Morongo Tournament Recap
Last week I played in my first Epson Tour event at Morongo Golf Club in Beaumont, California. I found out I was in the tournament on Tuesday afternoon and drove to Beaumont early Wednesday morning for a practice round. Because they were hosting a Pro-Am both Wednesday and Thursday, we got pulled off the course early and I wasn’t able to get all 18 holes in for my practice round either day.
First Round
Like the rest of California, Morongo Golf Club has had a lot of rain. See how much snow they have in the mountains?
The course had dried out some before the play started on Friday, but first round play was delayed for an hour due to fog. Once we finally teed off, I played pretty consistently until I got to 18 (which was my 9th hole, since I started on the back.) I hadn’t played 18 yet because both practice rounds had been shortened. I hit driver when I probably should have hit 3 wood and ended up with a lost ball. My approach shot with my provisional went long into some tall grass and then three putted the hole for a quadruple bogey. The rest of my round was ok – I followed the quad with a birdie, and just had one more bogey to shoot a 77.
Second round
Saturday, I had an afternoon tee time at 2:08. The my round started with a three-putt bogey, and I sort of struggled from there. I was hitting my driver fine, but missing greens, or a long ways from the hole when I was on the green. I ended the round bogey, double for an 80 and obviously missed the cut. I am disappointed with my performance, but determined to learn from it and get better. I know what I need to focus on to get my game in better shape for the next event. On a positive note, though, it was really great to see so many people I knew from collegiate and junior golf and to finally play in my first Epson Tour event. I am excited and ready for more.
What’s Next?
My next tournament is a Monday Qualifier for the LPGA Lotte Championship in Honolulu. We are playing at Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach. I leave next week and play the qualifier on Sunday, April 9. (I know, a Monday Qualifier on a Sunday…) The tournament has a Wednesday start, so the qualifier is earlier to accommodate for that. Right now, there are 23 women in the field and the top two finishers after 18 holes earn entry into the tournament, which is April 12 – 15. I am fortunate to be staying with one of my dad’s classmates from Veterinary Medicine School, Darin Hisanaga, who lives with his family in Honolulu. I am so grateful for their hospitality and can’t wait for another chance to compete.
Following the Lotte, I’ll be back in Salem for a week to see my family and get a lesson or two from my amazing swing coach, Al Cross. My next Epson event is at Copper Rock Golf Club in Hurricane, Utah at the end of April. I hear the course is amazing and I love that area. I have many great memories of Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park and the beautiful landscape in the St. George area. Lots to look forward to!
