Besides running, of course!
September 15, 2019
What do you do for fun other than running? Do you bike? Do you play another sport? Me, I play golf. I have played golf as long as I can remember. What does that other thing mean to you?
Me and Golf at Tanglewood
I played competitively and I think my first tournament was when I was five. It was a club championship at my home course, Tanglewood Golf Club. We lived across the street from the course and I have so many memories from that course. When I was really young, it was only a 9 hole course. My dad built and designed 9 holes to make it an 18 hole course. There were so many memories I carry with me from Tanglewood. Especially, standing on what is now #11 with Tom Dorsey and a bucket of balls just a little, skinny girl trying to get them over the water.
Me and Golf at Stonebrook, High School, and AJGA
In 1989, my dad and uncle opened a course and subdivision that they had built and designed, Stonebrook Golf Club. It was a big 13 mile move for me which meant a new high school with people I didn’t know. It didn’t bother me too much. I had started to travel around the country playing in American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournaments and had friends all over the place. unbelievably fortunate to be able to do this. I started my journey and ended at Myrtle Beach. There were so many tournaments in between. I made so many wonderful friends that I still keep in contact with to this day!
Playing high school golf, starting my freshman through my senior year, I played with the boys team as we didn’t have a girls team. I didn’t mind. It was much more fun. At that point in the FHSSA, to qualify for post season play, I had to play 2 matches with the girls as an individual, which I did. My junior and senior year, I make it to state and WIN! It was an awesome feeling!
Me and My College Years
As many of you know, I am an Auburn Tiger but the decision wasn’t easy. I had a huge decision to make between Auburn and Florida State. But after my recruiting trip to Auburn, it was no contest. My heart was there. I love my school, my team and especially my coach. I could have not been the player I became without her and my dad. She took what he taught me and added in the mental side and pushed me to grow as a player. I accomplished more on the course than I thought I ever could. Did my four years go by fast, oh you bet! But I loved every minute of it! Except crying through an acceptance speech for player of the year. I wish I could do that over.
Me After My College Years
I made the decision not to turn professional. Maybe I was a little burnt out. I went to work in the golf business. And I didn’t pick up a club for three months. The longest I had ever gone without touching a club. I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. For so long, I had had everything planned out for me. Where to be, what to do for practice, when to workout, when to go to class. Now, that was over. No scheduled anything. I have to admit, I was a little lost.
I also had fallen out of love a bit with the game. It had become a job. It wasn’t as fun. I didn’t want to practice. My friends weren’t there. It was work. Just until recently, that had changed. I have learned that I’m not the player that I used to be and that’s ok. It’s ok if I don’t make my five foot putts. It’s ok if I don’t get up and down. Just enjoy being outdoors and with the people you’re playing golf with. Be present.
As I watch the Solheim Cup today, do I miss playing those beautiful courses all over the country…of course! Do I want to travel and be away from my family? No. Would I have done it any other way? Probably not. I love my life and my family. And I love how I got here. I’m grateful to my parents who got me to my scholarship at Auburn and gave me the opportunity to be able to do what I did growing up! While none of my friends are playing on the Solheim Cup this year, I’m still watching and always cheering USA, USA!
So, having all that said…what’s your something fun other than running? Drop me a comment! I’d love to learn about what makes you tick!