Rohanna trying to make the cut in Hawaii
You have a break from the job and airline mileage points for the taking so why not combine the two for a working vacation in Hawaii?
That’s what Rachel Rohanna is doing this week as she tees it up today in the “Monday qualifier” (on Sunday) for the LPGA’s four-day LOTTE Championship at Ko Olina Golf Club in Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii.
“I had enough points for a full ticket. There is a break on the Symetra Tour and I’m playing well,” said Rohanna of her decision making.
The four-day tournament on the par-72, 6,383-yard course runs from Wednesday through Saturday with the top two finishers in the qualifier earning a spot in the main draw.
Rohanna’s not sure what to expect in her fourth LPGA qualifier.
“You can’t put a score in your mind. Every qualifier is different,” explained the Ohio State graduate. “The difference is you don’t have another 36 holes to play.”
One thing she didn’t count on is the expected forecast on Sunday, rainy with temperatures expected to top out in the mid-70s but likely to be in the 60s.
“I didn’t bring a long sleeve rain jacket,” said Rohanna, adding she won’t be shopping for one, either.
She did need to shop around for a caddy, though.
“I had a friend who had a friend who lined up a caddy. But, I just got a text and he can’t do it now,” said Rohanna. “I met a guy on the putting green and he said he’d do it for me.”
And, if she advances to the main draw?
“You’re not allowed to carry your own bag. I might have my mom on the bag,” said Rohanna.
This is more than just a working vacation for Rohanna, though.
“The last event on the Symetra Tour was the toughest course I played. The fairways were tight. It really played with my mental game, and that’s something I’ve struggled with the last couple years,” said Rohanna. “I was driving nearly 300 yards with a 5-wood. I left my driver out of the bag.
“I have a lot of confidence going into every course I play. I’m hitting the ball really well and I’ve received more compliments on my putting than I’ve ever had.”
No matter what happens today, Rohanna doesn’t plan to be much of a tourist.
“I didn’t bring a swimsuit. I brought tennis shoes and golf shoes,” said Rohanna, adding, “We will probably go to Pearl Harbor.”