Q-school review

Hi everyone,

As reported last week, I played great at Futures Qualifying in early November. What a boost of confidence! I knew things were coming together as my play was getting progressively better since early September. Here are some of my observations from the week.

Relaxation
After playing so much golf over the last few months I knew it was important to be loose and relaxed before each round. If I have access to one, a hot tub has been really helpful in keeping my muscles warm and limber. Stretching each morning has also helped me as well as using a foam roller for self massage (it can be torture at first as you "iron" out the tightness but well worth it!). The first round I came out of the blocks slow and it took me awhile to get settled. I had stretched that morning but I had not taken advantage of the hot tub. Needless to say, the hot tub became part of my morning routine starting the second round.

Driving to the course each morning I felt very loose, warm and free of tension. I feel this calmness helped me to transition well to the course each day.

Short game/putting
The first round was a lackluster putting round for me. When I am in the middle of an event it's always been my opinion to make small changes, if any at all. As I practiced post-round the first day, I noticed a small detail of my putting routine that I had neglected. Typically, as I take my practice putting strokes, I am looking at my target or the break point of the putt where I want the putt to die. Well, I caught myself looking down at the ball during my practice strokes. I tweaked this small detail and was able to get back on track with my putting over my last three rounds. I went from 33 putts the first round to 25 the second day (outstanding!), 27 the 3rd round and 29 the final round. I am glad I recognized this small change and adjusted quickly!

My short game was really solid all week. I was able to successfully get up and down 76.6% of the time. Very solid! I felt like a key for me was really reacting to the conditions and going with the shot or club I was feeling in my first assessment. I felt like my decisions were "athletic," like how a shooter reacts to a basket or a pitcher reacts to a hitter. All I did was focus on what I saw (low shot, high shot, soft shot, etc) and went with my gut. I was really excited about the results as I trusted in my instincts.

Belief/tunnel vision
Although it took me some time to settle down on the front nine in the first round, I felt like after getting through that short spell I continued to really believe in my process (which I have perfected thanks to my coaches and Dr. Fabbri, my sport psychologist). All I did was get my yardage, see the shot I wanted to hit and stayed committed to that shot until the ball landed. Sounds simple but it has taken some discipline and training to do it every single time. A reassurance that I should not give up on my process was on the 10th hole of the 1st round. I stood at 6 over par after 9 holes and was a little fired up because I knew I could do better. I hit a great drive on the 10th and had 8 iron into the green. I watched the ball sail towards the green, take one bounce and hit the pin. It didn't go in for eagle but it left me a short putt for birdie. I converted and was able to get back on track to finish the first round respectably, playing my last 9 holes in only one over par.

Another key was also beliving in my OWN game and playing within myself. For example, on my 15th hole, during the first round, I had a key decision to make. It's a longish par 5 with a a hazard to negotiate. If I don't hit a great drive or it's into the wind I have to lay up to the hazard. I could allow myself to get frustrated as I see my competitiors advance it over the hazard and not have to lay up but I STUCK TO MY GAMEPLAN. I had a solid par on that hole, sticking to my process.

I felt like I was able to deflect potential distractions successfully this week. There can be so many distractions like my own expectations, other players and the list goes on! I felt at peace, calm and able to put aside these potential road bumps.

Fun
Bottom line is that it was a fun week for me. I enjoyed each round, peservered when presented with obstacles and never gave up. What a great way to end a season and begin a new one.

What's next
I am back in Jacksonville and beginning to figure out what my off-season plans are. I accepted a part-time position working in the golf shop at TPC Sawgrass and am thrilled to join the team there. I will be continuing to play and practice out there as well. I also plan on doing some substitute teaching and working for another company on short term projects as they become available. I would like to try to get to Orlando once a month to play on the SunCoast tour and keep my game sharp. I hope to compete again shortly after the new year. I will let you know about my schedule as it comes together.

I am excited for the 2009 season as this will be one of the first times that I can really craft my schedule. I should get into every Futures tour event, including the high purse invitationals. In addition, I am also very excited about the fact that the US Women's Open will be contested at my home course where I learned how to play the game, Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Very exciting things lay ahead!

I will post more soon. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I am certainly thankful for all the well wishes and support now, and over the years,

Mary