Hailey's First Golf Outing

After many practice sessions at the driving range, Hailey had her first outing on an actual golf course on Saturday, Jan. 28. Ray, LeAnn and Hailey went to Tagaytay Royale, a par 29, nine-hole course about 1-1/2 hours from the house. Normally, this course and clubhouse is nearly deserted, but on Saturday, there was a private tournament going on the golf course and a wedding in the clubhouse. There were people everywhere. Fortunately, the last groups had already teed off for their second round of the tournament, so we were able to get on and play.

Hailey felt nervous as she teed off on the first tee, but that eventually subsided as she made good contact and stayed mainly down the middle. The caddies were a great help and really had a good time watching Hailey play and giving her some tips. She had some very nice drives, with a couple approaching 100 yards. Being a short course, she was able to make her way down the fairway fairly quickly.

As the day went on, she started to get under the ball with her irons on the fairway. She said it was so much different than hitting off the mats at the driving range. Her best hole was a bogey in which she was just off the green in two, putted the 3rd shot close and made about a 5 footer. She didn't try the sand at all as we gave her a free drop out, but eventually she will have to try to get out on her own.
We finished 9 holes with lots of smiles, so we asked her if she was ready for more, and she said she wanted to go on. We had about an hour of daylight left, and were able to get 5 more holes in. Normally, this course is lit for nighttime play, but the lights have not been working since sometime in December. We asked when they may be getting fixed, but could get no commitment.

After 14 holes, we called it a day and stopped at Yellow Cab pizza on the way home for dinner. She is already talking about going again. Kara had wanted to join us too, but she had too much homework and a group project that everyone could only get together on Saturday afternoon. So it looks like we may back to Tagaytay Royale next weekend with the kids.