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!