Hi Gary here,

Just a reminder to you good people - please go to Albums (click top or bottom), then click on the link at the bottom ('click here for music with slide show'). You'll be reminded how courageous and determined you Amputees are. Great song too, don't forget to turn your speakers up. :o)

Please also read Aidan's golf story. Aidan started First Swing Golf Clinics at the age of 12 and is now 15.

Enjoy,

Gary

 

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1^st April 2010

G'day all,

So it feels like forever since I have last written to you all.  And I guess it has been a good month; which means this email could get quite long!

I arrived home last week from being on the road for 4 weeks straight.  I started off in Christchurch, New Zealand for the Pegasus NZ Women's Open.  We have just changed internet companies at home so I have been without internet since my arrival home!

Conditions of the week in NZ were quite challenging. The course was very close to the beach - it was quite windy at times which made it very difficult to play with - it seemed to be a swirling wind moving in all sorts of directions.  Anyhow, I was quite happy with my ball striking, however I must have left my shortgame at home; when I was reflecting on the Friday afternoon knowing that I had missed the cut quite convincingly - I was quite puzzled at my scores, but that's where stats come in very handy.

Despite my bad scores, I was able to experience a few first timers which was exciting.  I went to my first ever rugby match andddd my first ever live cricket match - and what a match that was! There was a bunch of us Aussies amongst the thousands of Kiwis and we were really hoping for an Aussie victory but unfortunately it wasn't; still a great night out.

Another one of my first times was seeing the course from a helicopter!!! This was so much fun - it was only for a short time but every bit of it was awesome!

So other than the fact that I did not make the weekend - I had a very enjoyable week in Christchurch!  And between all that fun I did get some quality practise in - in prep for the next two Aussie events.

After a 3:45am wake up we all ventured to the airport to fly to the Gold Coast for the ANZ Ladies Masters.  We were welcomed with very heavy rain and an absolutely drenched golf course - with new water hazards being created by the rain and plenty of bunker pools; the course was unplayable!  Not a way to prepare for a tournament but it was out of our control. We thought not being able to play the course or even practise there was bad enough until we were informed that no golf course was open on the Gold Coast!

We eventually were quite lucky to have four days of no rain and the greenies did a great job to get the course playable!

I forgot to ask Karrie what she had done to prepare for that week because whatever it was it definitely worked a hundred and ten percent for her!! That was just so amazing to watch.  Once again I didn't play the weekend but following that final group on Sunday was just unbelievable! Birdie after birdie - it was so awesome to watch! I couldn't imagine how exciting it would be for Karrie as the Masters for her is such a special event with 7 wins there now - there is no wonder why!

On my way to Melbourne I was very disappointed in my results over the past two weeks because I felt my game was there but my scores were definitely not showing it.  Anyhow, that's golf ! I just told myself "right, third week lucky, c'mon!"

It was my first time at Commonwealth and I was feeling some good vibes - the tournament got underway and I signed a card for 3 over.  Another disappointing score.  But I had faith in myself and I knew I was in for some good golf and had even par - made the cut and got myself up on the leaderboard throughout my 3rd round, but didn't finish strong; although I did move up many spots with 1 under that day.  I positioned myself well for the final day but unfortunately didn't get it going and finished tied 30th.

Throughout the Open week I found out I made the field for the European event in Morocco.  So I booked a flight Saturday and flew via Dubai to Casablanca Monday and arrived Tuesday!  The tournie started Thursday and I had 1 under, 2 under, 4 over (was only a 3 rounder) Finished =30th.  Again, I placed myself in a really good position going into the final round and but couldn't post a good score. I'd say the jet lag had caught up with me!

As much as I was disappointed I couldn't come home with better finishes, on the other hand it was nice to actually get myself into those positions.  I know if I could just get regular tournament play under my belt I will be able to come up with the goods but for now, I am back home - going to enjoy some time here with family and friends and work really hard on my game.  I am likely to head to America to play some tournaments on the Futures Tour in May and then see where that leads me.

I wish everyone a great Easter!!! Hope it's a nice and relaxing long weekend for you all with your nearest and dearests! I can't wait to get stuck into my choccies come Sunday!! :)

Take care and bye for now,

Steph :)