Stepping onto the grounds of Seaview Resort feels a lot like slipping on an old jersey. It fits perfect, it’s worn and it’s felt the elation of victory and sorrow of defeat. 

I’ve written about this before, but to remind my old readers and share with my new readers, the Seaview Resort holds a very special place in my heart. 

It was my winter escape plan when my home course in PA was piled with snow. Eventually, when I started playing in the ShopRite LPGA Classic Monday Qualifier, it was the quickest route to my dream of playing on the LPGA tour. Then it would be the place, at the age of 18, I saw that dream come true. I would also find out at that age and at that place what the pressure of competing with the best in the world for the first time felt like. 

It then became the place at 21 where I’d get another do over playing as an amateur after another win at the Monday Qualifier. However, at the age of 22 in the year of 2020, Seaview would be the place that I turned the page to a new chapter in my life. All the memories I had at Seaview were while I wore the jersey of an amateur. On Memorial Day of 2020, I would slip on the unfamiliar new jersey of a professional on the very familiar turf of the state of New Jersey. 

Or, that’s what I thought. I think we all had ideas and plans of what our 2020 would look like. But now, with perfect hindsight we can see that whether we wanted or not, our plans would change. 

So, instead of returning to the Seaview to make my pro debut on Memorial Day weekend of 2020, I found myself in Chapel Hill packing up four years of college memories into a Ford Ranger pick up truck to move out of my college house and close that chapter of my life. 

Just like many, I had not a clue what my next day, month or year was going to look like. I started creating Options A, B, C, D and as I continued to flip through them I wondered if I’d have to make it all the way to Z. 

On par with the rest of the world, I had to put my plans on hold. While the world was on pause and the opportunity to get onto the LPGA tour was delayed, I returned to college for a fifth year fall. 

The ShopRite would be pushed back and so too would my pro debut. However, the mantra that has carried me through the hills and valleys of life would prove so true in this scenario… 

everything happens for a reason

On a sponsor exemption, I would return to the ShopRite as an amateur for the third time. Instead of being the start of a new chapter, the 2020 ShopRite served as the perfect catalyst to launch me into the next phase. 

As I mentioned in my blog, Seaview in Review, playing alongside some of the game’s best players motivated, inspired and confirmed my aspirations to play professional golf. Walking away from the Seaview in 2020, I had a renewed vision, narrowed focus and newly lit fire to go after my dream. 

One year later, I will now return to the Seaview slipping on a new jersey… the professional one. However, the lessons I learned while wearing the old jersey will remain as close to my chest as they were when it was on. I won’t forget the cold winter days when the joy of Chester’s sticky buns and fresh coffee kept my mom and I warm in the cart.

Winter days at Seaview with my mom.

I won’t forget hitting my tee shot into the 17th hole during practice rounds envisioning the grandstands filled with fans someday.

Practice rounds of the 17th hole.

I won’t forget the first time I qualified and the hug I received from my dad accompanied by the words “you did it.” I won’t forget the lessons I learned from playing with the games best and the spark it started in my own heart.

First time qualifying with my Dad.

Most of all I won’t forget the honor it was to be inducted to the Wall of Fame last year at the Seaview Resort. 

Wall of Fame Induction.

I’m so thankful for the lessons I learned while wearing my old jersey, but I couldn’t be more excited to slip on the new one in what feels like my second home of New Jersey. I can’t wait to return to the Seaview Bay Course and see all the people who supported me in the old jersey and continue to do so to this day. 

Thank you, Outlyr and Seaview Golf Club, for extending this invitation and helping my transition from an old to new jersey.