I was burnt out. I said it could be like the usual three days, or it could be for the rest of my life that I didn't want to touch a golf club.
As it turned out, early retirement lasted almost two years. After working at a Nevada Bob's Golf shop for much of that time, Hurst finally returned to competition and in her third try at qualifying earned exempt status. Now, 18 LPGA seasons later, she's acting as if she might never stop. Through 36 holes of this week's LPGA Championship, that push is starting to look very much like a full-fledged shove. With a second-round 67 on Friday at Locust Hill Country Club, the year-old wife and mother of two is 7 under and in sole possession of second place at the season's second major, just one shot behind leader and world No.
She knows the routine. She was second in another, runner-up to Annika Sorenstam in the U. Women's Open. She has five Solheim Cup appearances. The competition you can't get anywhere else but out here. That's why I still love coming out. More than two years, however, have passed since Hurst's last victory. Family life, a role on the LPGA advisory board, the recent construction of a new home and relocation from Scottsdale, Ariz. Looking around a golf course, she started to see young faces on one side of her and younger ones on the other.
Then along came Friday's seven-birdie, two-bogey round. But I'm playing good. I'm hitting the ball well. If I get some putts falling and get some confidence, I'll feel good about my game. Friday was a big step.
Hurst needed only 25 putts. Two of them were long-range birdies, one outside 40 feet -- thanks to help from a friend. Before putting, Hurst has her caddie stand behind her and assist in her alignment. It's a routine that has become popular with a number of LPGA players but extremely unpopular with others who suggest it's not in the spirit of the game. It doesn't give me an advantage, because anybody can do it. So Hurst, the savvy veteran, gets the ultimate weekend test of her experience and knowledge.
