Kira Meixner's Amateur Career Coming To An End

The 22-year-old native of Richmond, BC, who graduated Magna Cum Laude in May with a 3.78 GPA in magazine journalism from Kent State University and was named an All-American Scholar by the National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA)---the fourth such honour for the 2008 MAC Player of the Year---played in the Canadian Open last week on an exemption as a member of the Royal Canadian Golf Association's National Women's Amateur Team.

For the second year in a row she was also teeing it up with the best in pro golf as the reigning two-time BC Women's Amateur Champion.

There is a very good possibility Kira Meixner's name will come up again later this week when Doug Roxburgh, the RCGA's Director, High Performance, announces the names of eight players selected to represent Canada on the 2008 World Amateur Team.

Canada will be one of a record 126 teams (54 Women's - 72 Men's) competing in the bi-annual World Amateur Team Championships in Adelaide, Australia from October 8-19. This 'Gathering of Nations' has for years been considered golf's answer to the Olympics since it brings together the finest amateurs in the world representing more countries (110) than any other tournament played.

The World Amateur, therefore, could well be Meixner's final tournament as an amateur before heading to the LPGA, although the TOUR's sectional Qualifying School actually begins in September.

One of her duties for the RCGA while playing in Ottawa last week was to record her activities and personal feelings on a blog during tournament week, something Kira accomplished so well that BC Golf News would like to share this with her growing fan base.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Today I traveled from my home in Vancouver, B.C., to Ottawa, Ontario. I arrived at the airport around 4 p.m. and was greeted by some very friendly CN volunteers who offered me a ride to the golf course.

As soon as I arrived at Ottawa Hunt Club, I registered and sorted out my caddie for the week. Again, the volunteers were welcoming and helpful. On my way to the putting green to do a little practice, I crossed paths with Lorie Kane. I was fortunate to meet her last year at the CN Canadian Women's Open in Edmonton, and once again she was all smiles when I said hello. I'm a big fan of Lorie - she is a great ambassador for golf in Canada.

After saying hello to some friends and fellow RCGA National Team members, I hit a few putts to get accustomed to the speed of the greens. Next, I practiced chipping out of the long rough, and it was long alright! Unfortunately, a thunderstorm came quite suddenly, and the golf course cleared out fast. I headed to the hotel to check in, and standing in line behind me was Annika Sorenstam! Talk about being star struck...

Now I'm winding down for the night and looking forward to my practice round tomorrow. It's been a good day, and I'm sure tomorrow will be even better!

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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

I woke up a little earlier today so I could do a short workout before leaving for the golf course. Dean Spriddle, RCGA National Women's Amateur Team Coach, and I headed to the gym at 6:30 a.m. We ran for about 25 minutes, did some core work and then some stretching. Working out in the morning makes me feel more energized and flexible for the entire day.

We arrived at the golf course at 8:15 a.m., had a wonderful breakfast, and then warmed up before heading to the first tee. My practice round went well. I decided what clubs to hit off the tee and hit lots of chips around the green to see how the ball reacts out of the long rough. I got more comfortable with the speed and slope of the greens and decided where the best places are to putt from depending where the pins might be.

Although I was focusing on the round and learning as much as I could about the course, I tried to soak in the atmosphere of the tournament. Spectators were hustling around with flags and brochures, asking for players' autographs. Some even asked our group (Kirby Dreher, Sue Kim, and I) to sign! We were flattered and grateful to have people looking out for Canadian players and offering their encouragement and support.

After the round, we had a quick bite to eat. When we finished, I practiced my putting and then headed to the range to work on some specific shots. Sometimes I find there are certain shots that work best on some golf courses. I like to work on those shots to get comfortable and confident executing them.

Our team took a shuttle back to our hotel around 5:15 p.m. and then went for a nice dinner at 7 p.m. I'm hoping to get a good sleep tonight because I will be up early to play another practice round before the Pro-Am begins at 7:30 a.m.

P.S. I found out my tee times for Thursday and Friday. I will be teeing off at 7:20 a.m. on Thursday and 1:10 p.m. on Friday with Birdie Kim, 2005 U.S. Women's Open Champion, and Heather Young, member of the 2003 Solheim Cup Team. Sounds like a good group to me!

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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

I think I was almost up before the sun this morning! I "jumped" out of bed at 5:30 a.m. in order to get to the course and tee off by 6:45 a.m. A group of us wanted to get another practice round in, so we had to tee off before the Pro-Am. We were able to play nine holes, and I was glad I could see some of the holes again before tomorrow.

I worked on the range for an hour and a half after we played. The range is a great place to watch and learn from the professionals, but I stayed focused on what I was doing. After a quick lunch, I made my way to the first tee to watch Lorena Ochoa tee off in the Pro-Am. My fellow National Team members and I, along with a large crowd of spectators, watched her play a few holes. I wanted to see her strategy on some of the holes and compare it with my own. She is definitely one of my favorite players - not only is she an amazing golfer, but she is humble and makes time to acknowledge those who admire her.

At around 1:30 p.m., I headed to the putting green to work on my six-footers and lag putting. The greens on this course have some serious undulation, so judging the speed is important to me.

After a good day of practice, we made our way back to the hotel. I did a short workout, ran on the treadmill for 25 minutes, and then stretched. I went for a quick dinner and even though it is only 7:45 p.m., I'm already thinking about going to bed. I need to get a good night's rest tonight because tomorrow is an early start and I want to be well energized. Tomorrow will be a challenge, and I'm really looking forward to it. I am thrilled to be in this tournament, and I'm going to enjoy the experience for all that it's worth.

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Thursday, August 14, 2008

Today was the first round of the Canadian Open, and I kind of wish I could do it all over again. I shot 78. I started out the round okay and was even through five holes. Then I hit some bad shots and missed in the wrong places. Those errors really cost me. Now I'm in a less than ideal position to make the cut. However, I'm planning to go out there tomorrow and fight until the very end. I know I have to shoot a low number, and in some respects that makes my game plan a little easier. Birdies, birdies, birdies!

I'm going to try and have another good sleep tonight so my mind will be clear and my body refreshed. I'm going to wake up fairly early and head to the course for breakfast. I'll practice for a couple hours to get ready for my round at 1:10 p.m. I'll let you know how it goes!

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Friday, August 15, 2008

Today was a better day than yesterday. I arrived at the golf course around 9 a.m. and had a nice breakfast. After that, I practiced my putting and chipping, and then headed to the range to work on a few things. I knew I needed to get the ball on the fairway if I wanted to improve my score. And I managed to do that this afternoon.

I teed off at 1:10 p.m. and played the front nine at two over par. The score is not that impressive, but I played much better than yesterday. On the front nine I hit all seven fairways and six greens.

After teeing off the tenth tee, the weather took a turn for the worst. Play was suspended, and everyone hurried inside to escape the thunderstorm. At 6:30 p.m., the officials announced that we would resume play tomorrow morning at 8 a.m.

I just returned to the hotel after attending the CN "Hollywood Retro Rewind" party held at a convention centre in downtown Ottawa. The event was incredible - live music, good food, dancing (some good, some not so good), and great activities. I arrived looking like a young 21st century woman, and left wearing my hair done up in a beehive, a pink scarf around my neck and red diamond sunglasses from the 1960s. Talk about going back in time!

Well I'm off to bed now, and I'll be up early again tomorrow. I hope to pick up where I left off this afternoon and end on a good note. Sometimes one has to adjust his/her goals and expectations along the way in order to pull something good out of a disappointing situation. Golf is about learning from experience, and I definitely have a lot more to learn.

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Saturday, August 16, 2008

Today I finished the back nine of my second round. I shot two over par this morning for a round of 76. Not the score I was searching for, but what can I say? All things considered, it's been a great week. I am disappointed in my performance, but I've come away with more knowledge and experience than I had coming into this tournament. Playing among these LPGA professionals just confirms what I want to do with my golf career. Watching players like Lorena Ochoa, Annika Sorenstam, and Lorie Kane, inspires and motivates me to get to the next level. I may have a long way to go, but the journey is just as important as reaching the destination.

I want to thank the RCGA for giving me the opportunity to earn an exemption into this event. Thanks to coach Dean Spriddle for spending the week with our team and showing his support and encouragement for each of us. Thanks to my parents for making the trip to watch me play, and last but NOT LEAST - a HUGE thank you to the spectators who came out to cheer for our National Team. The support was incredible. I am very proud to be a Canadian player, and I hope to represent our country well in the years to come.