Hello Illini Fans!

This past weekend we attended the Minnesota Invitational hosted by the University of Minnesota! This was a special tournament, especially for me because on Friday we traveled half- way and stayed in Waukesha, WI, my hometown. The team was able to meet my whole family, including my dog, Worm! It was a special treat for all of us! My favorite part about going home was seeing my family and getting to eat my mom’s homemade pies! She made cherry, blackberry, and peach pies! The next morning we played at one of my favorite courses and the team was able to see where I played high school tournaments.

That same day we made it up to Minnesota and attended the Mini Big Break Challenge. During this, each team competed in 5 challenges, including a Glass Breaking Challenge (STEPH BROKE THE GLASS!!), Longest- Straightest Drive Challenge, a Closest to the Pin Wedge Contest, a Flop Shot Challenge over an 8- foot wall, and a Closest to the Pin Bunker Shot Contest. All of these challenges were super fun and the team did really well!

The tournament began with some rainy weather, however we were able to pull through and have a great second round which was the third lowest of the day out of the entire field. We all made adjustments in our game and were able to make a great comeback after the first round! The final round we played a bit better, however we just didn’t quite have the scoring element. Each of us learned a lot about our games and what we need to focus on to prepare for our next event in Iowa. Every week is a great learning opportunity and we are eager to get to work on these areas and continue to improve each day!

I think the team would agree one of the highlights of this tournament was the food at Minikahda CC. During the practice round we made our own to- go lunch that was extremely delicious! That night, the course served pasta, chicken risotto, fresh veggies, and salad. They also had an ice cream bar that the team indulged in ☺. I think that night had to be my favorite! The next evening, the course served Mexican food including delicious tacos, rice, beans, guacamole, and chips and salsa! The final day, we had pulled pork, cornbread, and delicious veggies! I think it is pretty safe to say that our team ate very well!!

On our way home the girls and I were able to play some fun car games to pass the time away! We even got to stop at the World’s Largest Culver’s, who knew there was such a thing!! I guess we got to eat a little bit of history! After reading this, you will probably think our team consists of “foodies” and if you are, you are absolutely CORRECT!!

Go Illini!

Emily Joers