WOW, what a summer. It's hard to believe its over, with a whirlwind of tournaments. The kids played U.S. Kids Tournaments and JGAA (Jr. Golf Association of Arizona) Tournaments throughout the summer, ending the summer with the U.S. Kids World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
The World Championship was great. We had a nice condo on Pinehurst #5 that was between the two courses Jack and Alisa played. Jack played the LegacyLinks, while Alisa played Talamore, the same course she played last year.
Dick Robbins caddied for Jack; Dick was Alisa's caddy the last two years and Scott caddied for Alisa.
Jack played well, but had a difficult time with the condition of the course (as did everyone else). The area had a lot of rain and the maintenance crew at the Legacy just tore up the fairways with their equipment. The greens were in bad shape, with a lot of "weeds" all over. The ball would be going straight towards the hole and hit a weed and jump. It was very frustrating for the kids.
Alisa's course, Talamore, was in great shape. It's a beautiful course and very difficult. All the greens are elevated and very hilly.
Overall, the kids had a vast improvement over last year. Jack improved his overall score by 25 strokes and moved up in position from 105th to 88th place this year. Although, Jack wasn't very happy with it, we thought he did well. Alisa had an amazing season. Her new swing definitely showed. She moved from 41st place last year to 19th, this is in the WORLD!! YES!!! She took off 35 strokes from last year. The top 20 players earn exemptions for the next year for any tournament. Mom and dad are extremely proud of the kids; it's hard not to be.
The week after Pinehurst, Jack played the U.S. Kids Tour Championship for the Summer 2010 season. Jack was lucky to have Jake Chanen caddy for him and we thank Jake for coming out in the heat of the summer to help Jack. Jack shot 1 under par and, in a sudden death play-off on two holes, won 1st place taking Player of the Year, again. Jack and Jake tee'd off at 1:10 PM in 110 degrees and played 20 holes. Phew, nasty. Alisa had Player of the Year wrapped up, so she didn't need to play the tournament and received her trophy with her brother.
This fall the kids will be the playing the Future Champions Golf tournaments in California starting in September. These are two day tournaments and allow the kids to earn AJGA exemptions. The exemptions are important after they turn 12 in October. This tour also allows Alisa to play in the 11-14 age group, giving her the competition she needs. We just hope that Aunt Laurie has enough room in her house for us, as she continues to accumulate Uncle Robby's kids to California.
