Jackie Evans' Blog From The U.S. Women's Amateur
08/03/2009 | Women's Golf
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Richmond women's golfer Jackie Evans was co-medalist at sectional qualifying on July 20, earning a spot in the 109th U.S. Women's Amateur to be played Aug. 3-9 at Old Warson Country Club in St. Louis. Evans will head to St. Louis, Mo. on July 31st, take part in the practice round on Sunday, Aug. 2 and begin play in the 109th U.S. Women's Amateur on Monday, Aug. 3.
Evans shot shot an 83 on the first day and a 78 on the second to finish at 161.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
I just got done and finished with a 78, which makes me feel better! Only 29 putts today and I finished my last 2 holes sinking 40 footers for par and birdie! I went into today with the goal of shooting below 80 and being in the top 100. I don't know where I finished yet, but at least I have one! It was a great experience and I couldn't have asked for nicer ladies to play with and a better caddy.
Monday, Aug. 3
Today my round was interesting to say the least. I hit my irons and driver really well; 2 of the 3 par 4s that I thought would be 3 shot holes I was able to reach in regulation. However, I had trouble getting the ball into the hole. With 5 lip out putts my confidence in my putting was killed and it showed at the end my round when I had 41 putts. Overall I was happy with the way I played, just not with my putting. I am going to blame being a little nervous on my putting and hopefully tomorrow will go better. But I cannot complain too much because it is such an honor to be playing in a championship with the best women amateur golfers in the world.
Sunday, Aug. 2
I had a 9:30 am tee time and I played the back 9. Steve was right, the back 9 was much more difficult and pars were great. About 3 of the par 4s were 3 shot holes for me since I am not the longest of hitters. Afterwards I practiced my drives and putts, which I think will be the biggest factor this week. It is key to stay in the fairway, since the rough is very tricky, and to have a good feel for the greens. One of the officials said they are rolling at about 11.5. I then had lunch with my dad and went back out to practice my drives a little more and hit some pitches. After practicing I took some down time and had a tour of the Budwieser Factory. The tour was awesome and it was really interesting to see how much beer they produce. And finally I met up with one of my sorority sisters, Ashley Benson, for a great dinner at her Country Club. Dinner was great and let me relax and feel at home with a good friend.
Saturday, Aug. 1
I headed over to the club mid day to have lunch, hit some balls and meet my caddy, Steve. It was pouring rain so to kill some time until it stopped we went down to see the arch and some of the downtown area. I then came back hit balls and played the front 9. The course was long but fair and there was definitely opportunity to score. Steve told me that the front 9 was supposed to be significantly easier then the back 9. At night I attended the players dinner. It was definitely a little overwhelming being in a large room full of top notch golfers and not really knowing anyone.
Friday, July 31st
I arrived in St. Louis and went from the airport to the hotel to shower and then head to The Old Warson Club for registration. The club is beautiful and everything was so well organized. There were 6 stations of check in and at the end they gave me an awesome sterling silver necklace engraved with USWA 2009 and a Swiss Army backpack. The environment was very intimidating at first but as I spent more time at the club I began to feel more comfortable.