Florida Women's Open

This past week I played in the Florida Women’s Open in Orlando Florida.  This tournament was not a Cactus Tour event and had a much larger field then expected.  When arriving at the course I was nothing other than shocked.  The course was in decent condition but the greens were completely bare.  I mean they didn’t have any, and I repeat any grass on the greens.  This tournament is a huge event that many LPGA and Future Tour players attend and I could not believe what I saw as I stood on the driving range before my practice round.  I played the practice round and as my putts bumped their way to hole I started to feel frustrated.  Not guaranteed a two putt from 8 feet is not enjoyable. 

That night before the tournament I reevaluated the situation and decided I was playing on the same course in the same conditions as every other girl in the event.  So why had I been upset?  If anyone knew how to grind it out on a rough course it was me.  I grew up on a small hometown course where grass was sparse and you never knew the lye you were going to get.  The next day I headed out to the course with a new attitude and told myself if I didn’t want to have to worry about putting then I would need to simply stick the ball closer.  My game strategy…well what do you know?...it adapted.  I decided to play my game and if putts fell in I would be happy.

With the attitude I played the best I have in a tournament.  I wasn’t worried about missing putts so I putted a little more aggressively which actually allowed for more putts to fall.  As I said, one of my main strategies was too focus on my approach shots.  On hole 5 from 138 yards I struck an aggressive 8 iron at the pin and holed out for eagle.  I shot 72 that day followed by 73 on the second day.  The third and final day I was a bit more nervous because I had never played so well in a tournament before.  I struck the ball well and without losing faith in my game I shot 76.  I had a small bogey train on the back nine but revived my score with two birdies to finish the round. Overall I finished 13th out of 54 girls and made my first professional paycheck!

Course Review: Rio Pinar Country Club

 I normally write a lengthy review about a course but honestly i don't have much to say other than don't play here.  I told you that I would always give my honest and blunt opinion because there is nothing worse than receiving sugar-coated reviews.  I feel you need to know the truth and why waste your time at a place that is not worth your time.  The course is located in Orlando, Florida tucked back off the 4 freeway.  The course is in "okay" condition but they had a chemical mix up on the greens and they lost all of their grass.  We were putting on rolled mud.  The practice facility is in poor shape.  With the space to have a great facility they do not keep it in shape.

I give it 2 Stars

Amanda