Kia Classic 2012 Rd One

Judging from what Yani said, this is not Michelle's type of course at all - narrow fairways and thick rough, small greens. She needs the wide open spaces to help her find a few more fairways.

I can't think of anything more to say about her putting. Maybe a putting coach would be a good idea....she doesn't seem to be getting it done on her own does she ?

Only positive about the day was CK's terrible score - she's going to lose her card this year for sure...

Mr. Boola,
The Stocktons were working with Tseng. After she had issues with the 5 footers last week (yet still won), she had them there to help.

It is highly unlikely that the Stocktons would consider working with Michelle at this point. There was some issue a few years ago where the Stocktons were kept waiting and waiting on a schedule from her parents. Finally, the said forget it, built their calendar around other PGA/LPGA players.

I am afraid you are right, Mr. Boola. She looks lost out there, zero confidence. I had posted before that I was very worried about this. She has a chance today to play the weekend, she needs to get darn mad and use her talent!!!

Here's hoping to a better day. At least she didn't have the scorecard poor Jennie Lee did! 88! OUCH!

Spent the day at the Kia tournament round 1, observations and comments are summarized below:
Venue and Course
Venue is easy to get to, on the premises parking , no bus to take, tournament course is different from two years ago, new holes are more resort like, wide n enough fairways, water significant only of a few holes, rough is 3 inches uniformly, greens are very small , heavily bunkered and without any flat areas. The old #10, where Michelle argued against a penalty for grounding her club in a hazard is not used this year, in my opinion this course design is easier than two years ago.
Practice Driving Range
Michelle has an interesting practice routine, starts with wedges, then irons then hybrids and the driver and then she alternate short medium and long clubs, she also will hit chips and sand shots. The result are amazing every shot is just about perfect, the only issue that I could see is that she is pushing her longer clubs slightly all her misses are on the right. About 100 peoples watched her practice, including mom and dad.
Practice Putting Green
Very small practice green near #1 and #10 tees, too many players practicing, she used a belly putter and seem to make most putts. Not a very effective practice and too many distractions.
Round
Good part
Driving was excellent she ended in the right rough a few times but consistently managed good iron shots. Irons, very good distance control, almost no spin on any shots, misses were slightly to the right. Sand play chipping and pitching was also very good.
Not so good
Michelle misses 8 putts from less than 4 ft and made only one putt from 10 ft. With simply adequate putting, she would have shot 65/66.
Playing Partners
Good chemistry all three talked all day must be Solheim team sisterhood. Lincicome played well’ she is the longer driver by 10 – 15 yards; her draw helps, Michelle is either straight of has a slight fade. She putted really well. Lewis was all over the place but her short game and putting salvaged her round.
Most frustrating for Michelle was #12, she reached the par 5 in two, 20 ft from the pin, Lewis laid up and Lincicome was bunkered, both made birdies, and Michelle three putted, the last putt less than 2 ft.
Fans
As a fan on Michelle, it is very difficult to watch her in person, to witness such spectacular ball striking ability and see such struggles on the greens, feels at time like root canal, without Novacaine. About 200 fans followed Michelle for the entire 18 holes, and you could see on their expressions, how painful it is to watch her on the greens, shaking their head, or even looking away as she putts. Although I will not be able to return for other rounds, I expect more fans to watch her again tomorrow, they truly want her to succeed.