Hardy keeps her cool, leads by 7 going into final round
“I can’t say I love fun golf. I love competitive golf. I like getting the butterflies and feeling nervous,” said Hardy, who posted a second straight two over par 74 at Transcona Golf Club to hold a seven stroke lead heading into Friday’s final round of the 54-hole Manitoba Women’s Amateur Championship.
Holding down first place in the Senior Women’s Championship is Noreen Stewart at 163 after a smooth 78 on Thursday.
Hardy will enter Friday’s action sitting at 148 with Sarah Stebeleski her closest pursuer at 155. Kaitlin Troop is in third with a two-day total of 165.
“I was even par when I got to 18 and then I made a double. I got a little nervous and a little quick. I tend to hook it when I get quick,” said Hardy, 27.
A pharmacist at CancerCare Manitoba, Hardy says golf gives her a rush she enjoys.
‘I like winning’
“I like golf and I like my job too,” said Hardy, a University of Manitoba graduate. “They’re different. I like the balance I have in my life right now. I like winning and I’m competitive. Both my parents and my brother are competitive. I grew up playing a lot of sports and I’ve always liked to win.”
Hardy said a three-putt on the sixth green got her head spinning but she was able to talk herself down.
“I started thinking negative thoughts. That’s when bad things happen on the golf course,” said Hardy. “I started taking some deep breaths and going through exercises. I’ve done some work with a sports psychologist. I was shaking a bit out there. I like the feeling you get from competitive golf. It makes you a better player. There are some good players out here and you have to play well to succeed. You like to follow a bad shot with a good shot and I was able to.”
With less wind to protect the course after Wednesday’s blustery conditions, Golf Manitoba made the pin placements difficult.
“It was tough to attack the pin and make birdies,” said Hardy. “It was another tough test.”
Heading into Friday’s round, Hardy expects another mental struggle.
“I’ll be nervous on the first tee. I’ll try to get a good sleep and not worry abut it too much. I’ll try to come out and play my game,” said Hardy. “You have to focus on playing the course and not the other players.”
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/golf/story/4194649p-4785649c.html
Glendale Golfs Brandon Manitoba
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