Tournament: Turkish Ladies Open at The National in Belek
Date: May 10th - 14th 2012
Date: May 10th - 14th 2012
Well, what a treat, to board the plane and see that we had acres of leg room and a tv screen each brought a big smile to our faces :D Arriving to Antalya to a temperature of 28deg was also very pleasant. After returning from Morocco with food poisoning, I decided to rent a self-catered Villa. There were 6 of us: Lucy, Hannah, myself and our caddies, Chris H, Chris R and Ben.
Tues: 1st Practice day:
A stunning golf course, very tight tree-lined fairways and tricky undulating greens. You certainly can't get away with being off line!
In the evening, the players, caddies and pro-am guests were all treated to a welcome party. Nibbles and drinks out on the clubhouse balcony, then a brass band arrived to tell us it was time to eat. There were at least 20 candlelit tables set out on the short game area, including a huge buffet and a stage for the entertainment while we ate! We were even given fleece blankets if we felt a bit chilly. An incredible evening, I could definitely get used to this ;)
Thurs: Day 1
It was over a month and a half since my first tour event, so I was eager to get out there. My game felt in good shape and I was ready to tackle The National with Chris, my new caddy. I'd been drawn to play with Hannah, so it was great to have a friendly face.
I got off to the best possible start, birdying my 1st 3 holes! I told myself, just stay calm and focused, you can't win it on the first day. I was very happy to get it in the club house at -3, and was pleasantly surprised to be tied for the lead. I had my first tv interview too, I think it went ok, I'll await your comments!
Fri: Day 2
Up at 5:30am, I knew it was going to be tough to follow up a good score, but tried to keep my head down. I struggled with a few pull shots and found the water twice. My first priority was to make the cut. I did that comfortably. Now tied for 12th and playing with none other than Laura Davies! :D
Sat: Day 3
A very surreal day. Surrounded by some great players on the range, one of whom I'd be teeing it up with. I was very excited nervous, but buzzing inside. After a couple of holes, I settled right down and just enjoyed the whole experience. I can't quite describe how it felt to have been in the company of such a legend. I actually played quite well, very solid all the way round. I would have been very happy with +2, but frustratingly found the water on 18 and made double to finish +4 (77).
Sun: Day 4
I couldn't quite believe it when I got drawn with Laura again, what a week! Played steady and gave myself numerous birdie chances, but the ball didn't want to go in the damn hole! +4 yet again, put me at +9 for the tournament. I had such an enjoyable week and so many highlights: Leading the tournament, having my 1st tv interview, seeing Laura hit it 300y and then shortly after hitting driver off the deck! Oh and earning my 1st pay-check on the LET ;)
Next stop, Munich.........
Ps: LET highlight program on Tuesdays at 6.45pm, Sky Sports 4.
Tues: 1st Practice day:
A stunning golf course, very tight tree-lined fairways and tricky undulating greens. You certainly can't get away with being off line!
In the evening, the players, caddies and pro-am guests were all treated to a welcome party. Nibbles and drinks out on the clubhouse balcony, then a brass band arrived to tell us it was time to eat. There were at least 20 candlelit tables set out on the short game area, including a huge buffet and a stage for the entertainment while we ate! We were even given fleece blankets if we felt a bit chilly. An incredible evening, I could definitely get used to this ;)
Thurs: Day 1
It was over a month and a half since my first tour event, so I was eager to get out there. My game felt in good shape and I was ready to tackle The National with Chris, my new caddy. I'd been drawn to play with Hannah, so it was great to have a friendly face.
I got off to the best possible start, birdying my 1st 3 holes! I told myself, just stay calm and focused, you can't win it on the first day. I was very happy to get it in the club house at -3, and was pleasantly surprised to be tied for the lead. I had my first tv interview too, I think it went ok, I'll await your comments!
Fri: Day 2
Up at 5:30am, I knew it was going to be tough to follow up a good score, but tried to keep my head down. I struggled with a few pull shots and found the water twice. My first priority was to make the cut. I did that comfortably. Now tied for 12th and playing with none other than Laura Davies! :D
Sat: Day 3
A very surreal day. Surrounded by some great players on the range, one of whom I'd be teeing it up with. I was very excited nervous, but buzzing inside. After a couple of holes, I settled right down and just enjoyed the whole experience. I can't quite describe how it felt to have been in the company of such a legend. I actually played quite well, very solid all the way round. I would have been very happy with +2, but frustratingly found the water on 18 and made double to finish +4 (77).
Sun: Day 4
I couldn't quite believe it when I got drawn with Laura again, what a week! Played steady and gave myself numerous birdie chances, but the ball didn't want to go in the damn hole! +4 yet again, put me at +9 for the tournament. I had such an enjoyable week and so many highlights: Leading the tournament, having my 1st tv interview, seeing Laura hit it 300y and then shortly after hitting driver off the deck! Oh and earning my 1st pay-check on the LET ;)
Next stop, Munich.........
Ps: LET highlight program on Tuesdays at 6.45pm, Sky Sports 4.
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