Summer Golf Tournaments - May & July

This past summer, I was able to take some time off from work to play in a couple of competitive rounds.  First event was the US Women's Open qualifier.  It was at Elgin Country Club (May 12). 

Wow, what a golf course!  The undulation and those false fronts at the front of some of those greens were vicious!

The US Women's Open qualifier is a 36-hole event - 18 holes in the morning, a quick lunch, and then back out on the golf course again for the next 18 holes. Well, it wasn't very pretty:

Here are the overall stats:

Round 1:  9 Fairways hit, 10 GIR, 2/7 Up-and-down, 35 putts

Round 2: 10 Fairways hit, 8 GIR, 2/3 Up-and-down, 32 putts

In any case, it was a great experience to be able to play again.  I remember playing terribly 2 years ago when I tried and I definitely redeemed myself a little bit more this time.

Plus, I was very happy with the way I felt after.  I wasn't too tired at all - and I think this has something to do with the GolfForever Swing trainer that I've been using (for the past 8 months now!).

The owner at X-Golf caddied for me, and so I bought him dinner after.  Lobster roll for me!

Although I think I had higher expectation with this meal.  Need to head back to NJ or MD for a good one!

Well, if anything, I ended up with this expensive souvenir belt. My capri pants were sort of falling off during my play and so I ended up buying one after the first 18 holes.  Ha!

The other event was in July - the Illinois Women's Open.  I ended up having Graham caddy for me. We went through some training (9 holes).  And the first thing Graham complained about was my heavy golf bag.  And showing me how much he walked.  LOL!

The IL Women's Open is a 2-day event, played at Mistwood Golf Club, in Romeoville (July 21 & 22).  We figured it was best for Graham to use the push-cart:

Looking very official! 

Great Mother-Son bonding time :-)

There was definitely a learning curve for Graham but we made it! And actually, I played my first bogey-free round in my entire life!  -1 (71) for the first round. Woo hoo!!

The 2nd day was not as great. I was not hitting my drives as well and that created a whole lot of other problems on the golf course.  It was a tough 78 on Day 2. But still managed to finish T-12 overall (T4 professional).  

The winner finished at -8. Looks like I have my work cut out for me for next year's prep!

In any case, managed to make a bit of money and some more. It was helpful especially when I have to feed my caddy. Ha!

This kid is growing up too fast for sure:

And he loves his desserts!

I might play in one more event before the weather turns.  Kids' summer camps are finally done so I should have a bit more time to practice. Although, focusing on Charlie at the moment as he made the middle-school golf team. He has Sectionals in about 2 weeks!!  Will update about that in a bit :-D

Ps, I'm now an LPGA Apprentice.  Yay!!