Smell the Roses

This past week I had the honor of playing in the Toyota Danielle Downey Classic. It was an incredible event in honor of a great young woman who unfortunately passed away in a car accident last year. I had the honor and pleasure of staying with Danielle’s father, Mike Downey and his wife Jen Downey. My golf performance was, once again, not great, but it was an emotional week that put so much in perspective. 

Danielle Downey was a fellow LPGA Tour player and a friend who always lived life to the fullest.  She was always the life of the party, making friends wherever she went and always putting a smile on the faces of her peers.  I knew Danielle for many years through junior tournaments, college golf and later on tour.  She was an incredible talent on the golf course, always playing with such ease, but most importantly she is remembered for her talents off the golf course:  her ability to connect with people and make people laugh, and her loyal and loving nature with friends and family. 

I am so happy I had the opportunity to stay with Mr. Downey.  I cannot imagine the pain he must feel every day for the loss of his daughter.  When he talks about Danielle you can see in his eyes how much he misses her and how painful it is to have so many incredible memories, yet be unable to make new ones because her life was simply cut too short.  I was also lucky to meet Danielle’s sisters and hear more about Danielle’s stories and how the tournament came to life to honor their sister. 

My stay with the Downeys last week really touched me and put a lot of things in perspective.  I have a very big goal ahead of me and even though the past six months have not been the best competition wise, I remain hopeful that my golf game will improve and I may have the chance to play in the Olympics.  I was reminded this week to enjoy the journey as I go along and to not overlook the memories I am making and the people that have been crossing my path, both old and new.  It also reminded me what the most important things are in life - my family and friends. I am still incredibly driven towards my goal and I am working harder than ever to achieve it, but I will also take the time to smell the roses, love my family and enjoy the journey every step of the way.  Life is just too short to do otherwise.  

My First LPGA Event!

First and foremost, I want to apologize for taking a hiatus from any sort of social media, including my blog, for almost two weeks. Life has been crazier than usual since we decided to move to a new house.  We are moving this week and getting all of our ducks in a row has been a challenge, BUT WE ARE MANAGING!

My most recent post was a preview of my first LPGA event at the ShopRite LPGA Classic.  First off, I need to thank Tim Erensen, tournament director, and Karen Gozzi, from ShopRite, for giving me a sponsor exemption.  THANK YOU for the amazing opportunity to play on the LPGA again.

I did not know how I was going to feel about going back to an LPGA Tour event. It had been a LONG time and many questions popped into my head.  Will I be so nervous that I won’t be able to stick the tee into the ground? How will my family life fit into a tour event?  Am I too old for this comeback?  I was very anxious about going into the week.  Well… I have to say that being back on the “big” tour was the most comfortable I have felt throughout this process. In a weird way I felt right at home.  I knew where everything was, what I was supposed to do, and whom to talk to if I needed a little help.  It was incredible!

Highlights of my week:

-Hanging out with Paul, our club Guru on Tour.  Paul always welcomes me with open arms and he was definitely Stella’s favorite. She loved going into the club repair van for her daily “candy” fix!!!

-Dinner and practice round with my dear friend Karrie Webb.  Most of my friends from the LPGA have retired. However Webby is still kicking major butt out there. So great to catch up and play with her. I just love watching her play and laugh about life.  Just love her.  

- Myrtle the Turtle.  I found a baby turtle on the course during the pro-am and we took it back to the house to show it to Stella. She was excited until I put it in her hand. That was it for her.  We released Myrtle back into the woods. We will never forget Myrtle the Turtle

-I missed the cut but I felt like I played very good golf.  The best golf I have played since I have been back. I need a lot more work but I know I can play and that my game is not too far off.

-The best part of all was having my family with me and realizing that my kids and hubby fit right into my life on tour.

Can’t wait for the next two weeks of tournaments!!! So much more to come!!!

My Story in the "Press of Atlantic City"

Gearing up for a great round at today's ShopRite LPGA Classic - thanks for the great article by Michael McGarry at Press of Atlantic City, check it out here.

So appreciative of all the love and support from you all! Wish me luck!