I'm sharing a story that will make your jaw drop - a tale of a 12 on the golf course, and the life lessons it taught me. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster!
As a former Division III golfer, now a professional golf writer, I embarked on the biggest golf tournament of my life - the U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur. This prestigious event, a USGA championship, was a dream come true, offering a chance to compete in the U.S. Women's Open. But here's where it gets controversial...
In a nightmare scenario, I made a 12 on a hole - a septuple bogey! My club couldn't connect with the ball, and my stance was more like a Little Leaguer's. I had to take an unplayable drop, and the pressure mounted.
But this experience taught me more than I could've imagined. I learned about resilience and the power of embracing challenges. Despite the mortifying score, I kept going, and my journey became an enlightening one.
From the moment I stepped onto the course, I was in uncharted territory. I hadn't competed in a stroke-play tournament since my college days, and this was a whole new level. I survived a rocky start and then played some of my best golf in years. I earned co-medalist honors, but the hard part was yet to come.
The U.S. Women's Mid-Am is an elite environment, and for a novice like me, it was a minefield of triggers. The nameplate on the driving range, the roped-off putting green, and even the smoothies in the player lounge - everything seemed designed to intimidate.
And then there was the emergency shuttle drama! My caddie and I almost missed our tee time, causing a volunteer panic. Tournament golf, I realized, can be a panic-inducing experience.
As I stepped into the arena, I felt the weight of expectations - my own and those of my loved ones. It was a scary place, but I knew I had nothing to lose. I wanted to embrace the experience, but the pressure was real.
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the golf. It's about the walk - the stunning stroll next to the Pacific Ocean with my brother. Enjoy the walk, they say, but it's easier said than done when your body is numb and your throat is tight.
Imagine the pressure Rory McIlroy felt on Augusta's 10th in 2011, or the players fighting for their careers at Q-School finals. The extreme concentration and mental fortitude required to play elite golf is something we often take for granted.
My experience at the U.S. Women's Mid-Am gave me a glimpse into the world of our sport's faces - the weekly battles they face. It's a game that tests every aspect of your being, and tournament golf exposes your weaknesses.
After my 12, I calmed myself and made three consecutive pars. I woke up the next day with a fresh mindset and finished strong. Acknowledging my mistakes and anxious thoughts helped me move on, a sports psychologist-approved method.
I posted scores of 88-79, beat some players, and walked away feeling a huge weight lift. And yet, I'm already looking forward to next year's qualifier, ready to face the torture again.
So, what do you think? Are you inspired by my story, or do you have a different take? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
