Right after the tournament in Indiana, I headed straight to my next Duramed Futures Tour golf tournament in Kentucky. I flew into Nashville so my friend Eric (who caddied for me in the US Open qualifier) could pick me up. We then drove late at night to London, Kentucky–welcome to life of a professional golfer!
Monday we went to the course and got a practice round in. Eric and I strategized about what I planned to do on each hole. Tuesday I was back on my own and played a practice round with my friends Heather and Jackie. Wednesday I used as a practice day; I spent a lot of time on the range and getting a feel for the green which was important as they were a lot slower than the ones in Indiana. Thursday I played another practice round just to stay familiar and get more comfortable with the course.
Pro golfer Dolores White sporting Wear to Win golfwear!
The first round was Friday and I had the last tee time: 2:45. I had a lot of time to kill but at least I could sleep in. I was able to have a nice breakfast with my family and get a good warm up in before I teed off. I shot 70 the opening round and felt very comfortable on the course–the best part was that I felt like I still left a few putts out there.
The second day was another late tee time, so I went through the same routine. I hit the ball the best I ever have and only missed one green. I finished with a 69 and was headed into the final round tied for 14th. I was excited to make my first cut, but I was more focused on the fact that I had the opportunity to make a top ten finish. I thought the hard part was over (making the cut), but I was wrong.
For the final round, I was surprised to find myself very nervous on the tee box (and it only got worse when they decided to give a little more elaborate introduction). I got off to a rough start and made the turn with a 40 on the front nine. Once I was able to calm my nerves, I turned things around and shot a 33 on the back nine to finish with a 73. I lost my position in the field and finished in a tie for 28th. But I was still very proud of myself. Plus, I made my first check!
Even when I was struggling the last day, I loved every minute of it. I am heading home for a week off then I’m on the road again for five weeks. I’m so happy to be doing what I love.
Dolores White, a recent Wake Forest University Women’s Golf Team graduate, hits the road for a summer filled with golf tournaments. But this year it will be different. She is now a professional. Dolores is keeping us posted on the ins and outs of being a young professional golfer.