If I had to spot just a couple of feelings that swirl around the Inverness Golf Club, it would be anticipation and excitement.
The Drive On Championship is not your normal tournament. There is social distance, COVID-19 tests and masks. Even with this new normal, anticipation and excitement run rampant.
“I’m so excited,” said Albane Valenzuela rookie. “I mean, this is what I’ve been waiting for, and I’m finally starting my season as a beginner. It’s been a long time since the last time I competed, so I definitely feel like I have the same nerves and excitement as when you started the season “.
The recent Stanford graduate spent most of her time in the Bahamas with her family in quarantine. After many months of waiting, Valenzuela said that returning to play was not real until he made his first COVID-19 test.
“My mother did the nasal test and told me that I was really lucky to have only saliva,” said Valenzuela laughing. “I was telling my mom that I think it’s the only time in my life where the negative is so good.”
Professional athletes are habitual creatures and when you travel week by week, it is almost necessary. Now that LPGA and pandemic must coexist, Bronte Law has accepted the new tournament format.
“I talked to my caddy and my family before I came here, and I told them that I think it’s really important to accept that things will be different and I can’t be too caught up in the fact that I can’t have my routine. that I usually have, “Law said.
Despite the interrupted routine, the enthusiasm persists.
“I’m glad to be back,” said Law. “I’ve been feeling too long since I left, but it’s great to see all the familiar faces of the LPGA and all the players out there and the caddy, all of which are our LPGA family.”
It’s no secret that fans love watching Law play, especially when it’s on. It could also be said that the crowd helps to light the flame for the 2019 European Cup member Solheim.
“There will be people watching, they just won’t necessarily be there. You’re just playing the camera even more than normal,” said Law. “The celebrations will be a little different, but you just have to make friends with your caddy.”
In hindsight, things won’t be too different since Law has confirmed that the iconic punch pumps aren’t going anywhere.
“Absolutely. I do it for me, not for other people,” Law said smiling.
