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