Hi friends,
A quick post to let you know that I had a SOLID FINISH today at the Moonlight Tour event at Windermere CC in Windermere, Florida (outside of Orlando). I shot a 2 over par 74 and finished 3rd...a solid start to the season! It was fun because I putted well today and played pretty steady, solid golf. All pars, 3 bogies and 1 birdie. You can check out the Moonlight website but they don't post the training division results (you will just see a video of the winner's swing.) Here it is if you are intersted in checking it out: http://www.moonlightgolf.com/index.htm. Good news is that my earnings covered my entry fee so I broke even (well, who's counting gas and lunch :)! I also stayed with some new friends in Longwood for the past few days. I really enjoyed getting to know Faye & Jeff Greenwald. Jeff is a Princeton Tiger and both Faye and Jeff grew up in Englewood, New Jersey where I was born. Small world!
I am headed to play a practice round tomorrow at Rio Pinar CC which is where the Florida Women's Open will be held beginning the 28th. I am then making a quick trip to see TJ for a few days to work mostly on short game. We will be refining some of my shots and I am sure I will be learning some new ones also. Also, we are going to play on Friday so I will try to take some pictures to update the blog.
More soon!
Mary
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Pablo Creek & Upcoming Tournament Dates
Hi Friends,
It has been a productive week of playing and practice. My week was capped off by being treated to play Pablo Creek, a course that I have heard about since the first day I moved to Jacksonville. It was a wonderful treat and some of the best (pure) greens that I have putted on in awhile (although tough to compare to Old Tabby Links at Spring Island..I have been spoiled lately!). The course itself was magnificant but it was also interesting to hear the history of the land and the story of the family who owned it. I guess the history major in me is still alive! Many thanks to my host Rusty Newton and his friend and fellow-member, Thad Eshelman, for treating me to a memorable day.
I enjoyed hearing many of your voices last evening when I called in to the Pampered Chef show! I am sure it was a blast.
As requested I am including a list of my upcoming events. I am also including dates and locations for my events in the northeast. I will revise dates and events as they change. Here goes:
Florida Women's Open Rio Pinar CC Orlando, FL February 26-28, 2007
Lakeland Duramed Futures Classic Cleveland Heights GC Lakeland, FL March 9-11, 2007
Greater Tampa Duramed Futures Classic Summerfield Crossings GC Riverview, FL March 16-18, 2007
Northeast events:
Connecticut Women's Open Shuttle Meadow CC Kensington, CT May 29-30, 2007
New England Women's Open Weekapaug GC Westerly, RI June 4-5, 2007
CIGNA Golf Classic Gillette Ridge GC Bloomfield, CT July 13-15, 2007
Massachusetts Women's Open Ispswich CC Ipswich, MA August 14-15, 2007
I am off to Orlando this week and will keep you posted on my prepration for the Florida Women's Open.
Mary
It has been a productive week of playing and practice. My week was capped off by being treated to play Pablo Creek, a course that I have heard about since the first day I moved to Jacksonville. It was a wonderful treat and some of the best (pure) greens that I have putted on in awhile (although tough to compare to Old Tabby Links at Spring Island..I have been spoiled lately!). The course itself was magnificant but it was also interesting to hear the history of the land and the story of the family who owned it. I guess the history major in me is still alive! Many thanks to my host Rusty Newton and his friend and fellow-member, Thad Eshelman, for treating me to a memorable day.
I enjoyed hearing many of your voices last evening when I called in to the Pampered Chef show! I am sure it was a blast.
As requested I am including a list of my upcoming events. I am also including dates and locations for my events in the northeast. I will revise dates and events as they change. Here goes:
Florida Women's Open Rio Pinar CC Orlando, FL February 26-28, 2007
Lakeland Duramed Futures Classic Cleveland Heights GC Lakeland, FL March 9-11, 2007
Greater Tampa Duramed Futures Classic Summerfield Crossings GC Riverview, FL March 16-18, 2007
Northeast events:
Connecticut Women's Open Shuttle Meadow CC Kensington, CT May 29-30, 2007
New England Women's Open Weekapaug GC Westerly, RI June 4-5, 2007
CIGNA Golf Classic Gillette Ridge GC Bloomfield, CT July 13-15, 2007
Massachusetts Women's Open Ispswich CC Ipswich, MA August 14-15, 2007
I am off to Orlando this week and will keep you posted on my prepration for the Florida Women's Open.
Mary
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Finding hope in second chances & Pampered Chef details
I had a productive 3 days visiting TJ this past week. We continued to make some slight changes and have been seeing some exciting results with my ball striking. I cannot wait to get out there and just PLAY and see all the changes come together on the course. The plan is to stay in Jax and practice this week and leave for Orlando next week to tune up for the Florida Women's Open February 26-28th.
It has struck me that it is a lot EASIER to do all of this the 2nd time around. I know where all the courses are located, what the layouts are and typically the conditions I will find (wind, type of terrain/grass, etc). My first three events are all at courses I have competed at so I have played at least one practice round at each plus competitive rounds. Travel is an "exciting" aspect of playing golf but can provide many unexpected twists (traffic, construction, sleeping in a different bed every week) that I believe you have to manage well. The more it becomes habit and part of your routine frees you up to just play and prepare to do your best. Needless to say, I am excited that my next 3 events are in familiar territory! I will keep you posted on my preparation and results.
As promised, here are more details about the upcoming Pampered Chef party that will be held at my friend Sam Wills' home. Our friend Hsin-Fu is driving north from Virginia Beach, VA to host the event with his proceeds going towards my career:
DATE: Saturday, February 17th
TIME: 7-9pm
PLACE: Home of Sam Wills
102 Perry Road, Hamden, CT 06514
Please RSVP to Sam at (978) 578-7410 or samantha.wills@sbcglobal.net so she can anticipate how much food to prepare
If you are unable to attend you can order products from the following website: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/wushouse?page=news-detail&featureId=774697
Thanks for reading and more updates soon!
MM
It has struck me that it is a lot EASIER to do all of this the 2nd time around. I know where all the courses are located, what the layouts are and typically the conditions I will find (wind, type of terrain/grass, etc). My first three events are all at courses I have competed at so I have played at least one practice round at each plus competitive rounds. Travel is an "exciting" aspect of playing golf but can provide many unexpected twists (traffic, construction, sleeping in a different bed every week) that I believe you have to manage well. The more it becomes habit and part of your routine frees you up to just play and prepare to do your best. Needless to say, I am excited that my next 3 events are in familiar territory! I will keep you posted on my preparation and results.
As promised, here are more details about the upcoming Pampered Chef party that will be held at my friend Sam Wills' home. Our friend Hsin-Fu is driving north from Virginia Beach, VA to host the event with his proceeds going towards my career:
DATE: Saturday, February 17th
TIME: 7-9pm
PLACE: Home of Sam Wills
102 Perry Road, Hamden, CT 06514
Please RSVP to Sam at (978) 578-7410 or samantha.wills@sbcglobal.net so she can anticipate how much food to prepare
If you are unable to attend you can order products from the following website: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/wushouse?page=news-detail&featureId=774697
Thanks for reading and more updates soon!
MM
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Back in the saddle again
Hi Friends, Family & Sponsors,
I am happy to report that I am back in Florida devoting my energy solely to playing and practicing again. I will give you a brief update of what has been going on in the last month and a way in which you can support my career. Keep reading :)....
I am happy to report that I am back in Florida devoting my energy solely to playing and practicing again. I will give you a brief update of what has been going on in the last month and a way in which you can support my career. Keep reading :)....
On the road again
A few days after the new year my friend Samantha Wills joined me for a Florida roadtrip. I had learned after a doctor's visit on December 20th that I was finally cleared to practice again! After my surgery on October 20th and 12 weeks of rehabilitation, I was able to make plans to return to Florida. Sam and I made overnight stops in Allentown, PA and Virginia Beach, VA on our way south. We enjoyed a home cooked meal at our friend Hsin-Fu Wu's home in VA Beach and were joined by my mom (she was also driving south) and another VA Beach friend, Phyllis Hoffman. We rose early the following morning to wrap up our ten hours south to our final destination-Jacksonville Beach.
A few days after the new year my friend Samantha Wills joined me for a Florida roadtrip. I had learned after a doctor's visit on December 20th that I was finally cleared to practice again! After my surgery on October 20th and 12 weeks of rehabilitation, I was able to make plans to return to Florida. Sam and I made overnight stops in Allentown, PA and Virginia Beach, VA on our way south. We enjoyed a home cooked meal at our friend Hsin-Fu Wu's home in VA Beach and were joined by my mom (she was also driving south) and another VA Beach friend, Phyllis Hoffman. We rose early the following morning to wrap up our ten hours south to our final destination-Jacksonville Beach.
Chez Tomasi
After a few days getting settled I got on the road again to head south to Port St. Lucie, chez Tomasi, to see my coach TJ and his wife June. We had a productive week and were pleased to see that post-surgery I was able to get in positions in my swing that I previously struggled with. We evaluated my swing in its current state and began to work on drills to continue re-enforcing good mechanics. By the end of the week I actually played my first 18 holes (although I hit all shots off a tee)...I was a bit uncoordinated at first but it was so wonderful to be out there again. I left TJ's with my drills in mind and a plan of attack as I returned to Jacksonville Beach (JB). TJ's indoor hitting area inspired me to construct an indoor hitting area of my own. I have found it really helpful to hit balls without being preoccupied with the ball flight and strictly focusing on the feel of the mechanics. You can see that my hitting area is multi-purpose (it's our enclosed porch), enjoyed by my cat Mr. Kitty (Picture 1)
After a few days getting settled I got on the road again to head south to Port St. Lucie, chez Tomasi, to see my coach TJ and his wife June. We had a productive week and were pleased to see that post-surgery I was able to get in positions in my swing that I previously struggled with. We evaluated my swing in its current state and began to work on drills to continue re-enforcing good mechanics. By the end of the week I actually played my first 18 holes (although I hit all shots off a tee)...I was a bit uncoordinated at first but it was so wonderful to be out there again. I left TJ's with my drills in mind and a plan of attack as I returned to Jacksonville Beach (JB). TJ's indoor hitting area inspired me to construct an indoor hitting area of my own. I have found it really helpful to hit balls without being preoccupied with the ball flight and strictly focusing on the feel of the mechanics. You can see that my hitting area is multi-purpose (it's our enclosed porch), enjoyed by my cat Mr. Kitty (Picture 1)
Leah Kelley's visit
I returned to JB and a few days later my friend Leah Kelley arrived for a visit. While she was here we took a half day to explore Jacksonville. We checked out the Cummer Museum (http://www.cummer.org/) and the Jacksonville Landing (http://www.jacksonvillelanding.com/). Of course, we stuffed our faces at a Mongolian bbq at the Landing and topped it off with ice cream from the local Cold Stone Creamery. Yumm!
After Leah's departure I had a few days to work on my mechanics, hit the range and get back into my practice routine. In addition, I continued my workout/pilates and physical therapy routine. Definitely keeping busy!
I returned to JB and a few days later my friend Leah Kelley arrived for a visit. While she was here we took a half day to explore Jacksonville. We checked out the Cummer Museum (http://www.cummer.org/) and the Jacksonville Landing (http://www.jacksonvillelanding.com/). Of course, we stuffed our faces at a Mongolian bbq at the Landing and topped it off with ice cream from the local Cold Stone Creamery. Yumm!
After Leah's departure I had a few days to work on my mechanics, hit the range and get back into my practice routine. In addition, I continued my workout/pilates and physical therapy routine. Definitely keeping busy!
PGA Merchandise Show
The last week of January was the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. I traveled south again to the equipment demo day on Wednesday. I was able to try out all the latest equipment, which is always fun. I am in the market for new irons so I was able to get a sneak preview of all the new stuff.
The last week of January was the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. I traveled south again to the equipment demo day on Wednesday. I was able to try out all the latest equipment, which is always fun. I am in the market for new irons so I was able to get a sneak preview of all the new stuff.
I had a productive time at the PGA Show connecting with potential equipment and clothing sponsors, colleagues in the golf business and some dear friends. It was especially fun to share housing with my friend Gina Yoder, a former coaching colleague, and my former assistant coach, Heidi Papoosha. We had a Yale past, present and future photo opportunity at the PGA Show including Heidi, Chawwadee Rompothong Yale '00 (also a former assistant of mine and the current Head Women's Coach at Yale) and Jeehae Lee Yale '06, a former player of mine who is also playing professionally (Picture 3). I am still learning the hang of this blog site but I hope you enjoy the pictures, regardless of my inability to place them correctly!
TJ gave a talk at the "Pros teaching the Pros" lunchtime forum. I am constantly learning from him and it was great to hear his presentation on a teacher to teacher level instead of a teacher to pupil level. His talk helped me to prepare for a clinic that I was to give just a few days later. You will see a picture of him in "teaching mode" above (Picture 2). He has a great website with tips and a list of his books. You can check it out at: http://www.golfwithtjtomasi.com/
Golf with Jeehae
I stayed a few extra days in Orlando and was able to play two rounds of golf with Jeehae. My touch was coming back quickly, which was encouraging. We played rounds at Forest Lake GC http://www.forestlakegolf.com/ and CC of Mt. Dora http://www.mtdoragolf.com/which are frequent Orlando stops for the NGA Hooters and Moonlight Tours. We had unseasonably cold weather the day we played at CC of Mt. Dora...I had on almost every layer I own! It does get cold in Florida!
I stayed a few extra days in Orlando and was able to play two rounds of golf with Jeehae. My touch was coming back quickly, which was encouraging. We played rounds at Forest Lake GC http://www.forestlakegolf.com/ and CC of Mt. Dora http://www.mtdoragolf.com/which are frequent Orlando stops for the NGA Hooters and Moonlight Tours. We had unseasonably cold weather the day we played at CC of Mt. Dora...I had on almost every layer I own! It does get cold in Florida!
Spring Island
Another focus that I continue to have while I get back into playing is building a support base. After I returned from Orlando my mom joined me in driving north to Spring Island, South Carolina to meet with various Ivy League alumni to share with them my plan to play over the next three years. We enjoyed the gracious hospitality of Bill and Penny Agnew (Princeton Tigers) who introduced us to many of the club members. I did a clinic on the driving range one afternoon and spoke about the 4 pillars of a champion (Equipment, Fitness/Nutrition, Golf Swing, Mental Game) but focused specifically on having a solid pre-shot routine. I got a lot of positive feedback and attribute much of the content of my clinic to my teaching mentors, including TJ and his writings in the book The 30 Second Swing. The day wrapped up with an opportunity for me to play with some of the members in attendance, present my "story" at a cocktail party hosted by the Agnew's and last but not least enjoy dinner at the club with fellow Tigers Bill and Penny Agnew, Ernie and Myradean Ransome & Tim and Dorothy Kilty. I want to thank all the Spring Island residents for letting me share my career goals and aspirations with them. It is a special place that I enjoyed visiting.
Another focus that I continue to have while I get back into playing is building a support base. After I returned from Orlando my mom joined me in driving north to Spring Island, South Carolina to meet with various Ivy League alumni to share with them my plan to play over the next three years. We enjoyed the gracious hospitality of Bill and Penny Agnew (Princeton Tigers) who introduced us to many of the club members. I did a clinic on the driving range one afternoon and spoke about the 4 pillars of a champion (Equipment, Fitness/Nutrition, Golf Swing, Mental Game) but focused specifically on having a solid pre-shot routine. I got a lot of positive feedback and attribute much of the content of my clinic to my teaching mentors, including TJ and his writings in the book The 30 Second Swing. The day wrapped up with an opportunity for me to play with some of the members in attendance, present my "story" at a cocktail party hosted by the Agnew's and last but not least enjoy dinner at the club with fellow Tigers Bill and Penny Agnew, Ernie and Myradean Ransome & Tim and Dorothy Kilty. I want to thank all the Spring Island residents for letting me share my career goals and aspirations with them. It is a special place that I enjoyed visiting.
Upcoming plans
So what's next? I am just exhausted re-counting my recent travels but wouldn't change them for the world :)! My immediate focus is an upcoming trip to see TJ and continue refining my game. I am also looking forward to my first event at the end of February. I will be playing in the Florida Women's Open at Rio Pinar CC in Orlando the 26-28th. The Duramed Futures Tour kicks off with our first event in Lakeland the 2nd week of March. I will keep you posted on my results and hope to have my website up and going soon so you can follow me regularly http://www.marymoangolf.com/!
Church Family
Aside from the above I have been keeping grounded and building friendships at a local church in Jacksonville called Redeemer Presbyterian (http://www.jacksonvillechurch.org/app/w_page.php?id=1&type=section). Toby Dubose and the Redeemer members have made we feel very welcome. It is nice to already have a community to get involved in when I am home.
An opportunity for you to get involved!
Finally, I wanted to update you about an opportunity for you to support my career. My friend Hsin-Fu Wu (I mentioned him above) is hosting a Pampered Chef party on my behalf. He graciously is donating his cut of the profits towards my career. Details can be found at: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/wushouse?page=news-detail&featureId=774697. You don't have to attend to participate, simply order any items as instructed and you can have great cookware with proceeds benefiting your favorite professional golfer! It's not too soon to think about Mother's Day gifts, shower gifts, birthdays, etc! I will provide more details in an upcoming blog entry.
Thanks for reading and I will be back soon!
-Mary
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