Kent State's Mandi Morrow is blogging while taking part in the 2011 Women's Amateur Public Links Championship in Bandon, Ore. On Sunday, Mandi played her practice round at the tournament's second course, Bandon Trails.

Blog #1 link
Blog #2 link

Live stats link

The difference between yesterday (Saturday) at Old Macdonald and today (Sunday) at Bandon Trails… EVERYTHING.  Yesterday and today could not have been more different, from the courses, to the weather, to the wind, to the scenery.  It seemed as if we were not at the same place as yesterday.

Once again the course was absolutely unbelievable.  Bandon Trails is a completely different course from Old Macdonald, and completely different then what I have ever played.  Old Macdonald was real open, but on this course you see pine trees everywhere (but shouldn't really come into play…at least I hope they don't).  It almost seems as if the pine trees shape each hole.  Each hole you look at is nothing like anything you have ever seen on a golf course before.  Most courses have your typical trees and bushes (or palm trees), but there is something about the pine trees and sand everywhere that makes it look amazing.  The greens on Bandon Trails are still huge but they are not quite as severe as the greens of Old Macdonald. 

The weather today was very nice.  It was mid 60s with about half the amount of wind (15-20 mph).  It was less windy because we were further away from the coastline and hidden by the pine trees.  When we got to a few of the holes that were a little more open the wind did pick up a little bit, but was still not quite like yesterdays howling winds. 

 

I thought I would share with you my superstitions during golf tournaments:  I tend to be a very superstitious person, so I will name a handful of the things I do for tournaments: 
(1) I color the 'F' blue and the 'J' gold on my glove (KSU colors, of course).
(2) I make 15-three-four footers in a row before heading to the tee.
(3) On day one of the tournament I use a number one ball, day two number two, day three number three, day four number four, then start back at one on day five (and mark each ball the same with a blue dot to the right of the number).
(4) Start each round with six tees in my pocket. 
(5) Make sure all my clubs are clean—nothing like nice, clean clubs. 
(6) I have the same routine for every shot (take a practice swing, pick out my target from behind the ball, aim, and fire). 

The tournament starts tomorrow (Monday), and I will be playing Old Macdonald, followed by Bandon Trails on Tuesday.  I cannot wait to get started!  The low 64 players of the 156 field make it to match play beginning on Wednesday.  Although both courses are tough, it is going to be a great week of competition for amateur golf.  This is the first tournament that I am playing with my sister, Jamie, on the bag.  I hope she is as excited as I am that she is on the bag (even though I heard from my other sister, Kelly, that she is a little nervous about the courses we have ahead of us this week).  Although we have a tough week ahead of us, we are going to have a little bit of fun, and good golf should come from that. 

My tee time is at 2:20 tomorrow (5:30 p.m. Eastern time).  You can go to www.usga.org and follow the tournament's results.

Thanks to everyone who is reading and following, it is very much appreciated!!

Mandi

P.S.  Good luck to the three representing the Kent State men's team: Brett Cairns, Kevin Miller and Nick Scott!