CN Canadian Open

Hello everyone!

Well, as you may now know, the CN Canadian Open was my last LPGA Event. Retiring from the LPGA was something that I had been thinking about for quite a while, and I really didn't know when or how I would do it until a few weeks ago.

I have been enjoying my golf more than ever recently, but, in reality, I just don't want to work as hard as I need to be competitive on the LPGA. I have been very fortunate to have played to a great level, finishing in the top 20 of the LPGA Order of Merit for a number of years, and, if I can't continue to play to that level, well, I don't want to play!! I chose the Safeway LPGA in Portland, and the CN Canadian Open to be my final events on the LPGA, because they have been two of my favourite events to play every year that I have been on tour. The tournament owners and staff in Portland, along with Safeway have been fantastic supporters of the LPGA, and they have run a first class event, and treated all of the players so wonderfully every single year that I have played. The condition of the course, the hospitality and the support from the community in Portland has been fantastic. The Canadian Open has been special to me because of the incredible support CN have for the event and the LPGA. I first played the Canadian Open when it was sponsored by Du Maurier, and with CN's involvement, it has continued to grow from strength to strength. In addition to sponsoring the tournament, it is wonderful to see CN and the many other sponsors of the event continue to sponsor and support their Canadian players. The fans are incredibly supportive and vocal of their homegrown talent, and it reminds me of the support the Aussie crowds show the Aussie girls when we play the Australian Open and Australian Masters.

Shooting 66 in the third round was a real buzz! Gee, I enjoyed that round! It's amazing how simple the game can be when you birdie those par 5's....I hit the ball very solid, but the real difference for me was my approach shots into the par 5's. To shoot 66 in my last event on the LPGA was a real treat and something that I will remember forever. The photo below is my par putt on the 72nd hole of the tournament:

 

So... what's next?

Well, I am looking at a few options now and planning to put something in place for 2011. I will play the Australian events early next year, and would love to work with junior golf, and take it from there. I will continue to post news on this website, and the newsletter, so continue to check in!

Thanks to all of my friends, fans, supporters and sponsors for your encouragement throughout the 14years I have been privileged enough to play on the LPGA. I have been so fortunate to play a sport that I love and that has taught me so many of the life lessons that I will use in the years to come. Good Golfing!!

Cheers

Rach