LPGA
Team Titleist Members Had Experience of a Lifetime
Team Titleist Members Had An Experience of a Lifetime
courtesy of Team Titleist
Acushnet Golf participated in the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup event as a sponsor and received pro-am spots. They decided to give the spots to two of their loyal Team Titleist members. Read more about the experience. More >>
A pair of loyal Team Titleist members got to experience life (and, of course, golf) inside the ropes last month at the inaugural RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup.
A couple weeks before the event, Team Titleist members Neil Hicks and Michael Young received e-mails notifying them of their selection to play in the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup's Thursday Pro-Am at Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and attend the tournament's pairings party that same night – courtesy of Team Titleist and the LPGA.
Neil would later describe it as "an experience of a lifetime," from the conditions to the coaching to the camaraderie.
The results weren't bad either: With some help from Pro V1 loyalist Grace Park, Neil and Michael's team shot 12-under 60 (29-31) and finished in third place.
You can check out some pictures from the day in the slideshow link at the bottom of the page. Neil also passed along the following note to Team Titleist about the experience:
Thank you so much – it was a great time!
It was so much fun playing with fellow Team Titleist member Michael Young – we played great and actually became pretty close by the end of the round. We have a round set up together real soon!
Grace was so much fun to play with. She gave pointers, shared laughs and just had a great time.
The caddies were hilarious, helping us with yardages and giving us some angles and lines just like they would for their pros in competition. That made the experience so much fun as well.
These girls are good!
I have played competitive golf for many years, and to see the lines that the pros and their caddies see was unbelievable. Maybe it's because they do it on a daily basis - but it is truly a gift, something that I would love to chase!
Luckily enough Michael's parents followed us all day long with an excellent camera and took pictures! It was a great addition to the day.
Wednesday night the pairings party was fun. Arrived at the resort, and checked in. The gifts that we received for participating in the event were amazing. Fresh pair of FootJoys! Some wine glasses, new shirt, towel, etc. Overall the pairings party was a great experience to interact with the golfers off the course and just have a great time.
The overall experience was amazing! It was so much fun being on the inside of the ropes playing just like the PGA and LPGA tour players. Treated like royalty! Food, drinks, all kinds of goodies.
I have been to numerous PGA and LPGA tournaments over the years. It is amazing how well they prep the course for the tour players. Let me tell you firsthand that the fairways are PERFECT! The rough is truly ROUGH! And the greens roll so true it is crazy.
I wish that I could play on those conditions every day! I am envious of all tour players that get to play on those conditions day-in and day-out. Has always been a longtime dream
Refresh Your Game With Michelob ULTRA: Short Putts
Need some help sticking with your New Year's Resolution? Whether it is to improve your game or exercise more, Michelob ULTRA is here to help with golf and exercise tips. Living the ULTRA life is about enjoying life to its fullest.
Match Your Putter with the Hole
Do those four- or five-foot putts scare you? Do you feel you should make the short putts, but miss them all too often? Most short putts are missed when we try to “steer” the ball to the hole, and accidently open or close the face of the putter during the stroke, missing the putt slightly left or slightly right. It can be frustrating!
Try this easy tip. “Match” your putter face with the hole.
Walk up to any hole cut in a green and place your putter on top of the hole. You will see that the width of the hole and the width of your putter are very nearly the same. A regulation hole is 4 ¼ inches wide, and you will find that your putter is almost the same width. This makes an easy visualization when facing a short putt.
As you set up to your putt, keep your putter face looking at the hole—they are almost the same size. As you make the stroke, take your putter face directly to the hole, as if there were tees lining the pathway, and you are keeping your putter the exact same width as the hole (as shown in the photo). Notice that the hole, the putter, and the “runway” are all the same width.
Match the putter face with the hole, and never miss those short putts again!
Marvol Barnard is a Class A member of the LPGA and the PGA, and was voted the 2010 LPGA Central Section Teacher of the Year. She is the Director of Instruction at Haven Golf Course in Green Valley, Arizona, where she has taught golfers of all ages and abilities for 12 years. Marvol serves as the current Central Section President of the LPGA.
Look back at charity aspect of RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup
Take a look back at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup to learn what the event was all about. Players talk about their charities and rookie Jennifer Song visits with kids from the charity she was playing for.
LPGA Tour Posting Impressive Early 2011 Numbers
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LPGA Tour Posting Impressive Early 2011 Numbers
LPGA Tour popularity “on the rise” through first five 2011 events
TV ratings, attendance and website traffic showing increases compared to last season
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida, April 13, 2011 – A new LPGA Tour advertising campaign has LPGA players asking fans to “see why it's different out here,” and early numbers indicate that more people are tuning in to follow the Tour and its appealing pool of players.
“Thanks to a number of factors—several exciting final-round finishes, a couple of Rolex First-Time Winners in Sandra Gal and Stacy Lewis, and nearly all of the world's top-ranked players putting themselves at or near the top of the leaderboard during the first five tournaments of 2011—we feel sports fans are embracing the LPGA Tour this season,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “We know it's early, but we feel that the Tour's popularity is on the rise and we will do all we can to maintain this momentum throughout the season.”
Total television viewership of the LPGA is up 20 percent in 2011 compared to like events on cable in 2010, and viewership is up 32 percent vs. like events on the Golf Channel.
Rounds 1 and 2 of the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the LPGA's first major of the season recently won by Lewis in a final round battle with Rolex Rankings No. 1 Yani Tseng, were the highest rated and most watched first and second rounds for this event in the past 18 and 17 years, respectfully. The average viewership for the first three rounds of the Kraft Nabisco also reached its highest mark in six years, dating back to when Thursday-Saturday coverage went to ‘all cable' in 2006.
The first and final rounds of the Kia Classic also drew enough viewers that the two broadcasts would rank among the Top 20 LPGA Golf Channel broadcasts since 2008.
Traffic to LPGA.com also has been on the rise throughout the 2011 season. The leaderboard page for the Kraft Nabisco Championship saw an increase of 77 percent in daily visitors from 2010, and overall traffic to the website during tournament week was up 52 percent. During the Kia Classic, traffic to the leaderboard page was up 15 percent in page views and the website overall saw an 36 percent increase in viewers.
Fans are coming out to watch many of the best women's golfers in person as well. Attendance at LPGA events is up 8 percent in 2011, according to the numbers through the first four events of the year. (Attendance numbers for the Kraft Nabisco have not yet been reported.) Of the three events tournaments that were also played in 2010 and have reported numbers (Honda LPGA Thailand, HSBC Women's Champions and the Kia Classic), each one saw at least a 4 percent increase in attendance this year.
Earlier this year, the LPGA announced two new tournament title sponsors: RR Donnelley for the inaugural Founders Cup (won by LPGA Tour legend Karrie Webb in March)
For the Love of the Fans: Paula Creamer
I entered the sport very late in my life (I am an avid amateur player in another sport for most of my life), but have to say that golf has been kind to me because I thoroughly enjoy the game and all of its life aspects. Watching the KIA Classic yesterday (Thursday, March 24), my first LPGA live watch experience, was a thrill for me -- more so because I got to meet so many stars. But unlike one who shall be nameless for her cold candor, there were so many others who smiled and shook hands, but none as this stellar player in particular who made such a tremendous dent in my good impression.
Unlike the former player I mentioned, the latter (a young lady, old enough to be my daughter), still managed to come out to greet the fans and finish signing each and every souvenir item, despite having ended with a not-so-good round. A fan from behind me asked her to stay and keep on signing, to which she responded, "Don't worry -- I'm not going anywhere."
Paula Creamer, if you're reading this, you are a great ambassador for the LPGA and I (and am sure countless of other fans) are grateful for your wonderful nature. I am glad you don't take golf home with you at the end of the day.
Yes, please "don't go anywhere" -- but while you continue to strive to compete and excel in only your very best at the end of each golfing day, you are still a wonderful human being and I thank you for not going "anywhere", but only that of staying within yourself.
Thanks again, and please thank your mom for me, too. I'm happy for her as she must really be very proud of you. May the heavens continue to bless your heart with all my best wishes and more power to you, Paula!
~ Zaida Tandoc of Torrance, California
If you have a positive story to tell, feel free to email it to feedback@lpga.com and it will be posted in the For the Love of the Fans section. Read more stories like this one here>>
Becky Brewerton - Rookie Blog Two
What an exciting few weeks it has been on both the LPGA and LET. I had my eyes glued with envy on all those players competing in the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, the Kia Classic, and of course at the Kraft Nabisco Championship! Kraft especially bought back some great memories for me from last year where, for a short time, I held the lead in round one, starting with a 3-under-par 69. That was one of the best moments I've had in my career. I'm sure you will hear many players say over the years that the walk up 18 is the best in Golf, and they are so right! Even on Thursday afternoon the cheers were loud for an unknown Welsh girl, so I can only imagine what its like in the final group on Sunday. Hopefully that will be me one day. So, as you can imagine, watching all those events from afar was tough, and took me back many times to some of the silly shots I threw away at Q-School. Without those, perhaps I would have been there, but you can't allow yourself to think like that for too long or you would drive yourself totally crazy!! I had an LET event in Morocco last week. It was my first time there and it was a great experience. The golf course was actually one of the narrowest I'd ever played, so you really needed to be on top of your game - especially from the tee - as there was always a lot of trouble lurking! I had a pretty solid week and tied for 5th place in the end. I was slightly disappointed that I hadn't managed to really push the leaders on the final day. Although I was 12 shots behind at the start of play, I managed to get back within 3 after a good 68 to finish, so I guess you can't be too unhappy with that! Looking ahead, I now have a few weeks of practice in Spain coming up, and a very special week at the European Nations Cup in Alicante next week! It will be great to see Christina Kim and Brittany Lincicome representing the USA, and I really think they are going to be the team to beat that week! Keep your eye out on twitter for Christina updates on how the event is going. I will also be tweeting updates on team Wales, so hopefully we have some good news to let you all know about! At some stage it will be nice to finally make my debut on tour as a rookie, so fingers crossed, I may be lucky enough to make it into an event soon! Please keep your fingers crossed for me!!
Learn more about Becky Brewerton >>
Read more 2011 Rookie Blogs >>
The copyrighted content contained on this blog reflects the sole opinion(s) of the author. Such content does not necessarily represent the LPGA's views, opinions, intentions, and/or strategies, and is intended for informational or amusement purposes only.
Solheim Cup Hopefuls Get Warm Up at European Nations Cup
A dozen or so Solheim Cup hopefuls are participating in this week's European Nations Cup on the Ladies European Tour. The team aspect of this event can used a nice warm up for the 2011 Solheim Cup being held September 23-25 at Killeen Castle in Ireland.
“I am a fierce competitor. It's a little different here because it's not match play,” said U.S. Team representative Christina Kim.
Kim's U.S. teammate Brittany Lincicome added: “I'm very excited. We don't get to play these team competitions that often, so it's nice to be in Spain first of all and then to be playing a team competition. I'm really looking forward to it. The weather is going to be perfect and the golf course is beautiful. It should be a fun time.”
The event takes place over four rounds from Thursday to Sunday. There will be two rounds of best ball on Thursday and Saturday and two rounds of Valencian Cup format, which is a variation on Greensomes, on Friday and Sunday.
Last year, the Swedish pair of Anna Nordqvist and Sophie Gustafson lifted the trophy and they have returned as the favourites.
The Americans are also in good form, particularly Lincicome who has played in five events on the US LPGA Tour with a season best tie for second at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup.
“I've been playing very well. I've played three weeks in a row these past three weeks so it's nice to keep it going because we have this tournament when we're going to have three weeks off in the States,” Lincicome, the 2009 Kraft Nabisco Champion, explained.
“The course isn't very long so hopefully I'll get on the green in two on the par fives and see if we can make some eagles. It will be good to feed off each other's energy and have a partner that will be there to help you.
“There's a lot of really good players here so it just depends on who can feed off each other and birdie the right holes and see how many under par we can go. Everybody here is great and they are all great golfers so it's going to be very tough.”
For more information visit www.LadiesEuropeanTour.com.
Teams in the field: (LPGA members in italics)
Australia Katherine Hull Karen Lunn
Austria Nicole Gergely Stefanie Michl
Denmark Malene Jorgensen Iben Tinning
England Laura Davies Melissa Reid
Spain Maria Hernandez Azahara Muñoz
Finland Jenni Kuosa Ursula Wikstrom
France Karine Icher Virginie Lagoutte-Clement
Germany Caroline Masson Anja Monke
Ireland Rebecca Codd Martina Gillen
Italy Giulia Sergas Veronica Zorzi
Netherlands Christel Boeljon Dewi Claire Schreefel
Norway Cecilie Lundgreen Caroline Martens
Russia Anastasia Kostina Maria Verchenova
Scotland Vikki Laing Catriona Matthew
Sweden Sophie Gustafson A
Creamer joins Golf Channel in TV booth at Kia Classic
After her second round at the Kia Classic, Paula Creamer joined Judy Rankin and Tom Abbott in the Golf Channel booth. They all looked back at her win at the 2010 U.S. Women's Open and flying in an F16 to celebrate the win. Creamer also talked about her goals for 2010.
Top 10 Are In: World's Best Coming to Mobile for the Avnet LPGA Classic
Mobile, AL -April 8, 2011 -The Top 10 LPGA players in the world are heading to Mobile for the Avnet LPGA Classic. With the recent addition of Michelle Wie, the top players in the world are officially coming. They include:
Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings -
All are currently in the Avnet LPGA Classic field
Yani Tseng
Jiyai Shin
Cristie Kerr
Na Yeon Choi
Suzann Pettersen
Ai Miyazato
I.K. Kim
Karrie Webb
Michelle Wie
Paula Creamer
"As the sole LPGA event in April, we anticipated a strong field," said Jonathan Romeo, tournament director. "We were absolutely delighted with the field and look forward to welcoming a new sponsor to this year's event - Avnet. After a massive Crossings course redesign, the Avnet LPGA Classic will be held at Mobile's Magnolia Grove from April 27 to May 1, 2011."
Last May, Se Ri Pak of South Korea won the 2010 BellMicro LPGA Classic in Mobile. Between the strong global field and Avnet as the sponsor, this is truly an international event. Avnet is a global technology distributor and has more than 300 locations worldwide with sales in over 70 countries. The company acquired BellMicro in 2010.
"Spring will be an ideal time to showcase the Crossings course," said John Cannon, president of Sunbelt Golf, which oversees the RTJ Golf Trail. "The course has had even more time to mature and we are looking forward to seeing how reigning champion Se Ri Pak and the other LPGA players will perform on the Crossings Course. For players, sponsors and fans, the new date after Easter should be ideal. With spring weather, fresh seafood and blooming azaleas, Mobile is spectacular in the spring and we look forward to welcoming Avnet, the players and the LPGA fans."
Tickets are already on sale for the Avnet LPGA Classic. To learn more, visit www.avnetlpgaclassic.com or see us on Facebook and Twitter. Several volunteer opportunities are still available and are showcased at www.avnetlpgaclassic.com. For information on the RTJ Golf Trail, visit www.rtjgolf.com.
Lewis celebrates win at University of Arkansas
Once Stacy Lewis made it back home to Arkansas after winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship, she had a press conference with the local media. Lewis talked about getting the monkey off her back with her first win, what she has worked on with her new swing coach, and about the win itself. Lewis also had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch and "Call the Hogs" at a University of Arkansas baseball game.
Paula Creamer spotted at the Masters
What do LPGA Tour players do on an off week? Well this off week Paula Creamer headed to the Masters in Augusta, Ga. Creamer was spotted walking outside the ropes as a spectator.
Quick 18 with Karine Icher - 2011
1. Tell me something most people don't know about you?
I'm gonna be a Mum in August!!
2. What would you like to do for a living if you are not a pro golfer?
Doctor.
3. If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
NASA Astronaut.
4. Is there anything you're addicted to? Or can't live without?
Internet.
5. Is there anything you won't eat?
Raw butter and spicy food.
6. What is one thing you have done and would never want to do again?
Q-School.
7. What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date?
Having a husband and a baby on the way.
8. Is there a song that you like to sing when no one is around like in the car or the shower?
No, I never sing.
9. Who would be in your dream foursome?
Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods, John Daly.
10. What is your favorite activity you do when you want to relax?
Shopping.
11. What is your favorite time of year?
Christmas.
12. Favorite quote or saying?
"If you want it, you'll do it."
13. What beauty product can you not live without?
Night cream.
14. What is your favorite store to shop in and why?
Millennia Mall in Orlando because of all the famous brands there and less tourists!!
15. Do you have a favorite TV commercial?
Coca-Cola.
16. What is one item of clothing you couldn't live without?
Bra!! Definitely can't be without!!
17. Name one thing you always keep stocked in your refrigerator?
Bonne Maman Jelly.
18. What invention do you wish you had thought of?
A time machine.
Jennifer Song - Rookie Blog Two
It's already been couple of weeks that I've actually been on the LPGA Tour. So far I'm enjoying it a lot, but it would have been wonderful if I was playing in the Kraft Nabisco Championship. I have great memories of playing in the Kraft event last year as an amateur and always try to reminisce the moment when I received the Amateur award while Yani Tseng was being awarded with her winning Major trophy. It was an inspiring and mind-shaking experience for me, since I was able to witness closely the moment that all players dream of, the 'jumping into the pond.' Back then, from an amateur's perspective, when Yani jumped into the pond, I got chills down my spine when I saw the splashing of water. I felt a bigger driving force and determination then ever in my life. I told myself, "One day, when I become a Professional golfer, I'll be the one jumping in the water..." Clearly that time hasn't come to me yet, and of course I am just a rookie giving her best to work her way up to the top. I just have to be patient, stay positive, and give my whole heart to this game!
I've only played in three official LPGA events so far, but I feel I have already learned a great deal from other veteran players and have met with so many delightful people out on the field. I know I have so much more to learn, but as of now, I am just overly grateful for being able to take part in this LPGA stage!
Everyday I wake up and find myself craving competition and I get out of my bed wanting to be out in my green office ASAP. Some days I may be tired from traveling so much and doing the same routinely practices, but what makes golf so special to me is that you can hit any type of shot - there is no specific blueprint that you need to follow along. You just simply get the ball in the hole.
I think this is why so many golfers are out here working so hard. You feel that tingle of anticipation when you flush that ball into the hole and you see all your devotions that you've put in golf come back in return... :)
Now I have three weeks off until the next game. I'll just sit tight and tune my game! See you guys out at Alabama!
On Other Tours: O'Toole wins on LPGA Futures Tour
O'Toole Hangs On To Win Santorini Riviera Nayarit Classic
NUEVO VALLARTA, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, April 10, 2011 - California's Ryann O'Toole held off some stiff competition on the final holes today to win the $125,000 Santorini Riviera Nayarit Classic presented by Pepsi.
The third-year pro started today's final round tied for tenth, four shots off the lead, but she carded a bogey-free finish with six birdies to post a winning score of 8-under 211 at El Tigre Golf & Country Club.
The former UCLA collegian held off Dawn Shockley (69) of Estes Park, Colorado and childhood friend Nicole Smith (69) of Riverside, California, who tied for second at 7-under 212. Shockley's birdie attempt to force a tie lipped out on the 18th hole, while Smith took bogey on the final green.
"It's just nice to get the season off to a great start," said O'Toole, 24, of San Clemente, California, who earned her third career LPGA Futures Tour title with today's win. "Dawn and I were going head-to-head in the same group all day and I knew I had to bring 100 percent of my game."
Shockley, a second-year pro out of the University of Denver, also came to play and rattled off an eagle-3 on the fifth hole, followed by three consecutive birdies. But O'Toole answered with a birdie from 40 feet on No. 5, another birdie from 35 feet from off the green on No. 6, and a 20-foot birdie on the ninth hole.
"She putted awesome today," said Shockley, of O'Toole's performance. "I was playing well, but Ryann drained two long birdie putts on top of mine. What can you do about that?"
Like her old pal from Southern California junior golf, Smith brought her mighty tee shots to El Tigre today and charged up the leaderboard on the back nine with birdies on four of her last seven holes. Smith picked up momentum on the homestretch with a 15-foot birdie on the 16th, and added another birdie on 17 from 12 feet to tie O'Toole at eight under.
But an untimely pushed tee shot into the right rough on the final hole forced Smith to punch out and try to salvage her share of the lead. The former University of Tennessee player could not convert her tricky 40-foot par putt, dropping a stroke on the final green after a day in which she hit 17 greens in regulation and missed only two fairways.
"I knew Ryann was going to shoot something like five under today and I knew I had to do the same," said Smith, who met O'Toole in a junior tournament when they were 12 years old. "This is bittersweet, especially to lose because of a poor drive, but if I can't win, I'd rather have my best friend finish in front of me."
O'Toole credited patience for today's win, saying that after losing shots late on the previous two days, she came into the final round with a more conservative approach on the par-73 course.
"I've been silly going for pins that weren't accessible, so today, I played it safe, didn't press, and it paid off," said O'Toole, who hit 15 greens and 12 fairways in regulation and needed only 28 putts. "Sometimes I just want to go for every flag, so I've had to learn that it's not always smart."
O'Toole's prize check of $17,500 moved her from No. 21 to first on the LPGA Futures Tour's 2011 money list after the tour's third tournament.
For scores and more information, visit lpgafuturestour.com.
Avnet Electronics Marketing Selects Charities of Choice for Avnet LPGA Classic
Avnet Electronics Marketing Selects Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and Wounded Warrior Project® as Charities of Choice for Avnet LPGA Classic
PHOENIX - April 8, 2011 - Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas, title sponsor of the 2011 Avnet LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Classic, has chosen the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Wounded Warrior Project as their charities of choice for the Avnet Classic. The two charities will be the recipients of a combined donation of approximately $2.8 million worth of television and print advertising. This donation gives each organization the much needed opportunity to raise awareness for their respective causes. Each television spot started running in March on all Raycom Media stations across the country. They also will run during the Golf Channel's coverage of the Avnet LPGA Classic - April 27 to May 1, 2011, on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Mobile, Alabama. The print advertisements are running in Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. papers across the country.
"Both of these organizations do vital work in the community - one focused on raising breast cancer awareness, and the other in providing financial support for our returning soldiers. Avnet values that work," said Ed Smith, president of Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas. "With this donation, we hope their causes can reach a wider audience and share their stories of inspiration and hope."
"When someone in the world dies of breast cancer every 69 seconds, it's critical to reach as many people as possible with information that could save their lives," said Leslie Aun, vice president of marketing and communications at Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "Avnet's generous donation of advertising space will help us share these important messages with millions."
"We are very grateful for the opportunity that Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas is providing to Wounded Warrior Project," said Adam Silva, chief development officer for Wounded Warrior Project. "It is because of generous and engaged organizations like Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas that we are able to reach warriors throughout the country; we are proud to have them join us in our mission of honoring and empowering warriors."
To donate or find out more about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, visit http://ww5.komen.org/ or to donate or find out more about Wounded Warrior Project, visit woundedwarriorproject.org. For more on the Avnet LPGA Classic, visit www.avnetlpgaclassic.com.
For the Love of the Fans: Natalie Gulbis
Steve and his granddaughter Madeline attended the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup
As Thomas Quinlan, President of RR Donnelley, parked his golf cart by the 18th green, he put his arm around a small girl (who was with her grandpa, Steve) and asked her to putt for them. He said that if she made the putt they would win. The player in the group was Natalie Gulbis.
"This made our trip to the LPGA a lifetime experience," said Steve. Madeline and I went back out there on Sunday for the finish, and all Maddie wanted to do was find Natalie and follow her along as she played. We also had loads of fun on the putting green and driving range where all the kids' activities were happening. The LPGA event was fun and exciting for everyone!
LaCrosse Returns To Mexico To Defend LPGA Futures Tour Title
Defending champion Cindy Lacrosse of Tampa, Florida returns to El Tigre Golf & Country Club to defend her title at this week's Santorini Riviera Nayarit Classic.
The event is the LPGA Futures Tour's third tournament in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico.
LaCrosse finished the 2010 season on the Futures Tour as the top money winner and as the 2010 Player of the Year, earning full 2011 LPGA Tour status. Her win in Mexico was her first professional victory of three tournament wins last year.
The Santorini Riviera Nayarit Classic will feature a purse of $125,000, with a cash prize of $17,500 and $12,500 for the runner-up. The tournament will be contested over 54 holes (three rounds) in a stroke-play format.
In addition to LaCrosse, five top-10 finishers from the 2010 tournament in Mexico will be in the field. They are: 3rd - Chelsea Curtis of New Seabury, Massachusetts; tie for 4th - Hannah Jun San Diego; 6th - Jane Rah of Torrance, California; and Mallory Blackwelder of Versailles, Kentucky, Esther Choe of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Adrienne White of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, who all tied for ninth.
LPGA Futures Tour professionals in the tournament field who are natives of Mexico are: Lili Alvarez of Durango; Ani Carrillo of Guadalajara; Tanya Dergal of Durango; Marcela Leon of Monterrey; Pamela Ontiveros of Gomez Palacio; and Sophia Sheridan of Guadalajara.
This week's Santorini Riviera Nayarit Classic is the LPGA Futures Tour's only event held outside the United States.
Jaclyn Sweeney - Rookie Blog Two
Right now I am on a plane heading from Casablanca, Morocco, back to JFK, New York City. I just completed my first Ladies European Tour Event (not including the Australian and New Zealand events) in Adagir, Morocco. My trip did not start off quiet right since my bags decided to stay an extra day in New York before being "rushed delivered" to the hotel the next day.
- First lesson learned as a rookie: always pack some golf clothing in your carry on! Luckily, I packed a pair of shoes, hats, gloves, and a dozen golf balls - but no clubs!
After receiving my clubs I had multiple practice rounds to get used to the greens, the fairways, and the conditions. In addition, I had to get use to speaking slowly and using my hands to try and communicate with the staff at the golf course. All I have to say is that their English is a lot better then my French or Arabic! I have grown to have a lot of respect for the European Tour players and the LET staff for being able to speak and understand multiple languages.
- First rookie goal of the year: learn how to at least say "hello, how are you, and thank you" in all the countries I am playing in!
The tournament was amazing. It was put on by the LET in conjunction with the Royal Golf Association of Morocco. We had perfect weather for all four days - a little warm at some points, but for the most part it was good. My dad, who is traveling with me for the first few events over in Europe (my mom might be joining me for a few as well), encouraged me to venture outside the hotel into downtown Adagir. Adagir is right on the coast of Morocco and is mainly a tourist area. The golf course, which the players got shuttled to, was more inland and near the King's Palace. I played solid for two rounds and had a little trouble in the opening and third rounds of the tournament. At the end of the week, I finished 25th and gained a lot of knowledge on how the tournaments are run and what to expect this year.
After the tournament was over, I had an extra day to explore Adagir and lay out by the pool to try to even out the amazing golf tan lines that I have acquired over the past month. I ended up going into town, looking through local markets, and riding a camel! Trust me - this is something I never thought I would do! It was an incredible experience and something I would definitely recommend to anyone who has the opportunity. It was a lot like riding a horse, but a little slower. They make funny noises when they want to communicate to each other. They stick their tongue out and make a high humming sound.
Overall it was a great tournament! I am looking forward to heading back to Florida and then out to The First Tee of Phoenix to do a clinic.
Hope everyone is having a great start to there month of April, I cannot believe how fast time is flying, it seems just like yesterday that it was January and I was waiting to start my season!
xoxo
Jackie
P.S. check out my camel Scobiedo, I think he might was an endorsement from TaylorMade! :-)
My Favorite Things: Karrie Webb
What are Karrie Webb's favorite things? Did you know that she loves reading James Patterson books and eating Tim Tams? Karrie also loves drinking red wine and watching her favorite sport's teams. See all of Karrie's favorite things below.