VSGA SENIOR WOMEN’ S GOLFER OF THE YEAR
Mimi Hoffman
HOME CLUB: Belle Haven Country Club
QUICK TIP Hoffman and her swing coach, Joy Bonhurst, used Trackman software combined with K-Vest technology to help with her scoring over the course of the season. The key was practicing from 75 yards and in.
“ With this Trackman, it tells you exactly where you land the ball,” Hoffman said.“ The drills go 75 yards, 65, 55 and down. We did that drill over and over again before I went to The Homestead so I could really zone in on my distances. That allowed me to put the ball closer and make some birdies.”
Perfect example: Hoffman closed out the title match by making birdies on two of her final three holes, both par 3s, putting her tee shot within 10 feet on both occasions.
CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENT Hoffman had to navigate a difficult draw to win the 59th VSGA Senior Women’ s Amateur Championship, beating Natalie Easterly, Boodie McGurn, Lindsay Wortham and Bolling to claim the title. She wouldn’ t have it any other way.
“ We just all push each other to play well,” Hoffman said.“ The competition at each of these events is just top notch. It makes me a better player to be able to play against all of these great players every single tournament I play in.”
Hoffman not only had to survive a tough draw, she had to fight through each match until the end. Only one match— the round of 16 battle against Easterly— ended before the 18th hole. And that one went to No. 17 before Hoffman prevailed 2 and 1.
“ When you play against the top seniors in the state of Virginia, you never feel like you’ ve got it in the bag until that last putt goes in on the very last hole,” Hoffman said.
OFF THE COURSE Hoffman is, quite literally, off the course for the time being. In November, she had spinal fusion surgery to repair a longtime back issue, meaning she can’ t even start rehab until early February.
“ I played injured all summer long,” Hoffman said.“ It really got bad after The Homestead, and I didn’ t play any tournaments after September.”
2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
» Won the 59th VSGA Senior Women’ s Amateur Championship at The Omni Homestead Resort’ s Old Course, defeating Dot Bolling in the title match.
» Finished with 326 points to take No. 1 on the 2016 VSGA Senior Women’ s Player Rankings list by 11 points over runner-up Mary Cabriele.
» Tied for 3rd at the 19th VSGA Senior Women’ s Stroke Play Championship.
» Paired with Kay Tyler for a sixth-place finish in the senior division of the 1st VSGA Women’ s Four-Ball Championship.
» Was co-captain, along with Tyler, of the Virginias squad at the 60th Women’ s Virginias-Carolinas Matches.
vsga. org J ANUARY / F EBRUARY 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 31