Rogowicz finds time to make a young fan smile
GALLOWAY TWP. » Jackie Rogowicz said she had no expectations as the lone amateur in the ShopRite LPGA Classic.
And whatever dreams she nurtures will need time and tests like Friday.
Rogowicz, a Penn State senior, played in her first professional event in the LPGA ShopRite Classic at Seaview Golf Club’s Bay Course.
The Yardley CC member finished with a 12-over-par 83 then signed her first professional event autograph for an admiring fan with a pink cowboy hat.
Rogowicz’s powder blue eyes were misty but she pressed through a difficult post round interview in similar fashion as for her tough round.
Rogowicz, under duress following a round that included four double bogeys and a final-hole triple bogey eight, saved the day with an action that resembled a famous Mean Joe Green Coca Cola commercial.
An adorable girl found courage to ask for an autograph as Rogowicz obliged.
Rogowicz distanced herself from frustration and memories of coarse fescue for a fantastic finish.
The Nittany Lion asked about the girl’s school and class.
“Do you like golf?,” Rogowicz asked.
Such acts of sweetness, acts of kindness offered after unexpected on-course performances help in the creation of beautiful people.
Rogowicz’ dad, Paul, toted her bag as his daughter played with Brittany Lang, a 2015 Women’s U.S. Open champion and Annie Park.
Rogowicz said she learned from both players. And playing along side a U.S. Open champion.
“Brittany was super nice, a really nice person to play with,” Rogowicz, who admitted early nerves, said.
Rogowicz did record her first birdie in a professional event, a birdie-2 on No. 7.