Hi everyone,
I have returned from 3+ weeks on the road with some decent results. Here's the breakdown:
Duramed Futures Tour ILOVENY Championship 79-82 MC
SunCoast Series LPGA Qualifying Prep-Palmer Course 76-76; 19th of 27
LPGA Qualifier. Rancho Mirage, CA (Mission Hills: Dinah & Palmer) 77-75 MC
I'm glad that I had the opportunity to give LPGA Qualifying one last shot after playing so strongly the 2nd half of the summer. At this point I am getting a game plan together for transitioning into a different career and will let you know what I end up doing. I have a strong interest in using my skills in event management, fund raising and team building. My hope is to end up contributing to a professional or collegiate sports organization or a university development office focusing on fund raising and alumni relations. I am excited about what the future holds and so thankful for everyone's support over these past 4+ years. It has been an AMAZING experience; I have learned so much about myself and been able to fully pursue this passion that has always peaked my interest.
As far as playing golf I will let you know what that continues to look like as well. I intend to keep playing and currently remain a professional however there are many opportunities for me to compete if I regain my amateur status. I will keep you posted on that but my primary focus remains on the career search at this point.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. More to come!
My heartfelt thanks, Friends,
Mary
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Summer Synopsis and Fall preview
Hi friends,
Well, I still hope you're my friends! I have had a lot to say but not taken the time to fill you in on my results and travels. Here is a quick synopsis of the 2009 season... first in scores and then in detail:
March Futures Winter Haven 83, 82 MC=Missed Cut
April Futures Daytona Beach 82, 81 MC
May US Open Local Qualifier, South Florida 79 MC
June Futures Decatur 77, 81 MC
Futures Mason 75, 83 MC
July Futures Connecticut 74, 74 MC
Futures New Hampshire 79, 75 MC
Futures Syracuse 73, 75 MC
August Massachusetts Open 75, 74 2nd place!!!
Moonlight-Grenelefe 70 1st place!!!
Moonlight-Bridgewater 76 3rd place!!
After starting off the season slowly I began to see improvement in my scores starting in May, although my consistency wasn't quite there. The 79 at the US Open local was only 1 shot from a playoff and on a rain-soaked golf course that played close to 6,700 yds. I played really steady with bogey my worst score on any given hole. I was beginning to see improvement.
My play was hot and cold in the mid-west in June but again a few scores in the mid-70's gave me some hope that what I was working on was paying off.
My July results were very encouraging, lower scores and more consistency! The play on the Futures Tour has gotten better and better each year and scores that previously would have made the cut just weren't good enough. However, I knew I was on the right track...
After 3 weeks on the road I had one more event in New England-the Massachusetts Women's Open. I fashioned two solid rounds over a firm, tight layout in Lakeville, Massachusetts (LeBaron Hills CC). I tied for 2nd with another professional, missing a playoff for first by only one shot! Oh, so close!!
I returned to Florida with renewed spirits and had some time to soul search about what I would do this fall. Throughout the summer I began to ponder what I would do "next" in my career and had begun to have some conversations with friends and mentors about what I might do. I feel very at peace about pursuing something else besides professional golf but feel it's also time to make the most of my improved play.
Knowing that future opportunities outside of professional golf might take some time to materialize, I began to craft an end of season schedule that allowed me "one last shot" at the LPGA Tour. I'm excited about my chances but also very at peace contemplating new opportunities.
So here is what is on tap: I am currently writing you from Albany, NY where I am getting ready to play the 1st round of the final Duramed Futures Tour event of the season. I am staying with good friends Tom & Nan Lanahan and enjoying a preview of cooler fall weather. It looks to be a beautiful weekend for golf.
From here I am headed to Phoenix for a few days to visit my good friend Joanna Whitley, her 4 month old, Brooks, and husband Ken. Joanna was my travel buddy for two years on the Duramed Futures Tour. From there I am driving to Palm Springs, CA and will prepare for the LPGA Qualifier by competing in a SunCoast Tour event. I also hope to visit with my brother, sister-in-law and nephew, Colin, before the qualifier begins on September 17th. There's also a chance I will get to see college roommates Karen Loane & Kelly Decker on my trip out west. Traveling has definitely afforded me the opportunity to see old friends and make new ones, too!
I will return to Jacksonville on Tuesday, September 21st with a clearer picture of where I am headed. My heart and mind are telling me I am more than ready for the next chapter in my career but I am going to let the details play out and see what happens, God willing.
It's been a fun season, although as always full of the drama of high and low scores! I owe a ton of thanks to my family for always supporting me, my Summerfield small group and girlfriends back in Jacksonville who have encouraged me from start to finish and have continued to pray for me. I also must thank my dear friend Jura who seems to be on the same journey that I am currently. All my host families, sponsors and friends are so important to me, too!
One person who has not received enough credit is my swing coach and friend, Brad Lusenhop. Brad has helped me make some major changes starting back in March and has caddied for me a number of times this season. He is a patient and gifted teacher who has finally brought me to a place where the golf swing is SIMPLE again and he has given me the tools and knowledge to understand my tendencies. I am looking forward to continuing to work with him no matter what role the game plays in my life in the upcoming months and years.
I'm at a very relaxed, comfortable and thankful place right now. Thanks for reading and keep sending those positive thoughts and prayers my way over the next few weeks.
Always grateful,
MM
Well, I still hope you're my friends! I have had a lot to say but not taken the time to fill you in on my results and travels. Here is a quick synopsis of the 2009 season... first in scores and then in detail:
March Futures Winter Haven 83, 82 MC=Missed Cut
April Futures Daytona Beach 82, 81 MC
May US Open Local Qualifier, South Florida 79 MC
June Futures Decatur 77, 81 MC
Futures Mason 75, 83 MC
July Futures Connecticut 74, 74 MC
Futures New Hampshire 79, 75 MC
Futures Syracuse 73, 75 MC
August Massachusetts Open 75, 74 2nd place!!!
Moonlight-Grenelefe 70 1st place!!!
Moonlight-Bridgewater 76 3rd place!!
After starting off the season slowly I began to see improvement in my scores starting in May, although my consistency wasn't quite there. The 79 at the US Open local was only 1 shot from a playoff and on a rain-soaked golf course that played close to 6,700 yds. I played really steady with bogey my worst score on any given hole. I was beginning to see improvement.
My play was hot and cold in the mid-west in June but again a few scores in the mid-70's gave me some hope that what I was working on was paying off.
My July results were very encouraging, lower scores and more consistency! The play on the Futures Tour has gotten better and better each year and scores that previously would have made the cut just weren't good enough. However, I knew I was on the right track...
After 3 weeks on the road I had one more event in New England-the Massachusetts Women's Open. I fashioned two solid rounds over a firm, tight layout in Lakeville, Massachusetts (LeBaron Hills CC). I tied for 2nd with another professional, missing a playoff for first by only one shot! Oh, so close!!
I returned to Florida with renewed spirits and had some time to soul search about what I would do this fall. Throughout the summer I began to ponder what I would do "next" in my career and had begun to have some conversations with friends and mentors about what I might do. I feel very at peace about pursuing something else besides professional golf but feel it's also time to make the most of my improved play.
Knowing that future opportunities outside of professional golf might take some time to materialize, I began to craft an end of season schedule that allowed me "one last shot" at the LPGA Tour. I'm excited about my chances but also very at peace contemplating new opportunities.
So here is what is on tap: I am currently writing you from Albany, NY where I am getting ready to play the 1st round of the final Duramed Futures Tour event of the season. I am staying with good friends Tom & Nan Lanahan and enjoying a preview of cooler fall weather. It looks to be a beautiful weekend for golf.
From here I am headed to Phoenix for a few days to visit my good friend Joanna Whitley, her 4 month old, Brooks, and husband Ken. Joanna was my travel buddy for two years on the Duramed Futures Tour. From there I am driving to Palm Springs, CA and will prepare for the LPGA Qualifier by competing in a SunCoast Tour event. I also hope to visit with my brother, sister-in-law and nephew, Colin, before the qualifier begins on September 17th. There's also a chance I will get to see college roommates Karen Loane & Kelly Decker on my trip out west. Traveling has definitely afforded me the opportunity to see old friends and make new ones, too!
I will return to Jacksonville on Tuesday, September 21st with a clearer picture of where I am headed. My heart and mind are telling me I am more than ready for the next chapter in my career but I am going to let the details play out and see what happens, God willing.
It's been a fun season, although as always full of the drama of high and low scores! I owe a ton of thanks to my family for always supporting me, my Summerfield small group and girlfriends back in Jacksonville who have encouraged me from start to finish and have continued to pray for me. I also must thank my dear friend Jura who seems to be on the same journey that I am currently. All my host families, sponsors and friends are so important to me, too!
One person who has not received enough credit is my swing coach and friend, Brad Lusenhop. Brad has helped me make some major changes starting back in March and has caddied for me a number of times this season. He is a patient and gifted teacher who has finally brought me to a place where the golf swing is SIMPLE again and he has given me the tools and knowledge to understand my tendencies. I am looking forward to continuing to work with him no matter what role the game plays in my life in the upcoming months and years.
I'm at a very relaxed, comfortable and thankful place right now. Thanks for reading and keep sending those positive thoughts and prayers my way over the next few weeks.
Always grateful,
MM
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