For Emilee Hoffman, the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic is luxurious. While most athletes are sleeping in hotel beds and looking for a decent place for a nutritious dinner, Hoffman, a Scottsdale native, gets to sleep in her own bed and cook her own meals.
Living 15 minutes from the host site, TPC Scottsdale – Champion’s Course, the 26-year-old is playing a home game, which showed during Friday’s second round. Hoffman knew she would have to make up ground after carding a 4-over 75 on Thursday, and she did, signing for a 7-under 64 on day two. Despite a double bogey on the par-3 17th, Hoffman posted nine birdies on the day, with three of them coming on the par-5 opportunities.
“I feel great. I'm relieved, honestly,” said Hoffman after Friday’s second round. “This is so nice to have a home game this week. And I knew I had to play well today. I really struggled yesterday. I didn't have my best ball-striking day. But after my round, I went to the range and worked on it, and I knew that my game was still close, even though I had a hard day yesterday, and I never gave up all day today. I just really executed well.”
With the projected cut line currently at 1-under after the early second-round tee times, Hoffman can feel a bit of relief and begin preparations for weekend golf. The University of Texas alum has her eyes set on the top of the leaderboard and plans to move up each day, a feat she accomplished easily on Friday, jumping from T111 to T35 after the conclusion of the morning wave.
“I'm definitely trying to make my way up this leaderboard now. Now that I can see that it's out there, it's doable,” said Hoffman. “The course is great and in beautiful condition. The greens are amazing. So hopefully I just continue to make a lot of putts this weekend and keep moving up the leaderboard.”
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