An injury-filled 2017 season kept Brittany Benvenuto (Langhorne, Pennsylvania) sidelined a majority of the year, but the former University of Arizona standout has worked diligently to get back on the golf course.
Benvenuto competed in the first two West Coast events on the Epson Tour late last March—and fared quite well—before getting hurt. She finished tied for 17th at the IOA Championship and then tied for 12th in the Gateway Classic. It was all downhill from there.
“I flew to Hawaii the next week for my first LPGA event and injured myself before I even teed it up,” said Benvenuto. “Looking back, I probably should have put the clubs away right then and there.”
Instead, she fought through, playing in the LOTTE Championship presented by HERSHEY, then the next three Epson Tour tournaments, missing the cut in each. After the stretch of competition, Benvenuto was convinced to get a series of MRI scans.
“I’ve had some issues with my neck and upper back for quite some time, but last year the pain persisted longer than usual after the initial flare-up,” Benvenuto said.
A cervical MRI revealed a herniated disc, putting golf on hold for the immediate future.
From May through September, Benvenuto saw several doctors and physical therapists. Each offered advice and directed her along the path to recovery. By the fall, she was back on the practice grind, but not without pain. That is, until one tweak.
“I did some research on my own and studied countless golf swings of both PGA and LPGA players who have also experienced similar neck pain,” said Benvenuto. “I was able to make a small change in my swing that had a very big effect on my back and neck. It was really exciting just to be able to swing without pain.”
The long road back for Benvenuto culminated in competing at the Final Stage of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament. She made the cut and ended in a tie for 60th at 5-over par. Even so, she’ll split time between the LPGA and Epson Tour this season, hoping to make a minimum of nine LPGA starts.
“I’m going to be taking things as they come without any expectations,” Benvenuto said. “The mindset is to take care of the things that are within my control and let the rest of the chips fall where they may. Being forced to sit on the sidelines afforded me the opportunity to rest and come back healthy. It also helped me realize how fortunate I am to play the game I love.”
There may not be any expectations, but you can bet by Benvenuto’s competitive nature, she hopes to get back to her 2016 level when she made 21 starts on the Epson Tour, earned $50,370 and finished No. 16 on the Race for the Card money list. That same year, Benvenuto finished in a tie for 29th at Stage III of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament to earn conditional LPGA status for 2017, which transfers to 2018 because of her medical leave.
Nonetheless, it’s a never-ending battle to better oneself, let alone fully recover from a major setback. However, from her parents to coach Susie Meyers, trainer Chip Coleman and physical therapist Kevin Fay, Benvenuto has the right guidance to continue in the positive direction she has set forth on.
“I definitely have a better understanding and awareness of my body,” said Benvenuto. “As professional athletes, we are always trying to get the most out of ourselves, mentally and physically. Sometimes that can lead to injury. But, I do feel more confident now, knowing that I am healthier and smarter because of this whole process and the team I have built around me.”