, Stuart played his practice round at 7:30 in the morning and was done by 9:30. We went to Kiva Dunes when he got back to practice. I focused on creating lag and didn't think about anything else. I created a little drill where I would do a half swing as practice before I actually followed through. I hit it well and was pleased.

I was getting in a little chipping and putting practice when Stuart suggested I learn how to hit out of a bunker. Oh my goodness ... it is so difficult to do! I'm hoping that I won't have to do it very often, but it is good to be prepared. See the video below of my practice session. Stuart prompted me to give a fist pump although it was unwarranted:)

We are headed to San Francisco this week for a marketing conference. Stuart is planning on playing Pebble Beach if he can get a tee time. I'm sure I will just be a spectator, but I will post pics anyway.