This past week was spent in AZ and was a memorable one for sure. Not only did I have my best finish as a professional golfer but I broke through some major barriers in the mental side of the game. Not saying my golf game is perfect but I really do enjoy seeing hard work pay off.

I arrived in AZ on Monday (the typical travel day) and headed straight to the golf course to get used to the greens for a little bit. I find that putting on the greens of the golf course is the #1 way to build confidence for the tournament ahead. I only have to think about where I want to hit the ball and not how hard because your body already knows from all the prep you put in.

I was fortunate to stay at a friends sister’s home during the week and then I moved over to their parents home for the weekend. I couldn’t have asked for better hospitality. So thank you to the Anderson’s for being such amazing hosts, their like my Arizona family now! And I doubt I would have shot such great scores during the weekend without them. Now to the golf….

So let’s back track for a second and remember that I did not play in Q school last fall… So that means I haven’t played in a golf event since the middle of Septbut ember! That has been almost 5 months ago! So needless to say I was not sure how I would react to the pressure and nerves that I haven’t really felt since last summer. I have had an awesome off season and I spent all of January really grinding on my wedges and putting so on paper I should be ready. But golf is golf and you just never know. Fortunately, my first tournament back was a success.

My first round was an afternoon tee time with great weather and great company. I was lucky to play with goo friend Calle Nielsen and Jenny Suh. None of us had caddies and I think the flow of hyped game went really smoothly for all of us. It was just us 3 girls and the course. I couldn’t have asked for a better first group for kick off tournament. I had a solid day with 4 birdies and 1 bogey. I hit every fairway (with my trusty taylormade R7 limited driver, try to take this vintage club outta my bag and I will hurt you) and had around 29 putts. It was a solid score considering I think I posted only a couple rounds in the 60′s last year alone. So after the first day I was sitting comfortably at T-11 ready to go lower the next day.

Read Emily's full blog on her website now>>

Emily Talley Player Blog 1

Related Articles