Spencerport's Downey back home

Danielle Downey. LPGA photo.

Spencerport's Downey
back home

Five years after playing the Rochester LPGA golf tournament as an amateur, Spencerport's Danielle Downey returned - this time as a professional.

At the first tee on the first day, a group of just under 100 family, friends, Brooklea members and other supporters were treated to a laugh when the starter introduced the former three-time New York State Amateur Champion. "And now all the way from Spencerport, let's give a warm Locust Hill welcome to Danielle Downey."

"That's about the most nervous I've ever been for a tee shot," said Downey. "I knew I was either going to hit it really well or really poorly - thank God I hit it well."

Downey pounded her chest to get her heart to stop racing as she left the tee box toward her ball in the fairway. "It's moments like those that will help me down the line."

The former Auburn University All-American played 14 events in her third year on the Futures Tour in 2006 with four top-ten finishes. Rochester was her fourth LPGA event this season. She had 27 pars and one birdie over 36 holes and shot 76-76. Downey has made just over $10,000 this season; all with a 73-72-70-72 five under par 287 which tied her for 26th place at the Corona Championship in Mexico April 26 through 29.

"I feel like I hit the ball well today," said Downey after her second round in Rochester. "I gave myself chances to score, but I couldn't make anything."

Downey will attempt to enter the field for the Futures Tour event in Saint Anne, Illinois June 29 through July 1 and rejoin the LPGA Tour in Toledo for the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic July 12 through 15. "I haven't been able to get into as many LPGA events as I thought I would, so I'm going to try to play the Futures next week. It's hard to get in any kind of rhythm when you play one week and then wait three more weeks to play again.

As for her weekend home, Downey was all smiles in spite of missing the cut. "Rochester is a great golf town and they support their local athletes. When I'm walking around the course and they're calling out my name, it sort of makes me feel like Tiger (Woods). Every tournament is another learning experience. I hope this continues for years and hopefully next time I'll play better."