Ok, so I know I just sent out my much needed and anticipated weekly blog, however, this was a story I just could not keep from sharing. This morning Kelley and I went to the course to practice, luckily before the storm hit and then had the afternoon to spend at the house. We proceeded to take the two sea-doos out on the Y River which is directly in the backyard. This was our second outing on the machines, so we felt pretty comfortable in knowing what we were doing. At some point during our ride (probably one of the furthest points away from the house we could be...5 miles) my machine decided that it was not going to work properly anymore. As it turns out, something is lodged in the pipe or some technical term that I do not know, and it should be fixed very easily. However, at the time, we were quite concerned as to what we did to the machine. It was running, but would not gain any speed and would just rev the engine. We considered jumping in the water to try to get whatever was lodged out, however, there are jelly fish in this water and neither of us wanted to get stung. So, we cleverly hooked the machine up to the other machine to tow it back to the house. I am quite impressed with myself that I could tie knots that would hold. That is such a guy thing to know how to do, and I wasn't sure that I could do it. Then began the humiliating, hilarious, and ridiculously slow ride in towards the house. I am sure people were having a good laugh at us, seeing as how we were maybe going 5 mph. It was a very long ride. We found ourselves quite delirious by the time we were getting to the house. We were making up songs, laughing at ourselves, and we even created names for our machines. Big Red and Yellow Sub!! Yep, we're pretty silly. So, after getting ahold of the Patten's son, he convinced us that this stuff happens often, and we should not be worried or concerned that we did something wrong. Good news is that we're ok and hopefully the machine will be too. Bad news is that our enjoyable afternoon on the machines was cut short.
Also, as a side note, the story I told about falling in the hole on the dock...well, it turns out my injuries are a little more extensive than I had previously thought. When I went to hit balls yesterday, I realized that my left arm was very very sore and tight. I thought maybe it was from riding the sea-doos the day before. Kelley was not sore, and neither was my right arm. As it turns out, we discovered that when I fell, my entire left side hit the dock on the way down, hence the soreness in my arm. Again, great news that no serious injuries resulted. What a joke!!!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Catch up time...
I know, I know...I haven't written in a while. It seems that these weeks are all starting to blend together, and by the time I think about writing on the previous week, we are well into the current week and I have more to write about. I keep telling myself that I need to post a blog and it continues to slip my mind. I will just give you an outline of the last few weeks.
I was in Albuquerque for our week off and had a great time being a "normal person" whatever that means!! I went back to Albany, NY to get my car and my friend Kelley and I drove to Concord, NH on what appeared to be back highways, at 10 pm...quite the adventure. We found the house and slipped in quietly around 11:30 that night. The next morning I woke up with bites all over my legs. Yep...it was nice! We still aren't sure what the exact cause was, initially we were thinking bed bugs, but I just don't know. After putting a cover on the mattress, I didn't have any more problems with the bugs. There were 6 of us sharing a bathroom that week and it was small living for the week...needless to say, it was nice to pull out of there on Sunday.
Then on the way over to Morgantown, WV (11 hours) Kelley and I stopped to see my good friend Sara and her husband in New York City. We stayed one night with them in their apartment. I definitely confirmed the fact that I am not a big city girl. Way too many people, way too many cars, not enough space. I definitely missed the open land and mountain views of home while we were there for the night. I just couldn't do it!! Also a quick note to say that when my mom and I go to the city next week to sight see...we will be taking the public transportation into the city as I hate driving there! People just make their own rules and lanes and oh my goodness do they ever like their horns?!! Makes me nervous.
I played last week in Morgantown, WV and we had some more than interesting weather. When we arrived, the course had already seen 12 straight days of rain...so the course was wet to say the least. For the days leading up to the tournament, we had huge storms every afternoon. And I mean huge!!! Thursday's practice rounds were all messed up because the course was nearly unplayable. The back 9 was even closed. I happened to have the first tee time Friday morning, and boy was it wet!! I played well for 2 days...well, for about 33 holes. I had a few oops' and they ended up costing me making the cut.
Now on to the good stuff....I am in the most gorgeous, relaxing, fun, awesome place ever. Through friends of friends, I have housing this week in a huge home on the water in Queenstown, Maryland. They have 5 girls staying here this week, if that gives you an idea of the size. 2 boats, 2 sea-doos, a pool...wow!!! Kelley and I went sailing with a friend of hers the other night ( a first for me...and I decided that it's just too much work when you can turn on an engine and drive a regular boat!!!) I know, I'm boring. Yesterday after our day on the golf course we came back and went on the Sea-Doos. Funny story on that real quick. They have a rubber/plastic type of ramp/dock that they store the sea-doos on. Well, we were putting the covers back on them and I was walking behind the machine pulling the cover over the back. There is a rather large hole in the dock (one that's supposed to be there) and I backed right into it, fell into the water, hitting my whole left side on the plastic dock on the way down. Good news - no serious injuries...it could have been bad! Bad news - I'm going to have a bruise covering my entire left hip and leg. It hurts to roll over in bed!!! Good one Kailin!!! I am told that is a first, so i guess I will leave my mark on this house after all. Our plan today after practicing this morning, as the course is closed to us for the pro-ams, is to come back and enjoy all of these fun toys and relax!! My bed might just eat me this week...meaning, I just melt into it! So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that we are living the life this week!!!
I promise to write more often, this week when the week is over...I promise!! My mom is coming to caddy for next week's mandatory caddy event in Gettysburg, PA. She gets here on Wednesday and I'm very excited! Come to think of it, I don't think she's seen me play as a professional! Not that it's any different...still a golf ball and a golf course! But, I don't think she has. We should have a lot of fun and plan to see some fun stuff while we're over here also!
Living rough in Queenstown!!! ~Kailin
I was in Albuquerque for our week off and had a great time being a "normal person" whatever that means!! I went back to Albany, NY to get my car and my friend Kelley and I drove to Concord, NH on what appeared to be back highways, at 10 pm...quite the adventure. We found the house and slipped in quietly around 11:30 that night. The next morning I woke up with bites all over my legs. Yep...it was nice! We still aren't sure what the exact cause was, initially we were thinking bed bugs, but I just don't know. After putting a cover on the mattress, I didn't have any more problems with the bugs. There were 6 of us sharing a bathroom that week and it was small living for the week...needless to say, it was nice to pull out of there on Sunday.
Then on the way over to Morgantown, WV (11 hours) Kelley and I stopped to see my good friend Sara and her husband in New York City. We stayed one night with them in their apartment. I definitely confirmed the fact that I am not a big city girl. Way too many people, way too many cars, not enough space. I definitely missed the open land and mountain views of home while we were there for the night. I just couldn't do it!! Also a quick note to say that when my mom and I go to the city next week to sight see...we will be taking the public transportation into the city as I hate driving there! People just make their own rules and lanes and oh my goodness do they ever like their horns?!! Makes me nervous.
I played last week in Morgantown, WV and we had some more than interesting weather. When we arrived, the course had already seen 12 straight days of rain...so the course was wet to say the least. For the days leading up to the tournament, we had huge storms every afternoon. And I mean huge!!! Thursday's practice rounds were all messed up because the course was nearly unplayable. The back 9 was even closed. I happened to have the first tee time Friday morning, and boy was it wet!! I played well for 2 days...well, for about 33 holes. I had a few oops' and they ended up costing me making the cut.
Now on to the good stuff....I am in the most gorgeous, relaxing, fun, awesome place ever. Through friends of friends, I have housing this week in a huge home on the water in Queenstown, Maryland. They have 5 girls staying here this week, if that gives you an idea of the size. 2 boats, 2 sea-doos, a pool...wow!!! Kelley and I went sailing with a friend of hers the other night ( a first for me...and I decided that it's just too much work when you can turn on an engine and drive a regular boat!!!) I know, I'm boring. Yesterday after our day on the golf course we came back and went on the Sea-Doos. Funny story on that real quick. They have a rubber/plastic type of ramp/dock that they store the sea-doos on. Well, we were putting the covers back on them and I was walking behind the machine pulling the cover over the back. There is a rather large hole in the dock (one that's supposed to be there) and I backed right into it, fell into the water, hitting my whole left side on the plastic dock on the way down. Good news - no serious injuries...it could have been bad! Bad news - I'm going to have a bruise covering my entire left hip and leg. It hurts to roll over in bed!!! Good one Kailin!!! I am told that is a first, so i guess I will leave my mark on this house after all. Our plan today after practicing this morning, as the course is closed to us for the pro-ams, is to come back and enjoy all of these fun toys and relax!! My bed might just eat me this week...meaning, I just melt into it! So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that we are living the life this week!!!
I promise to write more often, this week when the week is over...I promise!! My mom is coming to caddy for next week's mandatory caddy event in Gettysburg, PA. She gets here on Wednesday and I'm very excited! Come to think of it, I don't think she's seen me play as a professional! Not that it's any different...still a golf ball and a golf course! But, I don't think she has. We should have a lot of fun and plan to see some fun stuff while we're over here also!
Living rough in Queenstown!!! ~Kailin
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Playing on a Sunday!!
Ok, so you know that saying that you don't know what you've got until you lose it? Well, I can't say the same is true for me and my game and my tournaments lately. I knew every Sunday morning when I had missed the cut what I should have been doing and where I should have been. Instead of practicing, or hiking, or caddying for a friend, or doing laundry and driving, I should have been playing the 3rd and final round of the tournament. Today I finally did that!!! It felt so good to make the cut yesterday and be able to tee it up on Sunday!! We had some weather that should have made me feel a little at home this week. We had 3 completely different weather situations which equals 3 completely different golf courses. Friday I got the short end of the stick with temperatures in the 60's, rain for about 9 holes, and wind. (The afternoon tee times got to enjoy their rounds in dry clothes!!) Saturday was warmer but very windy. And today, well, the conditions were perfect!
I know that a lot of you are wondering about last week and the infamous DQ that is next to a player's name. There are so many ways to get DQ-ed (Disqualified for those non-golfers) anymore that it's always the question of the day. I had about 20 people ask me that day after the round, and another 30 or so the next day who came to give me a smile or pat on the shoulder after reading that I had run out of golf balls on my 16th hole. Yes, I ran out of golf balls. This course had many places to lose balls and I seemed to find most of them. I would have been done on the 14th if not for a playing partner who climbed down a huge embankment and to my surprise, found one of my balls! So, I walked the remaining 2 and a half holes with my group with my head high and a smile on my face knowing that it was just one of those days and this didn't define who I was as a person or a golfer. I had many comments from people in my group and of the staff that helped to ease the bruise a little. I was told that I handled the situation like a champ and that it took a lot of guts to stick it out and finish (well, 16 holes that is) and most people in that situation would have walked off the course long before that point. So, I took that for what it's worth...and here we are this week playing on a Sunday. :)
A few side notes of humor...entertainment...or embarrassment in my situation!!
Just a side note, there was an article written on the Duramed Futures Tour page about me if you didn't see it. The URL is http://www.duramedfuturestour.com/News/WR071607.pdf or you can find it by going to the home website. Also, Lisa Mickey, the media person for the tour writes a side blog some weeks and she wrote one this week that has people buzzing and raving about it. It's the Mickey A La Cart side box on the left hand side of the web page and this is the URL http://www.duramedfuturestour.com/Blogs/MickeyalaCart.asp I would recommend reading it, she has a very good outlook on what it's like out here and she is one of my favorite people on the staff out here!!
Until next week...
I know that a lot of you are wondering about last week and the infamous DQ that is next to a player's name. There are so many ways to get DQ-ed (Disqualified for those non-golfers) anymore that it's always the question of the day. I had about 20 people ask me that day after the round, and another 30 or so the next day who came to give me a smile or pat on the shoulder after reading that I had run out of golf balls on my 16th hole. Yes, I ran out of golf balls. This course had many places to lose balls and I seemed to find most of them. I would have been done on the 14th if not for a playing partner who climbed down a huge embankment and to my surprise, found one of my balls! So, I walked the remaining 2 and a half holes with my group with my head high and a smile on my face knowing that it was just one of those days and this didn't define who I was as a person or a golfer. I had many comments from people in my group and of the staff that helped to ease the bruise a little. I was told that I handled the situation like a champ and that it took a lot of guts to stick it out and finish (well, 16 holes that is) and most people in that situation would have walked off the course long before that point. So, I took that for what it's worth...and here we are this week playing on a Sunday. :)
A few side notes of humor...entertainment...or embarrassment in my situation!!
- Take note when you are driving in central New York. Highway 87 is not the same thing as Highway 90 (the thruway as it's known around here!). Yes, I found this out the hard way. Oh, we're not talking 20 or 30 miles, we're talking a good 130 miles in the wrong direction!!! Check it out on a map to get the full picture. I was headed to Syracuse from Hartford and going through Albany. I missed the turn-off to go West on 90 towards Syracuse and instead went North on 87 towards CANADA...Yikes!! In my defense, the directions told me that 87 would turn into 90 at some point, and I believe I was on the phone with my Dad when this happened, hence the reason I missed it. End of the story is I ended up right near Lake Placid...the Olympic training site. I did get to see some pretty places in New York that I would not have seen otherwise, but are you kidding Kailin?!! It was so far out of the way, and to make matters worse, there was no easy way to get over to Syracuse...I had to go back the same way and cut over, but it took me FOREVER! I was mad, tired, frustrated, and kind of amused all at the same time. You'll thank me if you ever get over here and have to drive on these roads yourselves..just you wait!
- I have a friend traveling with me. She doesn't talk, she doesn't take up any space with her stuff in the car, we always have the same tee times, and she's content just hanging out waiting for me. No, I am not on drugs...but I have a little spider friend that hangs out on my trunk. I know what you're thinking right now, I've gone a little nuts with all this travel. But really, there is a spider who has been through all kinds of weather, weeks of sitting in random parking lots, and many, many, many miles with me. I ruined her web a couple of weeks ago, I'm not sure why. Then when she rebuilt it and has been with me ever since, I decided that I have a little travel buddy. You might be thinking weird, but hello, doesn't anyone remember Charlotte's Web?!! (By the way, I don't actually know the sex...does anyone know how to tell with a spider?)
- At the pro-am dinner this week, in the opening speech by some guy...I can't tell you who he was, he referred to us as "a traveling circus." This made me laugh because it's so true. He made reference to our cars with all the clothes hung in them and packed to the brim and license plates from all over...so true! This should give you a pretty good image of what we look like traveling all over each week!
Just a side note, there was an article written on the Duramed Futures Tour page about me if you didn't see it. The URL is http://www.duramedfuturestour.com/News/WR071607.pdf or you can find it by going to the home website. Also, Lisa Mickey, the media person for the tour writes a side blog some weeks and she wrote one this week that has people buzzing and raving about it. It's the Mickey A La Cart side box on the left hand side of the web page and this is the URL http://www.duramedfuturestour.com/Blogs/MickeyalaCart.asp I would recommend reading it, she has a very good outlook on what it's like out here and she is one of my favorite people on the staff out here!!
Until next week...
Friday, July 13, 2007
Long time no blog...
I apologize for the delay between blogs. When I left Kankakee, Illinois 2 weeks ago...it was all craziness from there. I drove 2 days (15 hours) to Hartford, Connecticut to leave my car and fly home. Here's a new one for you...I hit a chair in the middle of the road on my drive. Yes, a chair. I never thought I would be saying this, but be careful when you're on the road, because you never know when furniture could be lying around in your lane. It was a very strange deal, and happened so quickly I couldn't even tell you details! However, it was scary and luckily my car doesn't seem to have any damage as a result. I am lucky that the car in front of me didn't hit it and send it flying into my windshield!
I was home for a week, and we worked like dogs the whole time. I never imagined that a wedding could be so much work. There are so many details that you don't even think about having to think about! I hope my sister realizes how much work it all was, because there were a lot of friends and family who put in more than a few good hours to make it all come together. My parents did a fantastic job and everything turned out beautiful and perfect! It was an emotional day, but a happy one, and it was fun to see my sister so happy and looking beautiful!!
I traveled all day Tuesday (July 10) back to Hartford, getting here at 1:00 a.m. Funny thing is, my clubs didn't arrive with me. At 1:00 in the morning, there aren't a whole lot of options to hope they come in on a later flight. I was pretty much out of luck for my 7:00 a.m. practice round the next morning. I got a set of clubs my host housing put together for me, used a putter from my car, and borrowed woods of a friend in my group and groggily played a practice round the next morning. As of 3:00 the next afternoon, I still hadn't heard a word from the airline. And as many of you know, of course the number they give you doesn't actually result in someone on the other line, it is merely an answering machine. Yeah, like anyone ever returns those calls. So, I made the 25 minute drive back to the airport to raise a little hell in person. Long story short, I spent 4 and 1/2 hours at the airport baggage claim that night and luckily received my clubs on a 9:00 pm flight from Las Vegas. I was preparing for the worst and coming up with a plan as to what clubs I could use if I didn't have my own come Friday!!
This course is challenging, but very fun to play, as it requires certain shots and requires some course management instead of bombing away at your driver every hole. I had a great day, much better than a 76 describes. Playing that way and having a few things go my way could result in a much lower score...thus, the plan for tomorrow!!! We are in Syracuse, NY next week and then have another week off. I apologize again for my lack of communication...time just goes by so quickly when you're super busy and having fun!!
Talk to you all soon!!
I was home for a week, and we worked like dogs the whole time. I never imagined that a wedding could be so much work. There are so many details that you don't even think about having to think about! I hope my sister realizes how much work it all was, because there were a lot of friends and family who put in more than a few good hours to make it all come together. My parents did a fantastic job and everything turned out beautiful and perfect! It was an emotional day, but a happy one, and it was fun to see my sister so happy and looking beautiful!!
I traveled all day Tuesday (July 10) back to Hartford, getting here at 1:00 a.m. Funny thing is, my clubs didn't arrive with me. At 1:00 in the morning, there aren't a whole lot of options to hope they come in on a later flight. I was pretty much out of luck for my 7:00 a.m. practice round the next morning. I got a set of clubs my host housing put together for me, used a putter from my car, and borrowed woods of a friend in my group and groggily played a practice round the next morning. As of 3:00 the next afternoon, I still hadn't heard a word from the airline. And as many of you know, of course the number they give you doesn't actually result in someone on the other line, it is merely an answering machine. Yeah, like anyone ever returns those calls. So, I made the 25 minute drive back to the airport to raise a little hell in person. Long story short, I spent 4 and 1/2 hours at the airport baggage claim that night and luckily received my clubs on a 9:00 pm flight from Las Vegas. I was preparing for the worst and coming up with a plan as to what clubs I could use if I didn't have my own come Friday!!
This course is challenging, but very fun to play, as it requires certain shots and requires some course management instead of bombing away at your driver every hole. I had a great day, much better than a 76 describes. Playing that way and having a few things go my way could result in a much lower score...thus, the plan for tomorrow!!! We are in Syracuse, NY next week and then have another week off. I apologize again for my lack of communication...time just goes by so quickly when you're super busy and having fun!!
Talk to you all soon!!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day
Ok, so in all honesty, I didn't feel that it would be fair to submit a Father's Day story to the Duramed Futures Tour page this weekend after not having my Mother's Day story posted. So, Dad gets a little blog on here just like Mom!! First, Happy Father's Day to everyone that it applies. I had a fun day here in Decatur celebrating with another family, but would have preferred to have been at home celebrating with my family..(well, in all reality, it probably wouldn't have been celebrating...probably more like helping in the yard to get ready for the wedding!!!) Anyway, I have a couple of stories about Dad to share. This is really quite fun since most of you know him and can truly appreciate some of the "crap" that he dishes out!!
I believe it was my sophomore year in high school, before I was to turn 16 and get my driver's license. Driving home from high school practice, with my younger sister in the car, we passed a bright yellow (popular at the time) truck. He informed me that if I could shoot under 70 the next day in Prineville at our tournament then he would by Kristin (my younger sister) that truck. Wow...wait just one minute. This is quite a deal for me, huh? So, you're telling me that if I go out and break 70 then you will by that truck for my sister? Where is the benefit in that for me? He seemed to think it was a good deal because she wouldn't be able to drive for 2 years so she would let me drive it. Yeah, right...knowing my sister, I'm sure she would just gladly hand over the keys!! End of the story is I missed a short birdie putt on the 18th to shoot 69, so I ended up with a 70 and we didn't have to worry about the details of the truck!!! He still tells that story with a huge smile on his face, I think because he realizes how lousy of a deal that was for me?!!!
Another memory I have I am not as clear on the details. I believe it was something very similar though. If I were to break 70 during my summer tournaments he would shave his head. (I think this was actually meant as torture for my mom as she hated his hair that short) I shot 67 at the OGA Members course at Tukwila and happily called him and informed him that he lost the bet. He showed up the next day with a buzzed head. Everyone was giving him a hard time telling him that he hadn't followed through with his end of the bargain and that a buzz was different from a shaved head!! I have the picture and the fun memory of all of those birdies, knowing with each one that he was going to have to follow through with his end of the deal!!!
(Maybe I need another "deal" Dad...perhaps that would help bring in the birdies??!!!) Just kidding!
I feel very lucky to have such a supportive, involved, and caring Dad and know without a doubt that I will always have his love and support no matter what I do on or off the golf course. I know that he shares my passion for being out here and with that my disappointment when I do not perform to my expectations. It is great to have the support system that I do at home! I am hoping that he and my mom both will be able to be experiencing it a little more with me out here once the wedding is over! (hint)
Happy Father's Day Dad...love you always!!
I believe it was my sophomore year in high school, before I was to turn 16 and get my driver's license. Driving home from high school practice, with my younger sister in the car, we passed a bright yellow (popular at the time) truck. He informed me that if I could shoot under 70 the next day in Prineville at our tournament then he would by Kristin (my younger sister) that truck. Wow...wait just one minute. This is quite a deal for me, huh? So, you're telling me that if I go out and break 70 then you will by that truck for my sister? Where is the benefit in that for me? He seemed to think it was a good deal because she wouldn't be able to drive for 2 years so she would let me drive it. Yeah, right...knowing my sister, I'm sure she would just gladly hand over the keys!! End of the story is I missed a short birdie putt on the 18th to shoot 69, so I ended up with a 70 and we didn't have to worry about the details of the truck!!! He still tells that story with a huge smile on his face, I think because he realizes how lousy of a deal that was for me?!!!
Another memory I have I am not as clear on the details. I believe it was something very similar though. If I were to break 70 during my summer tournaments he would shave his head. (I think this was actually meant as torture for my mom as she hated his hair that short) I shot 67 at the OGA Members course at Tukwila and happily called him and informed him that he lost the bet. He showed up the next day with a buzzed head. Everyone was giving him a hard time telling him that he hadn't followed through with his end of the bargain and that a buzz was different from a shaved head!! I have the picture and the fun memory of all of those birdies, knowing with each one that he was going to have to follow through with his end of the deal!!!
(Maybe I need another "deal" Dad...perhaps that would help bring in the birdies??!!!) Just kidding!
I feel very lucky to have such a supportive, involved, and caring Dad and know without a doubt that I will always have his love and support no matter what I do on or off the golf course. I know that he shares my passion for being out here and with that my disappointment when I do not perform to my expectations. It is great to have the support system that I do at home! I am hoping that he and my mom both will be able to be experiencing it a little more with me out here once the wedding is over! (hint)
Happy Father's Day Dad...love you always!!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Random Blog
Ok, so I'm going to apologize in advance for this being a short, random blog. I do not have wireless internet and don't want to take up the computer for very long. I'm going to just tell you about a few random things that happened over the last week or so.
Today I competed in my 3rd "Yes One Grand Challenge" putting contest. Every few weeks they have one for people who are using the Yes putters. They hold 3 or 4 different shot-gun qualifiers and the low 3 scores and ties get into a sudden death playoff after that. The first week, I didn't post a score that went to the finals. A couple of weeks ago in Lake Geneva, I was 2 under and qualified for the playoff. The first hole of the playoff I 3-putted and was eliminated. This week, I qualified again and survived 4 holes until another girl drained a putt and the whole thing was over. So, the way I see it...it's a progression and next time guess who will be the winner?!!!
At last week's event in Hammond, Indiana on the first tee of the second round we were given our pin sheets and scorecards. Then we were handed a memo from the head honchos of the tour. The memo read as follows:
The Duramed FUTURES Tour Executive Committee has exercised its right to make the following amendment to the 2007 Player Rules and Regulations. This change goes into effect immediately.
Repairing Ball Marks, Replacing Divots, and Raking Bunkers
In any round of practice, pro-am, or tournament competition, any player who fails to replace a divot or repair a ball mark as a result of a shot she has played, or fails to rake a bunker after playing from the bunker will be fined fifty dollars ($50) for each offense. This violation may be reported by a fellow competitor, caddie, volunteer, spectator, etc. and the fine is not subject to appeal. Any repeat violations of this policy may result in additional fines and/or further action by the Tour.
Ok, first, I would just like to say that we are professionals. Is this a joke that we're having to be threatened with a fine in order to make people fix divots and ball-marks. I have always been a strong believer in karma with golf, and I fear that if I don't fix a divot in the fairway...guess where I'm going to end up the next day?!! Also, why is it difficult to fix 2 or 3 ball marks when you're walking to your ball on the green? I don't know about you, but I found this saddening.
And lastly, I have to refer once again to our volunteer cart drivers, bless their hearts. I heard some stories from last week's event that made my situation seem like heaven. A friend of mine had a driver that literally drove on the green on the first hole. Drove on the green!!! Right across the first green. I think I would have needed a change of clothes if I were in that group because I probably would have wet myself. Anyway, my driver on the last day was pushing 85 or 90 and was the sweetest thing ever. He was very much trying to error on the cautious side and stayed pretty far away from us. The other girl that had her bag on the cart and I were constantly having to tell him to come on over, don't be shy, pull right up next to us. I say constantly, and I mean pretty much every shot!!! Also, for anyone that was following, during the last round I started very hot and had some struggles from there on in. I had 4 penalty strokes with all the hazards that surrounded that golf course. Anyway, Ben (that's our driver's name) kept informing me that my penalty strokes were just killing me and my score. He also would inform me after I took drops and was prepared to hit my next shot that I should be careful not to hit the ball into hazards that were up by the green as well, and told me where all of the trouble was. For anyone that knows golf...one of the major sins is bringing up the trouble, because that's what goes into the golfer's mind. The brain doesn't hear the word "don't" so all it hears is "hazard up there on the left" or whatnot. Anyway, at this point all I could do was laugh and I did a lot of it!!!
We are in Decatur, Illinois this week for the tour's "MAJOR" of the season. It has the biggest purse ($105,000) and is a 4-day event, when they are normally 3. I hear that this tournament has the biggest fan base and support of the tournament, so I'm excited to see. It is a mandatory caddy event and I have been given my volunteer caddy for the week. I believe that I have the only female caddy of the whole group...so maybe that will be good luck!! Live scoring again this week at www.duramedfuturestour.com I'll write more next week!!
~Kailin (PS...it turns out that wasn't a short blog after all...I had a lot to say apparently)
Today I competed in my 3rd "Yes One Grand Challenge" putting contest. Every few weeks they have one for people who are using the Yes putters. They hold 3 or 4 different shot-gun qualifiers and the low 3 scores and ties get into a sudden death playoff after that. The first week, I didn't post a score that went to the finals. A couple of weeks ago in Lake Geneva, I was 2 under and qualified for the playoff. The first hole of the playoff I 3-putted and was eliminated. This week, I qualified again and survived 4 holes until another girl drained a putt and the whole thing was over. So, the way I see it...it's a progression and next time guess who will be the winner?!!!
At last week's event in Hammond, Indiana on the first tee of the second round we were given our pin sheets and scorecards. Then we were handed a memo from the head honchos of the tour. The memo read as follows:
The Duramed FUTURES Tour Executive Committee has exercised its right to make the following amendment to the 2007 Player Rules and Regulations. This change goes into effect immediately.
Repairing Ball Marks, Replacing Divots, and Raking Bunkers
In any round of practice, pro-am, or tournament competition, any player who fails to replace a divot or repair a ball mark as a result of a shot she has played, or fails to rake a bunker after playing from the bunker will be fined fifty dollars ($50) for each offense. This violation may be reported by a fellow competitor, caddie, volunteer, spectator, etc. and the fine is not subject to appeal. Any repeat violations of this policy may result in additional fines and/or further action by the Tour.
Ok, first, I would just like to say that we are professionals. Is this a joke that we're having to be threatened with a fine in order to make people fix divots and ball-marks. I have always been a strong believer in karma with golf, and I fear that if I don't fix a divot in the fairway...guess where I'm going to end up the next day?!! Also, why is it difficult to fix 2 or 3 ball marks when you're walking to your ball on the green? I don't know about you, but I found this saddening.
And lastly, I have to refer once again to our volunteer cart drivers, bless their hearts. I heard some stories from last week's event that made my situation seem like heaven. A friend of mine had a driver that literally drove on the green on the first hole. Drove on the green!!! Right across the first green. I think I would have needed a change of clothes if I were in that group because I probably would have wet myself. Anyway, my driver on the last day was pushing 85 or 90 and was the sweetest thing ever. He was very much trying to error on the cautious side and stayed pretty far away from us. The other girl that had her bag on the cart and I were constantly having to tell him to come on over, don't be shy, pull right up next to us. I say constantly, and I mean pretty much every shot!!! Also, for anyone that was following, during the last round I started very hot and had some struggles from there on in. I had 4 penalty strokes with all the hazards that surrounded that golf course. Anyway, Ben (that's our driver's name) kept informing me that my penalty strokes were just killing me and my score. He also would inform me after I took drops and was prepared to hit my next shot that I should be careful not to hit the ball into hazards that were up by the green as well, and told me where all of the trouble was. For anyone that knows golf...one of the major sins is bringing up the trouble, because that's what goes into the golfer's mind. The brain doesn't hear the word "don't" so all it hears is "hazard up there on the left" or whatnot. Anyway, at this point all I could do was laugh and I did a lot of it!!!
We are in Decatur, Illinois this week for the tour's "MAJOR" of the season. It has the biggest purse ($105,000) and is a 4-day event, when they are normally 3. I hear that this tournament has the biggest fan base and support of the tournament, so I'm excited to see. It is a mandatory caddy event and I have been given my volunteer caddy for the week. I believe that I have the only female caddy of the whole group...so maybe that will be good luck!! Live scoring again this week at www.duramedfuturestour.com I'll write more next week!!
~Kailin (PS...it turns out that wasn't a short blog after all...I had a lot to say apparently)
Monday, June 4, 2007
Success.......?
Success is defined in the dictionary as degree or measure of succeeding, or a favorable or desired outcome. My week in Lake Geneva would be described as success. I know some of you are thinking..."hmmm, 81-77 and missing the cut, how is that success?" But, that would be my description of choice. I say that because I am getting so close. Again, you're wondering how an 81 and a 77 is getting close to where I want to be. It was a matter of 2 or 3 different swings that cost me a number of strokes and a stretch of poor putting for about 4 or 5 holes. Other than that, I am hitting the ball very well, better than I have been, and gaining the confidence back, slowly. This was the best venue we have been to all season, and I would recommend a vacation to this area to anyone. It is absolutely gorgeous here.
The weather was interesting all week, lots of rain, and many delays. I will leave this morning for Hammond, Indiana, which is only 2 hours away. You have no idea how exciting that sounds after the 10 and 12 hour drives we were doing in Texas. They are having a fun, free, money available to win Par 3 contest today in Hammond. A friend and I are going to play, mostly because we can enter for free and win money, but also because we thought it would be fun and good practice!!
I had fun at home and was disappointed to leave, probably because after being gone for so long a week doesn't seem long enough. Also because I knew I was leaving for 5 weeks and the next time I go home it will be pure craziness with the wedding. It already is craziness there...a word of advice, do not go into the wedding business while planning your own daughter's wedding. There is a lot going on at the Downs' residence and I am not disappointed that I don't have to deal with all of that!!! Good luck with that Mom and Dad. Off to Hammond, until next week...birdies!!!
The weather was interesting all week, lots of rain, and many delays. I will leave this morning for Hammond, Indiana, which is only 2 hours away. You have no idea how exciting that sounds after the 10 and 12 hour drives we were doing in Texas. They are having a fun, free, money available to win Par 3 contest today in Hammond. A friend and I are going to play, mostly because we can enter for free and win money, but also because we thought it would be fun and good practice!!
I had fun at home and was disappointed to leave, probably because after being gone for so long a week doesn't seem long enough. Also because I knew I was leaving for 5 weeks and the next time I go home it will be pure craziness with the wedding. It already is craziness there...a word of advice, do not go into the wedding business while planning your own daughter's wedding. There is a lot going on at the Downs' residence and I am not disappointed that I don't have to deal with all of that!!! Good luck with that Mom and Dad. Off to Hammond, until next week...birdies!!!
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