Starting From Scratch: Event #5 Wildfire

Event #5 Wildfire

This past week I played at Wildfire in Phoenix Arizona. The course was preparing for the R.R. Donnelly and the course was in great shape. The first day I played extremely well and felt comfortable. It seems as though my game is becoming more consistent as my nerves are learning to settle down. The second day there were severe winds that we all fought against. I started off the day a little rocky and unsettled but then regained my focus on the back and actually made up for a few strokes. The last and final day we had 50mph winds and it was comical. Aiming sometimes as much as 20 yards left of a target made for a long day. I played lights out on the front nine with back to back birdies and a string of pars but completely lost what I had going on the back nine. I was frustrated but hung in there. The wind was a great experience to play in and I felt I handled it decently. These kinds of rounds are what make you a stronger player.

On a side note…Because the RR Donnelly was the following week there were a bunch of LPGA girls playing in our Cactus event. This allowed them to have an entire week to play the course. The third day of the event I had a great opportunity and was paired with the great Pat Hurst. For those of you who do not know, Pat Hurst is a full time LPGA player since 1994. She has had 11 career wins including the Kraft Nabisco and Rookie of the Year in 1995. It was not only an honor to play with her but a great chance for me to see where I stood and what I could improve on to someday be playing just as she does. Playing with these ladies allowed me to see what they do to be successful and that they are human just like the rest of us. She joked during the round stating that she also had fears and nerves just like the rest of us. As simple as that is to understand it struck me deeply. To really see that I could compete with here was what I truly needed.

Pat Hurst!

Course Review: Wildfire is located in North Phoenix out by itself in the middle of a luxurious resort. The Palmer and Faldo courses are true desert links golf courses that are in pristine condition. The range is very spacious and well manicured. Ample room for practicing and if you’re ever in the area stop by and practice your game. The famous Palmer bunker design keeps you on your toes and tests your ability around the greens. This course is a great place to go for a golf vacation and gives you the feeling of what true golf should feel like.