Princeton’s Shon tees offatU.S. Women’s Open
Kelly Shon knows a correlation exists between playing Trump National Golf Club Bedminster and living her life.
“There’s a lot of things to figure out,” Shon admitted after finishing a Monday practice round for the 72nd U.S. Women’s Open.
Her round included the typical second tee ball or approach shot followed by numerous chips and putts onto greens.
The Princeton University graduate, just the third Ivy League player to reach the LPGA Tour, offered insights about taking on this 6,732-yard, par 72 course plus all the pressure that tethers major tournaments.
“It’s a lot about position which is pretelling of a good golf course. Sometimes you’re better off hitting an 8-iron from a good angle than forcing a wedge from a closer distance and having it spin away from the hole. It’s a lot about control,” Shon explained.
Shon, 25, a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year and three-time AllIvy League at Princeton, exists in that wonderful stage of life where self discovery occurs during every step on and off the golf course.
In early June, Shon walked off the Stockton Seaview Golf Course after a disappointing round when nothing went right. Big girls may not cry in public but there’s no doubt Shon had her a good private moment.
Weeks later, she carded an opening-round 77 in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Less than 24 hours later, Shon delivered a record-tying 8-under-par 63 on the Olympia Fields’ North Course.
The 63 tied Patty Sheehan and Meg Mallon as the lowest second-round score in championship history.
“I don’t know if you know but I didn’t finish the round that first day. I walked off the course 8-over par. I was sleeping on a possible 79,” she said.
“Of course, I was disappointed. It wasn’t going the way I wanted to. I was just trying to stay positive and change my mentality a little bit going into the second day. Just doing my best and letting things happen,” Shon recalled.
“I have a hard time with being easy on myself. It plays to my advantage and sometimes it doesn’t. It’s a fine line. I wasn’t hitting the ball that poorly in the first round (at KPMG). I had a few unlucky bounces. A couple of putts that lipped out. This game can be about a centimeter. But they can add up.”
Shon understands that scores are not always indicative of how you played. Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life” would serve as the perfect background music for Shon as her game and life develops.
“Life on the LPGA Tour is a grind,” Shon pointed out. “It’s Monday and I just feel like ... let’s just say walking 18 holes here is a lot different than anywhere else.”
Trump National Golf Club requires players with billy goat DNA as numerous holes offer uphill sojourns. U.S. Women’s Open competitors will have their physical stamina tested.
Championship week does not force players to compete in time consuming Pro-Am events.
“So, that leaves more time for practice,” Shon said. The Princeton grad laughed about a statement which revealed her desire for success. One would think that tired people should pursue rest.
Shon might be wary of putting extreme emphasis on the 72nd U.S. Women’s Open championship although that seems difficult, even with her promise to play one shot at a time.
Trump National Golf Club rests just 20 miles from Princeton. Shon grew up in Port Washington, N.Y. but Old Nassau became home for the 2014 graduate. She joined the LPGA in 2015.
Shon understandably wants a strong performance in front of fans and her parents, Won Yong Shon and Kae Jeoung Shon, who followed her for Monday’s round.
“I’ve been waiting for this tournament for a while. This is as close to home that I’m going to get all year and we’re playing a great golf course. I mean, this is the U.S. Open. I love the atmosphere and the challenge,” Shon said.
“I’m blessed to have parents who choose to follow me around. And I have a strong support group of friends, especially in Princeton.”
During Monday’s practice range warmup. Shon’s mother rushed down from the stands and sprayer her daughter’s leg with insect repellant.
Shon had another finding herself moment when she thought long and hard about parents who deliver unconditional love for rounds of 77 and 63.
“She’s getting better,” her dad offered.
We should all hope for improvement and fantastic self discoveries that prepare us for the grind of life.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@ trentonian.com. Follow him on Twitter @laparker6.