If you had to pin down only a couple of feelings swirling around Inverness Golf Club, they would be anticipation and excitement.

The Drive On Championship is not your ordinary tournament. There is social distancing, COVID-19 testing and masks. Even with this new normal, anticipation and excitement run rampant.

"I'm so excited," said rookie Albane Valenzuela. "I mean, this is what I was waiting for, and I'm finally getting my rookie season started. It's been so long since I last competed, so it definitely feels like you get the same nerves and excitement as when you started the season."

The recent Stanford graduate spent most of her time quarantining in the Bahamas with her family. After so many months of waiting, Valenzuela said that getting back to play didn't feel real until she took her first COVID-19 test.

"My mom took the nasal test, and she told me I was really lucky to just have the saliva one," said Valenzuela laughing. "I was telling my mom I think it's the only time in my life where negative is so good."

Professional athletes are creatures of habit, and when you're traveling week to week, it's almost necessary. Now that the LPGA and pandemic have to coexist, Bronte Law has accepted the new tournament format.

"I spoke with my caddie and my family before I came out here, and I told them that I think it's really important to accept the fact that things are going to be different and I can't get too caught up in the fact that I can't have my routine that I usually have," said Law.

Despite the interrupted routine, eagerness persists.

"I'm glad to be back," said Law. "Feels like far too long since I've been gone, but it's just great to see all the familiar faces of the LPGA and all the players out here and caddies, everyone that is our LPGA family."

It is no secret that fans love watching Law play, especially when she's fired up. One could even say the crowds help fan the flame for the 2019 European Solheim Cup member.

"There's going to be people watching, they're just not necessarily going to be there. You're just playing to the camera even more than normal," said Law. "The celebrations are going to be a little different, but you just got to get friendly with your caddie."

In hindsight, things won't be too different since Law confirmed the iconic fist pumps aren't going anywhere.

"Absolutely. I do that for me, not for other people," said Law cracking a smile.

How Tour Players Are Focusing On The Drive On Championship, Not COVID-19

Related Articles