Hi everyone =)
My last blog was right about halfway through my season. I went on to qualify for the British Open at Canoustie which was incredible!! I got to play two majors back to back and made the cut at the British. I gained a lot of experience and was reminded of how blessed I am to have the opportunity to play golf around the world! From there I went on to play in the Irish Open, which also played host to the 2011 Solheim Cup. The course was in amazing condition and I had a blast being able to go into Dublin. My dad and I especially enjoyed our tour of the Guinness Storehouse, the Guinness that is made at the storehouse has forever spoiled me!
After the British and the Irish Open I had a week off to enjoy my new condo that I moved into after the U.S. Women's Open and got to see my boyfriend. After a few weeks on the road you start to enjoy your time at home and being able to cook and just relax, even if it is only for a few days. Once I was able to recharge, I headed back out on tour and spent five weeks on the road, three tournaments in the states and two out of the country. I struggled throughout the weeks and had a break through at the CN Canadian Open. One of the most important lessons I learned throughout my rookie year was to be patient with myself and my game. Everyone who competes at the highest level, whether you are in the business world or an athlete, you expect perfection and I was no different. I struggled with being confident with my game and being positive on the golf course. It is hard to always have positive self talk. This is something I continue to work on and will throughout my entire career, but each time I tee it up I am getting better.
I played three more events after my five week stretch on the LET (Ladies European Tour) and I have to say one of them was my favorite event of the year and not just because of the food, although it did have something to do with it :) The 2011 Sicilian Ladies Open was an amazing tournament! The course backed up to Mt. Etna which is the largest and most active volcano in Europe. I was lucky enough to go up see the Mt. Etna and on the last two days of the tournament you got a clear view of the volcano that had been coated with snow. It was an amazing experience to be in a place that has so much history and a natural phenomenon.
I have one more event on the LET in Dubai at the beginning on December and before that I go through Final Stage of the LPGA qualifying school to try to improve my status for next year. I feel more prepared and experienced heading into Q School this year and cannot believe how fast this year has passed. My advice to next years rookie is to enjoy every delayed flight, every lost piece of luggage and messed up reservation because you only get to freak out once and that is your rookie year. Someone once told me if you are going make any mistakes, make them your rookie year, I did not understand at the time, but now standing here a year later I get it. He didn’t mean to purposely make mistakes, but to learn from your mistakes and grow.
I want to thank my family and friends, especially my mom and dad who have traveled with me around the world and have been there through everything! In addition, my sister who always has something positive and loving to say after a bad day. Also my boyfriend who was always there for me and to kick my behind on the golf course on my off weeks.
It has been an amazing year and something I will remember forever, 14 different countries and 25 events. The experiences I have had, the friends I have made and the people I have met will be something I treasure and can tell my children about someday.
Thank you all for following me throughout my year and hope to play on the LPGA for many more years!
xoxo
Jackie
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Topics: Rookie Blog
