Baton Rouge, Bocage Bound

I'm very excited to be playing another tournament. What Phil and I have decided is that I need more match play. I typically play about three, on a good year maybe four, tournaments a year. Granted, my work comes first, and that's what usually dictates how often I'm able to get away to play. But I'm very fortunate that I have a fantastic, fully capable staff that allows me peace of mind when I'm off playing and not worrying about what's happening on the job front. Hidden Dunes is also very accommodating and understanding when I need off to play. I try not to abuse the privilege and choose my time off wisely. I'd like to accompany Phil to some of his big nationals as he as done for me over last couple of years. Most of his 55 nationals are in the fall. I'm hoping to get to his clay and grass this year.

We've both been working extremely hard to get ready for this weeks Cat II national in Baton Rouge at Bocage. Category II nationals are the only events on the tournament schedule that have both men and women together. Phil hasn't played a tournament match since July, and he's very eager. I've continued my off court work with Geoff and Phil started up with us again about a month ago. He's put in the time on the court with a variety of players that have come through the resort, including his friend Tom Lucci from Cleveland, who landed accidentally at Hidden Dunes with his family, for a great week of tennis. It's fun to see Phil excited about tennis again and see his competitive juices starting to flow. I played in Houston in March, and am excited to compete again in Baton Rouge. My draw is fairly small with only 8 players, but it has quality competition and will be very challenging, which is exactly what I need. Phil has a larger draw, and is filled with some very good players, including Roscoe Tanner, who is reviving his playing career on the senior tennis circuit. We are both in the last year of our age groups and preparing ourselves for next year by becoming more match tough.

We are leaving Tuesday afternoon and looking forward to staying with friends who are tennis playing homeowners at Hidden Dunes. Ricky and Susie are huge LSU fans and looks like we'll get to a baseball game later in the week when LSU plays Alabama. Phil's first match is scheduled for Thursday and mine on Friday. Links to both of our draws are posted on the right hand side of the blog. I'll be blogging our results daily.

Also, a big congratulations to my friend Fran Chandler for winning the 45 World Championships in Mexico this past week. She went through a very tough draw, beating some phenomenal players! She and Mary Dailey lost in the finals of the doubles. They are both great friends and great players. Congrats to you both for a great two week effort in Mexico!