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Beginning to feel like a vagabond
Posted: Wednesday June 28, 2000 10:34 AM
Leta Lindley, 28, is in her sixth season on the LPGA Tour. She had her best year in 1999 with a tie for second, as well as four other top 10 finishes. In 1997, she finished second at the LPGA Championship, losing to Chris Johnson on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff. She was a four-time All-American at the University of Arizona and set an NCAA record for lowest 54-hole score (nine under par). Check out Lindley's diary each Wednesday on CNNSI.com.
June 28, 2000 Last week is all a blur. It went by too fast. It wasn't too tough to adjust to the time change after having been in France. The tough part was I didn't feel like I had a lot of time to prepare in terms of practicing on the putting green and playing the course. It was hot and humid in Delaware and my allergies were bothering me. I had a headache for about four straight days. By the end of the tournament, I was counting the holes until the week was over, just trying to survive. Five weeks on the road has worn me out. I'm really looking forward to having this week off. I'm beginning to feel like a vagabond. My stuff is all over the place -- some in this closet here, some over there. Most of it is in storage. That's tough for me. My weeks off have always been about getting organized, and now because I don't have a real home I feel like my life is in upheaval. I feel much better when I've been able to straighten up my life for a week and then head back on the road. But now when I'm off, I can't really straighten anything out. I'm literally living out of my suitcase for the year. As comfortable as the Funks make me feel, it's still not my place. And this week I'm at my mom's, which is also nice, but it's not the same as being in your own home.
But last week -- the LPGA Championship -- was a great tournament. We knew they were going to toughen up the course after last year when Juli Inkster just blistered it. They grew the rough up to four inches and the greens were hard and fast. It was particularly tough the last day. Sunday was sort of a comedy of errors, although I don't think anyone was laughing. I actually had a good day, shooting my best round, a 70 (one under par). When I finished my round, I was probably eight shots back. I ended up only four shots back and tied for 12th. I would have never guessed that the leaders would have lost so many shots after making the turn. I had a really good tournament. I had some great saves, I made some good birdies and of course, I had some bogeys. I wasn't totally pleased with the flight of my ball -- I was drawing it more that I'd like to. My second day was my worst round. I had one birdie and three bogeys. But I didn't feel like it was any different than the other days, I just came in with a different number. I felt the whole tournament was solid. But all I kept thinking was, I can't wait to get home and see Lud. So I'm excited to be here. When I got in, I called Lud and told him I'm taking Monday off. I took the day off and went shopping. I needed a day of rest for myself to regroup and feel refreshed. My goal for this week is to clear my head. When you're on the road, you end up with seven thoughts in your head instead of just one or two key thoughts. I'm hoping Lud can simplify things for me. Maybe work out those one or two things. I'm here for a week, then there are three tournaments in a row, the first in Toledo, Ohio. I had a good five weeks. I didn't miss a cut, I made some good money, but I still haven't played my best golf. I think it can be better. I need to plug along and keep working. Until next time? -- Leta
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