I had only been off for the 4th of July week but it felt like forever since I had played in a tournament. I think I have really gotten used to this constantly traveling business. I flew into Hartford on Tuesday and played practice rounds Wednesday and Thursday and surprisingly the jet lag didn't even bother me on this trip.

A wonderful host family

This week I stayed with a wonderful host family. I just want to let them know again how much I appreciated their hospitality and letting me stay in their beautiful home. And I can't forget their adorable dog little Freddy who always made me laugh.

Hitting like a champ

I really wasn't hitting the ball great for the 2 practice rounds that I had gotten in but when I played my first round on Friday, I hit the ball like a champ. Strange how that happens. Even though I shot 75 the first day I felt like I played much better. I just got off to kind of a rough start with a double on the first hole and then a bogey on the second.

Overcoming First Hole Jitters

I definitely had the first hole jitters. That's when I have to go back and remember the drills that Doc Parent has giving me for my warm up on the driving range right before I tee off. It's a great strategy. You play the first 3 or 4 holes on the driving range figuring out what clubs you would hit off the tee and for your first, second, or third shots so then it's like you have already played those holes and gotten over your jitters. I didn't do that drill this weekend but will definitely remember to do it when I play in Syracuse this week.

When your mind just wanders off

The second day I was completely distracted for the first nine hole and finally pulled it together for the back, but I have no excuses for that round, it's just that my head wasn't in it for some reason which calls for a nice long conversation with Doc Parent.

Off to Niagara Falls

So I headed up to Rochester, NY to visit a friend for a couple days and relax. I had a great time and got to sight see a little but really just enjoyed the countryside. So it's Tuesday morning and I am headed to Syracuse for my next event but can't pass up the opportunity to see Niagara Falls first.

GOLFBUG.TV

On another note, I just partnered up with the folks who run Golfbug.tv, which is an online internet television channel that is exclusively about golf. They show previous tournaments and will soon start webcasting tournaments from the Asian and European tours. Click on the image above to check them out.

Bye,

Megan

The drive to Hammond, Indiana from Lima, Ohio was short and sweet. I took Monday off and relaxed. I did my usual check-in to the hotel, went to find out where the golf course was, and checked out the town. I actually went and saw Click, the movie starring Adam Sandler. I loved it! I found myself laughing out loud and yes I'll admit trying to fight back a couple tears too. But overall it's a great movie and I recommend it to everyone.

Winds for windsurfers, not golfers

For the first day of the tournament I shot 78. I have no excuses, I just played poorly. My driver was giving me trouble all day. I only hit 2 fairways that day which makes it difficult to stay focused and keep grinding for pars. On Friday the wind started blowing first thing in the morning. I had the second tee time of the day which come to find out later that afternoon was an advantage. The wind really picked up about the 5th hole and then made the golf course almost impossible to play on the last nine holes, with winds up to 30 miles per hour. With the wind blowing across the hole, it forced you to start shots so far right or left of your target that it was extremely uncomfortable. The golf course was challenging enough with narrow fairways, a lot of water and extremely undulated greens that the wind just tested your sanity, and especially your patience.

Happy to be out there on Sunday

I thought that walking away with another 78 would keep me from playing on Sunday but because of the wind and the impossible playing conditions, the scores were through the roof in the afternoon and I actually made the cut! I couldn't believe it! So all day on Sunday I was just happy to be out there playing and came in with a 74. I played great all day. I hit a lot more fairways and made some putts. Unfortunately on the last hole of the day my first two shots got caught up in the rough and I wound up with a double bogey. It was disappointing of course but I can't forget about how great I played during the other 17 holes.

A well deserved rest

I am really enjoying my time off, back at home in L.A. I had a great time celebrating the 4th with a barbecue and fireworks with my friends. I love being home but also love being out on the road seeing new places and meeting new people. I am really looking forward to my next stretch of events on the East Coast. I have already scheduled to meet with friends and see some concerts during my week off at the end of the month. Then I am back at home getting ready for the LPGA qualifying school.

Next week, Connecticut.

Cheers,
Megan