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!