I love Thanksgiving because it always leaves me to think about the things I am very thankful for. I do this way more than just during the holidays but in November it seems more special.
I have been blessed with an athletic talent that has earned me a free education, led me to travel all around the country and even to Canada and Mexico, has taught me more about life than life will ever be able to, and has connected me with some of the most beautiful people in the world.
I have a family that makes this all happen with their utmost support and I am so thankful that I have a family that believes in my dream as much as I do. Without that, it would be a hard swim upstream.
I have a roof over my head and clothes on my back and arms and legs to run and jump and skip! I could go into very small detail but you get the idea.
Down at Q-School, I couldn't help but just feel this overwhelming feeling of thankfulness. Thankfulness, not only that I have the ability to compete, but that I was even there! So that leads me to be thankful to the members of the Longmont community who say good job, or good luck, or play well, or give your money, or an ear to listen to. None of your actions go unnoticed. I am so blessed with the support!! Thank you!
This is definitely what I will be thinking about this week. :)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Not-So-Off-Season
People hear the term "off-season" and think of time off, naturally. Well, for me, it means, "work-harder-season". Off-season is typically the time for changes to your physical routine in the gym, any swing changes and mental routine. I have stepped up workouts from 4 days a week like they were when I was playing, to 6 times a week. I have also upped the weight in all exercises. Upping the weight means upping the stretch time and yoga. I have created a workout plan based on some of the things we did in the off-season in college and added some of my own things I need to strengthen in the gym.
Off-season is also a time to work on some habits that may have hindered you in the last year or just some things you want to change about your game that you couldn't really do during season. For me these tweaks started in September with Eli and had to be put at a halt due to FUTURES Q-school. Now, those tweaks are back on track and I have been working really hard on them in the last week. When there is snow on the ground, I am working in front of a mirror and doing a lot of mental practice. Essentially, I am swinging, then imagining I am striping it down the middle. When more snow melts, I will be chipping and putting like a madwoman!
There are many different ways to work on your mental routine. One I practice is visualization. The good news is, I can work on this when there is snow on the ground and when there isn't! Some of the best books for the mental game I have read in the off-season include: Mind Gym- this is my favorite and every chapter is like gold; Every Shot Must Have a Purpose- also a go-to; and pretty much any book by Dr. Bob Rotella, especially The Golfer's Mind. These books of mine have been read many, many times and highlighted and written in as well.
One of the pinpointed things I am working on on the mental game is the art of positive thinking. I just made that up but it is an art and it is something EVERYONE needs to work on! Essentially, it is taking ANY situation and drawing ALL possible positives from it. Example: Before Q-school I was working on some swing mechanics, when in reality, before a tournament a player should be looking to find feel. Well, all the changes I was making to my swing were good for my process, and not so good for my result. This essentially means that people shouldn't be focused on the result, because there are too many variables that can reek havoc on the result. If you focus on the process, and it is constantly the same, things can rarely go wrong. SO, with those swing changes I wasn't hitting it the way I would have liked before the tournament. I had two choices at that point, pout about not hitting it perfect or taking what I had, trust in it completely and go to work! Needless to say, I chose the latter, trusting every swing in Florida and my mental practice paid off! My goal was not to play well because that goal is result-focused, my goal was to trust in my ability, no matter what my swing looked like because I know I have a solid short game and a very strong mental game. Well, I achieved my goal and that is what I am most proud of. Now, during the off-season, is the time to focus on those tweaks and work on them without having tournaments.
"Off-season is a time to work harder because someone, somewhere else is working harder than you."
Off-season is also a time to work on some habits that may have hindered you in the last year or just some things you want to change about your game that you couldn't really do during season. For me these tweaks started in September with Eli and had to be put at a halt due to FUTURES Q-school. Now, those tweaks are back on track and I have been working really hard on them in the last week. When there is snow on the ground, I am working in front of a mirror and doing a lot of mental practice. Essentially, I am swinging, then imagining I am striping it down the middle. When more snow melts, I will be chipping and putting like a madwoman!
There are many different ways to work on your mental routine. One I practice is visualization. The good news is, I can work on this when there is snow on the ground and when there isn't! Some of the best books for the mental game I have read in the off-season include: Mind Gym- this is my favorite and every chapter is like gold; Every Shot Must Have a Purpose- also a go-to; and pretty much any book by Dr. Bob Rotella, especially The Golfer's Mind. These books of mine have been read many, many times and highlighted and written in as well.
One of the pinpointed things I am working on on the mental game is the art of positive thinking. I just made that up but it is an art and it is something EVERYONE needs to work on! Essentially, it is taking ANY situation and drawing ALL possible positives from it. Example: Before Q-school I was working on some swing mechanics, when in reality, before a tournament a player should be looking to find feel. Well, all the changes I was making to my swing were good for my process, and not so good for my result. This essentially means that people shouldn't be focused on the result, because there are too many variables that can reek havoc on the result. If you focus on the process, and it is constantly the same, things can rarely go wrong. SO, with those swing changes I wasn't hitting it the way I would have liked before the tournament. I had two choices at that point, pout about not hitting it perfect or taking what I had, trust in it completely and go to work! Needless to say, I chose the latter, trusting every swing in Florida and my mental practice paid off! My goal was not to play well because that goal is result-focused, my goal was to trust in my ability, no matter what my swing looked like because I know I have a solid short game and a very strong mental game. Well, I achieved my goal and that is what I am most proud of. Now, during the off-season, is the time to focus on those tweaks and work on them without having tournaments.
"Off-season is a time to work harder because someone, somewhere else is working harder than you."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Q-school: The Aftermath
Whoa! What a long two weeks I have had! First let me break down the last round.
I started out alright. I played the par-5's awful, which is usually a strength. I had to hit a lefty shot and hit in two hazards on the day which is very uncharacteristic for me. Played the par-4's awesome. Was -1 on them which is something I have been working hard on. I have always been able to murder the par-5's but par-4's have been a different story. It was incredible to have Kathryn on the bag helping me stay positive, I would have gotten pretty angry at my par-5 stat had she not distracted me around the golf course. She was pointing to pine trees around the course calling them "CRIMA TREES" which had me in hysterics. A good laugh does wonders for my golf game. I tried to make a run the last 3 holes but had a terrible break on my 18th. After the round, it was like I was hit by a train. Mentally I was SHOT. Physically, I surprisingly felt pretty good! I guess it helps training at 5,000 feet!
I finished T78th. Started the day out at T73rd. The last day played pretty tough becuase of the 20-30mph wind so I'm glad my worst score of the week didn't put me too far back. Making the cut, (top 90 & ties) put me in a place to earn a great status on tour. I will know for sure by mid-December after the Final Stage of LPGA Q-School. A lot of FUTURES tour players are doing both so some could earn status on the LPGA or gain exempt status on the FUTURES Tour.
Attitude was KEY this week. I had a great attitude and stayed so positive. Playing 9 rounds of golf in 10 days is unbelievable, throw in some big time pressure, and 5 straight competitive rounds you have one tired girl! It's definitely a lot to ask out of a golfer. There is a reason why they call it a school, it'll school you if you aren't careful! There were so many outside variables occuring this week that can really play with your head if you don't have the right defenses. I mentioned playing 9 rounds in 10 days but they were all 5 hours PLUS. They were some of the longest rounds I have ever played yet I stayed in the present, being so content where I was, and not anxious. I could tell it was really bothering some of the players and it showed in their rounds. I am proud to say that not once, did I let a short fuse ruin a round. Not once, did I get down on myself or think of the actual task at hand [gaining a good status], and not once did I think I couldn't get through it successfully. I am so happy that my mental practice has paid off in this regard. Those are the fundamentals to playing great golf on the road constantly. However, now I am exhausted. I returned from Orlando last night and got some good rest. I plan on taking a little time off, since this will be the only time I will have that luxury! I will be hitting the gym hard for the next couple months and getting sharp for March!
My winter plans are pretty simple. I will be going back to Florida at some point to visit my old teammates just to get out of the cold/snow and get some golf in, and/or possibly going to visit a friend from junior golf in Arizona to play in some Cactus events. Nothing is for sure yet but those the next issues to be addressed!
Thanks for all the support and stopping by for an update! If you have any questions/comments leave them!! I love hearing from you guys or you can email me at rlarson11@gmail.com
I started out alright. I played the par-5's awful, which is usually a strength. I had to hit a lefty shot and hit in two hazards on the day which is very uncharacteristic for me. Played the par-4's awesome. Was -1 on them which is something I have been working hard on. I have always been able to murder the par-5's but par-4's have been a different story. It was incredible to have Kathryn on the bag helping me stay positive, I would have gotten pretty angry at my par-5 stat had she not distracted me around the golf course. She was pointing to pine trees around the course calling them "CRIMA TREES" which had me in hysterics. A good laugh does wonders for my golf game. I tried to make a run the last 3 holes but had a terrible break on my 18th. After the round, it was like I was hit by a train. Mentally I was SHOT. Physically, I surprisingly felt pretty good! I guess it helps training at 5,000 feet!
I finished T78th. Started the day out at T73rd. The last day played pretty tough becuase of the 20-30mph wind so I'm glad my worst score of the week didn't put me too far back. Making the cut, (top 90 & ties) put me in a place to earn a great status on tour. I will know for sure by mid-December after the Final Stage of LPGA Q-School. A lot of FUTURES tour players are doing both so some could earn status on the LPGA or gain exempt status on the FUTURES Tour.
Attitude was KEY this week. I had a great attitude and stayed so positive. Playing 9 rounds of golf in 10 days is unbelievable, throw in some big time pressure, and 5 straight competitive rounds you have one tired girl! It's definitely a lot to ask out of a golfer. There is a reason why they call it a school, it'll school you if you aren't careful! There were so many outside variables occuring this week that can really play with your head if you don't have the right defenses. I mentioned playing 9 rounds in 10 days but they were all 5 hours PLUS. They were some of the longest rounds I have ever played yet I stayed in the present, being so content where I was, and not anxious. I could tell it was really bothering some of the players and it showed in their rounds. I am proud to say that not once, did I let a short fuse ruin a round. Not once, did I get down on myself or think of the actual task at hand [gaining a good status], and not once did I think I couldn't get through it successfully. I am so happy that my mental practice has paid off in this regard. Those are the fundamentals to playing great golf on the road constantly. However, now I am exhausted. I returned from Orlando last night and got some good rest. I plan on taking a little time off, since this will be the only time I will have that luxury! I will be hitting the gym hard for the next couple months and getting sharp for March!
My winter plans are pretty simple. I will be going back to Florida at some point to visit my old teammates just to get out of the cold/snow and get some golf in, and/or possibly going to visit a friend from junior golf in Arizona to play in some Cactus events. Nothing is for sure yet but those the next issues to be addressed!
Thanks for all the support and stopping by for an update! If you have any questions/comments leave them!! I love hearing from you guys or you can email me at rlarson11@gmail.com
Friday, November 6, 2009
Day 5: Q-school
Lake Region Yacht & Country Club:
I shot 78. Finished decent though. I'm not sure the exact place but I heard 78th. I'll write more about it later when it doesn't take an hour to write on an iPhone!! :)
I shot 78. Finished decent though. I'm not sure the exact place but I heard 78th. I'll write more about it later when it doesn't take an hour to write on an iPhone!! :)
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Day 4: Q-school
The Golf Club at Bridgewater:
Today's wind takes the cake. Windiest day all week. Fortunate enough for me, I am played the course that has absolutely no trees; links style. I started horrible. I was +3 through 4 holes then the next 14 holes I was -3 to shoot an even par 72. This is a big step for me because like I have said before I would get down on myself or pout about the way things were going but, today I did something about it! In the 14 holes that I played well, I made 5 birdies, but missed about 6 putts from 5-15 feet that skimmed the edge of the hole. This is rather frustrating but to have 8 legit looks at birdie on the back nine, is awesome. I am very pleased with those 14 holes.
This leaves me at T73rd. Made the cut. I started the day at T120th and jumped that high which is awesome. I am very excited to play tomorrow, my good friend and old teammate Kathryn will be caddying for me at Lake Region Yacht and Country Club. This will be awesome to have her to talk to and to settle doubts on yardage. I really like having someone there to help me decide. As long as I can decide on a club/yardage, I can made a great swing at it.
Tomorrow will be a great day and I have survived my first professional cut. Gotta keep making good decisions and get some putts to drop tomorrow!!
Today's wind takes the cake. Windiest day all week. Fortunate enough for me, I am played the course that has absolutely no trees; links style. I started horrible. I was +3 through 4 holes then the next 14 holes I was -3 to shoot an even par 72. This is a big step for me because like I have said before I would get down on myself or pout about the way things were going but, today I did something about it! In the 14 holes that I played well, I made 5 birdies, but missed about 6 putts from 5-15 feet that skimmed the edge of the hole. This is rather frustrating but to have 8 legit looks at birdie on the back nine, is awesome. I am very pleased with those 14 holes.
This leaves me at T73rd. Made the cut. I started the day at T120th and jumped that high which is awesome. I am very excited to play tomorrow, my good friend and old teammate Kathryn will be caddying for me at Lake Region Yacht and Country Club. This will be awesome to have her to talk to and to settle doubts on yardage. I really like having someone there to help me decide. As long as I can decide on a club/yardage, I can made a great swing at it.
Tomorrow will be a great day and I have survived my first professional cut. Gotta keep making good decisions and get some putts to drop tomorrow!!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Day 3: Q-school
Ridgewood Lakes Country Club:
Today was windy! Again! Shot 76! Again! I started off #10 and played the front nine alright. Made one birdie and one par. The back nine I made some course management mistakes but kept them to bogeys. Played solid until my 16th hole when I hit it OB by about 4 inches. But that is the way it goes so I hit a drive in play and made double. My bogey putt stopped about an inch short in the heart of the cup. Went for some birdies on the next two holes but just barely missed my attempts. Overall, attitude was good again. Can't complain when you hit it in the water and OB and you are +3 on those holes. Other than that I was only +1 so overall an okay day. I really need a number tomorrow to sneak into the top-90.
Right now I am heading to my last course to play Golf Club at Bridgewater to putt because the greens I played today were pretty good greens and the greens tomorrow will probably be the opposite. Gotta get used to hitting it pretty hard at the hole.
Moving day wasn't so much a moving day but to stay pretty consistent is something every golfer wants to see. Although I am making one or two big mistakes, those will go away pretty quick with some competition and more practice. Like I said yesterday it has been tough with swing changes but my focus is on the big picture, just trying to get through the week with a good status on tour.
Gotta light it up tomorrow!!
Today was windy! Again! Shot 76! Again! I started off #10 and played the front nine alright. Made one birdie and one par. The back nine I made some course management mistakes but kept them to bogeys. Played solid until my 16th hole when I hit it OB by about 4 inches. But that is the way it goes so I hit a drive in play and made double. My bogey putt stopped about an inch short in the heart of the cup. Went for some birdies on the next two holes but just barely missed my attempts. Overall, attitude was good again. Can't complain when you hit it in the water and OB and you are +3 on those holes. Other than that I was only +1 so overall an okay day. I really need a number tomorrow to sneak into the top-90.
Right now I am heading to my last course to play Golf Club at Bridgewater to putt because the greens I played today were pretty good greens and the greens tomorrow will probably be the opposite. Gotta get used to hitting it pretty hard at the hole.
Moving day wasn't so much a moving day but to stay pretty consistent is something every golfer wants to see. Although I am making one or two big mistakes, those will go away pretty quick with some competition and more practice. Like I said yesterday it has been tough with swing changes but my focus is on the big picture, just trying to get through the week with a good status on tour.
Gotta light it up tomorrow!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Day 2: Q-school
Lake Region Yacht and Country Club:
Today was windy! The cold front moved in last night and it was a little chilly this morning, about 75 degrees. Tough eh? The front nine was not so good. I started out well getting up and down my first two holes and a close birdie opportunity on my third. After the front I was +5 and not happy about it. I lipped out for birdie on #10 and made birdie on the par-5, 12th from 3'. I had a great up and down on the next hole and lipped for birdie again on #13 and #17. Threw in some solid pars and a bogey and birdied #18 to shoot 76. One under on the back really saved me. That is something I have worked endlessly on; my attitude. Before college, I would get really angry if the front wasn't going so well and kind of give up, but in college you have to grind for ALL eighteen holes. I think I even referenced this in the summer at the Colorado Open to the Times Call. Grinding is about not giving up and always thinking you can get that ball in the hole, NOW. If you asked me what the biggest difference between amateurs, college players and professionals are, attitude would be a big reason why amateurs are amateurs and not becoming decent professional golfers. Of course, there are many other reasons why they might not be, but to grind out five tournament days like I am this week, you need a good head on your shoulders!
The girls that are on my course rotation are sparse at the top of the leaderboard. Hopefully they left some low scores for us at the next two courses. I will play Ridgewood Country Club tomorrow at 9am EST.
Currently, I am in T118th and two shots out of T83rd. It's been hard not to get frustrated at some of the mistakes that I have made over the last couple days due to swing change growing pains but I am taking them in stride and know that they are temporary. Aside from that, I am very pleased with my short game and mental game. I really didn't know what to expect coming down here and have met a lot of really nice, helpful people who are also on the road traveling solo. Overall, I am still having an absolute blast. I feel very blessed to be where I am right now. It feels like I belong here.
Today was windy! The cold front moved in last night and it was a little chilly this morning, about 75 degrees. Tough eh? The front nine was not so good. I started out well getting up and down my first two holes and a close birdie opportunity on my third. After the front I was +5 and not happy about it. I lipped out for birdie on #10 and made birdie on the par-5, 12th from 3'. I had a great up and down on the next hole and lipped for birdie again on #13 and #17. Threw in some solid pars and a bogey and birdied #18 to shoot 76. One under on the back really saved me. That is something I have worked endlessly on; my attitude. Before college, I would get really angry if the front wasn't going so well and kind of give up, but in college you have to grind for ALL eighteen holes. I think I even referenced this in the summer at the Colorado Open to the Times Call. Grinding is about not giving up and always thinking you can get that ball in the hole, NOW. If you asked me what the biggest difference between amateurs, college players and professionals are, attitude would be a big reason why amateurs are amateurs and not becoming decent professional golfers. Of course, there are many other reasons why they might not be, but to grind out five tournament days like I am this week, you need a good head on your shoulders!
The girls that are on my course rotation are sparse at the top of the leaderboard. Hopefully they left some low scores for us at the next two courses. I will play Ridgewood Country Club tomorrow at 9am EST.
Currently, I am in T118th and two shots out of T83rd. It's been hard not to get frustrated at some of the mistakes that I have made over the last couple days due to swing change growing pains but I am taking them in stride and know that they are temporary. Aside from that, I am very pleased with my short game and mental game. I really didn't know what to expect coming down here and have met a lot of really nice, helpful people who are also on the road traveling solo. Overall, I am still having an absolute blast. I feel very blessed to be where I am right now. It feels like I belong here.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Day 1: Duramed FUTURES Tour Qualifying School
Huntington Hills Golf Course and Country Club:
Things went pretty well today. Shot 75 with 31 putts. Not the most ideal amount of putts. The greens were a bit slow but smooth. I hit the ball well today with the exception of a few drives. Had two birdies, on two par-3's. We played in about five and a half hours and the weather was cooler than it has been this week, 80. I played with fun girls and we had some camaraderie going.
Low score from my course was 70. Not scary low, but it was definitely doable. I left about five putts heading right to the heart of the cup but stopped short. It was hard to get the speed, becuase you had to hit it so hard!
Had a blast and enjoying this to the maximum. I mean...I get to play here tomorrow [Lake Region Yacht and Country Club].
[Photo by Kathryn O'Rourke]
Things went pretty well today. Shot 75 with 31 putts. Not the most ideal amount of putts. The greens were a bit slow but smooth. I hit the ball well today with the exception of a few drives. Had two birdies, on two par-3's. We played in about five and a half hours and the weather was cooler than it has been this week, 80. I played with fun girls and we had some camaraderie going.
Low score from my course was 70. Not scary low, but it was definitely doable. I left about five putts heading right to the heart of the cup but stopped short. It was hard to get the speed, becuase you had to hit it so hard!
Had a blast and enjoying this to the maximum. I mean...I get to play here tomorrow [Lake Region Yacht and Country Club].
[Photo by Kathryn O'Rourke]
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hot, Hot, Hot!!
It's been pretty hot down here in central Florida! So far, been grinding away learning the tricks and breaks of these courses. They are pretty average as tournament venues go, but the two country club's greens are very true. All the girls I have met have been very nice and fun to play with. I am staying with two of my old teammates in Orlando before the tournament starts so it has been a blast catching up with them and having them show me around their stomping grounds!
Everyday has consisted of playing a golf course, getting a little practice in, then heading back to the crib to get a little R&R in to recharge for the next day! It has been a blast just playing at different courses and being in the warm weather!
I am really excited to start playing tomorrow. I played solid in the practice rounds now it's time to let go of expectations go out there and have fun! My old teammate Kathryn and I were chatting on the range today saying, "Now is the time you either have it or your don't!" True statement. We are ready to go and put up some numbers.
You guys who aren't enjoying the 90 degree weather (a cold front is coming through don't worry, it'll be 80) can follow the tournament here. We are playing in foursomes and in carts, so the rounds will be long and a mental test!
Here's a video Kathryn and I watched tonight. Some last minute motivation.
Everyday has consisted of playing a golf course, getting a little practice in, then heading back to the crib to get a little R&R in to recharge for the next day! It has been a blast just playing at different courses and being in the warm weather!
I am really excited to start playing tomorrow. I played solid in the practice rounds now it's time to let go of expectations go out there and have fun! My old teammate Kathryn and I were chatting on the range today saying, "Now is the time you either have it or your don't!" True statement. We are ready to go and put up some numbers.
You guys who aren't enjoying the 90 degree weather (a cold front is coming through don't worry, it'll be 80) can follow the tournament here. We are playing in foursomes and in carts, so the rounds will be long and a mental test!
Here's a video Kathryn and I watched tonight. Some last minute motivation.
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