My first three-week series on the Symetra tour was a busy, fun, event-filled tour.  I met some amazing people and learned a lot about myself and about playing at this level.

Florida’s Natural Charity Classic in Lake Wales

I was honored to be asked to play in the Pro-Am event with three men who work in Florida’s Natural’s retail grocery operations.  Florida’s Natural hosted a nice Pro-Am party at their nearby headquarters.  The company also provided unique tee markers (as seen in the image below – which is just a capture from a video and not an actual video).

The course was a typical Florida golf course, mostly flat and with Bermuda grass greens.

Another fun factor in this tournament was the opportunity to play with a member of the Taiwan LPGA.

 

Chico’s Patty Berg Memorial in Fort Myers

This tournament was played in conjunction with the LPGA Legends Tour.  Two of the Legends Tour players, Wendy Doolan and Gail Graham spoke with us and shared some of their professional experiences and gave us some advice.    Doolan said, “one aspect a lot of you are still learning is how to simplify the competitive game”.

We also got to view the new The Founders film and were reminded of the sacrifices these women made to pave the way for the current LPGA.

The weather during the tournament was windy and hot.  The course was in good condition and the greens were undulated – typical of the central and southern Florida courses I’ve played.  I was staying right across the street from the course and I enjoyed being in Fort Myers.

The night before the tournament started, I enjoyed a nice dinner on Sanibel Island – here’s the view from the island. 

 

Guardian Retirement Championship at Sara Bay in Sarasota

This was an interesting course, the fairways were wide open and there was no trouble from tee to green.  It is a Donald Ross course – the greens were like domes and the ball would just roll off.  I knew that I had to stay patient and hit my balls to the middle of the greens and take the par.  I did have some good up and downs.  When I was chipping to the hole, I played a lot of bump-and-run (hit the ball into the hill and let it run up towards the hole).

The weather definitely played a factor in everyone’s play this week.  It was super windy and often gusty.  I was able to score well the first two days and except for landing in the water on the final day, I was happy with my week and it was a good experience to be on the leaderboard.

I had a great time with my Pro-Am team this week, they were friendly and fun.  They had won this trip for being top sellers their company, Guardian Life Insurance.

I had a great caddie this week, my Mom!  We stayed with a nice couple we had met during Q-School.  They are always so welcoming and helped to make my week very memorable.

 

Each tournament is a learning experience; it’s like going away to college or learning a new job.  I feel that I have the routine down, the logistics are becoming easier, and I’m doing better with my time management.