Just as I did with Rob Labritz during the PGA Championship in May, this week I’m turning my column space over to Top 25 Instructor and LPGA and PGA Master Professional Alison Curdt, who competes in her sixth consecutive KPMG Women’s PGA Championship June 20-23 at Hazeltine Country Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Each day Alison — who teaches at Wood Ranch Golf Club in Southern California, is a licensed psychotherapist and in 2018 became the LPGA’s Teaching & Club Professionals Vice President — will tell us what it’s like preparing for and teeing it up alongside the world’s best female players.
By Alison Curdt
What a long day — but fruitful and amazing!
It started with a 3 a.m. wake-up call to get to LAX to catch the first flight to Minneapolis. All players were greeted with a courtesy car by Cadillac — a sweet SUV. I drop to Hazeltine National Golf Club to check-in and get my first practice round completed. The clubhouse was buzzing with players lunching, finishing up their rounds, or getting ready to tee off.
After warming up on the range where the grass was perfection, I was definitely a bit starstruck watching Cameron McCormick working with a player. As a teacher, it’s always fun to see nationally recognized instructors working in action!
I played my practice round with Katherine Kirk and Amy Olson, two of the nicest players out on tour. Katherine and I competed against each other in college so we had some catching up to do.
The course was in beautiful shape, and holes 16-18 will be a true test of finishing. They are the hardest three holes on the course.
My parents drove up from St. Louis so after the round I met up with them for dinner to strategize for the week. The week is packed with some media for the PGA, some LPGA obligations, practicing and prepping for the event.
I’m very honored to be here and excited to compete against the world’s best.
