Hands Up! Baby, Hands Up! If You Made The Team
Last Updated on Thursday, 02 September 2010 16:53 Thursday, 02 September 2010 15:58
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Karen Pultz Rejoices In Fulfilling One Of Her Goals As Her Third Place Finish In The B.C. Senior Women's Championship Landed Her A Place On The Provincial Team For British Columbia In The Canadian Senior Women's Championship - All Photos Courtesy Karen Pultz
For the last two years B.C.'s own top ranked Senior Women's golfer, Karen Pultz, has written a blog for Inside Golf chronicling her experiences and exploits as she plays the Canadian, Irish and British Senior Amateur Championships.
Karen is once again sharing with us her adventures as she embarks on the 2010 version of her 'Triple Crown'.
As an added bonus both for readers as well as certainly for herself, Karen writes this year also as a member of the B.C. Senior Women's Golf Team. - ed.
Hello,
This is my 3rd year doing a blog for Inside Golf, following my golf travels to 3 Senior Amateur events, the Canadian, Irish and British Senior Amateur Championships.
My name is Karen Pultz and I am a member of Peace Portal Golf Club in Surrey, British Columbia.
I did it, yes I finally did it!
On my 4th attempt I made the 2010 British Columbia Senior Women’s Golf Team.
After narrowly missing a spot the last 3 years I came in a solid 3rd place. I was the only player to shoot in the 70’s all three qualifying rounds at the B.C. Senior Championship at Summerland Golf Club. That’s typically been my game, consistent.
You know, before my handicap goes up I would like to be able to say I was a scratch player. The closest I have been is right now as a 1 handicap.
Okay, I have to stay focused, so back to the team!
Each Province sent a 4 person team to Morningstar Golf club for the Canadian Senior Amateur.
Making the team means funding, pride and a unique team competition within the Canadian Seniors tournament. The lowest three scores of four, each day, are combined in the first two days.
B.C.'s 2010 Team: Phyllis Laschuk (Point Grey) our 2010 BC Senior Champion, Lynda Palahniuk (Kelowna), myself from Peace Portal and Alison Murdoch (Victoria).
Team B.C. At The Canadian Senior Women's Amateur, Morningstar Golf Club, Parksville. B.C. (From L-R) Lynda Palahniuk (Kelowna), Alison Murdoch (Victoria), Karen Pultz (Peace Portal), Phyllis Laschuk (2010 BC Senior Champion), Jody Jackson (Golf British Columbia Provincial Coach)
Our B.C. Team performance placed us 2nd. Ontario won and was led by Mary Ann Hayward (Canadian and Ontario Hall of Famer) who won the 2010 Canadian Senior Individual Crown.
As the rookie, I wanted to have my scores contribute to the team and they did. Whew! The only pressure I put on myself was to play my heart out and see what happens.
I love this - Jody, our coach, said, "Remember, it’s a score card, not a post card." I played solid the first day (73) and the 2nd day ground it out to an 80 after a triple on #2 and followed up with a double on #8. It was some score card. LOL.
We were only 3 shots back going into the 2nd day - we just couldn’t catch Ontario!
There is fear that reduced funding could jeopardize the future teams program in Canda. PEI did not send a team this year due to funding issues. Time will tell.
No one in sports can control when they peak. However, you can prepare, practice and visualize that your performance level will be enough, even when you want it the most.
Linda Jervis, my coach, and I sat down last October and mapped out what tournaments to play in and where I wanted to peak.
My preparation, my practice and my play always made sure I was tournament ready but at the same time rested enough to take on my peak tournaments. The B.C. Senior (mid-June) was first, then the Canadian Senior (late August).
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Karen Was As Nervous As A Kitten In A DogPound At The Canadian Sr. Women's Championships - Note The Concern Etched On Her Face Here
As I prepared to tee it up in the final group of the Canadian Senior I was nervous. All very natural stuff, right? It is. If you aren’t nervous I don’t think you are ready.
I have learned to let it just wash away and detach myself from the emotions of it and enjoy the moment. I am learning!
The crowd that followed us was so supportive. I acknowledged them and had fun! On the 18th tee after we all hit our tee shots I had to say something – imagine that!
“I have never had this many people watch me play, EVER. Thank you very much for coming to watch us play golf. It means a lot to be cheered and I am honored.”
They all applauded and cheered! How cool is that!
My caddie..is it spelled Caddy or Caddie? As far as I know either is fine, just use the same one throughout!
Thankfully, I was assigned Jim Hughes, because you never know, you truly never know what kind of a person/caddie you will have.
Jim is a good golfer and the fastest walker I have ever had! I could not keep up to him so I didn’t try. He is a funny man. A retired accountant so his yardages were really good!
A wonderful, well, cheerleader to me really and that is part of the gig…if I hit a good shot he would say “that was fan-tas-tic! If I hit a marginal shot and was mumbling to myself, he would say…"It’s okay, I love ya anyway! Or, “Don’t worry, you're doing just fine!”
I could hear the pride in his voice. It's that kind of humor and that kind of support that makes a caddie/player relationship such a team and I thank Jim for helping me. Also, to Patti his wife who made us delicious sandwiches, everyday!
Here is my story.
I shot 235 and placed alone in 5th. My 82 on the final day caught me by surprise. When I added it up in the scorer's tent all I could say to myself was, 'you played better than you scored my friend.' It is what it is!
If you had told me before the tournament started that I would have the opportunity to be in the final group I would have taken it!
What I will remember and learn from was my 2010 golf experiences. I have had more “firsts” this year than ever before.
First time in a play-off - Alberta Senior. First time in the final group of the teams event and the Canadian Senior Amateur. First time shooting each Sweeney Cup game in the 70’s. First time in the PNGA Cup. Fun it has been, and it’s not over yet!
B.C. Senior Championship, At Summerland B.C. Karen Pultz And Ken Oleschuk, Manager Of Summerland Golf Club And Phyllis Laschuk
My game has continued to improve and I am proud of that. Linda has empowered me more than ever before.
My tee ball is longer and straighter and since my strength is my iron and short game it has meant better and more consistent scoring.
Golf British Columbia has supported me with coaching, funding and support. All have made a difference in my enjoyment of the game and desire to continue to improve.
My confidence is high and I am enjoying every minute of it. When that voice in my head tries to upset my apple cart I just think of how much fun this is and hit the ball!
Western Canadian players teeing it up in the UK are myself – Lynda Palahniuk - Alison Murdoch - Melanie Grant (British only) – Diane Williams.
Love Your Game and Hit it Pin High!
Karen
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September 8-10 Irish Senior Amateur
For the scores, click here www.ilgu.ie
Layton and Bettystown Golf Club
http://www.landb.ie/default.aspx
September 14-16 British Senior Amateur
For the scores, click here www.lgu.org
West Kilbride Golf Club
http://www.westkilbridegolfclub.com/
Thank you to:
Morningstar Volunteer Committee (150 people strong) You all did an amazing job!
Golf Canada
Golf British Columbia
Debbie Pyne - Player Devlopment
Jody Jackson - Provincial Coach
Coach Linda Jervis – LPGA
The HP team: Penny, Holly, Elaine, Jackie, Phyllis, Lynda, Alison. You made a difference!
My family, always. Especially the texts!
