While the golf community can feel rather large at times, it can also be very small. Daniela Iacobelli knows that firsthand, having a 14-year-long list of contacts she can connect with in each city the Epson Tour plays in. When the stop in Milford, Connecticut for the Hartford HealthCare Women’s Championship was announced in 2023, Iacobelli knew exactly who she was going to call.

Twelve years ago, when the Floridan was working as a Head Golf Pro in the Sunshine State, the Sandor family would frequently call to book tee times. Taking care of them as she would her own family, Iacobelli formed a relationship with the couple and received an open invite to their home should she find herself in Connecticut.

“They would come vacation (in Florida) in the winters, and they would always call for the same tee times on the weekend. Finally, I said stop calling,” said Iacobelli. “I told them, ‘You guys have the tee time indefinitely until you don't want the tee time.’ They said ‘Well, if you're ever in Connecticut, let us know.’ So, when the tournament got released, I texted them and asked how far are you from this? They said 20 miles, and I was like, perfect, this is my reservation.”

Daniela Iacobelli The Sandor’s opened their home to Iacobelli and her close friend and fellow competitor, Sarah White, in 2023. The couple also served as their caddies for the week. With Mr. Sandor playing a member guest during the 2024 tournament, Iacobelli pulled seniority to have Mrs. Sandor on the bag this year.

The 36-year-old radiated confidence and happiness while signing for an opening round 66 on Friday. She was evidently comfortable with both her game, which has been trending in the right direction, and her caddie, a longtime friend.

“It's everything,” said Iacobelli. “It makes golf just golf. And you get to talk about all the other things. We just had a day.”

Over her 14 years of playing professional golf, Iacobelli has seen and felt the impact a host family has on a season and even a career. The Epson Tour veteran is at a loss for words when describing just how meaningful those relationships are, never losing the sense of gratitude for those who help her pursue her dreams.

“Just knowing that you have somewhere to go, a bed to sleep in, a meal to eat, it's kind of just takes one less thing off your plate,” said Iacobelli. “It's beyond helpful. I don't even know the right word to describe it.

“It’s so funny to think of all the people along the way. The last 14 years, I'm thinking if it weren't for them, where would I be? Where would an extra 14 hotel rooms a year put me? Would I have enough money to keep doing what I'm doing? If it weren't for them, I probably wouldn't be here.”

Iacobelli still spends time with the Sandor's, as they continue to winter in Florida, dedicating some of her precious time in the offseason to playing rounds with the couple at Suntree Country Club. But for now, they have 36 holes left to play at the Hartford HealthCare Women's Championship. Iacobelli and Mrs. Sandor tee off Great River Golf Club's 1st at 8:14 a.m. local time on Saturday.

Daniela Iacobelli Exudes Comfort in Connecticut

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