Michigan & Arkansas

Michigan

The season is in full swing which means lots of new cities, new people and new courses. I have been on the road the last month and my first stop of the trip was Grand Rapids, Michigan for the LPGA Meiji Classic Monday Qualifier at Blythfield Country Club. The course is a great old school track where everything is pretty much in front of you. On Monday I got off to a rough start and was 3 over through 3. I had a tough time recovering from that only making one birdie on the day, so ended up shooting 5 over which was not enough to get it done. The conditions were a bit tough with the wind up and the greens firm, but it was short game that ultimately led to the high score.  

Blythfield CC

Failing to qualify left me in Michigan for the week to practice and prep for my qualifier in Arkansas the following Monday. One of the hard things about traveling to play Monday qualifiers is that if you don't qualify you are still in that city for the week, often with few friends and without a place to practice. However, during my time in Grand Rapids I was blessed to have a home with my generous host family, the Maki's. I had a wonderful time spending time with them and their adorable daughters pictured above. I was also lucky enough to meet some avid golfers, Larry and Kevin, at another local golf club to play with. These guys were serious competitors and we played some intense matches everyday which kept me tuned up and ready for my next few tournaments. I really had to work for the wins in our big money games! I had a blast meeting and playing with all my new Michigan friends. Thank you so much to the Maki's, Faber, Vachon and the Nutters for taking care of me while in Michigan. I can't wait to come back again next year and see all of you! 

My travel partner Sky and the Nutter Family

Our friend Kevin came to support us at the Michigan State Open

The Sunnybrook GC crew where we had intense matches with members that loved competing with us

I also made my way up north to Thompsonville, Michigan to play in the Michigan State open at Crystal Mountain, while in the mitten. I shot an opening round of one over and closed with a couple of under pars rounds to finish tied for 5th at 2 under for the tournament. For the full leaderboard click here.  

Once again I got to stay at a lovely home right on the golf course surrounded by nature at this tournament. The Pope's were so sweet and their quiet cabin was peaceful and relaxing. Thank you so much for having me Jack and Joann! 

During the tournament, we also got together with some other players and hosts for a dinner party which was awesome (pictured left). One of the best thing about tournaments are events like these that are  in the community and with the community.

Arkansas 

My second stop on the trip was Northwest Arkansas for the Walmart Championship Monday qualifier at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers. I shot 69, but it was two shots shy of qualifying. I wasn’t hitting it super close into the greens so I really had to grind for my birdies. I made a few minor mistakes that cost me a few shots, but stayed in it all the way which I am proud of.  Monday Qualifiers are an unique sort of challenge because you have to bring your very best on a single day. I have been close a couple times now, but I learn more and more each time, and am looking forward to my next one! 

When on the road I always stay with host families when I can because I love connecting with new people, and I stayed with another amazing family while in Arkansas! You always hear about southern hospitality and boy did the the Lewis family embody that. They decorated my room, had some of my favorite foods already bought at the house, and made me feel right at home. The whole neighborhood came over for dinners and everyone cooked together, and it gave me a new sense of what community can look like. Everyone contributed and all the kids played together, and that was really special to see and be a part of for a few days.

My time in Arkansas was extra memorable because I got to spend a day exploring Bentonville with my host mama, Amaris. We started the day off at Onyx Coffee Lab, which was amazing. One of my favorite things to do when going to a new city is to try its coffee shops, so I have been to a lot, and this one sits pretty high on the list of all time best. The ambiance was warm, the space was open with plenty of seating, and of course the coffee was absolutely excellent. I loved it. Then we spent that afternoon at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The museum featured the work of Dale Chihuly, who is an innovator in glass, paint, and neon. He had pieces inside the museum, but also outside in the forrest on the surrounding property, which was neat. Crystal Bridges is a real gem of Bentonville, and I highly recommend a visit to anyone in the area.

I had such a fun few weeks in Michigan and Arkansas. I know I've traveled to some pretty cool places abroad this year, but my time in these two states within the US were extra special! New countries and cultures are always exciting, but it was the people I met on this trip that truly made it outstanding. Michigan and Arkansas hold a special place in my heart now and I am so grateful to have met such great people! 

Lots of Love, 

Dre 

Up next --> Thailand!