LANCASTER, Pa. — Nikki Long opened play at this weekend's U.S. Women's Open on Thursday morning as the first Roadrunner to ever compete in the event.
As one of 25 amateurs in the 156-player field, the San Antonio Johnson High School product carded an 86 in a first round that featured eight pars. She will tee off her second round two at 12:07 p.m. (CT) on Friday.
Long, a sophomore-to-be for the Roadrunners, is writing a daily journal about her experience as the first player to compete in the event in the program’s 10-year history.
Below is her fourth entry.
Thursday, July 9
Today was my third day at the U.S. Open, my first round of play.
With a 7:07 (ET) starting time, I again arrived at the course at 6 a.m. Coach (Carrie Parnaby) met me at the course and, boy, was I glad to see her. It put me at ease to have some familiarity for the first round. I began my warm up session with Coach, my instructor (Dan Winget), and my "daddy" caddie.
In no time, it was my turn to tee off. As I walked to the first tee, I could feel my senses heightening and my focus narrowing.
The best part of the day was right before I teed off. The starter said, "And now teeing off, from San Antonio, Texas, Nikki Long." I got chills all over my body and started getting watery eyes. I guess my body just knew that the moment was here. The moment every golfer dreams of, to play in the U.S. Open. I piped a drive down the fairway and was on my way.
Although I did not perform as I had hoped today, I was very pleased to see that off the tee and on the putting surface, I was keeping up with the pros. However, inside 100 yards, the professionals really distinguish themselves.
During yesterday's practice round, Jaye (Marie Green) told me that she loves the U.S. Open because it really exposes your weaknesses. Well, she was right about that. Today's round taught me a lot about myself and my game and it was an experience that I wouldn't trade for the world.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow's round to capitalize on what I learned today.
I really appreciate the prayers and well wishes that I am receiving and truly feel humbled to be in this position.