As I sit on the plane heading overseas for the first time in over 2 years I feel a wave of emotions. Happiness, sadness, excitement, nervous and maybe even a little scared of the unknown of what lies ahead.
When COVID-19 hot last year after the completion of the Australian WPGA season I felt a little devastated as I was so excited for the year that could have been after some great results to kick off the year. Following the news that most of our events were cancelled I took an extended break from golf before starting to get back into it by having games with Mum and just really focussing on playing and the fun side of it. I struggled a lot with motivation to get out and practice as I didn’t know what I was practicing for with no likelihood of a full Aussie season to prepare for come late 2020.
Eventually we had news of some mixed events with the Men, the Blitz Golf fast paced series event at Glenelg just 15 minutes from home and an amazing opportunity for myself and 11 other top Aussie women golfers to play in The Athena. It was nice to have some things on the horizon and it made me find my reason why. Had another great result in the Blitz Event just missing out on the final which was a nice start to 2021 and then come end of January it was time for a normal tournament at TPS Rosebud. Not long after this I hurt my back very badly and only 2 weeks out from The Athena which was to be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo. I was extremely dedicated to make the trip up to Golf Coast for this event and following 4 visits to the Physio in 2 weeks I was on the plane even if with little practice or prep prior. My only focus for the 2 day skills and match play format was to actually be able to finish each shot and my back to not give in. I flew under the radar in this event and would then find myself in the final on Sunday playing for $30,000 and a life changing opportunity. As many know now I ended up walking away as The Athena Champion and gaining my first professional victory. After so much uncertainty in the year prior and even the fear of not being able to compete overseas again this year, this win provided everything I needed to get back to Europe.
Now here we are 4 months later making the extremely long journey following a few flight cancellations to get me to Belgium for the third LET Access Series event of the year. I am beyond excited to be back on tour again this week. I miss the girls, the highs and lows of a tournament and definitely the competition. I have always loved to compete in anything I do, I guess that’s what happens when you grow up with a younger brother only 16 months apart and both wanting to be #1. So now to arrive safely, hope that I have all the correct paperwork that is needed nowadays and then make my way into my first tournament bubble!
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