BirdieSisters

5 of 5 Regular Season Wins!

Over the weekend BirdieSisters Erica and Myah Jackson played their last regular season event in the Mid-West at “Doral Eaglewood” in Itasca Illinois, 32 miles (40 minutes) from home.  The summer is over in Chicago.  The temp at tee time on Saturday was in the mid-high 40s, very windy with rain.  It continued to rain on and off throughout the tournament.  On Sunday, the temperature was in the high 50s and windy.

BirdieSister Myah Jackson played well, she is the only 9 year old in the field ( boys and girls).  This league is set to be very difficult in yardage and slope, it entails two days of 18 holes with no caddies.  We hope this experience moves Myah Jackson  to the next level in her play.  The first day Myah made some incredible shots on the front nine and on the back nine she did some incredible thinking — that’s why she is here.

BirdieSister Erica Jackson played her steady game — some pars and too many boggies.  However, she lived up to her name and made some birdies as well.  This is Erica’s 5th win of the season and she hopes to complete the season with a big win in the Winnetka Invitational next week.

For stats and more info see:    http://www.ijga.org/majgt/events/results.aspx .

One, Two Finish At “Glendale Lakes”

The BirdieSisters played this weekend at “Glendale Lakes” in Glendale Heights Illinois 40 miles (1 hour) from home.  The event was held by the “Mid-American Junior Golf  Tour.”   They played from a yardage of 4830 and the weather was great both days.

With school in full swing the sisters no longer have time for practice rounds or everyday golf practice, so their scores are on the rise again (this is the big difference between cold and warm weather states).  The course proved to be a formidable opponent this weekend, only one female player (Bing) seemed to master her way around the course.  Most of the girls shot in the mid to high 80s as did the BirdieSisters.  They managed to drop some shots on the second day to bring their scores to a respectable level.

For stats and results see :  .http://majgt.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/majgt9/event/majgt98/contest/7/leaderboard.htm .

2nd Annual Stars And Stripes Junior Classic

The BirdieSisters Played today in the Stars And Stripes Junior Classic at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club in West Chicago, Illinois.  Great day for golf here in Chicago (or should I say West Chicago).  St. Andrews is 46 miles (1 hour 12 minutes) from home.  The golf course was in great shape today, which made for some very good scores.

BirdieSister Myah Jackson played only 9 holes and was very excited to play after the results from her last junior golf tournament.  I think Myah’s excitment and her self-inflicted, high expectations forced her into a lot of missed putts.  Myah played today with Ms. Hallie Kent from Mequon, WI ( Myah played with Hallie at The Callaway World Championship in San Deigo earlier this summer) and it was a great show to see.  Hallie led most of the way and was up 3 shots with 4 holes to go.  There were also several other players in Myah’s group.  Myah ended up shooting 3 over and somehow managed to find away to win.  Myah thanks Hallie for a great round and is looking forward to playing with her in the future.

BirdieSister Erica Jackson found her driver last week, she did not know where it was or how to get it back most of the summer.  The good news is — it’s back and we’re thankful!   Erica opened with 5 straight pars on her way to a front nine 1 over — 36.  The back 9 held her only double bogey of the day on hole 18, which pushed her score up to a 4 over — 41.  That’s right, 77.   I told you she found her driver.  Let’s hope she keeps up with her things from now on.

The BirdieSisters and family would like to thank Mr. Shawn Furrie and his family for the great team effort it took to run a tournament as well as this one.  Thanks also to the staff and management at St. Andrews Golf and Counrty Club.   For more info on this tournament see :   http://juniorclassicgolf.net/.

Mid-American Junior Golf Tour Event #3

On August 29th and 30th the Birdiesisters played in the Mid-American Junior Golf Tour’s 3rd event at Bonnie Brook Golf Course in Waukegan Illinois, 63 miles ( 1 hour 12 minutes) from home.  The temps were in the low 60s, windy and wet.  Erica Jackson managed to continue her winning streak in the girls 11 and under division.  Erica had a great back nine on the second day. Myah Jackson struggled with her short game on day 1 and struggled with the scorecard on day 2.   Because Myah failed to accurately record her score on hole number 17, she was disqualified (Myah did not have a caddie or a personal spectator at this tournament).  A hard but valuable lesson for Myah to learn at the very tender age of 9.   Expect to see Myah fighting back with a vengeance in her next tournament this weekend.  For more information about this tournament visit:  http://majgt.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/majgt9/event/majgt97/contest/7/leaderboard.htm .

2nd Annual Dorothy Brown Celebrity Golf Classic

Today the BirdieSisters were the honored guests of The Honorable Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County,  at her 2nd annual Celebrity Golf Classic held at Harborside International Golf Course.  Haborside is 23 miles (30 minutes) from home.  The weather was great with temps in the mid – 70s.  With a 9:00a.m.  shoot-gun start, the weather had the making of a great day.

The celebrity guests included the BirdieSisters, Otis Wilson – 1985 NFL World Champion Chicago Bears, Bob “Butterbean” Love – HOF Chicago Bulls, Danny Clark – 2007 NFL world Champion New York Giants, Louis Price – former lead singer of the Temptations, LaDonna Tittle-radio and TV personality, many public officials and some of Chicago’s top business leaders.  The game was 4 person best ball and the girls partnered with Mr. Sonny Smith and Mr. Allen Glover.  The BirdieSisters started at hole number 1 and they played well.  The highlight of the tournament took place on hole number 18 where the BirdieSisters had the pleasure of giving the Honorable Dorothy Brown a putting lesson.  Overall, it was a great day with a fabulous breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The BirdieSisters’ family would like to thank Mr. Michael Porter, Mr. Hank Johnson, the event Committee, and the Haborside International Golf Course for their overwhelming hospitality.  A very special thanks to The Honorable Dorothy Brown.

Updates coming soon at : http://www.friendsofdorothybrown.org/ .

Bob-O-Links Finals- Maybe Final One

Today BirdieSisters Erica Jackson and Myah Jackson played in the Bob-O-Links Championship tournament.  The weather was great, in the mid-70s (the tournament had been postponed due to rain last week).  The tournament was held at Jackson Park Golf Course, 15 minutes from home.  The Chicago Women’s Golf Club put on yet another great tournament, lunch and awards ceremony.  The BirdieSisters and their family would like to thank everyone involved. The BirdieSisters always have a good time at these events.

Erica Jackson’s first golf trophy came from Bob-o-links — 4 years ago.  She won the Girls 9-hole Championship and the following year became the Girls 18-hole Champion.  Erica has held this title ever since.  Myah Jackson started playing Bob-O-Links 3 years ago and became the league’s 9-hole Champion.  Myah has also continued to hold her title.  This year both  BirdieSisters won by more than 35 shots.   Given their advancement in this league, they have expressed interest in becoming a part of the teaching end of the organization next year instead of competitors.  This is a sure sign that the BirdieSisters are growing in the right direction.

Rehab Motivators- The Best!

The  BirdieSisters played today at South Shore Golf Course in the Rehab Motivators Golf Tournament.  This is their favorite tournament of the year —  its 10 minutes from home, a best ball tournament, and a 3 person team.  Although the BirdieSisters continue to be the only junior golf participants, they love the “rare” opportunity to play as part of a team. This year the BirdieSisters played with Mr. King, who received his first set of golf clubs at the age of 70 and had never taken a  lesson.   He taught himself the game by watching others and playing the game 7 days a week, often twice a day.  Nine years later, Mr. King said he got his first golf lesson from the BirdieSisters.  The threesome played 9 holes, which gave Mr. King ample time to give the BirdieSisters a history lesson.  Though this year’s team did not medal, after a wonderful lunch and awards ceramony the BirdieSisters won the raffle.  The BirdieSisters were as impressed with Mr. King as he was with them.  They formed an instant bond.  On the way home, the BirdieSisters shared all the history lessons they had learned from Mr. King.  Priceless!  Youth and Seniors — what a powerful combination!  We are honored to have met Mr. King and thankful for his wisdom.

Thanks so much  to Mr. Ray Scudder and staff for another wonderful outing and we look forward to participating next year.   We encourage others in the Chicago area to particiapate in this great event that pairs disabled and non-disabled golfers together for a day of motivation, learning and fun!

Bitter Sweet End To U.S. Kids Local Tour

The BirdieSisters Erica and Myah Jackson played their final U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour event, the “Balmoral Woods Country Club Tour Championship,” at Balmoral Woods Counrty Club in Crete Illinois — 35 miles (50 minutes) from home.  The weather warmed up for Chicago this year to 86 degrees and sunny skies.

First, about BirdieSister Myah Jackson.  After carefully reviewing Myah’s US Kids Golf tournament history, we discovered that the last tournament she lost was 6/27/07.   Today her record came to an end.   Yes that’s right, all good things must come to an end.   However, Myah is still thanking God for her 7th place finish at the World Championships.   Myah knows she cannot make the climb alone.  Congratulations to Haniya Ghazi from the BirdieSisters and Family!

BirdieSister Erica Jackson is the Local Tour Champion for the second consecutive year in a row.  Erica came out from hole one and established herself as the champion.  She played well today, shooting her local tour low score.  For more info see :   http://uskidsgolf.com/uskgTournaments/redirect.cfm?locationID=results&type=LC&year=2009&age_group_id=4&tournament_id=252&location_id=2879 .

Illinois Junior Golf Association – Clean Sweep!

Well how time flies when you’re having fun.  Today BirdieSister Erica Jackson played in her final Illinois Junior Golf Association event of the year, the “Geneva Invitational” located at the Geneva Golf Course in Geneva Illinois – 48 miles ( 1 hour 27 minutes) away. Under sunny skies and a temp of 77 degrees, Erica played her last 10-11 year old event in this league.

For everyone who has been following , yes this did complete an undefeated IJGA season.  Erica has worked hard this year and the roller coaster ride was great to watch.  Erica is going to take a week off and get right back to work.  She fully understands the level of play she is going to face next season and looks forward to seeing her old friends that left her last year.

Both Erica and Myah would like to thanks the staff and interns at the Illinios Junior Golf Assocaition for a wonderful season and good lessons learned.

For info on this tounrament see : http://ijga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/ijga9/event/ijga9107/contest/4/leaderboard.htm

For info on this season see :http://ijga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/ijga9/event/ijga9107/contest/4/profile/ejackson2/tresults.htm

For info on BirdieSister Myah Jackson’s season see :  http://ijga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/ijga9/event/ijga921/contest/13/profile/mjackson19/tresults.htm

2009 U.S. Kids World Championships

BirdieSisters Erica Jackson and Myah Jackson played in their  second US Kids Golf World Championships.  There were over 30 countries represented and over 1300 participants in this tournament, which some say is the best junior golf tournament in the world.  The weather was hot and so was the play.

First, lets talk about Erica Jackson’s tournament.  She played from a distance of 5083 yards at “Talamore Resort Course.”  Going into the World Championships Erica was predicted to play well.  The Southen Pines “Pilot” had good things to say on pages 7 and 14.  See: http://www.thepilot.com/media/US_Kids_Golf_2009.pdf .  After receiving the Peggy Kirk-Bell award, meeting Ms. Bell, and becoming aware of the the high performance expectations, Erica was overwhelmed with the pressure to do well.  The pressure was a bit much for Erica and she did not play her best golf.  However, this is all a part of learning to win.  Interestingly, the more difficult  Erica’s shot, the better she hit her ball.  As a matter of fact,  Erica had some spectacular shots from some very difficult positions and she did not miss one.  It was the shots she had to make that killed her, for example, putts from 5  feet and in and approach shots from 100 yards and in.  After each great shot Erica made it appeared she would turn her game around, but it didn’t happen until the final hole.  As Erica entered the tee box on 18,  a 267 yard par 4, she could see the crowd at the club watching her so she proceeded to hit her best drive, approach and putt of the day for birdie.  The next day’s finish was two shots better and Erica finished the third day 9 shots lower than the first.   Unfortunately for Erica, her slow start on the first two days hurt her overall score.  Nonetheless, I would be remissed if I didn’t mentioned that on the day after the championships Erica played 18 holes at Pine Needles Golf Course in Pinehurst, NC (where the 2007 Women’s Open was played) and she made par on 8 of the front 9 holes.    Thus, we have concluded that Erica needs to build up her response to pressure so that her finish will accurately reflect her level of play.  For more info see : http://www.uskidsgolf.com/uskgTournaments/redirect.cfm?locationID=results&type=WC&year=2009&age_group_id=4 .

Now, how about BirdieSister Myah Jackson coming up “On Top of the World,” it may have been for only a day this time but watch out world here she comes.  Myah’s opening day can be summed up as steady.  One birdie, one bogey and a lot of good ups and downs.  She played at “Longleaf Golf Resort,”  playing the back 9 from 2100 yards.  The second and third rounds for all the leaders can be summed up as pressure and more pressure as the field  tightened and the pin placements were more difficult.  The leaders’ scores went up.   Myah tied for the low round of the tournament with a first day even par 36 and finished in 7th place after day 3 –  higher than any other Illinois player.  Keep up the good work Myah!  For more info see : http://www.uskidsgolf.com/uskgTournaments/redirect.cfm?locationID=results&type=WC&year=2009&age_group_id=4.