Participating in the Ladies Invitational at Great Oaks Country Club was an unforgettable experience for me. It was my first time playing in a tournament like this, and I was thrilled to share it with my friend, Heather Menary.
The event kicked off on Thursday night with a shoot-out, a format where Heather and I alternated shots. To our delight, we won our flight and advanced to the final round, where we faced the winners of the other three flights. In an exhilarating finish, we emerged victorious.
Friday’s format was the Chapman, a unique challenge where we each hit a drive, then played each other’s second shot, picked the best ball for the third shot, and alternated shots into the hole. Despite the complexity, we played exceptionally well and ended the day at the top of the leaderboard in our flight.
Saturday presented a new set of challenges. We faced a three-hour delay and scorching heat by the time we teed off. The conditions made for a rough start, but we persevered and managed a comeback on the final holes. At the end of the round, we found ourselves tied for first place, leading to a sudden death playoff. It was an intense finish, and though we played our hearts out, we lost by one stroke.
Throughout the tournament, I met many wonderful new friends and enjoyed the stunning course at Great Oaks Country Club. The camaraderie, competition, and beauty of the course made my first Ladies Invitational an experience I will always remember.