Congratulations to Melissa Stockton! She won World Deaf Golf Championships 2010 at St. Andrews, Scotland.

Melissa's message: 

My trip started with my flight delayed then cancelled. Lucky I was able to meet my teammates in Newark New York for my overseas flight to Scotland. Unfournately my bag and clubs were a no show when we arrived in Edinburgh. We stayed in North Berwick right on the beach overlooking the North Berwick golf course.The next day we played on Gulane golf course to get the feel of Scotland golf. I still did not have my clubs so I shared with my roommate Susan and shot a 82. When we arrived back at the hotel boy was I glad to see my bags and golf clubs. Everyone was envious of our new USA team golf bags.

I have never been overseas before. I was very excited to go to Scotland, where golf is as popular as football in the United States. Every store is usually a pub,restarant, and golf store. There were about 350-400 deaf golfers, and fans on the trip from all over the world. It is a golfers dream to go! I was hoping to be in the top 5. Since I won I have an automatic invitation to the 2012 World Deaf Golf Championship in Japan. Next year I will travel to Dayton, Ohio to compete in the next US Championship.

The Opening Flag Ceremony was neat with everyone wearing their best clothes and flags being carried. I was proud to be there representing the United States! We had to learn to read univeral sign language and British sign language. It is not easy. Over the week it got easier to read.

The World Championships were held at the Fairmount Golf Resort.  The Senior PGA will be playing there next.  This links course was the hardest course I've ever played on. The course was loaded with bunkers. Some were blind bunkers, with water hazards running in front of the greens. The greens were really hard because of the constant wind and the ball rolled off easily! The weeds off the fairways were about 3' to 4' deep. Staying on the fairway was a must. Mistakes were costly! Luckily, I only lost 4 balls in 4 rounds.

The weather here is unpredictable. It will change from sunny to freezing rain to 28 a mile winds in any moment. I can't count how many times I put my rain gear on and off. umbrella up and down. I was under a lot of pressure as I was leading by 1 stroke for the first 3 rounds. By the 4th round on the turn we got held up on the 10th hole behind 2 groups.  Then I started to feel the pressure and my stomach was just twisted in knots. I can't believe I won by 5 strokes in the final round. The 18th hole was weird with all the media and people watching me. That definetly was a first for me. It wasn't until after my last putt that I found out I won.  Everyone came up to congratulate me! I hugged so many people I can't count.

At the Closing ceremony I had to give a speech and was presented my awards. Boy was I nervous about giving a speech in front of 400 people and on signtube.com<http://signtube.com> . Our United States Women's team won 1st place and was presented a crystal glass trophy. I also received a Sterling Silver Platter for 1st place Individual Women's World Champion.  Also my name will be engraved on the World Womens traveling trophy.  I am the 5th recipient of this semi-annual award.

The last 3 days was the most enjoyable time, playing at the Gleneagle PGA course,a future Ryder Cup 2014 location. We played at the Old Course

and New Course at St. Andrews. Our hotel "The Scores" was located at the 18th hole of the Old Course. The British Open signage and stands were still there. It takes like 4 months to take everything down from a big tournament like that. The Old Course is closed on Sundays so we were able to walk around on and check out the course. We all took pictures of each other. This was an experience I never will forget. It was a dream of a lifetime! A million thanks to all of you who made my dream come true!

Melissa Stockton

Check the result on the website, CLICK HERE.