Golf:

Though both Martha Redfearn and Olivia Slutzky did not make it past the two-round stroke-play portion of the United States Golf Assn. Women’s Mid-Amateur, both were happy they took part in the prestigious amateur tournament.

In Redfearn’s case, she wasn’t even sure she was going. Redfearn finished as an alternate in the qualifying for the Mid-Am and figured her chances of playing in the event were slim and that she would have to wait for next year.

When someone qualifies as for a tournament as major as the Mid-Am, breaking a leg is probably one of the only ways a golfer is not going to go.

Besides it wasn’t like Redfearn was the first alternate, she was the second, so the chances were really slim that two women were going to pull out of the event.

Redfearn was part of a group of women that entered a qualifier at Big Canyon Country Club, Aug. 20.

It was perfect for Redfearn. She is the defending club champion and felt very comfortable trying to qualify at her home course.

Fifteen women made the cut and Redfearn’s 82 got her into a five-way playoff for the last three spots.

“I really didn’t think I was going to get the call,” Redfearn said. “I figured I would have to wait and try again next year.”

But as luck would have it not one, but two women pulled out and Redfearn got the call, Sept. 12 that she would be going to the Mid-Am that began Saturday with two rounds of stroke play followed by four days of match play.

“I was surprised when I got the news,” Redfearn said. “I hadn’t really practiced, but once I learned I was in I started practicing more.”

This is the second time Redfearn has been to the Mid-Am. The first was in 2005 and she played two days of stroke play, but failed to make the cut.

There was no expectation this year. Redfearn was just happy she was going to get to take a break from work and her family and travel to Ocala, Fla. for a few days.

“It was such an incredible experience,” Redfearn said. “They really rolled out the red carpet for us. I got a feeling of how the pros are treated.”

Slutzky also made the field for the tournament, but knew that she was going the day of the qualifier. Slutzky played in the 2000 Mid-Am and made it to the first round of the match play.

“When I went the first time the experience was different,” Slutzky said. “I dedicated myself to practice and prepared.

“I felt this time I am more dedicated to my family and I just wanted to enjoy the experience.”

Slutzky definitely did enjoy the event.

“The USGA does such an incredible job,” Slutzky said. “Every little detail was taken care of and you really do feel special.”

There was a welcome party on Thursday and a dinner for all the players on Friday.

“It was incredible,” Slutzky said. “They even had billboards up in town welcoming us.”

It was an experience that both Redfearn and Slutzky enjoyed and hope to repeat in the future.

JOHN REGER’S golf column appears Thursdays. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected].