That is easily the most challenging golf course I have ever played, especially since it seemed that I was playing from the rough more often than the fairway here at Saucon Valley CC in Bethlehem, Pa. But I stayed super-calm and didn’t allow the frustrating bogeys late in my round get me too upset. The cut looks like it will be at least double what it is today, which would be 8-over. I’m at 4-over after today. I know I am playing well and am more concerned about getting myself into the top 30 tomorrow than making the cut.

These greens can be downright frightening at some times, and the fairways look only a few yards wide from a few of the tees. The rough is manageable from the first cut, but spray it too far, and it’s a matter of how far you can pitch it out. I love this kind of golf and am thrilled to be here. Not everyone would say the same …

As a matter of fact, one story from the day was that a player who shot 80 asked the officials in the scoring tent for a pen so she could sign her caddie’s check before she fired him, which she did. Nothing more difficult to handle than the wrath of a professional golfer after a big number. These caddies take a beating sometimes but seem to love being out here as much as we do.

Wish me luck for Friday, and I hope you get to tune in to watch some coverage from this year’s U.S. Women’s Open. We’re on ESPN from 2-6 p.m. (ET) Friday.

Allison Fouch

Note: Follow Allison Fouch at the U.S. Women’s Open all weekend through this live leaderboard!