Fourth-year Epson Tour member Mallory Blackwelder is in Richmond, Va. preparing for this week’s Eagle Classic Presented by Bag Boy but the University of Kentucky graduate will have a watchful eye on the Solheim Cup.
Blackwelder comes from a long lineage of golfers which consists of her mother and former LPGA Tour player Myra Blackwelder, father Worth Blackwelder and brother Myles Blackwelder who both caddie on the LPGA.
“It’s very unique, there aren’t too many other families that are as involved in golf as we are,” said Mallory. “There are some, the Kuehne’s and the Harmon brothers that I guess would be good examples but it’s all I’ve ever known. I can’t really imagine it being another way. It’s really cool that Myles is involved in it as well because he stopped playing golf in high school and he hasn’t really been in the same realm we’ve all been in. I think it’s really great for him to be involved in it now and to understand what we all do.”
Worth showed Myles the ropes early in his career as a caddie and everything he has learned from the game of golf, has come from his parents.
“Everything I know,” said Myles what he has learned from his dad. “What haven’t I learned from him? Literally everything I know about golf came from my mom and dad. I would say my swing mechanics and fundamentals of my actual golf game mostly from my mother, but as far as course management and understanding the importance of knowing where to miss a shot, if you’re struggling don’t go for the super hero shot and ending up with a triple or double bogey, just take your bogey and move on. Mom really developed the fundamental of my game and dad was more of the scoring coach – get the ball in the hole.”
This week they will be a house divided as her father is caddying for U.S. Solheim Cup Team member Cristie Kerr while her brother is caddying for Epson Tour alum and European Solheim Cup Team member, Jodi Ewart-Shadoff.
With the hectic schedule during Solheim Cup week, Mallory has had limited conversations with her dad and brother but the Versailles, Ky. native is staying true to the red, white, and blue, while pulling for her brother individually.
“I honestly haven’t talked to my dad and brother all that much because I know they are super busy,” said Mallory. “My mom flew out there today so she is wearing red, white, and blue, and also kind of individual rooting for Jodi. I haven’t talked to my dad and Myles about it but my mom and I are hoping they do not face off especially in the singles. I think it would be okay in the team matches but if they happen to play each other in the singles on Sunday, that would be crazy. We are rooting for USA and obviously hoping that Jodi and Myles do well individually.”
While Mallory and her mom will be cheering for both sides, according to the father/son duo, the Solheim Cup will be normal business.
“Normal – we’ll give each a hard time, but it’s all in good fun,” said Myles. “We’re both pulling for each other.”
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