“Just like… realizing stuff” — Kylie Jenner said it best
Hey everyone, I am finally back home after 4 weeks on the road! It was a long time away and it’s been so great to see my mom and Sam. Unfortunately, the COVID situation in Jax is a little scary so I’ve pretty much re-quarantined since I’ve been home, for my safety and the safety of the ones I love. I’ve been in seven states in 30 days… all masked up but gotta be careful.
The last time I checked in I was in Paris, TX. Since then I played the WAPT Kathy Whitworth Invitational at the Paris Country Club and one last event in Bella Vista, AR before heading home. I got to meet Kathy Whitworth, which was pretty cool. She’s so sweet and has 88 wins… which is six more than Tiger Woods I might add. The membership at Paris Country Club was amazing. My host family was great — thanks again Stephanie and Kelly! I also got to spend time with a friend from the Ponte Vedra area, Catherine O’Donnell, and watch her take Celine Boutier to a playoff. I loved that so many of the girls stuck around to watch the final round and the playoff.
Bella Vista was beautiful! I can honestly say I didn’t expect Arkansas to be that pretty (as well as the part of Oklahoma we drove through). It was hilly, green, and really laid back. The courses were tough. Even though we played two different courses it felt like three… the back and front sides of the Scotsdale course were SO different from each other. Seriously I thought dad was gonna die (either from pushing the cart up the hills or from me because I was so mad at him for deciding to walk when everyone told us not to). Bella Vista definitely wasn’t the performance I had hoped for, but again, I learned a lot. I think by the time I had gotten there I was exhausted; physically, mentally, and emotionally. I had played 220-something holes in 3 weeks by the time I was in Arkansas with a break only to travel to the next location. So, yeah tired is the right word. Truly all of the girls were.
And we all agreed that we wouldn’t change playing in four straight tournaments. For me, it was like jumping into the deep end of the ocean. Although with COVID-19 nothing is normal, and I’m relieved that I probably won’t be playing four straight events at a time, it was a lot. I think it was almost a baptism by fire situation. I was able to experience what “life on the road” is really like at its toughest as a professional. I had to learn how to quickly adapt to new places, new grasses, new terrain, do post-round evaluations, work on my mental game and actual game, all on the fly. There really was no true down time (except for getting my nails done in Paris with host mom Stephanie).
Although it was rapid fire and constantly foot-on-the-gas, I had such a great time! I truly did learn so much and I have a lot to work on, but it absolutely solidified that this is what I want to do with my life. I love being on the road. I love seeing new places, trying new things, and meeting new people. I have since sat down with my team (my coach and mental coach) and hashed out every little detail (literally) from my tournaments. Now, I am working on a new pre-shot routine, learning to not get upset when mistakes happen (because they will, it’s all about how I come back from them), and believing in myself. Since the goal was to learn a lot, observe other pros and get my feet wet, it was a mission well accomplished.
I made some new friends, ate some good food, and as usual, visited places I never thought I’d see. Bentonville is truly a must visit; who knew it’s like the mountain bike capital of South! It has so many outdoor activities and is so catered towards young people. Paris had maybe the best Italian meal I’ve ever had (thanks to Capizzi’s). McKinney, TX was so cute and welcoming. I think my dad said, “I could live here,” at least every time we left the driveway. So, yes, a few too many swings, but each one came with a lesson, and once I realized what those lessons were, I got my money’s worth. On the way home my dad asked me to name three things I learned… I came up with 16. Maybe the most important of which is that this is my life. I am a professional athlete. It’s my title, my job, and what I do. It’s not always who I am, but I am a pro athlete. A really scary but wicked cool realization.
I don’t have a long time at home to work on everything, a lot of changes will continue to happen on the road. I am headed to Sorrento, FL this week to play in a 2-day Eggland’s Best event and then 3 days at home to do some laundry before I go back to Arkansas for two more WAPT events. I know it might seem like a lot, but this is the life I’m used to and the one I love. I’ve been used to spending minimal time at home, (or minimal time in one place), since high school.
So off I go… thanks for staying tuned in! Your continued support, love, and well wishes are so appreciated every step of the way.