Those are the highlights that stick out in my mind when I look back at 2009.
So where would I start the summary of such an eventful year?? From terribly windy conditions and missed cuts in Hawaii, Phoenix and at the Kraft Nabisco, shooting four rounds in the sixties to finish in 5th place at the Corning Classic, visits with Dr. Bob Rotella, playing in the final group with Lorena, shooting 64's, meeting Gary Player in South Africa, to putting my clubs to rest before the holidays. Those are the highlights that stick out in my mind when I look back at 2009.
Henrietta Zuel, Gary Player, Sandra Gal
Am I happy with this year? Yes. Did I reach my goals? No. I finished the year being 46th in the LPGA rankings, but I wanted to be within the top 40. My goal was to win a tournament, which didn't happen, but I came close to it, which was a valuable experience and will certainly help me for 2010.
I had a tough start this year, but also some hard luck along the way. The windy conditions that came up on Friday afternoons during the Hawaii, Phoenix and Kraft Nabisco tournaments affected half of the draw, me included. I missed a few cuts and that can be frustrating at times. But meeting with Dr. Bob Rotella - "Doc" - really helped me to get back into my game. Playing "my game," which is fearless, intuitive and includes a lot of acceptance, showed some really good results.
I had quite a few really low rounds this year though, such as my 64 at the Wegman's LPGA, another 64 in Arkansas, the 65 at the Corning Classic and the 65 at the CVS Classic in Danville. I was also leading tournaments several times after the first round. How about expanding that lead to two, three and four rounds next year? I I'd like that. But it doesn't happen over night and I know what I need to work on: patience, trust, short game, short game and short game. Not that my short game isn't good, no, but it surely can get to where it is excellent.
Also, playing in the final round during the Navistar Classic with Lorena Ochoa was a valuable experience. I actually played some great golf that last round, which didn't show in my score at the end of the day. But that's golf. That's why it is so hard sometimes. Well, no one said it was going to be easy.
But I had a very nice finish to this year by playing the Gary Player Invitational in Fancourt, South Africa at the end of November. The Fancourt Links Course is an unbelievable golf course that offers a fantastic view of the many mountains that surround it. But you can't be admiring them too much, because the challenging course will eat you up otherwise. Meeting Gary Player was truly inspirational, as he is such a character. He is huge into fitness, vegetarian food, lots and lots and lots of practice and has an unparalleled discipline and positiveness that I could only admire. I also met Retief Goosen and Angel Cabrera during this event, two really nice and down-to-earth guys. Now I have someone to follow on the PGA Tour - what a difference it makes, when you know someone personally.
Well, and now? Now I have my break from golf, but I am breaking the rule - a little bit. I am at a training camp with the German National Team in Mallorca, Spain and I didn't take my clubs with me. Not that that would help, since there are nine other bags full of clubs here and I couldn't help myself not to chip, putt and hit a couple of balls. Mainly, though, I am here to help out the girls of the National Team, answer questions and talk about my journey to the LPGA. The German Golf Federation did so much for me during my years as an amateur that I hope I can give back at least a tiny bit. The atmosphere is great and it reminds me of the times, where I still played for a team, whether it was in Germany or for the Florida Gators. Hopefully, I can enjoy that feeling again in 2011 and play for Europe during the Solheim Cup and eventually in 2016 during the Olympics!!! What an experience that would be.
But actually, I am talking non-sense. I am part of a fantastic team already that supports me like no other. May I introduce: Mom, Dad, Andrew Park, David Leadbetter, Dr. Bob Rotella, Kai Fusser, Dave Herman, Laurel Pierce, Erik Bergerud, James Walton - you believe in me, sometimes more than I do. Thank you.
Guys, have a lovely holiday season with friends and family and a solid start into the year 2010!
May it be a good one!
