This past weekend I played my first Pro disc golf tournament at the Live Oak Summer Open and finished last. I know, I know....what a way to start a blog. But that sort of is the whole point of this blog. To watch my progress, to give insight and encouragement to others, and just to have something to express myself through this journey that is just beginning.
Signing up for Pro was not necessarily something I thought I was ready for, but when are you ever really "ready" for anything? So, with a lot of courage, self-doubt and motivation from family and friends, I did it. And even though I finished last, I am so happy that I made that leap.
The round started on Saturday and we had tee times. I have mixed feelings about that. I felt that the course flow was smooth and I liked being able to start a little later in the day especially when you are travelling for a tournament. You dont have to wake up at 4 a.m to get to the shotgun start. The only downside is that I am a huge people person and part of the whole disc golf experience I enjoy is getting to meet up with friends before the round, gives high 5's and get that good energy and vibes coming through. With tee times you dont really get that feeling. Everyone is on their own schedule and if they start early than you, they may not even be there when you are done.
Back on track, Renae! (I will probably ramble a lot, so get used to it.)
We played two rounds, 27 holes per day. It was rough. My tee time was around 11:30 both days. Smack dab in the middle of the Texas heat. The first round started on the Lakeside course and after the first few holes I felt that I was playing okay. My nerves wore off a bit, my drives were average, upshots and putts were great. Somewhere in the middle of that round, I started to fall off big time. I took an 8 on a hole and literally thought "what am I doing playing Open, I am not good, I thought you love this game." Haha literally all of the emotions drained me on that hole. Later on I picked it back up and finished strong. I was chasing 8 for 1st and 3 for 2nd after a 5 1/2 hour round, just wow!
Speed up to the day 2 - I lost my shit! I never gave up, I just couldn't bring my game together. The strongest part of my game is my putts but not this day. It was bad...I mean I had some highlights of that round but was not consistent. The fight in me was worn to pieces, another 5 1/2 round proved that I was not physically or mentally prepared.
With that being said, I know I have it in me. I am a fighter. I have always been a fighter. I will figure it out and will not stop until I do. I hope with this blog I am able to see the growth in my physical AND mental game. I will be posting tournament recaps, thoughts going on during a round/tournament/practice and steps we all could take to better ourselves mentally and physically.
