Kira Meixner -- World Amateur Blog (2) From Australia

October 7, 2008

It is Tuesday evening - the night before the first round of the World Amateur. We just got back from the opening ceremonies where about 49 countries proudly raised their flags to officially open the tournament.

A small reception followed where everybody mingled and snacked on appetizers. I visited with my good friends from Kent State University, Tara Delaney from Ireland and Martina Gavier from Argentina. I hadn't seen them since the spring, so it was nice to catch up.

I've played two more practice rounds since my last blog, and I feel more comfortable on both courses. Chipping and putting is key on these greens, and now I have a better feel for the different shots. Yesterday, the wind howled. Even though this made playing more challenging, it was good to see those conditions before tournament play begins.

We've been here for almost a week now, and I'm excited to get out there and play the tournament tomorrow. It feels like I've been anticipating this event for a long time, and now it's finally here! I will tee off at 11:43 a.m. on the West course.
I'll let you know how it goes!

Editor's Note:
The other members of Canada's National team include Stephanie Sherlock of Barrie, Ont. and Maude-Aimee LeBlanc of Windsor, Que. i

In today's first round Kira Meixner has been paired with Tzu-Chi Lin of Chinese Taipei and Satu Harju of Finland and is playing on the West Course of the Grange Golf Club.

In the competition for the Espirito Santo Trophy, contested over 72 holes of stroke play, the top two scores each day count towards the team total. The event features both a team and an individual component.