Jill's Corner: June 2007

The Beach

I finally got the opportunity to take Matty to the beach and she is definitely a girl that takes after her mom’s heart – she LOVED it. I’ve never seen her so happy – running freely, chasing birds, digging holes, eating sand, enjoying the water…what a great experience!!!! We can’t wait to go back!

NC Open Article

For those of you who haven't read the article from the previous post, I'm posting it here now before the link stops working :)

Matalavage surprises with win
By Brian MullStaff Writer brian.mull@starnewsonline.com

Raleigh
Marc Matalavage worried too much about his competitors during a disappointing senior season at UNC-Wilmington. He focused on himself this week in the North Carolina Open and early Thursday afternoon, as he accepted the crystal trophy, his competitors focused on him.

Matalavage drained an 8-foot birdie putt on the final hole at Raleigh Country Club to cap a 4-under 67 and beat a strong field of Carolinas PGA pros. He rallied from three shots down in the final five holes and became the first amateur to claim the N.C. Open in 26 years. Davidson golf coach Tim Straub and reigning CPGA player of the year Kelly Mitchum finished one shot back.

"This is amazing," said Matalavage. "I've played so bad for so long; for it to come together in a week like this, it just feels great."

He shot rounds of 72, 69 and 67 for a 5-under-par 208 total. It vindicated the hard work he's done on his swing with coach Jason Widener and recent sessions with a psychologist that boosted his self-confidence.

"It started sinking in on the back nine," Matalavage said. "Just being in the heat of battle, it felt great."

A professional career seemed far-fetched after Matalavage posted a 75.7 stroke average this season at UNCW. The way he toured the 6,889-yard layout, he might want to reconsider his options.

Matalavage hit 17 greens in regulation Thursday, making five birdies and one bogey on the last course legendary architect Donald Ross designed. He navigated the rolling hills, narrow fairways and undulating greens, triggering his comeback with a 4-iron to 18 feet on No. 14 to set up a birdie. He pulled even with a birdie at 15. Straub, who opened with three birdies in a row, reclaimed the lead with a birdie on 16. But the former Wake Forest All-American hooked his tee shot on 18, opening the door for Matalavage, who hit a wedge from 121 yards within eight feet. Matalavage drained his putt and Straub's slipped by. Mitchum, playing in the group behind, left his 35-foot birdie putt about a foot short.

"It just all came together today," Matalavage said. "The first day, if my short game would have been working, I could have shot 66 and (Wednesday) if I could have hit it better, I might have."

Eagle Point pro Billy Anderson shot 70 to cap his title defense with a fifth-place finish. It ended a hectic week for Anderson, who, in sectional qualifying in Maryland on Monday, fell two shots shy of earning a spot in the U.S. Open.

Brian Mull: 343-2034 brian.mull@starnewsonline.com

CHAMPION!!!!

Marc just captured the win at the North Carolina Open this week. He was tied for 3rd at the start of the final day, and 1 shot down going into the 18th hole which he birdied for the win!!!

WAY TO GO, M!!!!

Read about it at the following links:

http://appserv02.uncw.edu/athletics/sport.asp?Sport=MG

http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/NEWS/706080391&SearchID=73283659461828

Mother's Day

Fortunately M’s graduation overlapped with Mother’s Day weekend. We took Mom and Nana out to a FANTASTIC brunch at a nearby resort. It was beautiful and the food was delicious. And all the ladies (including myself since I’m the mom of a puppy) got carnations to celebrate! We had so much fun and filled ourselves decadently.