For Myra Blackwelder, Playing a Round Gets a Little More Difficult

Under current conditions, Oakmont Country Club is proving really tough for the golfers in the GNA/Glendale Federal tournament.

It figures to be somewhat more difficult for Myra Blackwelder. The veteran professional from Kentucky has a problem a little different than other golfers playing in the tournament. Blackwelder, 31, is almost six months pregnant.

Although Blackwelder, whose husband, Worth, has been caddying for her, has made the cut in five of the six tournaments on the LPGA Tour this year, she is reaching the point where 18 holes every day is a bit too much.

After shooting a par 36 on the front nine Saturday in the third round, she tired badly. She bogeyed five of the last six holes for a 78 and a three-day total of 228.

“I was planning on playing through the Dinah Shore (April 2-5),” Blackwelder said, “but now I’m wondering. I may have to quit. I really can feel the pressure on my stomach near the end of the day. It affects my putting, first, and then my thinking.”

This is the second time that Blackwelder, rookie of the year in 1980 when she was using her maiden name, Van Hoose, has had her career interrupted by a pregnancy. Her son Miles was born Jan. 24, 1985. Seven weeks later, she rejoined the tour, playing in this same tournament.

“That was different,” she said. “I was only about 4 1/2 months (pregnant) when the tour ended in the fall of 1984. So I didn’t go through all that I have lately.

“It would be nice if I just could play nine holes a day. But when I play in the pro-am and then it’s a 72-hole tournament, that’s awfully tough. The best I played was the 54-hole tournament in Hawaii, and I didn’t have to play in a pro-am. Also, it was warm. I don’t think the cold, rainy weather has made it easier for me, either.

“Today, I felt pressure in my stomach walking down 16. And, my legs have hurt a little late in the day. You do things when you’re tired that you shouldn’t. After I missed the birdie try on 16, I didn’t line up the short putt and missed it. Worth was upset with me.

“Then, on 18, he wanted me to hit a four-wood, but I didn’t and wound up in the trap. He’s upset with me at the moment.”

Blackwelder, who represents Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs, Fla., met her husband in Sarasota in 1980. He was in the PGA apprentice program. In recent years, though, he has gone on tour with his wife, often as a caddy. Occasionally, he has had to be the baby sitter.

“The first time was exciting,” Blackwelder said. “It didn’t really bother me that for a year and a half I didn’t get much sleep, what with middle of the night feedings and everything. But a second child is going to make a change. Although Miles sleeps through now, he is a problem on planes. He doesn’t seem to understand that he has to stay in his seat.

“I’m not sure what the future holds for us. Traveling with one child is difficult. I don’t know about two.

“My family is very understanding, though, and will do what they can to help.

“I have achieved my goal for this year, though. I wanted to play five tournaments before I had to quit. Then, I should be able to play five more after the baby is born around the middle of June. If I play in 10, it will complete eight years in the pension program. I will need two more years to qualify. After that, I just don’t know.

“Coming back isn’t really a problem. They want you to walk, anyhow. It’s just a matter of getting your strength back. The last time I had no problem returning.

“The doctor says it’s good that I’ve only gained 15 pounds. But we will go home (to Florida) next week and after I see my doctor, I’ll make up my mind.

“After the week off, we play in Tucson and Phoenix. The dry desert and the possibility of warm weather may bring me back. I know one thing: I probably won’t play any golf while I’m home, so if I don’t go to Arizona, that will be the end of my golf until probably August.

“I just don’t feel much like practicing after a round. I know I won’t today. I’m tired and a little discouraged.”

Blackwelder has never been a winner on the tour. Her best finish was second in the 1980 Corning Classic. She has won more than $300,000. Since the birth of Miles, she has won more than $50,000 each season.

Who knows? With another child, she might do even better.