After Women's PGA Champ, a new challenge awaits Dr. Alison Curdt

KILDEER, Ill. – What golfer could handle a disappointing round in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship any better than Dr. Alison Curdt?   

The 36-year-old PGA Master Professional and licensed psychotherapist followed an opening-round 76 with an 88 Friday to close her fifth consecutive appearance in the Championship.

“Ten to 15 years ago, I would be way more upset,” said Curdt, a resident of Reseda, California, who earned her doctoral degree in psychology in March. “I’m certainly upset and disappointed; nobody wants to shoot that. I know I’ve got work to go back to and I had family out here watching me and friends supporting me.”

Curdt’s appearance in one of the five majors of women’s golf came a week after she finished T-71 in the PGA Professional Championship in Seaside, California. She became just the third woman PGA Member ever to make the cut in the largest all-professional championship.    

“I definitely felt prepared this week and had a solid warmup session today. But, today was one of those days where nothing fell into place,” said Curdt. “I definitely enjoyed the week, and it’s an honor to be here.”

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Curdt was one of eight PGA/LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals in the 156-member field. She is the only player among the group to hold both PGA of America and LPGA membership.

On July 9, she will carve another niche in golf professional history. She will present her LPGA Master Professional thesis. It’s the final step to becoming the first golfer to hold Master Professional status for the PGA of America and the LPGA.  

Curdt’s thesis is entitled, “The Efficiency of EMDR (Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing on Athletic Trauma in Golfers.”  Originally designed in the 1980s, EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.

So, you get the idea that forgettable score on a Friday in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is a mere blip on Curdt’s golfing radar.

Curdt, who completed her doctoral degree in psychology last March, said she well understands the challenges for any club professional. This week, none of the eight PGA/LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals in the field made the 36-hole cut.

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“All eight of us have the skill set to be able to compete with the women on tour. Our disadvantage of that we don’t do it enough,” said Curdt.

In between working to get her research published this summer, Curdt will be preparing for her own “tour.” There’s the upcoming Women’s California State Open, July 11-12, along with Southern California PGA Section events.

A week at one major closes, but another challenge looms.  

The 2018 LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals National Championship, Aug. 27-29, in Pinehurst, North Carolina, serves as the next portal to a KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, June 20-23, 2019, at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.

“I wish as a whole all of our teachers can put together great numbers. But I realize how hard it is for all of us to perform our best,” said Curdt. “There’s much to look forward to. We’ll gear it up again for another shot.”