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.

Day 58 - July 12, 2011

So it is now day 58 of my golfing journey and I must say, I am making progress! Stuart and I were in New Orleans this past weekend because he was playing in a golf tournament. We went out to the course on Thursday afternoon and practiced putting and chipping. Something clicked and I was finally able to hit a 10-yard chip shot fairly consistently and a little better than Stuart at times:)

We had a putting contest and I did pretty good after I got the feel of the green. We had planned to go out to the TPC of Louisiana course one afternoon so I could actually play a few holes, but the heat index was over 100, so we made other plans.

We bought a kayak while we were there and kayaked 8 miles one day and 4 miles another day in the Bayou St. John. We saw a real alligator or maybe it was a crocodile. I can never remember which is in saltwater and which is in fresh. Also, I'm not sure if the bayou is salt or freshwater. Oh, well. It was about 3 feet long and right beside our kayak! I took a picture of it and will post later.

On another note, I got a birthday gift from my sweet friend, Sonia, yesterday ... a monogrammed golf bag tag and golf towel. These are my first real golf possessions that are not hand-me-downs from Stuart or my dad. She is always so thoughtful!

Days 38 - 39 - June 24-25, 2011

Stuart and I went to Charleston, SC last week for our belated 10 year wedding anniversary. We had a great time and had a chance to practice at an amazing golf course - The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. This course is the host of the 2012 PGA Championship next summer. The driving range was right on the ocean. It was so peaceful there ... definitely my favorite range so far! We also went kayaking on the ocean and the marshes, ate great seafood, toured the historic district and visited with my friend, Janie. It was a great trip!

I was able to hit the ball in the air and a fairly consistent distance - I alternated between 70 yard and 35 yard shots - but always hit it a little left. Stuart says it has to do with me not turning enough in my swing. After seeing video, I have to say that I agree. However, it is VERY difficult to get my body to do what my brain says! I think I should just line up a little right:)

Day 26 - June 12, 2011

Last night Stuart and I went to Birmingham for the Alabama Sportswriters Association Awards. His previous player, Brett Munson, won the small college athlete of the year award - a first for a golfer! Brett was playing in a professional tournament, so Stuart accepted the award in his behalf.

We went to the driving range at Ross Bridge before the ceremony. Neither of us had ever been to Ross Bridge before and it definitely did not disappoint. We will for sure be returning for a weekend sometime soon! It really has a resort feel to the entire community and golf course.

I had not hit balls in about a week, so I felt like I was starting over. We only had an hour to practice, so I never got it together. In fact, I really felt like I took a step backward yesterday. After watching my swing on video, I can see that I am using my arms too much and not using my body enough to turn and power my swing.

I was very frustrated, but Stuart said that this is normal. He is just glad that I am even hitting the ball every time. The range attendant said that his girlfriend can only hit it about half of the time. He couldn't believe that I have only been practicing for 3 weeks. That did make me feel better:) Anyways, I intent to keep at it and see what happens.

Day 18 - June 4, 2011

Yesterday Stuart was in Fulton, MS playing a golf tournament all day, so Jackson and I practiced in the backyard while Kate was napping. I mainly practiced chipping up to the garden area and was fairly consistent. I practiced chipping by turning my body and not just arms only. That seemed to help. When Kate woke up, she came out and picked up all our golf balls, so it was fun for everyone!

Day 16 - June 2, 2011

On Thursday I met Stuart at RTJ after I left work. It was 3:30 and at least 100 degrees. Needless to say, we were the only people crazy enough to be on the range! We practiced for a couple of hours and got a lot done. I hit my normal 56 degree wedge and 7 iron, but then ventured out to a 9 iron and a 5 wood.

Stuart had me hit the 5 wood from a kneeling position on both knees to get the feel of turning my body. It was a great drill and really helped. I hit the 5 wood about 200 yards, so Stuart was very pleased with that. He said, "Now, we can play golf!" I'm not sure how far the normal yardage is for women's tees, but probably somewhere around 300 yards.

We also practiced putting for the first time. It is very challenging to say the least! I knew it would be hard, but it really is difficult to read the green and control the speed of the ball. We had a little contest and I held my own. I actually putted pretty well on the long putts, but had a harder time on the short ones. I think I just wasn't concentrating as much because they seemed easier. Anyway, I am pleased with my progress and look forward to practicing more this week and maybe getting to play an actual golf hole one day soon!

Day 11 - May 28, 2011

Jackson and I hit golf balls in our backyard on Saturday. He actually hits it fairly straight, but rarely in the air since he will not bend his knees. He did bend them once and hit it in the air, but he cannot seem to balance on his heels. Also, his attention span is about 30 seconds, so there is little time for instruction!

I aimed at the garden and hit with my trusty 56 degree wedge which is perfect for the backyard. I hit most of them in the air and in the general direction of the garden which was an improvement. I only hit one across the fence onto Harding. Hopefully, it did not make contact with anyone or any vehicles:)

Day 10 - May 27, 2011

I met Stuart at the RTJ driving range yesterday afternoon after work. I started off pulling up on the ball, but after Stuart held his hand on my head to literally keep it down, I started hitting it better. I mainly worked with a 56 degree wedge hitting full and chip shots. My wrist hurt a little when I started, but feels fine now. Hopefully, that means I am no longer flipping it.

I stopped by my parents' house to pick up J&K and my dad gave me some clubs and an enormous golf bag! I will never be able to carry it. Luckily, Stuart is getting me a smaller purple bag for UNA. Stuart says that dad's clubs will be fine for now, but once I start playing he wants to get me some custom-fit clubs. I'm so excited about that! Now, I just need to keep practicing so I can play.

I practiced a little more when I got home, but got distracted. We are dog-sitting Harley - see pic at top right - for Stuart's parents. She is a comfort retriever (mix between golden retriever and cavalier king charles spaniel), so she lives for ball retrieval:) She was standing right in front of me every time I set up to the ball. The good thing was that she went and got them all and brought them back to me!

Day 8 - May 25, 2011

Stuart and I took the kids to The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL this week on family vacation. We had so much fun! The resort fee covers lots of amenities including all the range balls you want at Lakewood Golf Club. We went by there on Wednesday afternoon to work on my swing. Hallelujah ... we had a breakthrough!! Stuart sees potential and actually admits that we might be successful in our challenge. I don't know what the big difference was except keeping my head down and maybe confidence. I am definitely still flipping my wrists because my left wrist has been hurting since Wednesday.

There is also a putting green behind the main building at The Grand. We went down there one night and practiced putting a little. Stuart said the green was extremely fast, so not to be concerned about my success. I am looking forward to putting on a realistic green soon.

I am about to head out to RTJ now for another lesson. Hopefully, I will continue to progress!

Day 5 - May 22, 2011

I got a golf lesson from my Dad last Sunday. We worked on hitting some short shots in my backyard. He had me work on keeping my head down and it really helped! However, I am still flipping my wrists, so that needs to be addressed.

The kids were running around trying to hit golf balls at the same time, so it was a little chaotic. Dad says, "Too much drama at your house!" He is right:)

It was fun to have a shared interest with my dad. Hopefully, we will get to play golf together one day.

Day 3 - May 20, 2011

So, I was so sore yesterday that I didn't even want to think about golf. Who knew the golf swing used so many muscles? I can for sure say that I have used muscles that have never been used before. I have been doing some yoga that is available through Comcast on demand to help stretch. I think it is helping.

Today, Friday, I met Stuart at RTJ and we worked on drills and hit some balls with the 54 degree wedge. I think we made some progress! Apparently I have a tendency to cast which has to do with straightening my wrists and also to pull up on the ball. Stuart had some good ideas, tools and drills to help overcome these tendencies before they become bad habits. He did say that he is now doubting if I can do this is 90 days, but I say have confidence. I think I can do it! Take a look at the video of my swing today ... much improved from Wednesday.

Day 1 - May 18, 2011

M: I have decided to learn how to play golf after being married to a golfer for 10 years. I think it is about time. Our kids are interested in learning, so I thought it would be fun for us all to start playing together. Stuart says he can have me shooting under 100 in 90 days, thus the name of our blog.

I took the kids out to RTJ today since Stuart is helping with the national tournament. We found a spot at the end of the range where we would be out of everyone's way and started practicing. Jackson and I probably each hit a bucket of balls. Kate mainly played with sand and ate strawberries:) I'm sure she will be more interested the older she gets.

Anyway, Stuart was busy, but stopped by frequently to look at my swing and give me a few pointers. I have been watching and listening to him for so long that I knew the basics. Now getting my body to do the things my mind said was another thing altogether! My main goals were to make contact with the ball, not get frustrated and not hit the kids. On all accounts, today was a success!