22 Jun LPGA Rookie Blog 2: Living the Dream as a Professional Golfer!
Living My Dream On The LPGA!
Published June 22, 2011
LPGA Rookie Blog 2
It is so amazing to watch my dreams start to take shape and to be competing at the highest level of women’s golf. Two months ago I played in my first LPGA tournament, the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup. This charity tournament was formed by Commissioner Mike Whan and Mr. Tom Quinlan, with the purse not going to the pros, but instead to the charity of their choice. However, unlike everyone in the field except one other player, I had to prove myself and sink pressure putts before the tournament even started. You see, I had to Monday qualify.
My family and I knew the risk; if I didn’t qualify, the cost would be out of our pocket and we would have to fly home and wait for another opportunity. With my mom on the bag, Oakleys on my cap and Titleist Pro V1 in hand, and playing with the typical nerves a Monday qualifier brings, I tied for the second spot. There were only two qualifying spots available, so I had to go into a sudden-death playoff. We ended up having to play four holes to determine a winner – as if I hadn’t already had enough knee-knocker putts for the day! I went on to win the playoff and qualify for my first LPGA event!
After that final playoff hole, life seemed to speed up. Suddenly I felt like a little kid at Disney World taking in all the new sights and enormous crowds. There was an exciting buzz about the atmosphere. Everyone had big smiles on their faces, the volunteers were extra generous with their time, the golf course was in pristine condition, and the JW Marriott Resort was absolutely gorgeous!
I was meeting new players – some rookies like me and some Hall of Fame legends that I have been watching on television since I first took up the game. The fondest memory I have from that week is when Christina Kim came up to me on the driving range, introduced herself, congratulated me on my play so far, and welcomed me to the tour. I will never forget the kindness multiple players and caddies showed to a new face on tour that week.
I finished at 1-under-par in my first LPGA tournament and tied for 29th with two Hall of Fame players. That finish moved me up in the rankings, and I should get into the LPGA June events without having to Monday qualify! I cannot wait because this gives me more opportunities to play on the LPGA Tour and to live my dream.
All of this would not have been possible without two individuals that I am so grateful to, Mr. Mike Whan, Commissioner of the LPGA Tour and Mr. Tom Quinlan, President of RR Donnelley.
Everyone knows the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup tournament provided several charities with donations that will change lives forever. What people don’t know is that this one tournament has changed my life forever. It has given me hope that my dream can become a reality and it has allowed me the opportunity of a life time!
Wish me luck this summer and God Bless,
Amelia