July 7, 2009
Editor’s Note: Marina Alex arrived in Bethlehem, Pa., for the U.S. Women’s Open at the Saucon Valley Golf Course late on Monday night and filed this report. Alex, a member of the 2009 All-East Region team, the 2009 All-SEC Freshman team, and an individual qualifier at the 2009 NCAA Championships, will tee it up in her first Open this Thursday and will offer updates from her U.S. Open experience throughout the week. Alex is a rising sophomore from Wayne, N.J.
The first day at the Open was very exciting. It was a completely different experience than any other tournament I have played in. I got there mid morning and went through registration and met up with my caddy. His name is John and is a good friend of my fathers. He has caddied in several USGA events, so this man knows the ropes. My mom came in with me today and helped me get settled. The rest of my family is not coming until Thursday and Friday, which includes my dad, brother and grandparents. My second family will be here, Greg (Allen) and Nicki (Cutler)!
The greatest part of the day was meeting Lorena Ochoa before I teed off Monday afternoon. Greg, my coach, introduced me to her and I am thrilled about playing a practice round with her Tuesday morning. Playing with the number one female golfer in the world is really a privilege and I will soak in every moment. It was fun signing autographs for all of the kids. Even though I am not a pro, I really feel like one. The crowds are great and I have some local support, which is nice. I am staying with a host family, whose house is absolutely incredible. Between staying in this home, the crowds and autographs, I feel like a celebrity.
Now it’s down to business – the course. I got to play a week ago on my own before the crowds and craziness. I thought that the course played harder because of all the rain we got. Monday, it had dried out but it is still extremely long and challenging. The greens will be quick and the rough is long. Of course this is expected playing in a US Open. It is the greatest test of golf, physically and mentally. I just plan on playing my game. My approach is the same for every tournament, be calm and patient. If I play solid golf I will be right where I need to be. I will give some updates on my round with Lorena Tuesday. Can’t Wait!!!