…and the agony of defeat – SLympics Day 2

Here’s the short version: I had a much shakier round on Day 2 of the tournament. Putts that were falling on Day 1 just weren’t, and approach shots that were landing within two or three meters of the cup were winding up between six and eight meters away. I shot a 62 (a 56 after accounting for my handicap), dropping me from second to tied for third.

Playing a match play shootout for the last podium spot is a different kind of stressful. The winner is still celebrated on the podium, and that’s a pretty exciting result. The player who loses…gets to reflect over every last shot, and how if just one had gone a little differently it would’ve changed the entire experience.

I wound up playing the ninth hole against Sarah for the match play shootout. My tee shot was solid, my approach shot left me within four meters of the cup, but I just didn’t adjust for the break in the green enough. I tapped in for par while Sarah sank an excellent putt from a good eight meters off for birdie.

I’ve been reflecting on this over the past few days, and while I’m disappointed, I can’t be upset with myself. I went into this tournament with a goal of making the top ten, and I crushed that. I played with some great people, made some new friends, and got to enjoy all the highs and lows of the tournament experience. It really was an incredible journey and I loved it! I’m so excited to participate in more in the future!

So while part of me is still stinging from being so close, but coming up just a little short, I just can’t let myself be upset. I’m even more motivated to continue playing and improving!

I want to say thank you to Poppy and Lexy for putting on an incredible tournament. It was just the greatest experience and I’m so grateful I got to be part of it. Congratulations to Gin, Robin, and Sarah! You guys all played so great and I’m really happy for all three of you.

Last bit of blog business – the winner of the contest was Candace Kuhn! Candace now owns a TrueGolf Pro Pack and maybe we’ll see her at the next SLympics tournament. 😉 I’m going to run another contest for a Steelhead gift certificate soon.

Until next time, fairways and greens!

Keyli