Week of Richardson, Texas
April 24, 2001

Val and I enjoyed our week and a half at home in Bradenton after the four California tournaments. The weather in Florida was warm and muggy and University Park CC was in beautiful shape as I practiced prior to leaving for Dallas. I did get the chance to play a few holes with Jake Salzman, Dave and Beth's 6-year-old grandson who lives in the San Francisco area. I had him tee up from the 150-yard markers and he counted his score on each hole. He's played for three summers now and truly enjoys many sports. With a short routine and a little planning, he could see where he could save shots. It was very fun seeing him and his younger sister Sydney again.

We flew to Dallas, rented a car and stayed in a hotel near the course in the Richardson area. We attended Easter morning service at the Plano Presbyterian Church and enjoyed the music and the message. Since we could not play at Canyon Creek CC until Wednesday, Val and I played Sunday and Monday at a nice nearby course called Ridgeview Ranch. Val brought her driver, sand wedge and putter, and shared my clubs. We surprised a couple of local young men who were not expecting to be out hit or outscored. They were very nice, and very shocked. Just the thing my Uncle Jim would enjoy watching.

Canyon Creek CC in Richardson is such a beautiful club - a gorgeous clubhouse for its many active members - about 40 tennis courts, and the course with greens as fast as can be grown. It was in perfect condition and the practice round only showed us the hint of wind to come.

I played Thursday in the pro-am with the ClubCorp team: Darlene Pullen, Jamie Federick, Terri Oosterhuis, and Geraldine Doran. Terri and Geraldine had played in college, and now as ClubCorp professionals only get to play occasionally. But playing from the front tees proved to be a great advantage. We were very proud of our 6th place finish overall. Their company owns not only Canyon Creek CC, but also over 200 clubs including Firestone and Pinehurst. You can read about the company on www.clubcorpgolf.com. I had a great time with these fine ladies, and will not forget their fun and camaraderie.

The event in Richardson is probably one of the best events the FUTURES Tour hosts. They have over 300 volunteers who have matching uniforms and do such jobs as housing (over 80 players were housed with families for the week), cart scorers, and parking and range attendants. Among the many volunteers were Judi and Robin McGeorge - the parents of my old LPGA friend Missie. Congrats and thanks to Kay Fletcher and all of her committees and volunteers.

In Friday's first round, we were paired with Betsy Drambour (who winters in Sarasota) and the eventual winner, Ju Kim. Ju hits the ball very far and we all battled the wind. I birdied the last hole to finish at 75 in a tie for 42nd.

We played with Liz Bowman and Jamie Vannoy in Saturday's second round. Liz also hits it long and Jamie has just graduated from Texas Tech. We were delayed starting, as there was lightning with a storm, so our 1:20 tee time was delayed until 2:40. The rules staff wanted us all to play quickly so that all groups would finish before dark. I played -2 on the back nine (our first nine), and +2 on the front to shoot 72, moving up to around 25th spot.

Sunday's final round was one of the windiest days in which I have ever competed. Gusts of 35-40 mph nearly knocked us over, sand flew out of bunkers, and everyone was having a tough time making par. I was paired with Charlaine Coetzee-Hirst and Amy Dahle - true professionals - I really enjoy their company on the course. I had 5 bogeys and 4 birdies and the great 73 finish moved us up to 11th place. It was a satisfying round on a tricky, sidehill, sloping course. It was quite fun - the "hard work" kind of fun.

A special thanks to Jim and Jane Miller, two University Park members who have their Texas home in Heath. We had been guests at their home earlier in the week and then they came Saturday and walked the back nine to watch me compete. They were not only impressed with my play, but with Val's energy at the end of the windy round. We joined them for a quick dinner at a Greek restaurant near our hotel in Plano. And then the final special treat, after play on Sunday, they invited us to join them at Dallas' only 5-star restaurant called 'The Mansion' located in the Turtle Creek area. It was truly classy, and we had delicious food and attentive service. It has great history, and we were very happy to be a part of something so unique. We thank them both for such kindness both at University Park and throughout this past week.

Our drive on Monday to Wichita is straight north from Dallas. Since we were going directly through Oklahoma City, we decided to stop at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. It has been 6 years since the bombing and the memorial is now beautiful and serene. It has 168 empty chairs in 9 rows indicating the 9 floors of the Federal Building. It is a tribute to those who survived, those who died, and to the hundreds of rescue folks who came to the aid of the city and its people. It is unforgettable.

So here we are in Wichita, another windy spot at a beautiful course winding though a new, exclusive subdivision called Willowbend. The greens here are more moderate speed, but still quite large.

Thanks again for your interest and e-mails.

Sue E.

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