With son at event for first time, Piller slowly trying to find form

PHOENIX – Gerina Piller is an LPGA pro in transition, a mom learning to practice between diaper changes and feedings.

She missed the cut Friday at the Bank of Hope Founders Cup. It was just her second start in 15 months.

What’s life like playing with a baby in tow this week?

“It’s very humbling, the golf I’ve been playing” Piller said. “But just having my son out here, nothing compares to that.”

Piller posted 1-under-par 71 Friday at Wildfire Golf Club, not enough to overcome the 78 she shot in the opening round. She made her return to the tour at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore last month, putting up a couple rounds in the 80s.

Full-field scores from the Bank of Hope Founders Cup

“It’s definitely different than playing and practicing at home,” Piller said. “I have a lot to work on.”

Piller, 33, is playing with her son, A.J., with her for the first time at a tour event.

“It’s different,” Piller said. “It’s like you are on a shot clock. You don’t have this unlimited time to practice on your game. You have X amount of time, a time slot, and you have to get everything done. If you’re not, you have to go, because your kid needs you.

“So, maybe it’s a slower start, but it’s to be expected. I have not played competitive golf since November of 2017.”

Piller was fitted for Solheim Cup clothing this week, with other prospective candidates. She is a three-time Solheim Cup veteran, whose singles victory set up the historic American comeback victory in 2015, but she knows she has work to do to make it to Scotland in September.

“I want to be there, bottom line,” said Piller, currently 37^th in the U.S. standings. “Right now, I don’t feel close to being there, but there are a lot of tournaments left and winning fixes a lot of things. First comes playing good golf, going through the process, then the results will take care of themselves.”

Let's block ads! (Why?)