For the last week or so, emails have been flying around between the gals who were on the EWGA match play team I was on last year. More players showed an interest in being on the team, and a qualifier was on the horizon. I will admit that my nerves kicked in a bit as I really want to make the team again. Last year we just showed up, and the 8 of us were on the team. This year 11 gals, the original 8 and 3 more, expressed interest in obtaining one of the 8 spots available. For various reasons, we are back down to our original 8 without the qualifier, and I am back on the team for certain. Last year’s team is in completely intact. I adore the gals who had to back out, but there is something special having the last year’s team be able to give it another shot.

These initial stages of planning have pushed me to reflect on last year’s journey as a team. I think I can speak for all of us when I say it was amazing. We came together to form a team, and we are extremely proud of our “rookie” season. We breezed through regional qualifying undefeated, with just one tied match, winning 11.5 of 12 possible points. We then only had a month to prep for our trip across country to PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I remember logging on to the registration website and realizing we would be competing on the Champion course for one of our rounds. Yes, the Bear Trap. Yes, that Bear Trap, the one on TV during the Honda Classic, a stop on the PGA Tour. I ran around the house in excitement. How in the world was it possible that a 20-handicap golfer was going to compete on that course? I feel a little sorry for those who were in contact with me for those 4 weeks between qualifying and leaving for Florida. I chattered on incessantly about it. My excitement spilled out everywhere I went.

Arriving at PGA National, however, left me a bit speechless. I looked at all the memorabilia and pictures on the walls. A major and a Ryder Cup were played there. I watched the sunset over the large central lake and looked at the row flags I had seen on TV many times. After dinner we walked around as a team and took pictures in front the logo sign right outside the pro-shop. Some team building and lots of laughter were our remedies for jet-lag.

A couple of days of practice rounds and we were feeling ready for the weekend’s competition. The Bear Trap ate me up both times I went through. I lost count of the balls lost during the practice round. The enormity of the venue made me tense, and I didn’t have my best game. However, I played well enough to win my singles match after my partner and team captain, Kris, had carried me through our foursomes match on day one. Ultimately, we finished 5th nationally, which we felt was awesome for a bunch of rookies. We came home exhausted but very proud.
But the results are not the most important piece of the experience. It was the whole journey for all 8 of us to get there that stands out in my mind and most likely in theirs too. Was it all sunshine and rainbows? No, but as good teams do, we forged ahead together and solidified our connections to each other. We were led by an incredibly giving and motivating captain in Kris. We worked hard in practice sessions and enjoyed dinner and especially cocktails in the evening. In some rooms card games ensued till bedtime. It was in these moments that a team formed and I know I wanted to last a lot longer than one season.

Since that moment, I have relived the experience in my head many times. I was glued to the TV during March’s Honda Classic. I even walked my parents through every shot as we watched the coverage of pros. I streamed it on my phone when I couldn’t be near a TV.
I was a little sad thinking we might not have the same opportunity this year. Some of us might not make the team or might not be able to participate for one reason or another. Then today an email came out and the team is intact. Practice rounds will be on the calendar soon. With a little luck and some hard work, we will make it through regional qualifying and be on our way to the national cup again. One thing is sure: this team will be battle-ready.