By Penny Kelly I was recently asked by my McGrath Nurses to send a Bucket List letter to the McGrath Foundation. Hence, being invited by Golf Australia to play in the Pro Am of the Women’s ISPS Handa Open in Melbourne last week was the most exciting opportunity. With the increase in prize money the event was co-sanctioned by LPGA, LET and ALPG bringing the best of female professional players to Australia. I was able to stay with my old friend, Sally who was also invited to the many activities of the week. We were given an invitation to the Tuesday evening Cocktail Party where Suzann Pettersen (NOR) World No 2; Stacy Lewis (USA) World No 10; Yani Tseng (Taiwan) World No 1 and Karrie Webb were interviewed in front of 100 guests. They spoke about their strategies of playing the course, praising Royal Melbourne GC, their goals for 2012 and Karrie taking up Pilates to strengthen muscle areas! It was an early morning start on Wednesday playing in the 7.30am shotgun start. A previous draw showed that I was playing with Vicky Hurst (USA) but at registration I was informed I would be in the group with Stacey Lewis! Sally was my caddy for the day (luckily we were in a cart) and being her first time at such a prestigious golf event she was overwhelmed. Luckily my first tee shot was good down the middle and scoring a 2pt on my first hole. The event was stableford with 2 scores to count, with Stacy and two other ladies. During the round Jane Crafter joined Stacy for a hole or two as she took notes about the course for her commentating on ABC. She was so friendly to us all. After golf a great lunch was enjoyed by all in a very relaxed atmosphere. Professionals happy to give us autographs and join us for photos! On Friday morning we were invited to a Breakfast with Tracey Bartram as MC and Jan Stephenson and Jane Crafter as guest speakers. Around 200 ladies from various clubs in Victoria were at the Breakfast hosted by Frances Crampton – Director of Golf Development at Golf Australia. Frances was previously CEO of Women’s Golf NSW. Tracey is a radio commentator inMelbourne and an absolute comedian! Her logo includes the words Serious Laughter ! I had a chance to speak with many other players, Katherine Hull, Lindsey Wright, Sarah Kemp, Nikki Campbell, American Lexi Thompson, Cristie Kerr and Canadian Lori Kane. I am delighted to say I have a Titleist cap with signatures from all of Professional I have mentioned above. It will be raffled to raise money for Camden Lakeside Ladies Junior Golf for Girls program. Walking the fairways or just sitting around a tee/green was so enjoyable over the four rounds of golf! The course was as tough as it was shown on TV and greens so undulating and fast ! Reading the greens correctly was of high importance, and the Winner, Jessica Korda, Rookie from USA, had a local experienced caddy who actually wrote the yardage book for the President s Cup last year! Next year the event is being held at Royal Canberra.
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