Confidence the key as Silvers hopes to use momentum to earn LPGA Card
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It’s hard enough to card a hole-in-one and if you ever so happened to record two in one month, well then you must be named Carleigh Silvers.
In early June at the Fuccillo Kia Championship in Albany, N.Y., Silvers scored her first ace of the 2017 Epson Tour season. Then in late June at the Tullymore Classic in Canadian Lakes, Mich., lightning struck for a second time.
Sure, a little bit of luck is involved, but it also takes talent, something Silvers has been blessed with. However, maintaining a positive mentality is something Silvers said she has struggled with this year.
“I didn’t play super great at the beginning of the season and it is so easy to start getting down on yourself,” said Silvers. “It’s so frustrating when you are playing so much better than you are scoring. That gets really tough, but you just have to stay as positive as you possibly can and know it will all come together.”
That’s exactly what Silvers did and it launched her to a tied for 16th finish at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship in July, one of two top 20 finishes in 2017.
“I had a few equipment issues that I got worked out later in the season, which was very helpful,” Silvers said. “Towards the end of the year my game was really improving and moving in the right direction. Ending the last few tournaments on a good note, then playing well at Q2 and advancing to Q3 has really helped my confidence.”
With plenty of credentials to her name, Silvers isn’t lacking in the productivity department. The former University of Northern Colorado phenom captured the individual Big Sky title in 2012, the same year she led her squad to a team championship. Following her collegiate career, Silvers moved on to the Cactus Tour and fired a career-low score of 65 at her first professional event in June of 2013.
Eventually, Silvers worked her way to the Epson Tour where she debuted in 2014 and that same year she made it to LPGA Qualifying School Stage III. This will be her first time back to the Final Stage since.
“I will definitely start to feel the nerves once I get there and actually start playing, but I think that’s a good thing,” said Silvers. “I’m just excited to be there this year and have the opportunity to earn my LPGA card.”
Following her strong end to the 2017 Epson Tour season, Silvers went back to Arizona to continue the momentum. Her days are filled with golf, whether caddying at Tucson Country Club, or working on her game with coach Sandy LaBauve.
“I haven’t seen her since March, but we sharpened some swing mechanics and worked on a few things,” Silvers said. “I usually play or practice pretty much every day. I’ll take one day off a week and then workout three days a week.”
The progression throughout this year has allowed Silvers to overcome her biggest hurdle, establishing a stronger mental game. Her preparation since Stage II can only provide a confidence boost, and knowing she has the ability for a hole-in-one (whenever is needed it seems) doesn’t hurt.
“I’m probably a bit more focused because it is such an important tournament,” said Silvers. “It’s also nice that we just played [LPGA International] for the Epson Tour Championship, so I know what to expect and can picture certain shots that I know I will have.”
As we near the Final Stage, there has been plenty of on-course work. In addition, Silvers said she has done plenty off the course to put the finishing touches on her gameplan, including a visit to the Grand Canyon for the first time.
“It’s so huge that it doesn’t even seem real when looking at it,” Silvers said. “I think it’s important to do other things and have a life outside of golf so you don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
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