Happy New Year

Arriving in Hawaii at the end of December is our cue that the new season is about to begin. We can't think of anything better than being with family and friends in Hawaii to bring in the New Year.

This year was the first "off season" that Parker has experienced since he turned professional.

We kept pretty busy catching up on things at home and Parker dedicated himself to training and practicing. We also took a wonderful trip to Italy in early December. It is important to us to end the year with some time away where we can turn off all communication - no phones and no computers. Its amazing how cleansing and freeing it can be to just put down that Blackberry. It allowed us to reflect on the previous year and prepare for new season right around the corner. Ironically, the exact time of our trip to Italy was the week of 3rd stage of Q-School. This was Parker's first year to not have to return to Q-School, so we toasted with great appreciation of all of his hard work.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence

Tenute Silvio Nardi Winery in Montalcino

With our friends Andrew & Marissa at Altesino Winery in Montalcino

The most exciting event surrounding the New Year was the opportunity we had to meet President Elect, Barack Obama. Parker's father, Chris McLachlin, was Obama's varsity basketball coach at Punahou. We have all followed the extensive media coverage of Obama's love for the game, and anxiously awaited the reunion between player and coach.

While he was here vacationing on the island, the President Elect gathered some former teammates and headed to the gym for a pick up game at his old high school. The game just wouldn't have been complete without their coach and the night before ....Chris, Parker, and his brother Spencer received the invitation to join him for a game.

So on their very first meeting, Parker guarded Obama, and Obama guarded Parker!

After the game, the rest of the family was permitted to gather in the athletic office for a short get together with the basketball gang. To our surprise the future President of the United States said...how about a family picture...

Time to Exhale

Its hard to believe that Parker's second season on the PGA TOUR has finally come to an end. As long as the year has been, it has all flown by so incredibly fast. (I know...I think I say that every year!) The end of the golf season seemed to come at perfect timing. I could tell Parker was running on fumes and I myself was ready for a break from the "golf world" for a bit. :-) We had to take a few weeks at home before we could reflect on the season and appreciate all of the special memories on the road and all of the great accomplishments Parker has made this year.

The home stretch was a memorable few weeks on the West Coast. We had a chance to see lots of family and friends as the tour moved back West for the Fall Series.

The Valero Texas Open was an extra special week for me because the PGA TOUR Wives Association http://www.pgatourwives.org/index.php partnered with the Valero Foundation to host a luncheon for the Women of Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront is an amazing organization that was started by two wives of soldiers after 9/11. http://www.operationhomefront.net/ This organization supports troops, families left behind, and the wounded soldiers and their families. Our event with Operation Homefront was a day to honor the the women and families of the wounded soldiers being treated at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and to thank them for all they have given to our country. I had the honor of meeting so many incredibly strong women that day, it was a truly moving and humbling experience to hear the real life stories of the families that serve this country so unselfishly.

As a follow up to our event with Operation Homefront we had the chance to put together care packages for the soldiers serving abroad. It was a great day as we packed boxes with lots of goodies, supplies, and signed photos with messages from the players.

The next tournament brought us to Las Vegas! The whole week was so much fun!!! This year the tournament had a new sponsor, Shriners Hospital for Children, and and a new host.... JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE. To be honsest, this tournament had been causing quite a buzz around the TOUR for the few months leading up to the event. Earlier in the summer we learned that Justin Timerlake's mother/manager was going to be hosting a luncheon for all of the wives during the week of the tournament... with a surprise guest at the luncheon! I think every wife begged their husband to play in the tournament, for that reason only... the chance to possibly meet Justin!!!

The luncheon was a huge success and an absolute treat. And just when we thought that there was no way we were going to get to see him, he walked in the door when we were least expecting! I wish I could say I have pictures to show, but the moment when 50 women realized that Justin Timberlake was here to see them was priceless, the place went wild!

Later in the week Justin hosted a charity concert "Justin Timberlake and Friends" at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. He and his "Friends" including The Jonas Brothers, Leona Lewis, Boyz II Men, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Rihanna, 50 Cent, Will.i.am, and Lionel Richie played until after 1:00 am in the morning! It was one of the most memorable nights of the year!







This year Parker was able to end his season at home! It was a goal for Scottsdale to be his last tournament of the year and this year he was able to do just that. Thursday's round was a bit of an indication that he didn't have much left in him. I think that fact that he was so close to the end of his season and that he could see his finish line...started to get to him on the golf course. I would have completely understood if he would have had another similar round on Friday, but instead he came back and played one of the low rounds of the tournament to only barely miss the cut. Although it would have been nice to end on the weekend, he pushed himself and gave it everything he had left to end his season. It was an admirable ending to a great year!

Thank you to everyone who gave him so much support this year! It has meant so much to both of us! See you in 2009!

Turning Stone

A very cold Thursday morning

This week was our official introduction to Fall! Parker and I often joke that we have a full year of Summer, one because we reside in Arizona and two because the PGA Tour basically follows the warm weather. This week, however, was an exception to the rule. The Turning Stone Resort Championship fell a few weeks later than last year and if you live in New York ... apparently a few weeks can make a world of difference when it comes to weather. Instead of the normal 75+ degree golf days that we are used to, the temperature was down into the 40-50s. Everyone on the golf course was dressed more for a North Eastern football game than for a golf tournament. It was the coldest we had been in a long time.

Even though this was a week where hand warmers were an absolute must and player dinning looked more like ski lodge, I actually loved the change of pace. Last year everyone kept telling us that we were just a few days too early to see the fall colors of central New York. This year we were right on time. The colors were amazing and apparently within a few more weeks they only get better.

Enjoying the Fall colors

The cold and the rain were elements that Parker had to battle on the golf course. I know that he was so excited to get back here because we had such fond memories of this tournament from last year. Thursday and Friday were a grueling couple of days, it even hailed before his Friday tee time. Thankfully, Parker finished just before the round was called because of darkness and made a 20ft putt on #17 to make the cut on the number on Friday evening. Then on Saturday he had another cut to make, draining a 7ft putt on #9 to play again on Sunday. Needless to say he was keeping it exciting for our friends from New York who came out and toughed it out through the cold with me. They kept telling me ...this is just a typical day in Central New York!

The sun finally comes out (the geese are even flying south for the winter!)

Right now we are on the plane headed to the next tournament and the pilot just said that it is 86 degrees down in San Antonio. Even though I loved getting my first glimpse of the Fall season, it will be nice to get back to some warm weather ... San Antonio, Las Vegas, then Scottsdale. (this 4 week stretch was sure hard to pack for ... shorts, t-shirts, beanies, and gloves?!? Ahhh, life on the road!)

Back to the Islands

Having the last two Fed Ex events off gave us a little extra time to squeeze in a trip back to Hawaii! It was perfect timing to get some much needed R&R and for Parker to visit back home.

While we were there Parker visited Waikoloa on the Big Island where he conducted a Junior Golf Clinic at Waikoloa Kings' Course. He had a great turn out and had a chance to spend some quality time with the junior golfers of Hawaii.

Also while he was home, Parker took on a new role as community Ambassador for the Friends Club. www.friendsofhawaii.org. As the Ambassador of the membership group behind the Friends of Hawaii Charities, Parker will help raise awareness for the great efforts this group is making to help those in need in the state of Hawaii. Parker and the Friend Club hope to increase the club's membership as well as increase the charity dollars that are going to the Friends of Hawaii Charities, which is the driving force behind the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Golf Clinic at Waikoloa Kings' Course

Parker with University of Hawaii, Hilo Golf Team

Parker with Juniors at Waikoloa Golf Clinic

Deutsche Bank

Its now been a few weeks since we left Boston, but it took us both a bit to recover from the disappointing outcome. Coming into this tournament we had high hopes, with Parker hitting the ball more consistently then he had in a long time. He had a solid first round and his second round was looking very positive as well. I was walking the golf course with a close friend of mine from high school (who now lives in Boston) and after a string of birdies we found ourselves planning to watch a weekend full of golf.

Parker made a bogey on one hole coming in (I think it was #6) and after that we realized that he he might have to make another birdie, but most likely he was fine just were he was (right at the cut line). Then we got to the last hole. He hit his drive into the right rough and hit a beautiful shot onto the green. He had two putts for par.

Right behind the green they had one of the large electronic scoreboards, with the "projected" fed ex point numbers. Ironically as Parker got up to the ball to make his putt for par, I saw behind him, a picture of him with the number 69th right next to him... this meant that if he just made the cut, that would be good enough to qualify him into the BWM (Top 70 Qualified)which would have then given him a chance at the Tour Championship. As soon as that thought came into my head, I realized...I shouldn't have even looked.

As the 6ft putt lipped out, it was heartbreaking. In a matter of seconds, he went from playing on the weekend and playing the following week in St. Louis, to packing the bags to go home. We couldn't believe it. Sure you miss cuts here and there throughout the year, but I have to say this one was the hardest to swallow.

The car ride back to the hotel was a difficult one. After we had a moment to try to digest what had just happened we made the decision to get out and get our minds off a golf for a bit. We had tickets to Fenway Park that we just couldn't pass up. It was our first time to this historic site and we loved every minute of it... It was the perfect remedy. :-)

Parker with Friends from Hawaii... can you see Dean Wilson in the background!

Playoffs

I can't believe that the playoffs are already here! As much as it seems like we have been on the road forever, it also seems like this year is flying by. Last year Parker was outside the top 144 going into this part of the season so he didn't get into any of these events. This year we were very excited to come to New Jersey for the Barclays.

Each player had their own parking spot

Everyone got BMWs to drive for the week! - Players parking looked like a BMW Dealership

It has been a crazy couple of weeks since the win, but we have been truly enjoying every minute. This week Parker did play well, it just seemed like he was trying to get back into his grove.

Even though he missed the cut, we definitely still made the most of the week. Parker's Aunt and Uncle joined us and we had a great time with them off the golf course. We went into NYC on a couple different days and actually drove in the city! That was quite the experience by itself. Early in the week we went to see the Jersey Boys on Broadway (which is one of our favorites) and were seated in the very front row. That night we also ate dinner in the www.meatpacking-district.com which is a trendy little part of the city with cobblestone streets, great restaurants, and fun boutiques. On the weekend we went to window shop. We ate lunch in Little Italy and walked around SoHo and visited Greenwich Village! It was a perfect New York Day.



Another highlight of the week was visiting Harriman State Park. Surprisingly we were actually staying very close to a beautiful open space area. After the long days of golf we went driving along Seven Lakes Drive and stopped at a lake for happy hour and to just hang out. It was an awesome get away.



We have since arrived in Providence, RI which is where we are staying for the Deutsche Bank Championship. This is another first for us so we are looking foward to the week.

1st PGA TOUR WIN!!!

Parker and I just got settled in at our host families home in Bloomfield, MI. It is Wednesday afternoon and Parker is at the golf course getting a practice round in for the PGA Championship! It was 7 weeks ago when he made the goal of getting into the PGA this week! And he did it the last way possible - TO WIN THE RENO TAHOE OPEN!!!Little did he know that by accomplishing the goal of playing in the season's last major, he would also accomplish a lifetime goal....to win on the PGA TOUR!

I still can't quite say that it has sunk in, there have been so many hugs and tears of joy in the last couple of days! We first both want to thank everyone for all of the wonderful phone calls, txt messages, and e-mails!!! We know that this was a victory for everyone who has been a part of Parker's journey as a golfer!

Looking back, it is funny that I didn't get to write a blog after Canada. Because that is where most of it started. We had a wonderful time up in Toronto, spending time with some very special friends. On the golf course, this was the week where Parker found his rhythm. His words to me on Sunday after the tournament were "I got my instincts back this week." He had always planned to take Reno off because that would have meant 6 weeks in a row. But after getting into his grove in Canada, he didn't want to just sit at home. We flew home on Monday and by Wednesday he had made his decision to play and was on his way out to Reno. He played in a Pro Am Wednesday afternoon (which was the only opportunity he had to get out onto the course before the tournament started).

Another great story of the week was the caddy. Travis has been a long time friend of Parker's and has been his caddy at very momentous points in his career. He has caddied for Parker at first stage of q-school both in 2004 & 2005 in Dayton Valley, where they got through each time. After Canada, Parker and his tour caddy, Scott parted ways and Parker gave Travis a call. Now living in the area with a career in Commercial Real Estate, Travis got the week off so that he could come out to caddy (all again, very last minute)!

Another ironic part of the week was ...this was my first week off all year! After spending 5 weeks in a row on the road (one being out of the country). We decided that Parker was going to go on his own to the tournament and I was going to catch up on things at home and possibly meet him out there on the weekend. Well I think I can say... I should stay home more often!!! :-) (j/k)

By the time the weekend rolled around Parker had managed to tie the course record with a 10 under par on Friday. This put Parker in the lead going into the weekend. My first instincts were of course, jump on a plane right now! But I knew better. Most importantly I needed to keep constant and neutral for Parker. We had great phone conversations, not even really talking much about the golf. We both knew the routine he was in this week was working and not to go and change that.



Then on Saturday night after a follow up round of 6 under par, Parker was holding his first 54 hole lead. That night, in so many words, we decided that instead of me coming out to give him a hug on the green, I had really given him my 18th green hug and kiss when I dropped him off at the airport on Wednesday. It was that day we knew he had it in him to win this week. We just didn't want his emotions to interfere with the goal he was trying to achieve. We both knew that we were on the exact same page, physically I wasn't there, but I was always with him.

Watching him walk up the 18th was the moment I will never forget. I have always visualized what it would be like to be at home watching him win on tv and I actually got to experience it. I jumped off the couch and cried my eyes out when he made that last birdie put on the 18th! As much as I had dreamt about it, not thing could have prepared me for those emotions, it was incredible.

The greatest part of the week was that so many of his family members and friends were able to join him for this accomplishment and celebration. He is so fortunate to have so many wonderful supporters who have always believed in him and have known that it was just a matter of WHEN this was going to happen. Amazingly enough the event was on the west coast so so many people were able to make the trip!

I hope that you can enjoy all of the great photos of the celebration after his first PGA TOUR Win.

Parker's Grandpa and Aunt Laura
(drove in from Chico, CA)

Parker's Dad with Parker's godfather Nick & daughter Dolly
(who came in from Florida)

Parker with his Aunt Marylyn & Unlce John,
(drove overnight from San Clamente, CA)

Parker with my mom, sister, and dad
(Drove from Novato, CA)

Parker with his sister Bekka & her husband Jason
(came from Yucca Valley in Southern CA)

Parker with one of his best friends, Andrew
(flew in from Phoenix, AZ to surprise him on the 18th green)

Parker with Don, his sports psychologist and great friend
(flew in from Phoenix, AZ to celebrate at the 18th green)

Milwaukee

Towards Friday late afternoon, a friend asked me... so what do you do if you happen to have the weekend off? Well, first of all, I have to share that Parker and I never really talk about that. Truthfully, it is not even in our vocabulary. But the reality of being on the PGA Tour is that it can happen.


So this weekend we decided to stay and make the most of being in Milwaukee. Parker felt like he needed a mental break from golf so we took the 2 days off completely and he didn't even go out to the course. He was tempted to go home and not play in the Canadian Open but after sleeping on it Friday night, he decided that a couple days rest would be just what he needed to prepare for one more tournament week.

We had the chance to catch up on the British Open and had a fishing trip planned for Saturday with some friends on Tour. Unfortunately, the weather changed our plans so we all went and saw The Dark Night and then went bowling. Basically just a nice "hanging out" couple of days, something that we don't get to do too much of when we are on the road.


This week wouldn't have been complete without some Wisconsin Cheese! On Wednesday before the tournament I went with a friend to visit the Wisconsin Cheese Mart, which holds the largest selection of Wisconsin Cheese - my absolute weakness.




We also visited the Miller Brewery. This was my first experience with a Brewery, I couldn't believe how much beer gets produced & shipped out everyday! The warehouse was 5 football fields long (And yes, it was full!) It was nice to visit the facility when we did because Miller has recently merged with Coors and they will begin expanding the facilities to produce both brands. A tour of a brewery was a unique experience to Milwaukee (even the Baseball team is named after the history of "breweries" in the area).




















Parker and I visited one last Milwaukee staple last week - Kopp's Frozen Custard & Jumbo Burgers! It was kind of like an In n Out - with amazing burgers and and old school burger joint feel.



We have finally made it to Canada, after our flight was canceled last night, we spent an unexpected evening back in Milwaukee. I guess with the amount we travel, we can't complain too much when things like that happen. But then again it is hard to always be at the mercy of the airlines. It's situations like these that really can test our patience on the road. We always try to stay savvy and ahead of the game as much as possible, but sometimes you have to just roll with the punches!

From the East Coast to the Midwest

On our drive to the Congressional Country Club

Parker and I just arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It has been a great last few weeks on the road... It is hard to believe that we are embarking on week #4!!!





Two weeks ago at the AT&T National we enjoyed a festive 4th of July week in our Nation's Capitol. We were really looking forward to this year's tournament because he was actually in the field. (he was the on site alternate last year and didn't end up getting in). We didn't fit in quite as much site seeing as we would have liked this year but still were able to enjoy a night out in Georgetown and spent some great time with good friends who were also celebrating the holiday in D.C. On the 4th of July Parker didn't walk off the golf course until about 8:00pm because of the rain delays, but we made it back to the hotel just in time to see the view. We actually watched about 6 firework shows from our hotel room that night.

An Evening in Georgetown

Dinner with Friends in D.C.

This past week at the John Deere Classic we enjoyed a nice change of pace. Moline, IL has such a great small town feel. It was nice to escape all of the chain restaurants and surprisingly Parker and I found some incredible exotic cuisine in this small Midwest town. Our favorites were a Thai Restaurant on the way to the course and and Indian Restaurant that we happened to find last year. Moline, IL is also home to some of the best ice cream in the US. One of the highlights of the week was that we were treated to Whitey's Ice Cream in the club house after his rounds. They are famous for their shakes that are so thick that they can be turned upside down with nothing spilling out!

One Last Whitey's Ice Cream Shake

The John Deere Classic

Today Parker played in a Pro Am in Rockford, IL. After Sundays round we all got on a bus that drove us about an hr 1/2 to Rockford. Instead of a typical bus it felt more like and RV...It was a great way to travel! All of the guys hung out and played cards and were able to relax... and I was able to take in the views of miles and miles of cornfields between the two cities.

-Kristy

Staying in the US

Today Parker had his British Open Qualifier in Dearborn, MI. It was another 36 hole day! Since he missed the cut at the Buick so at least he had a bit more time to prepare for this qualifier (compared to the US Open one a few weeks back).

Maple St.
I had the day to myself since it wasn't much of a spectating type of tournament. For me, it was that ultimate "living on the road" day. I had to pack up and check out of the hotel, after checking in only late the night before...(I don't even think we were there for a full 24 hrs?). Then I drove to this quaint little town called Birmingham about 30 minutes away. It had great little boutique shops, lots of restaurants, and coffee shops. I just loved getting walk around. Then I did little errands (I guess just like I would have done at home). I found a tailor to mend something for me in a couple hours, I got a birthday present had it gift wrapped and shipped, and then found a fax machine to send urgent materials before the end of the day... I thought to myself - those tasks seem so normal when you are home, but when you are practically living out of your car in foreign town... you have to be a little creative and resourceful in order to get everything done.


Unfortunately Parker missed qualifying only by a couple of strokes. I think we were both really hoping to get into this tournament, but I guess the positive side is that he can really focus on his upcoming schedule here in the US. He shot seven under and nine under went into a play off. I am just really encouraged with how well he is playing and am excited for it to all come together in a tournament round very soon.

Now it is off to Washington DC for the 4th of July!