It was a great summer on the course!

We say it every summer, but here it is again almost August and I'll say it again, "Wow summer has flown by!" This has been an especially good summer as I've played some of my best golf heading into my final year at Ball State University.

Kicking off the summer, qualifying for a Duramed Future Tour event was an unexpected way to begin my summer. Entering the qualifier was a last-minute addition to my summer schedule, and I'm glad I did! Although I didn't play as well as would have liked, I learned a lot from the experience and am thankful for the opportunity.

Next, I headed into the Indiana Women's Golf Association portion of my summer tour. First was the Indiana Women's Open at Wood Wind Golf Club in Westfield. My first round was less than my best (80), and I put myself in a tough spot heading into the final round. I bounced back nicely with a final round of 1 over 73, and a tie for fourth.

Just before the IWGA State Amateur I hit the links at Phil Harris for the Greene County Open. I enjoy playing in the event as it's a chance to play close to home and compete with friends. Even though I didn't quite make the championship flight, I did win the first flight!

At the state amateur I had my career low of 70 in the second round and was in third place heading into the final round. I didn't do quite as well on the last day (77, fifth place), but I did witness great golf as my two playing partners battled it out to the very end. The eventual winner (Milena Savich of Carmel and a member of the Georgia women's golf team) made an eagle putt on the par 5 16th and a tough birdie putt on the 18th hole to clinch the title.

The final tournament of my summer was the Terre Haute Women's City Match Play Championship. And boy did it start with a bang! After firing a 9 under 63 in the qualifying round, I had a feeling it would be a challenge defending my title for the third straight year. My first match was again Eileen Mann, and I won 8 and 7. The next two matches would not be so easy. I faced Diana Price in the semifinal match. We went back and fourth several times throughout the day, but I was 1-up heading to the last hole. I made an easy 2-putt par to halve the hole and win the match. The championship match would be a hard-fought match to the end.

I faced Mackenzie Mack in the final match. She recently graduated from ISU and was a four-year member of the ISU women's golf team. At the turn I was 2-up after birding No. 9. Mackenzie would go on to win holes 11 and 14 to even up the match. I came back and won 16 but Mackenzie would return with a good up and down on the long par 3 17th. A wayward drive left we with a tough punch shot on the par 4 18th hole. I managed to get it to the fringe, but Mackenzie hit the green in regulation. I hit about a 6-foot par putt to force the match into extra holes. So back to No. 1 we went. No. 1 is a very short par 4 that is reachable off the tee (in fact I hit 3-wood). Neither one of us hit a great shot, but had good looks at the green. Unfortunately I got a little quick over the ball and thinned my shot over the green. Somehow I managed to save par with yet another long putt to send the match to yet another hole.

My drive on the par 4 second was sitting in great shape while Mackenzie had some tree limbs in her way. I came up a foot short of the green, but had an easy up and down for par. Mackenzie hit one of the limbs, which knocked her ball down and short of the green. She would chip up to about 4 feet. After taking a good look at my chip I decided to play a bump and run. I figured that was my best option for chipping it in and ending the match. I pulled from every past experience, and knowledge of golf, both physical and mental, took a deep breath and executed the exact shot I envisioned. I followed the ball into the hole with an emphatic fist pump as I clenched my third straight Terre Haute Women's City Championship.

All in all I would have to say that this has been my best summer of golf. I've truly grown as a golfer both in ability and mentally. Just a few years ago I don't think I would have been able to remain calm to pull out a victory in such pressure a situation. I have to thank my coaches at Ball State for that. They've been excellent in teaching us how to handle the ups and downs of golf. In addition, they've been able to provide sports psychologists to aid us as well. To young athletes in all sports, I would highly recommend sports psychology. Learning how to control your thoughts and emotions during competition can dramatically enhance your performance.

Also, thank you to my dad for caddying this summer. He does a great job helping me on the course. It's always nice to have someone to bounce your thoughts off of and agree with you (well most of the time we agree!! Haha!). I can't forget to thank my mom, as she makes sure Dad and I have plenty to eat and drink while we are on the course. I never get too far before she asks if I put on sunscreen (which I tend to "forget" to do quite often!).

Although I am heading into my last season as a student-athlete, I plan on continuing my education at the graduate level. As of right now my plans are to stay at Ball State University and be a graduate assistant with the women's golf team. Who knows, maybe I'll write about my coaching experiences next!

Thank you to all who read my blog. I really enjoyed writing and appreciated all of your support and encouragement!

May you always hit the fairway, green, and one putt!