Stage 1 Complete

After the Nationwide Tour event in Miami, we went to Jacksonville where I qualified for the Nationwide Tour event at TPC Sawgrass.  I played pretty well there... finishing 38th.  But the great part about playing there was that 1st Stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School was the following week in nearby St. Augustine. Both weeks were a success!  I was able to get through 1st Stage, which means that 2nd stage is in two weeks in Panama City, FL.

In the meantime, we have two weeks at home, and so far it's been great.  We had Ash's birthday dinner at Melting Pot, and I think we have found a home church here in central FL!! We had a great time of fellowship in a Life Group (small group) last night and met some great people!

Just wanted to give a quick update since it's been a while!

Hola Miami!

So this week we are in Miami and Ryan is playing in the Nationwide Event the Miccosukee Championship! And the course is close enough to Coral Gables, so we get to stay with Mama and Dad Blaum! This means we will be eatin super good and enjoying family! We are looking forward to Team Blaum kicking booty this week and really excited for Brent to be on Ryan's bag! Tournament play starts tomorrow, and Ryan tees off at 1:50pm eastern standard, not Cuban, time! ;)

For more details...
www.pgatour.com/tournaments/h083/

And my training for my half marathon is going well... Except for yesterday when I decided to skip my run and eat Cold Stone instead.. Woops! Running in the Gables is a pretty change-up but the humidity here means I sweat even more so I look pretty gross when I get done! Look for additional posts and tweets this week to hear how it's going!!

Late Charge In Oklahoma

The final round in Oklahoma a week ago was a pretty exciting one.  I was playing in the final group, one shot back of the leader.  He stayed one ahead of me through the front nine, but then made 3 quick birdies to start the back nine, and was 4 up on me with 5 holes to play.  I then made some clutch putts on the final 5 holes in order to birdie 4 in a row and par the last hole.  It was pretty exciting to make a comeback like that in order to force a playoff.  The week was full of very long days due to weather delays, so I was ready to play aggressive and end this thing as soon as I could.  But playoffs can be as short as one hole, or can go on for hours.  Ash didn't travel out there with me, so she had to sit at home watching the internet like everyone else.  She said that she had to get up an do something to settle the nerves, so she took to cleaning our already clean house!  It's always more nerve-wrecking when you feel like you have no control!

We both parred the first two playoff holes.  The third playoff hole (#18) was playing tough, so I knew if I hit a good shot, it would put some pressure on the other guy.  Well, I wasn't able to pull it off.  I took a gamble on the shot, and it didn't pay off.  But all in all, I was very happy with how I finished the regulation part of the tournament, and 2nd place is never a terrible result.  You know how when you are watching a basketball game, and one team makes a great comeback from 20+ points down in the second half in order to force overtime, only to lose in overtime because it's obvious they ran out of gas?? That's pretty similar to what I felt like.

When I arrived home the next day, Ash had made reservations at my favorite restaurant!  What a sweetheart!

So now we are home in Orlando, with a much needed week off.  The weather is absolutely gorgeous here, with Florida Fall lurking around the corner.  We are off to Miami this weekend to play in the Qualifier for the Nationwide Tour event that is there next week.  I feel like the course suits my game very well, so I'm certainly looking forward to next week.

-Ryan

Oklahoma

This week Ryan is playing in the NGA Hooter's Tour Event in Miami, OK! The event is a Wednesday-Saturday event, so first round play starts tomorrow and Ryan tees off at 7:56am local time.

Hole In One!!

While playing at Champions Gate today with my brother, I had a hole-in-one!! It was #2 on the International Course. It was a back pin, measuring 219 yards. I hit a really good 4-iron right at the flag. We couldn't see the bottom of the flag because it was behind a bunker, but after I hit it, Brent said "that's in the hole." Low and behold, we walk up to the green and we don't see my ball. So I sneak up to the hole and take a peak....and what do ya know....

Bam.

Home Sweet Home

After a solid showing last week, we have a week at home. I believe we have been living out of a suitcase 126 of last 134 days! Some time to recover is much needed!

Next up is a Hooters Tour event in Miami, Oklahoma next week.

Labor Day!!

Like many of you who were lovin having the day off on Monday, we too were "Chillaxin" but luckily we got to spend it with friends in Charleston, SC!!

Thanks to Justin and Molly Hare for allowing us to visit for a few days; we had such fun!! Any of you who have ever lived with me, or know me well, will know that were I to be put in charge of my own Labor Day plans, I would either A) Plan something super low-key or B) Refuse to make plans and hang by a pool or in a coffee shop reading and talking with a few friends in total bliss as the day passed me by... Well, let me tell you, that is NOT what we did on Labor Day and I could not be more THRILLED about it!! ;)

Justin and Molly own his and her bikes, as well as a two-person, tandum, bicycle, so we all biked to breakfast at a fun local diner, played Scrabble, spent the whole afternoon on Paddle Boards (we are now OBSESSED!!!), had drinks and appetizers dockside watching the dolphins follow the shrimp boats in, and then had dinner at the awesome PostHouse restaurant, right by where they filmed part of The Notebook! So fun! :)

Ya'll plan amazing, fun days! Thanks for your hospitality!!

W is for Win!!!

This past week Ryan and I were in Augusta, GA for the NGA Hooters Tour event, the Kandy Waters Memorial Classic, at Mount Vintage Plantation & Golf Club. It was a great week for us as we stayed in the Anderson home, right on the course and enjoyed some good home cooked meals!

Ryan shot 70, 66, 70, 66 to sneak up from behind on Sunday to WIN!! We were so so excited!! We are continually amazed by God's goodness to us and His provision for us! A big THANK YOU to both of our families for helping us, loving us, supporting us, continuing to believe in us, and being there emotionally, physically, and mentally through the ups and downs of the craziness that is professional golf! THANK YOU to our friends who show us so much grace and love when we forget to email, call at weird times and have to miss things because we rarely stop! We love and miss you all!!

There are several great articles that detail Ryan's win and you can see them at these links:

www.ngatour.com/general/news/release_775.html

www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205266827&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Again a big and warm thank you to Roy and Cydia Anderson for opening up your home to us! This sweet couple makes and eats dessert every night, people! Love it! :)

Thank you for all of the congratulations and well wishes that we have already recieved! Your support is overwhelming!! We are excited to see what else God has in store for us and grateful for you all who journey with us!

Showing Ryan my Hometown!

Today Ryan practiced in the morning, and then this afternoon I took him on a tour of where I grew up! I showed him the houses that I used to live in, my Dad's old practice, Norris Dam, all my schools, and enjoyed showing off a little at Anderson County High School! We accidentally walked into the gym on volleyball practiced so he got a little taste of that, and then I dragged him out to the lobby to show off team trophies and my All-State pictures! I know it sounds shallow and silly, but my husband is a professional athlete and met me after college so sometimes it's fun to give him glimpses into my past and to remind him I was an accomplished athlete and multi-sport NCAA athlete too! He holds most of the accolades in the family... But not all! :) Anyhow... We had fun exploring together and now we are off to Bonefish Grill with my parents for amazing Bang Bang Shrimp (only $5 on Wednesdays!)

Ryan tees off tomorrow at 2:20pm local time and we are SUPER PUMPED for the event this week! Come out and see if you are in the area!

TENNESSEE!!!

This week we are in Knoxville, TN at the Nationwide Event, the News Sentinel Open, at Fox Den Country Club! We are super excited to be here this week to play in the tourney, plus I get to give Ryan a tour of where I grew up, all in one!

A BIG thank you to Scott Stallings' family for hosting us and giving lots of encouragement! My parents even made the drive down from Iowa to see Ryan play... Should be a fun week!! Anyone want to come and join us?! :)

Song of the South

Ryan had a solid final round on Sunday in Daphne, Alabama and finished tied for 8th! To follow the tournaments, view all tee times and find scores on your own, just go to:

http://www.ngatour.com/pro/

Also, some fellow "Blaum's" were able to come out and support Ryan on Sunday! It is always great to spend time with extended family, especially when they know so much about geneology and family history! Thank you again to Dr. & Dr. Bruce Blaum for a wonderful time and good seafood!

Happy Saturday!

Ryan shot 65 today, which earned him a very happy wife, as great scores get you later tee times (as in 9:09am)! ;) We are looking forward to tomorrow!

Schedule Update

Ryan posted 71 today and will tee off tomorrow at 8:03 am!

He has also updated the schedule portion of our blog to reflect the fact that we are back in the US! Now when you click on that to see where we are, it will probably be correct! Love that! :)

Sweaty Smile

Ryan shot 66 today while I sweat through my entire outfit!

In other news Happy Birthday Week to one of my favorite friends, Brooke Beck! Happy Birthday (starting at midnight!) to my cousin, the lovely, Rachel Riley! And last but not least, Happy Move-In to Your First College Apartment Day to my wittle sister, Chelsea! I hope that each of you has a wonderful week and that Chelsea learns how to clean up after herself (Good Luck Hilary!)

Ryan tees off tomorrow at 7:10 am, and I am gonna need some coffee to be a happy camper!

On the Road Again...

We are in Daphne, Alabama this week for the TimberCreek Golf Classic! Ryan played in the Pro-Am earlier today, so I got some super fun alone time to hang out at Starbucks, the hubs treated me to a massage at a local spa AND I painted my toenails!! :)

Tournament play starts tomorrow at 7 am local time... Ryan tees off at 12:10 pm!

Tweet Tweet!

Ok so, I am still holding out, but Ryan has started with the madness that is TWITTER!! Aahhhhh! I will continue to give all of you out there who twit, twat, and chirp your thoughts and updates a hard time, BUT you should follow Ryan! (Plus, he is way better at it than I am with keeping up with the blog! :))

Follow RBlaumGolf for updates on where in the world we are, his random thoughts, and a little golf talk too!

Back in the USA!!

Since the last update Ryan and I have been to Porto Santo, Portugal, Paris, France, England, Aviemore, Scotland, Brussels, Belgium, Mississippi and North Carolina! Whew! Lately golf has taken us a little bit of everywhere, except home! :) We are really thankful to now be back in the good ole US of A! Our European adventure was a great experience but challenging, and we are glad to be home eating good, healthy food.

On July 25th, we celebrated our FIRST anniversary! We did a morning spin class and worked out and had dinner at a Hawaiian Fusion restaraunt called Roy's (if you have never eaten there, you should if you like seafood!) We are so thankful for a gracious God who gave us to one another to love, encourage, and challenge each other for the rest of our lives!

Tee Times

Ryan shot 72 today and tees off at 2:00pm tomorrow!

Under the Tuscan Sun

This week we are in picturesque Florence, Italy, and baby, it is HILLY!! We navigated our way through the countryside, up and down twisty one lane roads in the pitch black of night so successfully to our lovely little bed and breakfast... We were so proud of ourselves!!! A) For finding the place as quickly as we did and B) For the awesome deal that we scored on choosing this place over the host hotel (sorry Challenge Tour but we did better than you)!

Since Ryan and I are going exploring this afternoon, I don't have any pics for you yet, so here is the link to the B&B so you can get a taste!!

www.agriturismopoggiodisotto.com

More from Paris...

We went into Paris for a little sight-seeing tour... I was super excited since it was my first time in the city (Ryan played tour guide)!! We took the train into town, which subjected Ryan to my remniscent story's about the Metro in DC and all of it's wonderful craziness! :) We spent some time at, around, and under the Eiffel Tower and it's surrounding area, which was fun. It was the perfect day for wandering around, warm and sunny and I learned something new... The Eiffel Tower is... BROWN!!!! I'm not really sure if I thought it was gray or black or what but the first thing I noticed was that it is huge, so intricate, and brown! :)

Then we headed over to the Notre Dame Cathedral, which was also solo pretty and reminded us of the Duke Chapel, where we got married, but much, much older of course! Shortly after touring the inside, we decided we were pooped and needed Starbucks, surely there had to be one in Paris, right!? We used our handy-dandy iPhone to figure out the general area and the followed people with the green and white cups! We spent the rest of the afternoon sipping Java Chips and people watching!

Bonjour

Well... we are in Paris, France!!! Technically, we are at Disneyland, just outside of Paris for Ryan's second Challenge Tour event of the year, but the first of a 12 week adventure in Europe for us!  We arrived on Monday and have been getting adjusted to the time change and are loving the scenery change!!  This is my first time in Paris, and even though the Disney area is strangely similar to Orlando, it is such a pretty place!! All of the architecture is so classy and petite and just very quaint.  We are staying in a really great location, pretty close to the golf course and very near a pedestrian mall with great shops (ladies there is a Sephora and H&M here, can you believe it?!), pretty good restaurants and even a supermarket (that makes most of the mall smell faintly of fish heads).  I will post pictures soon!

Ryan played his first round this morning and is off to a good start at -1.  Plus he has the only caddy with a ponytail, so that's going to help out tons, right?!

New Home!

We have moved in to our new home in Champions Gate, FL (Orlando area) and we are loving it!!  Yesterday was sunny and 80 degrees, so sometimes we feel disconnected from the rest of the country when we see 5 feet of snow on the ground in some parts!  Pictures to come... Here is our new address:

8363 Riverdale Lane
Champions Gate, FL  33896

- R&A

Florida here we come... and Europe, too.

It's been a while since the last post, but it's primarily because a lot has happened recently. We have a lot to be thankful for! In short, we are moving to Orlando, FL! The official move-in day is Jan. 24th. We are really excited! Currently, we are staying with Ryan's parents in Miami until we go to Orlando.

The whole "moving to Florida" process took about 4 days. One day we were thinking, "we are gonna living in NC for the next year" and the next day Ryan was calling PODS to put our stuff in storage until we found a place in Orlando. It all happened very quickly!! So, we went south. Thankfully, with good research and few days of looking, we found a great townehome! Our good friends, Jonathan and Claire Moore live in the same community, so it will be great to be near friends.

Something else that definitely deserves God's praise is that Ryan, after battling the affects of mononucleosis for 13 months, is finally back to an almost-normal workout and practice schedule. This is one of the reasons we decided that Florida is a good move for us. He has more opportunity to practice and workout during these winter months in a warmer climate. (It also is nice that Florida has no income tax)

Other good news.... The European Tour gave Ryan a full medical exemption for the Challenge Tour in 2011. This means that he gets 12 tournaments in addition to the 5 he played last year to earn full status for the remainder of the year. This is DEFINITELY an answer to prayer! Ryan will play his first event on the Challenge Tour the second week of March in Medellin, Colombia. The events that are in continental Europe start at the end of April, so that is when the season will really get going.

Just thought I would give everyone a quick update!!

-R & A