Playing in the U.S. Women's Mid-Am
Monterey Peninsula Country Club was a literal dream. We are still not over the views and just how incredible the U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur was ran.
It took us a smooth 12 hours to get from our house to the Hilton Garden Inn Monterey, but every minute was filled with excited anticipation for the week ahead. Our hotel room was nothing special, two queen beds and a small patio overlooking the pool, but we both remember it so fondly because of how much fun we had.
We stopped at the infamous In-N-Out Burger for dinner, at around 10pm our time, the first real meal of the day. Honestly, I don't get the hype. Not going to be super negative, but In-N-Out has nothing on Rush's.
DAY 1
Our first day in Monterey started with a 7:20am tee time for the first practice round. I wore a cream Ralph Lauren sweater and a black Rhone skirt with my OluKai shoes. I love these shoes! I have never had more comfortable golf shoes... they are even more comfortable than my Adidas Superstars.
The weather was pretty rainy, overcast, and cool but we were still in heaven taking in the views!
This is the third hole - a par 3 that played about 150 yards.
Holes 8 - 15 all have ocean views that are breathtaking. Honestly the entire course is so pure that it is breathtaking even when you can't see the ocean. But of course the holes that you can see the ocean are on a whole different level.
Nathan was the best caddy and we had so much fun, especially during the first practice round. We took it all in and I played really well, which only added to the enjoyment. When we finished the first practice round, it was about 11:30am, so we went inside for lunch and to explore the clubhouse.
The clubhouse is gorgeous, inside and out. It has a Spanish/Tuscan vibe and is massive. After lunch, we headed to the player registration where I really got to feel like a celebrity.
When I walked in, I received a USGA ball marker with my name on it, took a few headshots, signed 18 flags, then got to do the really fun things!! First of all, I picked out my Maui Jim frames. The case has the event logo on it as well, which is super cool. Then I tried on my white jacket with the logo on it. These were all gifts for playing in the tournament.
That night, we attended the Welcome Party on the lawn. It was awesome. There was an open bar, tons of food, and the most tricked out putting contest ever.
The massive putting green was covered with 9 miniature golf holes surrounded by mini bunkers with trees and flowers outlining each hole. It was set up to play alternate shot and, unfortunately, we did so poorly that we did not even turn in our scorecard. But we laughed the entire time and ended up playing again (each with our own ball this time) just for fun.
The club house is pretty high up, so we had a perfect view of the Pacific Ocean, and the sun setting over it. I have dreamt of seeing the sunset over the ocean for years. Spending my whole life on the East Coast, I have only seen the sunrise over the ocean. Sunsets on Sullivan's Island are still amazing, but I have always, always wanted to see it set over the Pacific. God granted my wish on the evening of October 2nd.
I stood alone for just a minute at the end of the sunset to take it in. I was almost moved to tears just thinking of how good He is. Of how much He loves us. Of how thankful I was for this opportunity to meet some of the women at this event, to see the other side of the country, and to spend time making memories with my husband.
The night ended with a little more red wine by the fire, pinching ourselves to make sure this is actually real.
DAY 2
I had a late tee time on our second day, 1:30pm. So we got up, had coffee, worked out, then headed to the course around 11 to have lunch and warm up.
This is the view from the balcony of the banquet room we had lunch in. This day was much clearer than the day before, but the wind was blowing.
We had so much fun walking and taking in the scenery without worrying about a scorecard today too.
This was my first time ever playing two practice rounds before an event, and to be honest, I was already physically tired after today. Being only 6 months postpartum and walking 18 holes two days in a row was a decent amount on top of travel. I had been working out, but I was feeling it already, which made me realize that we have a lot of work to do!
DAY 3
Our third day started early.... we woke up at 5am (8am our time).
So naturally, we went to the gym then headed out to sight see! We went to Carmel by the Sea and it did not disappoint! We stopped at the cutest little restaurant for a delicious breakfast, then walked probably close to a mile down to the beach. I was happy seeing the sunset over the Pacific, but actually putting my toes in the ocean brought the biggest smile to my face. Nathan and I walked and laughed all along the coastline. Taking in the height of the waves, the blue of the water, the soft fluffy sand, the mountains surrounding, the gigantic houses, and the view of Pebble Beach Golf Course!
Right after this picture was taken, I stepped further into the water and a bigger wave came up and splashed me, soaking the back of my leggings, which only made me laugh harder.
In this picture, you can see Pebble Beach Golf Course in the background. But seeing it wasn't enough, we needed to get on it. We climbed up some rocks to get onto the golf course. (For reference as to how high the rocks are, you can see people down beside them in the distance. That is where we climbed up, probably 20 feet or so.)
We took in the view and walked barefoot onto the course. It was awesome. We gracefully climbed back down and headed back uphill to the car. My legs were twitching when we finally sat down and I laughed thinking that I am about to go play in a USGA event. I was so glad we were having this experience together and said, "Even if I don't play well today, this has already been a great day." We smiled and headed back to shower and relax until my late Day 1 tee time.
I teed off on hole 12 at 1:30pm. It was not my best start... A very unfortunate lie from a missed tee shot on 13 led to a double bogey and from there I either three putted or failed to make up and down. It was extremely apparent that my short game skills need work in order to compete on this level and on a golf course at this level of difficulty.
The conditions were honestly really nice. It was breezy at times, but nothing too crazy. The greens are massive with incredible undulation and being in the wrong spot (even if you are still on the green) sets you up to bogey or make a miraculous par. I played my second nine so much better once I was dialed in on the speed of the greens.
I honestly did not feel as nervous as I thought I would be, but I was still nervous. Which is probably why it took me quite a few holes to start playing with more confidence. After turning in an 80, I was disappointed in the score, but proud of myself overall. I stayed focused and positive even when things did not go my way. And I enjoyed the round for all of the ups and downs it brought. I was sitting close to the cut line, so we thought with a good second round, I might make it to match play.
DAY 4
Our 4th day started early, again, but we actually teed off early. So we got up and headed to the course. By now, we were still enjoying our time, and full nights of sleep, but we were really starting to miss our Sadie. Every morning, and throughout the night, I would wake up and ache to hold her in my arms. Thankfully the Lord was sustaining me and allowing me to have peace and enjoy the experience with Nathan. Also knowing that she was in the loving care of my mom in her familiar home was comforting to me, so I am glad we could relax, but I was starting to miss her terribly.
The second round began before 8am on hole 1. It was foggy and pretty chilly. The golf was very disappointing. It was a struggle.... as you can see.
10 over through 9 holes stung. There were multiple three putts and a double chip. Nathan and I did get in a bit of an argument during this round as I started to get negative about how I was playing. We quickly moved on and adjusted our view back to the course and enjoying the time. When we made the turn, I knew there was no way I could make the cut and started to actually get excited to go home and see Sadie, so it was really okay in my books. Then the pressure fell off and I played pretty well on the back nine.
I was able to leave proud of myself for not giving up during the round and giving it my best. One of the girls I played with shot one under par and secured her spot to make the cut and advance to match play. We congratulated her and left with smiles on our face thinking about how much fun we had and how we get to go home and see our baby!!
We went out for pizza on a cute rooftop and went over the rounds. What was good and what could have been better. What holes were our favorites. What the best shots were - the best was the second tournament day approach shot on hole 16. I nearly holed out for eagle, but the spin held the ball up just a few inches right of the pin and I had a tap in birdie.
Nathan posted this on his story because he loves me.
DAY 5
We got up at 3am to head to the airport and get home to our baby girl!
We made it home around 5pm and Sadie bawled when she saw us. It broke my heart, but we quickly returned to normal and she loves the teddy bear that we brought back for her. We will always remember this trip and will be excited to share pictures and videos with her someday.
TRIP TAKEAWAYS
We have been back home for over a month now and are excited to keep putting in work in hopes of qualifying for this event again next year. The 2026 site is in New Jersey, less than an hour from New York City! I have been wanting to visit NYC for years, so I will be looking forward to visiting next fall, with Sadie this time :)
It had been quite a while since I have played in an event this prestigious. I think this actually may have been the biggest event I have played in. My prayer was to honor God, trust Him, and enjoy the time. Before leaving for this trip, I cried multiple times, wondering if leaving my baby girl for at least 5 nights, and up to like 7 or 8 if I played really well was okay. If I was being selfish. If I would even be able to handle being on a plane without her, on the other side of the country without her. I almost canceled the whole thing out of fear. Fear of something happening to us or to her. Fear of spending the money to get there without her and not having fun because I'm too anxious. Fear of what other people will think about me leaving my 6 month old behind to go play in a golf tournament for a week.
But what God reminded me of was His goodness and His provision. And that I truly have no control over my life or hers, so I am free to let go and trust Him. As I cried out to Him, asking if I should not go, all I felt was peace to go. In the midst of my fear, I still felt His peace. My mother-in-law told me that the anticipation of leaving is always worse than actually being gone. And now that I have done it, I 100% agree.
All fear does is steal from us. It stole the few days I had with my baby girl before leaving, while I worried and second guessed my decision. It would have stolen the trip and experience altogether if I would have given in to it. But, I have realized that God is so faithful. If He guides you with peace, even while you are afraid, He will be faithful to sustain you and make it worth it.
The reality is that Nathan and I had a great time, my mom had a great time bonding with her granddaughter, and Sadie had a great time and will not remember the fact that I was gone for a week.
That is my spiritual takeaway.
My golf takeaway is that putting will make or break your score. Short game practice has never been a real priority for me, but it definitely will be from now on.