It wasn’t an intentional three weeks off for Janet Mao (John’s Creek, Georgia), but the break was greatly appreciated and seems to have been beneficial as Mao recorded a 3-under 68 on Thursday at the Donald Ross Classic.
“It was a little unintentional,” said Mao after her round. “One of my teammates just got married and I was in the wedding and we just happened to have the off week that week that I had to be gone. It just happened to be luck of the draw.”
Time off can sometimes be just what the doctor ordered for mid-season malaise. Mao said having other things to worry about off the golf course helps keep golf in perspective while also providing a mental reset.
“You have to have other stuff going on besides golf to give you a fresh perspective on things and have other things to look forward to and other things to find enjoyment and fulfillment in,” said Mao. “It’s always nice to take a break and come back to it, especially halfway into the season like this. Looking back at all of my finishes so far, I’ve played a lot of good golf and I haven’t quite felt like I’ve played to the level that I feel like I am able to so it’s nice to be able to take a little break to reset.”