Right now I am on a plane heading from Casablanca, Morocco, back to JFK, New York City. I just completed my first Ladies European Tour Event (not including the Australian and New Zealand events) in Adagir, Morocco. My trip did not start off quiet right since my bags decided to stay an extra day in New York before being "rushed delivered" to the hotel the next day.
- First lesson learned as a rookie: always pack some golf clothing in your carry on! Luckily, I packed a pair of shoes, hats, gloves, and a dozen golf balls - but no clubs!
After receiving my clubs I had multiple practice rounds to get used to the greens, the fairways, and the conditions. In addition, I had to get use to speaking slowly and using my hands to try and communicate with the staff at the golf course. All I have to say is that their English is a lot better then my French or Arabic! I have grown to have a lot of respect for the European Tour players and the LET staff for being able to speak and understand multiple languages.
- First rookie goal of the year: learn how to at least say "hello, how are you, and thank you" in all the countries I am playing in!
The tournament was amazing. It was put on by the LET in conjunction with the Royal Golf Association of Morocco. We had perfect weather for all four days - a little warm at some points, but for the most part it was good. My dad, who is traveling with me for the first few events over in Europe (my mom might be joining me for a few as well), encouraged me to venture outside the hotel into downtown Adagir. Adagir is right on the coast of Morocco and is mainly a tourist area. The golf course, which the players got shuttled to, was more inland and near the King's Palace. I played solid for two rounds and had a little trouble in the opening and third rounds of the tournament. At the end of the week, I finished 25th and gained a lot of knowledge on how the tournaments are run and what to expect this year.
After the tournament was over, I had an extra day to explore Adagir and lay out by the pool to try to even out the amazing golf tan lines that I have acquired over the past month. I ended up going into town, looking through local markets, and riding a camel! Trust me - this is something I never thought I would do! It was an incredible experience and something I would definitely recommend to anyone who has the opportunity. It was a lot like riding a horse, but a little slower. They make funny noises when they want to communicate to each other. They stick their tongue out and make a high humming sound.
Overall it was a great tournament! I am looking forward to heading back to Florida and then out to The First Tee of Phoenix to do a clinic.
Hope everyone is having a great start to there month of April, I cannot believe how fast time is flying, it seems just like yesterday that it was January and I was waiting to start my season!
xoxo
Jackie
P.S. check out my camel Scobiedo, I think he might was an endorsement from TaylorMade! :-)
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Topics: Rookie Blog
