Renee Rocco had the time of her golfing life when she qualified for the prestigious 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur. Rocco carded a 75 during an Arizona qualifier at The Mirabel Club in Scottsdale to earn a spot in the national event that was held at Stonewall (North Course) in Elverson, Pennsylvania.
Rocco missed the cut, but golf was just a part of the overall experience.
“It was amazing and they treat you extremely well, no matter what score you shoot,” Rocco said. “They still think you’re amazing, no matter what. It was also really cool to be around people who have played in the Mid Am for many years. There was a woman there who played for like 30 plus years consecutively. That gives you goals to set. ”
Rocco is the former Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association executive director and also plays in the Kirby Golf Association, a popular SNGA member club.
“I had a really great support system,” Rocco said. “All the guys from the KGA, they not only supported me, cheering me on and stuff, but they put together some funds to send me there, which just was so nice and generous. To know that I have people behind me like that is pretty amazing.”
Rocco will strive to return again in 2023. She now understands the step up in competition.
“It was very tough,” Rocco said. “You think you’re good where you are from, but then you go play with all these other people under the course conditions, and it was eye opening.”
Rocco has left the SNJGA and is now working for the Rebel Athletic Fund. But she will cherish her time with the SNJGA and SNGA.
“My time there was amazing and I learned so many things from Ann (Sunstrum),” Rocco said. “I grew as a professional and I met so many amazing people in the golf community, whether they worked at a golf course, but mostly just the players. The SNGA is just such a great organization and I was around great people. I will miss it, but I will still be around playing in the WSNGA tournaments when I can.”
