Rookie Year on the Tour

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

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.

Lowest Junior Sporting Wear to Win

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Anna Kim sports Wear to Win during the WWGA National Junior Championship.

We have had a blast here at the WWGA’s 84th National Junior Championship at Knollwood Country Club in Granger, Ind. Practically located in our backyard, we’ve been hanging out with the girls and watching them play. We’ve met some great people, and have outfitted girls with lots of skorts, tops and belts. Our apparel can be spotted all over the course!

We’d like to extend a special congratulations to Anna Kim for being the lowest junior. She won stroke play with a 143. Go to the South Bend Tribune for the complete story (and notice her Wear to Win zip top in black!). With aspirations of turning pro, this 16-year-old is well on her way.

Final round of match play is today.  Be sure to follow the golfers at womenswestern.org.

Summer Skin Tips

We came across some great summer skin tips thanks to the Today Show. These ideas will take you from golf course to summer soiree:

  • Don’t use a lot.
  • Go sans foundation.
  • Find a good bronzer and subtle blush.
  • Try a cream eye shadow and mascara.
  • Add brighter, but sheer lip gloss.
  • Save the intense color for your nails–orange for fingers and blue for toes.
  • And, of course, remember the SPF!

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My First Professional Golf Tournament

At the Duramed Futures Tour in Hammond, Indiana:

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What a week! Monday night I flew into Chicago with David Braykovich of MAVRIK Golf.  David was there for my first professional tournament experience and also caddied for me.  Tuesday I spent the day at the course practicing, trying to get a feel for the greens by practicing a lot of chipping out of the northern rough (I’m from Florida where we have Bermuda grass).

I also got to spend some time with my former high school teammate Heather Burgner and her college teammate Jackie Barenborg. They were kind enough to give me a few rides; we practiced and ate lunch together. Wednesday we were only able to get a few holes in before a storm hit.  Due to a pro-am in the afternoon, all we could do was practice once the weather cleared up, but luckily Thursday we were able to play the full 18.

I felt really good going into the first round on Friday. I played well minus one bad swing and a couple small mental mistakes.  I shot 75.  After the round I felt like I had made myself proud; I didn’t let the nerves get to me and competed well in my first round as pro. It was scary, frustrating and so thrilling all at the same time. The next day I knew I needed to play well to make the cut. I came out to the course with a little more determination than the day before. I finished with a 73 and missed the cut by only one.

While it was easy to be disappointed, I was still proud. I had no difficulty adapting to the competition, and I have great confidence going into this week for the next tournament in Kentucky.

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.