14. Making Your Tournament Schedule and Playing in Bigger Events

Tori sits down with Abe Candelaria III, Adam Walicki, and Erin Groeneveld. Today’s conversation is all about the often-intimidating world of tournament golf. Listen in as our guests offer their best advice on qualifying for the right events and how to prepare for the rounds that matter. They also give their thoughts on the mindset differences between male and female players when it comes to participating in golf tournaments, and how women can better motivate and prepare themselves to qualify for championships. Key Takeaways (8:26) “The way to get better at tournament golf is to play tournament golf,” says Abe. To build up your skill and confidence, particularly at the beginning of your journey, consider joining your local ladies’ or men’s club. The hardest part is getting started, but the only way to improve as a player is to participate in more tournaments. (14:05) Joining an individual event doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to be alone. Sign up alongside whoever you’re most comfortable playing with at partner events to carry that support over. “It’s scary until you do it,” says Erin, but most people who join individual events for the first time end up connecting well with a like-minded community of people who are invested in the same thing they are. (26:52) The U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Open have more qualifying sites than all others. The U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur is the least participated despite the fact that there is a great chance of qualifying and playing for these championships. If you’ve been a tournament player for the last five or so years, and you’re willing to take time away from your family for the duration of the championship, you’re ready to qualify. (37:06) Never enter a tournament round worried about your mechanics. For a round that matters, Adam and Abe like to be there 90 minutes in advance, the bulk of that time being spent on the range. Adam focuses on wedge timing around 70% of the time, 20% on irons, and the other 10% on drivers and 3 woods.  Connect with Our Guest: Erin Groeneveld: Instagram Adam Walicki: Instagram Abe Candelaria: InstagramSubscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf] Get in touch! Instagram: @tori_totlis TikTok: @tori_totlis YouTube: @tori.totlis Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com