tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195060232024-03-07T07:08:17.236-07:00On The GrindIf you look good, you feel good, if you feel good you play good, if you play good they pay good.
-Deion SandersRachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-52859077054422615162010-12-19T09:47:00.000-07:002010-12-19T09:47:45.427-07:00Massive UpdateWell since I haven't updated since October, maybe it's time for an update. A lot has changed since my trip to Phoenix. I had the awesome opportunity of having my boyfriend, best friend and best caddy along to help. He helped immensely. Always does. I can't even remember what I shot, but I felt like it was going to be a good warm up for Qschool the next week.<br />
<br />
My time in Florida was awful. I have never felt so betrayed by golf and so awful on a golf course. I started out poorly and finished my first 18 holes with a +6/-1. Ha. How's that for starters? Well I took it with a grain of salt and was ready for the next day. Similar day. WTF. I felt like golf was turning on me. No matter how much I let it go, at the end of the round I still felt like shit. After my third round, and a missed cut, I was done. So ready to not feel like I was on an emotional roller coaster. So ready to not be on a golf course. I haven't felt that in a verrrrry long time. Every chapter has an end, and it really felt like this was the end of it.<br />
<br />
I spent some much needed time with my sister who works at Disney World and got to experience the parks with her which was an absolute blast. I also got to spend some days with my old teammate which was amazing. We had some pretty crazy adventures which included watching kittens thrown out the window of a car and rescuing them. Eventually she fostered the thrown kitten. Wow. <br />
<br />
After golf was over, I started to really feel life again. I have prayed immensely over this and really feel it is not the direction God has for me in my life. My summer was unforgettable and so valuable but God's purpose in my life does not lie in traveling the country along feeling empty. I didn't and still don't feel like me playing golf is benefiting anyone but myself and that guilt seems insurmountable. You can think what you want, maybe I have too much talent to stop playing, I know my work ethic could get me anywhere in this game but without the desire to become better and healthy ways to deal with guilt, and the stress of touring, I can't continue.<br />
<br />
This post hasn't even addressed the issue of funding a year. It is too tough in this economy to ask people to donate to my dream. I know my dream is valuable, maybe it's not my dream anymore, but I will not continue in massive debt that this past year has put me in. I will forever be so grateful for the people that did help me along my way, I even invested a lot of my own savings, but I am still in the red and I refuse to continue that pattern being a young adult trying to make it in this society. <br />
<br />
I just feel betrayed by golf. I have worked my whole life at this, thought I could make it on tour which a lot of people can't do, but turns out I can't. I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to check that off my list. To be able to live that dream and find out it's not for me. In the long run, and even now a little bit, I have come to terms that that is not in my journey anymore. This, however, does not mean that golf can't be a vessel to give back to the community, and in my free time, I will be doing just that. I have had SO many amazing opportunities from playing golf. From the places I have been to, all across North America, to the friends I have met, all across North America. I have met some of the most amazing people and met them in their own journey and it has been so memorable.<br />
<br />
A part of me feels like it's dying and it's sad. It's hard to tell people about this but it's just another step in the journey. I have tons of other interests people have no clue because to all of them I am known as a golfer. It is not my identity and it never defined me. The intangibles of hard work, determination, focus, discipline have always defined me. Whatever the vessel is to showcase those traits doesn't define a person and if you get anything from this post take that. <br />
<br />
Since my trip to Florida, I have accepted a position at a preschool academy and have been teaching 2year olds. It has been a great transition and I love working with them everyday. I have also been training for 5ks and 10ks, and set my personal records in the month of November. In the month of December I have basically been sick the entire month and had a lot of time to think and deal with all of this. It's been a struggle. It hasn't been easy, but what in life is?Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-80374099539290563962010-10-16T19:08:00.000-06:002010-10-16T19:08:04.035-06:00Heading South...Well, the year isn't quite over yet. Headed down to Phoenix to play in the Arizona Women's Open this week. You can follow <a href="http://www.arizonawomensopen.net/">here</a>. It will be a good warm up for Q-School in two weeks down in Florida.<br />
<br />
Here's to lots of birdies and sunshine!Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-76794413480119360132010-09-05T15:06:00.002-06:002010-10-12T13:57:52.783-06:00Tis The Season For GrowthIt's tough to sum up an entire year. Hasn't seemed like a year to me. Overall, it was one of the best times of my life. To be on the road, and doing what I love and having some success was awesome. I met some amazing people, my host "parents" or the friends I made on tour. I have so many awesome memories of the year. And there were many moments of frustration that causes someone to wonder if it was the right decision. I matured as a golfer and a person, so judging by that, it was a great year. Whenever there is growth there has to be some tough times, and there were. There were moments when my back was up against the wall financially and I had to make a cut to send in a full check for the next series, and I made it happen. However, I didn't achieve my goals that I had wanted to. I know I am a great player and can do great things. I know I can win on the Duramed FUTURES Tour and I know it will be on God's watch, not mine. There were a lot of mistakes that I made this past year that were just evidence of my age as a golfer, they were rookie mistakes. The best thing about making mistakes is you know exactly what to work on to be better, and in a way I am thankful for that. <br />
<br />
I stayed with families that I would never hesitate to claim as my own. They were so great and for someone who was a "homebody" in college grew into someone that could interact and bond with whoever came her way, and for that I am very thankful. It was a key ingredient in this year being a success. <br />
<br />
I had given up my dream on playing professional golf in college. College golf does that to some people. You get so sick of being told what to do, where to go, what to wear. In a way its easier than professional golf but you have so much drama to deal with. When it goes on for four years I couldn't help but associate all those negative feelings about college golf with just golf. But after my senior year something happened and I fell in love again. That "newfound" independence after graduation made me feel like I could tackle anyone, anytime. It led to a stellar amateur summer and spring boarded me into Duramed Qualifying School.<br />
<br />
As my off-season (sort of) starts, I will take those things, build off what I can and get ready for my next events and next season.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-76066642976002682942010-08-24T19:44:00.000-06:002010-08-31T19:45:44.938-06:00This Is What I Did This Summer....<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=longmont,+co&daddr=brownsville,+tx+to:San+Antonio,+TX+to:Fort+Worth,+TX+to:Kansas+City,+KS+to:denver,+co+to:Colorado+Springs,+CO+to:denver,+co+to:Marion,+IA+to:Cincinnati,+OH+to:decatur,+il+to:Hammond,+IN+to:Cincinnati,+OH+to:london,+ky+to:Cincinnati,+OH+to:bloomfield,+ct+to:boston,+ma+to:Concord,+NH+to:Syracuse,+NY+to:Harrisburg,+PA+to:richmond,+va+to:Raleigh,+NC+to:Memphis,+TN+to:longmont,+co&hl=en&geocode=FSfnZAIdmEW8-SlJM8zVCPlrhzE1J6Pz7qF9wQ%3BFbM6iwEddE4w-ikZZfzDa39vhjEsUlZIaRrfsQ%3BFfr5wAEdRBsh-imvDtAEr1hchjG8FqAQO-FWCA%3BFaFZ8wEdbgAz-imtB8gtEm5OhjG9rGnd-IuvpA%3BFWu4VAIdW1pb-ikVNc8n5IzAhzEFHsNwe3d33A%3BFRJfXgIdgQ---SnPFx8jqoBrhzHWNoon-PSOEQ%3BFdqOUAIdjY3A-Skr0uahLkEThzETa-j1kuuOQQ%3BFRJfXgIdgQ---SnPFx8jqoBrhzHWNoon-PSOEQ%3BFeBkgQIdU3SK-imBfw46LvLkhzF8pPcRMwnA3A%3BFW8rVQId8JX2-in5ITjesVFAiDEXk8Dki377aQ%3BFTvqXwIdUKiy-imnHQzuS650iDEwOHq2GkcLBw%3BFQmDegId99rI-ilV_S4v894RiDEIHGJ5MJVCOw%3BFW8rVQId8JX2-in5ITjesVFAiDEXk8Dki377aQ%3BFRGLNgIdv_38-ikDxzaXFM1ciDGYzAdz5FEZYg%3BFW8rVQId8JX2-in5ITjesVFAiDEXk8Dki377aQ%3BFbg4fgIdEjqq-ynvq8NT3KrniTHAAJLMHMtkcQ%3BFZ9WhgIdw7bD-ykbMT0NLWXjiTGg6GIBJL98eA%3BFclNkwIdXGy8-ykXiUoVlmriiTHxKCWmoHGoBQ%3BFbrckAIdIBV2-ykNmpe_m_PZiTFFla3X4gzVAA%3BFSSHZgIdPtZq-ymXnge4FsHIiTHVRo0SyEJuuw%3BFUPcPAIdXOph-yntyZlXCRGxiTHFPELibT7Yvw%3BFcDWIQId6hFQ-yn34FGfL1qsiTGt8BGKUraQZw%3BFd5WGAIdLPah-ilFl0PqHn7VhzH-thpgFfOT0Q%3BFSfnZAIdmEW8-SlJM8zVCPlrhzE1J6Pz7qF9wQ&mra=ls&sll=34.554325,-88.076345&sspn=31.697741,70.576172&ie=UTF8&ll=34.554325,-88.077&spn=17.30929,34.05248&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=longmont,+co&daddr=brownsville,+tx+to:San+Antonio,+TX+to:Fort+Worth,+TX+to:Kansas+City,+KS+to:denver,+co+to:Colorado+Springs,+CO+to:denver,+co+to:Marion,+IA+to:Cincinnati,+OH+to:decatur,+il+to:Hammond,+IN+to:Cincinnati,+OH+to:london,+ky+to:Cincinnati,+OH+to:bloomfield,+ct+to:boston,+ma+to:Concord,+NH+to:Syracuse,+NY+to:Harrisburg,+PA+to:richmond,+va+to:Raleigh,+NC+to:Memphis,+TN+to:longmont,+co&hl=en&geocode=FSfnZAIdmEW8-SlJM8zVCPlrhzE1J6Pz7qF9wQ%3BFbM6iwEddE4w-ikZZfzDa39vhjEsUlZIaRrfsQ%3BFfr5wAEdRBsh-imvDtAEr1hchjG8FqAQO-FWCA%3BFaFZ8wEdbgAz-imtB8gtEm5OhjG9rGnd-IuvpA%3BFWu4VAIdW1pb-ikVNc8n5IzAhzEFHsNwe3d33A%3BFRJfXgIdgQ---SnPFx8jqoBrhzHWNoon-PSOEQ%3BFdqOUAIdjY3A-Skr0uahLkEThzETa-j1kuuOQQ%3BFRJfXgIdgQ---SnPFx8jqoBrhzHWNoon-PSOEQ%3BFeBkgQIdU3SK-imBfw46LvLkhzF8pPcRMwnA3A%3BFW8rVQId8JX2-in5ITjesVFAiDEXk8Dki377aQ%3BFTvqXwIdUKiy-imnHQzuS650iDEwOHq2GkcLBw%3BFQmDegId99rI-ilV_S4v894RiDEIHGJ5MJVCOw%3BFW8rVQId8JX2-in5ITjesVFAiDEXk8Dki377aQ%3BFRGLNgIdv_38-ikDxzaXFM1ciDGYzAdz5FEZYg%3BFW8rVQId8JX2-in5ITjesVFAiDEXk8Dki377aQ%3BFbg4fgIdEjqq-ynvq8NT3KrniTHAAJLMHMtkcQ%3BFZ9WhgIdw7bD-ykbMT0NLWXjiTGg6GIBJL98eA%3BFclNkwIdXGy8-ykXiUoVlmriiTHxKCWmoHGoBQ%3BFbrckAIdIBV2-ykNmpe_m_PZiTFFla3X4gzVAA%3BFSSHZgIdPtZq-ymXnge4FsHIiTHVRo0SyEJuuw%3BFUPcPAIdXOph-yntyZlXCRGxiTHFPELibT7Yvw%3BFcDWIQId6hFQ-yn34FGfL1qsiTGt8BGKUraQZw%3BFd5WGAIdLPah-ilFl0PqHn7VhzH-thpgFfOT0Q%3BFSfnZAIdmEW8-SlJM8zVCPlrhzE1J6Pz7qF9wQ&mra=ls&sll=34.554325,-88.076345&sspn=31.697741,70.576172&ie=UTF8&ll=34.554325,-88.077&spn=17.30929,34.05248" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
<br />
9,000 or so miles later I am home!Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-73111057308334096932010-08-14T19:16:00.001-06:002010-08-21T15:35:25.451-06:00Greater Richmond Classic: Round 2Dawn and I had a mid morning round again which was nice because it has been so bloody hot here all week. I struggled right away, three over after four then I turned it around. Those are always mental victories for me because it's tough to do that. If you wake up in a funk, or sleep poorly, there are so many factors that you could let ruin your day but you have to choose to fight, everyday, otherwise you can't survive out there. Plain and simple. I made the turn in +1 after making two straight tap in birdies. The back was going well but after a poor swing on #16 found an inch into the hazard but my ball had somehow gone into a hole the perfect diameter of a golf ball, I had to drop and made double. It's tough when it comes down to one swing, but that's how this level is. You either make a lot of birdies to offset your mistakes or you don't make mistakes. It's part of the thrill and it is part of the dissapointment. It sucks to miss a cut after a semi-streak of made cuts but that's how it goes. I think I come off that it doesn't bother me to miss a cut, but it really makes me angry, for about 5 minutes, then I get into pro-active mode to find out what to work on, change, get sharp for the next event. Life is to short to get mad over missed cuts. When that happens, there is always a lesson. Whether we want to learn the lesson or not, it is there and you can either learn it and get better or you can sulk in your pride and pity and be miserable. The latter sounds like torture to me! <br />
<br />
I am playing in a pro-am in Raleigh, NC on Monday so I will be getting ready for that. It is benefiting breast cancer research, which hits close to home. My boyfriend's mother has breast cancer for a second time and just finished chemo [Insert prayer] and thought it was a perfect opportunity to be a part of such an incredible cause.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-52629062967506437212010-08-13T21:11:00.001-06:002010-08-21T15:35:42.796-06:00Greater Richmond Classic: Round 1I played with Dawn Shockley, first of all. If you don't recognize the name, she played junior golf in CO with me and we've known each other forever. The last time we played together was in high school at her home course. Crazy! Needless to say, it was fun to catch up with her and see how she has developed as a golfer since high school. We teed off in the morning so it was good to get out there early. It was a tough day though. Up and down and had a chance of rain all day so we thought we were just gonna get poured on. Well, on our 17th hole, IT POURED! We weren't pulled off the course so we had to play those last two tough finishing holes in a downpour. I had a 6' for par on #17 and I could hear the rain coming down the cart path. Rain in the south is cool like that, it comes at you in a sheet but you can see the defined line. Anyway, we both struggled with pouring in the birdies and shot the same thing, 74. <br />
<br />
We'll be playing again tomorrow!!Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-29424603921519853282010-08-10T19:45:00.001-06:002010-08-10T19:45:31.287-06:00Richmond, VAI stopped on the way down from PA at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. What a find that was! I spent about 2.5 hours grazing in facts and accounts of marines who fought in all different wars. How awesome. When I left, I was just totally overcome with emotion. What an honor it was to see all that and what an incredible sacrifice. That was probably the closest I have come to trying to grasp the concept of risking a life for freedom. It was very cool. Here are some awesome pictures I took.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCsGBgaF_X-m3_ET2SeLhVY5psWuK52KqhwxqW4yxoaObKO5IjPtjSuo-RmYfiigFClvzAHNB6Y53OfybbjGJRzywfs3-le1gcSA7oiBcb4dYwnd63IuGKeEMxs29z3j3GJwLRg/s1600/40905_669812413780_38904546_36362987_6064589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCsGBgaF_X-m3_ET2SeLhVY5psWuK52KqhwxqW4yxoaObKO5IjPtjSuo-RmYfiigFClvzAHNB6Y53OfybbjGJRzywfs3-le1gcSA7oiBcb4dYwnd63IuGKeEMxs29z3j3GJwLRg/s400/40905_669812413780_38904546_36362987_6064589_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDR85UT_22eeLJjc-wDgYscvH7JSME-yNQ6fR0FRhP5Ww6Zuq316HZISPEO2M3hFDnz5GoQ_hW76u9i31t7WPWJQF76JdmTwnM7ZJG6-7esLr4su9ZOKzdXnYofDnePOpKA5nAQ/s1600/38672_669812822960_38904546_36362994_7087491_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDR85UT_22eeLJjc-wDgYscvH7JSME-yNQ6fR0FRhP5Ww6Zuq316HZISPEO2M3hFDnz5GoQ_hW76u9i31t7WPWJQF76JdmTwnM7ZJG6-7esLr4su9ZOKzdXnYofDnePOpKA5nAQ/s400/38672_669812822960_38904546_36362994_7087491_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> {the flag that was raised on Mount Suribachi made famous by Jon Rosenthal's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WW2_Iwo_Jima_flag_raising.jpg">photograph</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbzU0gGndCLIVaGcRIjAdGy0YLf-v3N7k7MeanyhfocJUyBv2FaCt8pgubidRc6TTgQvCsSqhJRhjaTL6Wwjbz5Fox0L6ZDJ2Gx9aSZN_0a2Fm7BooyDuen7hnaJwQj9YmhzR_g/s1600/39095_669813751100_38904546_36363014_331045_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbzU0gGndCLIVaGcRIjAdGy0YLf-v3N7k7MeanyhfocJUyBv2FaCt8pgubidRc6TTgQvCsSqhJRhjaTL6Wwjbz5Fox0L6ZDJ2Gx9aSZN_0a2Fm7BooyDuen7hnaJwQj9YmhzR_g/s400/39095_669813751100_38904546_36363014_331045_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{pins mark the lives lost on Iwo Jima}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRikk6mr7sXwJid8YDmIYVdqDRlc8VKxM0SUR3PY44NezpPiWPbGx2pf9-rm6uc03K6q_vwo_CAFJ9OWEAn-uuQhWDa5wP6SKFRjhT_aqrgwZegwJ3a9zoqa_HbRkxUX38p01pw/s1600/38999_669813237130_38904546_36363006_3147489_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRikk6mr7sXwJid8YDmIYVdqDRlc8VKxM0SUR3PY44NezpPiWPbGx2pf9-rm6uc03K6q_vwo_CAFJ9OWEAn-uuQhWDa5wP6SKFRjhT_aqrgwZegwJ3a9zoqa_HbRkxUX38p01pw/s400/38999_669813237130_38904546_36363006_3147489_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{hidden photograph of Iwo Jima when taken against the same wall, but with flash}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-50166017059775812692010-08-09T19:28:00.000-06:002010-08-10T19:34:21.604-06:00PennsylvaniaThe week has gone by fast. I have [obviously] forgotten to blog but I'm sure it wasn't missed <i>that</i> much. I shot a ho-hum 72-73 to make the cut then didn't putt well the last day en route to a 77. I had a fantastic host family this past week, filled with bonding, great dinners, and unexpected gifts [shamwow] but that's the usual out here. So many great people to meet and parts of the country to get to know. I took a trip to Gettysburg which was AWESOME. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnwbfgXI8OGAi3onRF0z00MvYUC_whyphenhyphenoViEOXq76PotrnP6yQY0OOclgEHIaqxUjZn-A_Tmul9dC1Tz-9V25LQTWt6ZWDRq74QXv3ir-8OQQTJs1hMpNxvM4511D-qU7E95Pgmg/s1600/DSC02695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnwbfgXI8OGAi3onRF0z00MvYUC_whyphenhyphenoViEOXq76PotrnP6yQY0OOclgEHIaqxUjZn-A_Tmul9dC1Tz-9V25LQTWt6ZWDRq74QXv3ir-8OQQTJs1hMpNxvM4511D-qU7E95Pgmg/s400/DSC02695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I was pretty happy that I could work that into my week. I just wouldn't feel right if I didn't, being so close and all. I could have spent a week there but settled for about an hour and a half.<br />
<br />
The course was good, kinda hilly on the side of a "mountain" which was cool. We played lift, clean and place because the fairways were pretty patchy.<br />
<br />
This next week will be my last out here, I will miss the Albany tournament in three weeks. I am looking forward to a good, solid push before my break. What a grind.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-31380035046559124412010-08-02T23:44:00.000-06:002010-08-04T15:51:31.528-06:00Harrisburg, PA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We got here after a treacherous 4 hour drive this morning. It felt like 20. Went to the golf course and hit/putted/chipped. Then I was off to chocolate world at Hershey Park! WOOT WOOT! My friend Carol is a PA native and felt it was appropriate. We had dinner in Hershey, a cute little town and had a great time catching up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-S6KTpNi4wPjCldDMDSW1Lc7fPreqIjvPbjUH7tcH1-BJcl8iFvIPG5weq_LDxn7dxfSLMaLh-5T6CcOPlYf2Vg4HSQgvj6nowe5fYPpiT-XJy_IDLtyQADSIfk4oXWsZcKgj0w/s1600/DSC02679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-S6KTpNi4wPjCldDMDSW1Lc7fPreqIjvPbjUH7tcH1-BJcl8iFvIPG5weq_LDxn7dxfSLMaLh-5T6CcOPlYf2Vg4HSQgvj6nowe5fYPpiT-XJy_IDLtyQADSIfk4oXWsZcKgj0w/s320/DSC02679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Harrisburg, PA<br />
<br />
Population: 47,148<br />
<br />
Elevation: 330ft.<br />
<br />
State capital, birthplace of Newt Gingrich.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-58100388592657997802010-08-01T15:32:00.001-06:002010-08-04T21:05:23.786-06:00Alliance Bank Classic: Round 3Had another great round today, -1, 70. Really, it was nothing spectacular. Just making putts when I needed to. I actually didn't putt that great number-wise, still had two three-putts but overall my putting is loads better than it was on Friday! I hit the ball great, and chipped pretty well. Conditions were so nice, overcast and cool. We played pretty fast and I moved up twenty places on the leaderboard which is awesome! It was a good ending to a good week. <br />
<br />
On to the next. Sad to leave Wegman's behind. World's best grocery store!!Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-83295303392103058982010-07-31T19:22:00.001-06:002010-08-04T21:08:37.564-06:00Alliance Bank Classic: Round 2Sometimes life gets in the way. You can't expect everything to go right. Life isn't up to your plan. Last night a little bit of life got in the way. I woke up exhausted, and with a splitting headache. I had my awesome orange plaid shorts on so I chose it was gonna be a good day. I still had some work to do. I played some really steady, good golf. Made a lot of putts (thank you Eli!!) and hit some great shots. I had a ton of fun out there. Ended up shooting -1, 70 for the day. We sped around the course, having to wait for two groups at the turn. <br />
<br />
If you were to ask what the difference was between yesterday and today, I would say: 6 inches. Between my ears. My mental attitude/confidence was so much better than yesterday. I knew the putts were going to drop, I knew I would hit it close, yadda yadda. It's a fantastic feeling! Sometimes, I get caught up in being technical, way too much than I would like, when I just need to feel the putt and trust my stroke and just let it go.<br />
<br />
Went to the gym after I played and routinely kicked my own butt. I tend to take it out on myself when I play bad. Today's case was yesterday's poor performance that could lead to a missed cut.<br />
<br />
Saw the movie <i>Salt</i> which was pretty good. I am such a sucker for a good action flick. It could be an average movie to others but I'd love it. I just like the adrenaline rush and trying to figure out the plot. <br />
<br />
Just saw that I made the cut, so I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow. Oops.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-22970599783388793392010-07-30T21:09:00.000-06:002010-08-04T15:22:21.199-06:00Alliance Bank Golf Classic: Round 1Today didn't go as planned. I am hitting the ball so great, and all aspects of my game are so good right now, but it's been a challenge to fit them together efficiently. My putting hasn't been something I can rely on and in professional golf it needs to be. I have a great stroke, a great putter and I am a great putter but my attitude and confidence in putting need to be better. My practice for putting this week hasn't been on the green, it has been in my bed visualizing the ball going in from all lengths on the green. <br />
<br />
I had a chat with my coach, Eli Haskell tonight and I am excited to get out there tomorrow. I better be, I'm the first tee time off, 7:50a. Should be able to whip around.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-44445279720165351162010-07-28T20:42:00.000-06:002010-08-03T20:43:54.588-06:00Syracuse, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdys4PtiItJb_Y9LDD1Zy80qvF59vY-NYwJTDZhEt5U2WLd4rxPOjOkEhVosWk_5KnUSDf-J4ZUvNzXxJpJtnK6Kf5QqUk5s75U7xKGxsdxJmGa6tifjFKb5y4AxNYh4dkPTFhFQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdys4PtiItJb_Y9LDD1Zy80qvF59vY-NYwJTDZhEt5U2WLd4rxPOjOkEhVosWk_5KnUSDf-J4ZUvNzXxJpJtnK6Kf5QqUk5s75U7xKGxsdxJmGa6tifjFKb5y4AxNYh4dkPTFhFQ/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Okay, not gonna lie, I'm kinda getting tired of the postcards. I have been taking way better pictures of the places I have been than those postcards portray and Tiffany Joh told me that they are stupid. Anyway, this picture made me laugh so I will share.<br />
<br />
Population: 138,068<br />
<br />
Elevation: 400ft.<br />
<br />
Famous people from Syracuse: Tom Cruise, Richard Gere.<br />
<br />
Other interesting facts: The Erie Canal ran through Syracuse.<br />
<br />
They produced the majority of the salt in the US in the late 1700s to the early 1900s, and oddly enough I saw the movie <i>Salt</i> here.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-13172108106184135882010-07-25T08:21:00.002-06:002010-08-04T21:11:18.484-06:00The International at Concord: Round 2The day didn't start out as planned, hitting out of some trees and trying to salvage par right out of the gates. However, I stayed patient and on my front nine, had five legit looks at birdie. On my back, I started off birdie, birdie, a good start to make up for a poor front, but struggled on some of the tough holes where all you need to walk away with is par.<br />
<br />
It's so frustrating to miss another cut, just by a handful, and look back and think what a dope I was for missing that putt, or not chipping it closer etc. That will drive you nuts! Instead, just like every week I will focus on what needs to be better and continue to work on that until it is sufficient in tournament play.<br />
<br />
It really does get old missing cuts, trying not to worry about the future. It's a good gut check. If you are worrying, and down on yourself you are obviously not cut out to be out here. You have to be tough skinned, and competitive, and you can't let up improving, because you better believe some other girl farther down on the list would KILL to be in your shoes.<br />
<br />
I am blessed to be here, doing what I love, and seeing the country, in the case this week, the BEAUTIFUL country. It is a very unique situation and I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
A few highlights before I go:<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, I went to do some errands, clean my car, and see Inception. I stopped in a mall parking lot to wipe down the inside of my car (after nine weeks on the road, it's pretty disgusting!!) so I did the drivers side, then stepped out to get the passenger side. Well I was listening to NPR and working so the car was on. I stepped out, walked around, cleaned that side then shut the door. I walked over to the drivers side and realized I had just locked myself out of my car, while it was running. Yupp. Sure did. So I panicked for like 10 seconds, thinking how in the heck I was gonna get out of this one. I sat down to collect my thoughts and I figured I had to ask someone to use their phone to call my parents to get the AAA number. I was unfortunately without my purse, phone, anything. So I stopped a nice couple probably on their way home from the mall, and told them what I had done and asked to use their phone. They gave it to me without any hesitation. I tried, mom, dad, mom again, nothing. Then the woman said I should just call 411 and ask for Concord AAA. Genius! So I did that, they verified all my info and sent out a truck. I was standing there with mall security (haha) and the couple that stopped to help. They wished me luck in the tournament, I guess it was obvious I was a golfer, and they had housed players before so that was cool. Right when they took off, the AAA man came to save the day. It took about 10 min total and I was on my way. Only 10 min before, I was thinking man, this is going to take about 2 hours!! Funny how that works out. Glad I was in a small town. I even made it to my movie on time. <br />
<br />
Yesterday, I went for like a four mile run from my host's house. It is in the country/mountains in NH so it's very beautiful. I was on my way back to the house, and I see this dog running straight at me. I didn't have the best feeling about this one so I stopped. Sure enough this dog was showing its teeth and barking. 'What the hell did I do to you?!' I was thinking. It started circling me and then jumped up trying to bite me. I kicked it. Yess. It jumped up again. Kicked it again. Meanwhile the owners are making their best efforts to come restrain the dog, all were unsuccessful when it jumped at me again. It got my shorts, but it was a small price to pay for not biting my leg! It seemed distracted as it ran off the other way, and I started to run on home. I passed the owners and they said, "This is why we don't usually let him out". Haha. Really? Your dog is freaking crazy. You should NEVER let him out! So I sprinted home, periodically looking back to see if Cujo was on my tail. Thankfully he wasn't.<br />
<br />
Today, I am practicing until my hands bleed, then maybe another run. Tomorrow I am heading an hour north east to the coast of Maine for some "lobstah". I'm not a big lobster eater, but I guess if it's the best lobster in the country, I'll eat it. This place I am going to is right on the coast, by a sweet lighthouse. It will give me some good down time and relaxation before our next event in Syracuse, NY.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-58462280759983996562010-07-23T19:34:00.000-06:002010-07-23T19:34:04.635-06:00The International at Concord: Round 1Today was fun! I love playing when it's overcast. It feels more quiet to me. Whatever that means...I started off great, hitting it 315 off the first tee! Made the turn in -1. The front and back nine on this course are so different. The front is kinda open with flat holes and the back is up and down and tree-lined. Very pretty though. We played in a pretty constant mist/rain. It was refreshing. The temp was pretty low too 78, wow was it perfect! The back was more of a scramble but without two three putt bogeys I played pretty well, +1, 73. Just need some birdies to drop and I'll be doing a bit better.<br />
<br />
Tee off tomorrow with Caroline Larsson and Laura Crawford at 9:50 off #1. Excited. :)Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-36584846049751485542010-07-21T21:58:00.002-06:002010-07-21T21:58:17.651-06:00Great Article<a href="http://www.denverpost.com/golf/ci_15563766">Here's</a> a great article about the life of an up-and-coming professional golfer in the Denver area. Good stuff.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-55955905771919189072010-07-20T21:58:00.000-06:002010-07-21T22:02:47.543-06:00Greetings from Concord, NH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxsn0aCyz1GvSZsVW4I8Jvo2dCPurY8kj_a24CSZM636yxgOjt_ClP-Cgb9gTJuEFE_fun5RlkRRAJ9gZfnZEVEd2tI_jQBoMQkmCI4EG0SjY6IB-SJjHI71bdqSWDG6sbRkr8A/s1600/3204031558_a58417f648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxsn0aCyz1GvSZsVW4I8Jvo2dCPurY8kj_a24CSZM636yxgOjt_ClP-Cgb9gTJuEFE_fun5RlkRRAJ9gZfnZEVEd2tI_jQBoMQkmCI4EG0SjY6IB-SJjHI71bdqSWDG6sbRkr8A/s400/3204031558_a58417f648.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>Population: 42,225<br />
<br />
Elevation: 270ft.<br />
<br />
Notables: Actress Keri Lynn Pratt, Steve Bernard Creator of Cape Cod potato chips.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-78524233200833865442010-07-17T07:57:00.000-06:002010-07-23T19:30:43.230-06:00ING New England Golf Classic: Round 2I have had my fair share of experiences out on tour this summer. One week your putting is great and the next it's not. Meanwhile, your ball striking is crap then you start hitting it great. Well, that kind of stuff happens, but it's how your mistakes impact your mental game that will determine if the next week, both come together.<br />
<br />
Today, I hit the ball well but late in the round on the back nine I had three three-putts for no apparent reason but missing the 3'. My playing partner took an extremely long time to putt her 6' before each of my 3' and I'm not sure if that weighed in on my error but all of a sudden I didn't feel comfortable over that putt.<br />
<br />
This is why golf can be so tough. You have everything going well, then one little thing can tweak your mental state and everything else is effected. Being out here on tour, I'm trying to learn some kickers that will offset those errors that turn into ruined rounds. I feel that I'm well on my way because I am making the mistakes. When you make mistakes, you grow. There isn't any other explanation than that. That is exactly what this tour is designed to do, and it is delivering. When you make those mistakes, you think about it for a day or two then work to fix it. <br />
<br />
You can't take a missed cut personally. You have to focus on what happened during the round to create some uncomfortable feelings or errors in judgment and combat those feelings or address them for the next week. There is always another week to play well. <br />
<br />
It's a lot like life. If you make a mistake, try and fix it for next time. If it doesn't work, then try something else. The way to drive yourself insane and out here, become so far in a rut that your confidence couldn't pull you out if you begged for it to, is to keep doing the same thing and expect a different result.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-79789036920484793072010-07-16T15:02:00.000-06:002010-07-16T15:02:05.955-06:00ING New England Golf Classic: Round 1I have been playing well for probably the last month, month and a half, but my scores haven't really been showing it. For the two weeks, I have been pondering how to approach my game in a new way to help improve those little mistakes that keep occurring. Well, they aren't all gone but I have finally addressed putting. Yesterday, after skimming parts of <i>Every Shot Must Have a Purpose</i> by Pia Nilsson I came to the conclusion that my pre-shot routine for putting needs to change. Sometimes, you can be so focused looking down on the ball you forget to focus on the target and I believe this is what was happening. Now, I take my practice swings behind the ball my shoulders perpendicular to the hole, and staring straight down my line. Today was the first day in competition that I used it, and my pace was right on, and I even made some putts outside of 20'! Honestly, my birdies have been chip-ins, and tap-ins lately and it gets exhausting not making any long putts!<br />
<br />
The course is very pretty we are playing this week, Wintonbury Hills Golf Course. Evidently it is a Pete Dye design and he charged $1 to play, ummm, like 6 years ago. Pretty cool! The greens have gotten faster everyday (YAY!) and they are finally putting pretty nice. The fairways are wide but the undulations in the green are tricky. It is a really fun track.<br />
<br />
Today was nothing too crazy, 3 bogeys, 2 birdies on my front nine and just one birdie and a whole lotta pars on my back. It started gusting on the back nine so I'm glad I got in the clubhouse when I did. I could smell donuts with two holes left, some guy was making homemade donuts by the putting green. Haha. I'm not a big donut girl but they smelled AMAZING! I tried one, and they were pretty good, but I'd rather have a Sam Adams Summerale. Mmm I love summer. <br />
<br />
My mom is coming tonight to watch the weekend (and for my birthday on Sunday)!! I am so excited, because no one has seen me play in one of these events and they are so fun. Bloomfield definitely has the best spectators thus far! There were a ton of people out there today which is fun to see. I heard it was senior day, so I'm sure they got a discount. Every senior loves a bargain, right?! Anyway, tomorrow is a new day, time for more birdies and fun times. I can't wait.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-85853770877018137072010-07-13T17:09:00.000-06:002010-07-13T17:09:40.477-06:00I'm Close To Hartford, Connecticut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsQ_zsTd9vKBziJpFS13Xk_3qzR8_gx6sjuIFg-txgxKHVb5eA7-rYxWEE78i9VrEOxxB4kywBmKE-VwBaBgHzO_VJuXnRsJVgyi8cxzXR0TQAs8hrYDp3TWsbe8fPamtwz_0Bg/s1600/HartfordLetter-postcard-W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsQ_zsTd9vKBziJpFS13Xk_3qzR8_gx6sjuIFg-txgxKHVb5eA7-rYxWEE78i9VrEOxxB4kywBmKE-VwBaBgHzO_VJuXnRsJVgyi8cxzXR0TQAs8hrYDp3TWsbe8fPamtwz_0Bg/s400/HartfordLetter-postcard-W.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Population: 124,462<br />
<br />
Elevation: 56 feet above sea level<br />
<br />
Nickname: The Insurance City<br />
<br />
Home to Katherine Hepburn, J.P. MorganRachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-75733213332949106812010-07-03T21:34:00.001-06:002010-07-08T09:45:36.774-06:00Falls Auto Classic: Round 2There is really nothing exciting to write about today so I won't bore you with my mental lapses. It was hotter than hades, and after 5 weeks going strong, I snapped. Make a couple bad swings at the absolute wrong time and you are looking at making a number. I think that's what I like about the level I am playing at. You really can't fall asleep and just put it on cruise.<br />
<br />
I did chip in on #5 which extends my streak to a chip in a week in the month of June and carried it into July! Pretty pumped about that stat. My awesome host family, the Hensleys', came out to watch which was awesome. Kristie Smith's gallery had about 20 people in it, then Laura's parents so it was nice to get a clap at the end from three people. Ha. <br />
<br />
Now, onto the week off. It has been a go-go-go month so it will be nice to relax for a week and have some down time. I'll be working out a lot more, practicing enough and being a normal person the rest of the time.<br />
<br />
The week after that, we head up to Hartford, Connecticut. My mom will be coming out for the weekend, and after the tournament we are going to the shore, south of Boston for my birthday. Pretty excited about that!!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Sport is not about being wrapped up in cotton wool. Sport as about adapting to the unexpected and being able to modify plans at the last minute. Sport, like all life, is about taking risks."<br />
- Sir Roger Bannister</span></i> <br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>What I am reading: Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>What I am listening to: Listen Up! The Official 2010 World Cup Album </i>Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-16462428014357659502010-07-02T21:26:00.003-06:002010-07-08T09:51:36.564-06:00Falls Auto Classic: Round 1Today I teed off with Laura Crawford and Mari Chun. We had a fun group. It was a pretty ho-hum day. I hit 16 greens in regulation and missed a lot of birdie attempts. On the front, I capitalized on my par-5 birdies, which I am happy about. On the back nine, I had an unnecessary bogey, but followed it up with a birdie. I missed some short putts for birdie on the last two holes, but overall, it was a solid day -- boring, if you will. I could have gone a lot lower, but it was a good start.<br />
<br />
The greens are rolling about a 5 so they are SLOW. I feel bad for the girls playing in the US Open next week where they will be 13-14. It will be quite the contrast. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow I am with Laura again and Kristie Smith at 2pm.Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-18418188081258798332010-07-02T20:00:00.002-06:002010-07-02T20:00:38.817-06:00Grinder<i>"I want to become a grinder. To us on tour, a grinder is a guy who doesn't give up, who keeps on keeping on, who plays hard and scratches for every par even when he doesn't have his A game. To us its a term of high respect. On the tour, its a badge of honor to be thought of as a grinder, as a guy who never, ever quits."<br />
-John Daly</i>Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-10348710998348716142010-07-02T10:02:00.000-06:002010-07-02T10:02:04.036-06:00"Climbing Mountains""You know, high achievers are a lot like mountain climbers.<br />
<br />
When you think about mountain climbing, maybe your stomach does a<br />
little flip-flop, like mine. But, you know, people who are<br />
successful in life are really a lot like mountain climbers. They<br />
don't start out climbing Mount Everest. Instead, they train and<br />
practice on smaller slopes until they build the skills and<br />
confidence to move on to bigger challenges.<br />
<br />
When they choose a goal, they map out a plan and, as much as<br />
possible, they follow it. They equip themselves as well as they<br />
possibly can and they learn from the competition. They fully expect<br />
to run into problems, so when they do, it doesn't throw them. They<br />
deal with them as best they can and move on.<br />
<br />
They keep their fear and negative thinking under control because<br />
they know that these things will defeat them more certainly than<br />
any avalanche. They also understand the importance of persistence<br />
and tenacity. And finally, every now and then they bite off a<br />
little more than they are absolutely certain they can chew.<br />
<br />
Like a mountain climber friend of mine once said, when there's no<br />
place to go but up, you go up.<br />
<br />
Now, you may not want to conquer Everest, but I'll bet there's a<br />
mountain in your life just calling out to be climbed. And, you<br />
know, I'll bet you can do it."<br />
<br />
<br />
Brian Willis<br />
<br />
CEO (Chief Excellence Officer), Winning Mind Training Inc.<br />
<a href="http://www.winningmindtraining.com/" target="_blank">www.winningmindtraining.com</a>Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506023.post-63817907596247527402010-06-29T18:51:00.000-06:002010-07-01T18:51:31.802-06:00Greetings from London, KY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpaAERfW5BT_Wb8vQObRQ2sO6knMZiPECD2y3Jc3BJwFqaNf969z5yQm7lORdN2aTIpsmQqhejLDwT3VYJgUsLUPfn1C0Mpz-dNeHEDqOtqM-39x7wbxcQo3xHl_jVzeqndt2ig/s1600/ky-1013-Kentucky+Greetings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpaAERfW5BT_Wb8vQObRQ2sO6knMZiPECD2y3Jc3BJwFqaNf969z5yQm7lORdN2aTIpsmQqhejLDwT3VYJgUsLUPfn1C0Mpz-dNeHEDqOtqM-39x7wbxcQo3xHl_jVzeqndt2ig/s400/ky-1013-Kentucky+Greetings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Just got in to London! Wow, it's a small town!<br />
<br />
Elevation: 1200ft<br />
<br />
Population: 7,962<br />
<br />
66 miles south of Lexington, KY home of the great John Calipari and his Kentucky Wildcats! :)Rachel L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17882909006271325264noreply@blogger.com0