I am sorry it has taken so long for me to send you an update. I have been busy and playing alot so I have much to report.
First off, Max and I did have our Big Break audition on April 2nd in Daytona Beach. We felt the interview went pretty well. The first part of the audition involved hitting specific golf shots. They first had us hit 3 shots each with a driver and 5 iron. We had to hit a draw, fade and straight shot with each club. We both did very well with the task. My drivers were on the mark and two of my three 5 irons were spot on. We then selected one of two targets to do a closest to the pin competition. We each could hit 4 balls and choose the 3 best. We chose a 100 yard target. Max hit two of the three tight-within 10 feet. I hit one tight, one about 15 feet and one a little short and right. We felt pretty good about this aspect of the audition.
We then sat down in front of the camera and answered some questions they had prepared of us. I was able to speak about my playing background and my coaching experience. I communicated how much I am enjoying pursuing my dream, how passionate I am about my playing career and development and excited about the possibility to gain exposure through the show. Max spoke about how he has always wanted to play but had to make his career a priority. Now that his business is getting established he can take this opportunity to work on his game. He also spoke about some of the adversity he has faced as a minority in the golf business and the struggles he encountered while dealing with lyme disease.
We feel like we did our best and have a unique story to tell on the show. We hope the producers agree! They told us that we should know more by mid-May so I will keep you posted!
Over the past few months I have played on the SunCoast tour, competing in the greater Orlando area. In the recent event at the Country Club of Mt. Dora I shot rounds of 79-82-77 to finish in a T-13th place. I found the course to be tight and I didn't hit quite as many fairways as I usually do but my short game and putting was really solid.
One way in which I evaluate a round or a tournament is doing something called: GOOD, BETTER, HOW. This is a technique that I learned from the Vision 54 seminar I attended in Phoenix this past December. It helps me to dwell on the positive while also realistically evaluating what I could do better and how I am going to accomplish getting better.
So what did I do well (GOOD) this past week? Here are some of the things I listed:
- I had two chip ins this week...both for birdie!
- Stayed committed to staying decisive and sure over each shot.
- Putted well this week...had 25, 30 & 27 putts respectively (30 putts is my benchmark)
- Had 6 birdies in 3 days.
- Up & downs were solid...had 7 of 12 the first round and 4/6 the final round. Better than 50%!
- Bunker saves were solid...2/3 in both the second and third rounds.
- Reminded myself to stay in "my bubble" and not let outcome or things I cannot control (other players, the weather, conditions) affect me.
So what can I do BETTER:
- Fairways hit percentage was low
- Greens hit percentage was low
HOW am I going to get better
- Work on driver...or on tight holes should I be hitting 3 wd for better position?
- Work on some of the swing drills Tom suggests for my ball striking
I will be working on my HOW this week but most of my focus has been to play the golf course when I practice (hit balls only when neccessary) and work hard on my short game. When I have played well in the past I have gotten in the "groove" of playing week after week. Now that my health is good I can do that.
So, what's next? I have decided to play in the next 3 SunCoast Series events beginning April 22nd at Rio Pinar Country Club. I will then compete at the Eagles in Odessa, Florida April 29-May 1 and finally at Errol Estates in Apopka, FL May 6-8th. Since I will be in the Orlando area the next three weeks it will also allow me to work with my coach, Tom Garner.
I will return to Jacksonville on May 9th and then prepare for the US Open local qualifier which will be held in Jacksonville at San Jose Country Club on Monday, May 19th. I will wrap-up May with a trip north to Connecticut to compete in the CT Women's Open at Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield, May 27-28th.
I am encouraged about where my game is right now. I have shot a number of rounds around par or a few over in practice and hope to see these results translate in competition.
Will keep you posted on my progress!
Fairways, greens, birdies & chip-ins,
Mary
