It's amazing how busy one can be when not traveling, living in one place, and catching up on months of being on the road. I am currently working on a more formal wrap up of the 2007 season which many of you will be receiving in the mail. I will also post it on my blog at a later date.
I played respectably at Futures Qualifying shooting 77-81-78. I struggled a bit with my health that week, managing some soreness and discomfort in my shoulder and left rib. I did gain status to play next year, which was my primary goal, so definitely some good news came out of the week. My coach, Tom, came to caddy for me during a practice round and in the final round as well. We ended the final round well coming less than a foot to holing out for eagle on the 18th hole. A nice memory to end the "official" 2007 season!
I returned to Jacksonville and have been unpacking and organizing. I have also been seeing my physical therapist/trainer, Matt Serlo. I met Matt in 2006 when I began doing physical therapy for my shoulder. He has been a great resource and help with my therapy and fitness. He referred me to Brian Magna who I have been working with while in Connecticut. They have similar philosophies and both have experience working on the major professional golf tours so I definitely feel like I am in good hands. I am pleased to report that I really feel good, probably the best I have felt health-wise since 2003. I no longer feel like I am guarding or protecting my body but I can swing freely and live fairly normally. This is a HUGE victory!
There are a bunch of golf pros who workout at Matt's clinic, Five Star Physical Therapy, so I am in good company. Because of The Players Club (TPC), which is a PGA Facility, there seems to be a plethora of PGA Tour and Champions Tour Players who live in the greater Jacksonville area. It is always interesting to me to observe other successful athletes. Many of these guys have won and been competitive on both tours and to listen to their stories and experiences is very inspiring.
So, what's next in my schedule? I will be practicing at TPC the next few weeks and working out with Matt at Five Star as well as returning to pilates classes (I have really missed my regular pilates workouts!). On December 12th I will be traveling to Phoenix to attend a Vision 54 seminar at the Legacy Golf Resort. I call this a seminar and not a "golf school" as there will be no mechanics taught. Vision 54 originated from the theory that it's possible to make birdie on every hole, thus shooting 18 under par which is 54 (on a par 72 golf course). The instructors, Pia Nilsson & Lynn Marriott, embrace the belief that every individual has unlimited and unique potential. I have previously had the privilege to attend one of their seminars while still coaching at Yale and was able to pass along much of what I learned to my players. I am looking forward to this opportunity to further develop the mental side of my game and add valuable practice ideas and approaches.
Following my Phoenix trip, right before the Christmas holiday, I will return to Florida and head to Orlando to see Tom as well as play practice rounds for the upcoming Ginn Got Game Challenge. The winner of this "challenge" (a 2 round stroke play event) will earn a spot in the 2008 LPGA Ginn Open. I will play 2 practice rounds while in Orlando and the event will be shortly after the new year on January 5th & 6th. This plan takes me up to the Christmas and New Year's holidays. I will be spending the holidays in Florida with family and friends.
I was thinking the other day that there are some books that I would like to recommend to everyone. These books are mostly for the golf enthusiast but also for the sports/fitness enthusiast. 2 books are written by Pia and Lynn and the third is on stretching. If you are looking for holiday gift ideas check out the following titles:
Stretching, by Bob Anderson
Every Shot Must Have a Purpose, by Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson
The Game Before the Game: The Perfect 30 Minute Practice, by Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson
As I reflected on this year I was able to evaulate my play and improvement. This year was truly a victory in many areas: my health, my mental game and confidence, and improved results. I will be touching upon these three areas in my wrap-up letter. I feel very comfortable on the golf course these days, in my element, and with my improved health I no longer feel like I am protecting or guarding my body. If I could describe my state of mind these days it would be of "quiet patience." I am thankful to be at this place, not placing pressure or pushing results. I am certain that results will begin to flourish as I embrace this state of mind. I already see carry over in my practice as my last 2 rounds have been 3 over 75's. I think it's a preview of what's to come next year.
Thanks for bearing with a long post but I had a lot to report! Many of you can expect to hear from me by traditional "snail mail" this holiday season. I am grateful for a successful 2007 and excited for the 2008 that lays ahead!
I wouldn't be where I am without your support and encouragement. More to come soon,
Mary
