Golfgal

Carling Coffing is the Big Break Sandals Champion!

2010-08-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

And rightly so!

The old adage, "Drive for show; Putt for Dough!" certainly rang true on those 18 holes. Lili said it best, "Carling was a putting machine!" Wow!

What a perfect ending to probably my favorite Big Break of all time. Lili is certainly a great player and I feel badly for her that she won't be able to play in Lorena's tournament, but Carling is a well deserving champion. I'm so happy she was open to my interviews every week.

People always ask me if I know who will win. I never do. I pick some names based on reading their bios and watching their videos on Golf Channel. If my choices are eliminated, I add more to the mix. I did try to talk to Lili right at the beginning, but could never connect with her. Too bad. But at least I wasn't really torn between contestants last night. It made it a bit easier.

This Big Break had just the right about of drama, without going over the top like some others (Ka'anapali & Michigan come to mind). I liked how they introduced Send/Save as well, but it would have been more interesting to have someone "sent". Yes, I do have a nasty side from time to time.

The only thing I missed was the wall shot. Not sure why they took that out of the show, but it was always fun to watch the contestants try and flop it.

Carling is having a crazy busy day today after her win, but she was kind enough to squeeze me into her busy schedule. She's that kinda golfgal. Not all other winners have done that in the past. Thanks Carling!

Well, Carling, you should publish that drill book - I'll be your first customer!

Caught up with Sara Brown in Florida this week while she was having fun with her college buddies. Oh to be young again! She shared her thoughts on the final show and how excited she is about being part of Big Break Dominican Republic.

Earlier this week, I invited one of my readers, Bluefalcon, to provide a pre-show commentary on the blog. I am pleased to offer you his post-episode comments here (could never fit this into Blogger's commenting window :)). These are his comments...we don't always agree, but I sure do appreciate where he's coming from...

The best season in BB history came to an end on Monday night with the "Big Break Sandals Resorts" finale, and while I wouldn't call it an epic or classic finale, it was definitely intriguing and compelling.

From the very beginning, I felt that Carling Coffing had an advantage over her playing competitor, Lili Alvarez. In the pre-match interview, Lili was talking about how she was thinking about her friends, family, the Lorena Ochoa Invitational-one of the tournament exemptions on offer-so clearly she was thinking about things other than playing Carling. Carling, on the other hand, was focused on what was directly in front of her; winning the match. Even when Paul the Butler was wishing the ladies luck, Carling was relaxed and calm, while Lili looked grim and distracted.

When the format for the event was announced as match play, I immediately felt that Carling would have an advantage. Why? Something Lili said previously about Carling being the type of player-I'm paraphrasing here-who would just par and par and par you to death. That's the type of player who can do well in a match play environment.

Game on! All square thru 1 as Carling's putt burns the edge of the hole. On hole 2, Carling dunks her tee shot. Lili takes advantage. Lili 1up thru 2.

On Hole 3, Lili gets lucky while Carling finds the sand. However, Carling would prove to be strong out of the bunker, and even better on the greens, while Lili's putter started cold and would barely break lukewarm the rest of the way. This was the first signs of cracks in Lili's armor, as she was clearly frustrated and cursing after missing a putt. That, sadly for Lili, was a harbinger of things to come.

Holes 5-6, Carling striping her irons and wedges, the hole looking to Lili like the circumference of the eye of a needle. Both ladies in the hazard at 7, first Lili, then Carling followed her in. Another example of Lili pressing off the tee. Neither capitilized on the other's mistakes. However, Carling was being helped by a hot putter. Lili, being hurt by her cold one. AS thru 9.

Hole 10, Lili with another huge mistake, opening the door for CC rider-I'm dating myself there-but Lili FINALLY! makes a putt. AS.

Both stumble at 11. Carling calls upon the Short Game Doctor from the bunker, but sadly, all she gets is a first year intern. Lili finally seems to be getting momentum. Lili 1 up thru 11. First time Carling is panicking.

Lili makes ANOTHER mistake at 12. WTF, Lili?! Carling's similarly off line. However, for the first time, Lili's approach shot is butter! But once again, Lili can't make a putt to save her life! Carling also can't get it done.

Carling with a LASER at 13! Lili trying to convince us-and herself-that she's okay. In fact, she's not. Lili still has an arctic putter. Carling with the dagger at 13! This, to me, was the story of the match. Carling's putter was hotter than July; Lili's was frigid as December in New York.

Lili tries to apply tourniquet on 15. Still bleeding profusely after another horrible tee shot. Carling plays smart, but muffs her approach to a side hill lie. Lili sticks her approach, but once again, the putter is not on Lili's side. Carling lets her off the hook, however.

Lili on 16, off the rocks, into the fairway, nothing but net. Carling again, can't take advantage; makes poor shot of her own. Lili makes adequate approach, but again, Carling fails to walk through open door. Lili mentions if her game continues like this as a pro, she may be retired by 31. (Lorena Ochoa retired at 28; if Lili continues to play like this, she may be out at 28 as well!) However, Lili does staunch the bleeding a bit on the green.

Lili strikes with lightning's hand at 17. Carling can't do same. However, Carling drops a dime from 25 feet! Way to go, Carling! Once again, the story of the match is Lili's putter failing her yet again.

Penultimate hole. Lili makes yet another MASSIVE blunder, hitting her ball behind a small tree. Stick a fork in Lili, she's done! Not quite. Carling's approach not her best shot, but not bad. Lili gets out of jail with great shot. However, again, the putter-the one club where nerves and emotions can have a negative effect-is Lili's anathema. Carling WINS! Congratulations to both ladies, Lili for being classy all the way through and Carling for earning a hard fought win.

While I admittedly have issues with some of Carling's actions-Gayle and I clearly disagree on this issue-Carling is certainly a deserving winner and has the kind of personality which will serve her well wherever she goes and whatever she does.

This was by far the best "Big Break" season for me, in no small part because this was the most physically attractive cast in series history; there was a swimsuit calendar made with the cast of "Big Break 5, Hawaii". Frankly, this would have been a better cast to do that with. Sadly, that doesn't seem to be the case. Another reason for enjoying this season: a lack of on-camera drama.

Haha...Bluefalcon, blue through and through (assuming blue is for boys and pink for us golfgals). Thanks so much for putting so much thought and effort into this!

So Sept 29th we start the drama all over again with Big Break DR. Who should I interview on that show? Here's the cast (I've bolded the ones I've interviewed during past shows - it will be great to reconnect with them, but please not after every show!).

Andrew Giuliani (New York, N.Y. – Big Break Disney Golf)

David Mobley (Charlotte, N.C. – Big Break Michigan)

Blake Moore (Denver, Colo. – Big Break Disney Golf)

Anthony Rodriguez (San Antonio, Texas – Big Break Mesquite)

Brian Skatell (Greensburg, Pa. – Big Break Prince Edward Island)

William “Football” Thompson (Bracey, Va. – Big Break Prince Edward Island)

Lori Atsedes (Orlando, Fla. – Big Break Ka’anapali)

Sara Brown (Tucson, Ariz. – Big Break Sandals Resorts)

Christina Lecuyer (Conway, Ark. – Big Break Ka’anapali)

Brenda McLarnon (Charleston, S.C. – Big Break Prince Edward Island)

Blair O’Neal (Scottsdale, Ariz. – Big Break Prince Edward Island)

Elena Robles (Redondo Beach, Calif. – Big Break Sandals Resorts)

Check out the preview trailer. Looks like a very "dramatic" series ;)

Stay tuned for a preview post!

Golfgal

Bluefalcon previews the Big Break Sandals Resorts finale

2010-08-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

This is the first time ever that I have invited a reader of this blog to contribute their thoughts on a Big Break series outside of normal comments, and I am so glad that I did.

In the last couple of weeks, I have enjoyed the comments from Bluefalcon from New York on my Big Break Sandals posts and believe his insights and commentary will add a lot to the finale epsiode. So here's his analysis of the two finalists...

It started with eleven, and ends with two. After 10 weeks-of TV time-and frequent alternations of excitement and heartbreak, the best season of Golf Channel's Big Break series, "Big Break Sandals Resorts" concludes with two women,

Lili Alvarez and Carling Coffing, dueling it out for the title and the largesse that comes with it. Both are deserving of their spot in the finals; both have won immunity, both have gone to elimiations multiple times and both have come out intact. Now, however, only one with emerge victorious. Below is a thumbnail sketch of both combatants.

Lili Alvarez. Lili's game can be summed up in three words; Pasion y Poder. Passion and Power. Lili's fiery demeanor serves her well on the golf course, she's very much a player who plays with emotion. Lili is long off the tee, longer than Carling, but she hasn't been quite as consistent with the short irons and wedges as Carling has been. There is also the Sword of Damacles that has been hanging over Lili from the beginning of this contest: one of the prizes on offer to the winner of the competiton, an exemption in the 2010 Lorena Ochoa Invitational. Lili wants this badly, and at times, she has been distracted from the task at hand because of it. One big key for Lili to win is staying in the moment. She's gotten away with losing focus so far; with so much on the line now, Lili may not have the leeway to be distracted this time.

Carling Coffing. While Carling has done things that I have found royally irritating-the Birdie Dance, the stalking her fellow competitors after winning the Save/Send card-she has also done a lot of endearing things, not the least of which is playing well. Carling isn't as long as Lili off the tee, but she can hang. What Carling does very well, however, is produce with her short irons and wedges. She's been deadly all tournament with them. However, she has also made more mistakes than Lili has. But, Carling has one other advantage. She is not as emotionally attached to the prizes as Lili is. That could be very big in her favor.

Prediction: I'm going to cop out and not make one. There are simply too many variables-the course, the weather, motivation,handling pressure-to make a fair prediction. However, whichever woman wins will be a deserving winner. All that's left for me to say is play well and let the best woman win.

Bluefalon, NY

Hey, I think that says it all (although I do like Carling's birdie dance ;)). Thank you so much Bluefalcon for setting tonight's stage for us.

I guess we'll know in just a few hours who wins BB Sandals. Both women are already winners in my mind. It's really down to who takes home the prize. But whoever it is, she will deserve it!

Golfgal

Bring women's golf back to Arizona & fill the Q-school gap

2010-08-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

Did you know there hasn't been a professional women's golf event in Arizona since 2002?

Arizona lost the Tucson LPGA event a few years ago and the Phoenix event this year. Nothing has replaced them. How can that be? Arizona is like golf mecca for goodness sake! Where are the ladies??!!

It's such a sad state of affairs...

But thankfully, people like Mike Brown (AKA Sara Brown of Big Break Sandals' dad) and Bruce Condon of the Cactus Tour decided to do something about it. They formed a new tournament -- the Arizona Women's Open.

I had the opportunity to chat Mike about why he chose now to insert this new event into the ladies' fall series and what it was all about...

Mike Brown: Well, why we are doing it now is very simple. There's no place for women to play between the two stages of LPGA Q-School, for any sizable purse. There's nothing. You go to first stage either in Arizona or Florida and get out, and then you've got this big break – no pun intended – where there's just nothing.

So I've been thinking about it, and I talked to Bruce Condon who's been running the Cactus Tour up in Phoenix. We got together and decided to create the Arizona Women’s Open – a professional event between the 1st stage of the LPGA Q-School and the final stage LPGA Q-School; the timing is perfect.

Golfgal: Are there other Opens out there for women that are good?

Mike Brown: There are a couple of really good state Opens in the country that I'm aware of. Not that any of them are bad, but the Colorado Women's Open is probably the best that I've seen. The Michigan Women's Open is a very good one.

Lori Atsedes (from Big Break Ka’anapali) runs the Florida Women's Open. She does it the week before the first Duramed event in Florida.

Golfgal: Where and when will The Arizona Women's Open be held?

Mike Brown: We chose the Red course at the Wigwam Resort in the West Valley, October 19-21, 2010.

Golfgal: So who’s eligible to play in the event - just pros?

Mike Brown: It's a true Open with the professionals having priority up until the second or third week of September. But amateurs are invited; we'll take anybody. The charity we’ve chosen for this event is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Golfgal: So what kind of response have you gotten so far -- one, in terms of sponsorship, and, two, in terms of players signing up?

Mike Brown: Well, it's been interesting. Bruce is the Operations Guy and I'm the Mouth [Don't you laugh at me! ;) ] That time of year he has traditionally 20 to 30 Cactus Tour players that sign up anyway, and so he's thinking nothing less on that.

Our goal is to raise $50,000 so we can have a sizable purse that attracts the higher caliber players.

What's interesting is that most of the money that I have raised is from people that have no investment in golf. I had a fellow in Kentucky that has literally no vested interest in golf [he has helped high schools before], and he said, "I like what you're doing. Here's a grand."

The suppliers have said no. And it's like, "Well, you know, the economy." And I'm thinking, we have no women's golf in Arizona! Our goal is only a $50,000 purse. Even in this economy, that is not a lot of money.

I need ten people that can come up with $5,000. I already have one $5,000 contribution.

Golfgal: So what’s next?

Mike Brown: We're just trying to get the word out to as many people as we can. I can get it out to the Duramed players; Bruce can get it out to all the Cactus Tour players. I'm talking to anybody that has anything to do with women's golf.

And…we're still taking donations.

ARIZONA WOMEN’S OPEN SPONSOR LEVELS:

$1,000 Tees (each) 1 thru 18 (1 sign)

$1,000 #9 or #18 Green (1 sign)

$2,000 Putting Green (2 or 3 signs)

$2,000 Driving Range (2 or 3 signs)

$3,000 Clubhouse (2 or 3 signs)

$4,000 Scoreboard (2 signs)

$5,000 Corporate (banner + signs)

$10,00+ +Title Sponsor (banner and everything else)

All sponsors will be listed on the Tournament and Cactus Tour websites with their company link. They will also be on FaceBook and Twitter pages.

Well, there you have it. It's good to see people like Mike and Bruce stepping up for Women's Golf! Isn't it your turn?

If you would like to donate to this event (No gift is too small!) check out the Arizona Women’s Open page on Facebook or make out a check to:

2010 Arizona Womens Open

and send it to:

The Cactus Tour
884 S. Brentwood Place
Chandler, AZ 85224

Golfgal

Big Break Sandals 9: Sara said it best - "Elimination Sucks!"

2010-08-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

Remember when long drive champion Jamie Sadlowski visited the Big Break set? And remember what Sara did that day? She drove her ball over 270 yards! From that point on, everyone thought Sara's long game was rock solid.

But last night Sara faced a bit of a landslide with her driver. Everyone who golfs knows what that feels like. And everyone knows that when your favorite club fails you, it really hurts. But having it turn on you in an elimination challenge...Well, that just sucks!

Sara has been fun to chat with in my weekly BB interviews and a joy to watch on TV. I have had the pleasure of watching Sara play live at our Canadian Tour events in Vancouver and I have no doubt that Sara will make it to the LPGA, with or without the Big Break.

Sara, I look forward to calling you to congratulate you on getting your tour card. I am sure it will be sooner rather than later. You go girl!

Carling provided her typically entertaining interview this week, including inside information we didn't see on TV. I love that!

Will try and catch up with Sara this week to get her final thoughts on the show and what's next for her in her golf career. Stay tuned...

Golfgal

Big Break Sandals 8: Taryn Takes a Tumble

2010-08-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

I always hate it when the contestants I've come to know and interview finally take the walk on the Big Break. I never know when, or if, it will happen, but when you interview 3 ladies every week, you know for sure at least 2 of them will be in this position at some point.

Taryn was given two "Saves" by other contestants during the series and that might make one think that her game was not up to the level of some of the other players.

But that "one" would be wrong. Let's not forget that Taryn is the only contestant to play in a Major - she qualified as an amateur for the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open in Pinehurst. And she was a tough cookie in the previous elimination challenges she found herself in. She's no pushover!

Taryn certainly showed class, style and talent through her 8 episodes and she will be missed going into the final 2 shows by me and all her fans.

I spoke with Carling (Aquawoman) this week about Lili's immunity, her water shot, rock shot and Sara's self-imposed penalty. It was certainly a exciting episode and Carling had lots to share about herself and fellow competitors...

Didn't get a chance to chat with Sara this week, but I did talk with her father about a great initiative he's involved with to support women's golf. Check back with me later this week on that.

Golfgal

For The Love of Golf

2010-08-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

In my writing and travels I have met a lot of interesting people including tour professionals, coaches, resort managers/directors and of course, passionate golfers.

At this year’s US Senior Men’s Open, that tradition continued, where I was delighted to meet a fellow golf fan who not only loves the game, but lives and breathes it too – Mark Fennell from Washington State.

Mark was working the leader board at the 8th hole where I was standing waiting for players to arrive. We started chatting. I discovered that Mark wasn’t a stranger to volunteering at professional golf tournaments (this was his 25th in the last ~20 years). I thought that was amazing, but then he went on to tell me that there are many volunteers with longer records than his. Wow!

I learned a lot about the events he’s worked, but what really got my attention was his unabashed passion for the game.

Check out these photos of his office – do you think he ever gets any work done?

When he’s tired of staring at all the golf memorabilia, he heads home in his PGA Tour mobile…

…to a little piece of golf heaven right in his own backyard.

Mark (who’s email address is pgatour@***) admits that his obsession with golf may be a bit over the top…

“I still don’t know if I have crossed the line with the property that I have, the license plate and email address. Even my golf bag which I bought on eBay has PGATour in big letters. I have a lot of PGA Tour branded clothing including shirts, shorts, socks, hats, and even a belt. Yeah, I don’t know if I’ve crossed that line, but I know I’m pushing it.”

Mark has two ponds, one big and one small in his backyard as well. He calls them water hazards. One is built on a slant, so he has railroad ties holding up part of it. He calls that his Pete Dye effect, given Dye’s reputation for using railway ties in his designs.

He also has a green where he put the flag right in the middle of a tall tree stump that’s about 3 feet in diameter. You’d have to pitch your ball 12 feet in the air to hole your putt on that green. I’m sure glad he’s not the greens keeper at my club!

Mark is the first to laugh at himself about his fervor for golf, but the man has competitive drive as well. “In my early 40s, I knew I was never going to make the PGA Tour, but then, I realized I can play with those old geezers out there. I’ve had the US Senior Men’s Open at Sahalee on my radar and calendar for at least five or six years now.”

Mark signed up for the qualifying event at Salem with high hopes, “Hey, somebody has to win the event; why not me? Going in, I was reminded of the line in the Tom Cruise movie, Days of Thunder, where he says, ‘I’m not going any faster; they’re just going slower.’ I don’t have to shoot a great score; they just have to shoot worse than me. Who knows…you can get on a roll, and get a lucky bounce; you never know. Miracles have happened, just ask Al Michaels. “

Mark admits he did not play his best in Salem and so his dream of playing in the US Senior Men’s Open at Sahalee with his son (who is in the army stationed in Iraq) on the bag did not come to pass. But he still got inside-the-ropes at the Open as a volunteer – something even money couldn’t buy you at this year’s major.

Mark plans to volunteer at the US Open in San Francisco in 2012 and Chambers Bay in 2015. But what’s keeping him focused right now is qualifying again for next year’s Senior Men’s US Open and then the US Senior Amateur when he turns 55.

Mark, I wish you a ton of luck and hope to see you walking the fairways someday with your son caddying for you. Some may think your passion is a little “over the top”, but let me just say this, “Keep reaching higher Mark! I too believe in miracles.”

Golfgal

Big Break Sandals 7: Lovely Lady's Luck Runs Out

2010-08-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

Seema Sadekar, affectionately known as "Vegas" on the Big Break Sandals, will be remembered for many things during her 7 week appearance on the show, including a great shot on the 6th island green in episode 5, a fabulous wardrobe with lots of bling, and a run of good luck that baffled more than a few of us.

But unfortunately, that lovely lady ran out of luck this week.

Seema was very popular with the rest of the contestants, and one might think that she was considered less of a challenge. But one would be wrong. Seema is a talented golfer.

After graduating in 2007 and turning pro, Seema was the leading winner on the 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Tour. That tour is no cakewalk and you don't get the top spot without having some serious game.

She's currently ranked 6th on that tour and I am hoping to see her play in the CN Canadian Women's Open LPGA event at the end of August. Best of luck Seema!

While Lili, Seema and Sara were being blown over by wind on the golf course, Carling enjoyed a leisurely day at the spa with Taryn after winning immunity. It was fun to talk to her about this week's episode since she just saw what really happened for the first time last night.

Will try and connect with Sara and Taryn this week, so check back for those!

Golfgal

Big Break Sandals 6: From Sucking to Saving

2010-07-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

Well, this week's Big Break Sandals had some pretty hilarious moments. Imagine 9 women of that caliber not being able to hit a tee shot into the fairway at 200 yards.

I know it's nerve racking and it's not "real golf", but it sure made me LOL to see all of them miss - especially the former Big Break Champions! As Ashley so eloquently put it, "We all sucked!"

In the end, I think they all had a pretty good chuckle over it, except for Chris Brady. Chris struggled in this week's show in all parts of her game. Sometimes golf is like that. But that's not to say she's not a good player. Don't forget, she was the only contestant ever to get her LPGA card - she qualified for the 2008 season the hard way - through Q school.

I wonder what she'll do now. She had given up golf to work as a civil engineer in a construction firm, but saw the Big Break as her chance to relive her dream of being on the LPGA again. It would be a shame if she missed that opportunity because of one bad day.

But while Chris plans her future, Sara Brown is making plans to holiday on Turks and Caicos. Luck girl, or maybe, just darn talented!

Carling also enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in paradise after her teammate clenched immunity for her. Nice to see Carling and Sara on the same side this week. And I love the inside scoops Carling dishes out for me...

It's now officially nail-biting time. Only 5 players left. I wonder what surprises Golf Channel has in store for a finale.

Golfgal

Golf getaways aren't just for golfguys!

2010-07-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

I’ve been hearing about golf escapes for men for years, always feeling a twinge of envy when I read about the fun they have and lifetime memories they take away from their trips. I always wondered sadly why we never hear about getaways for golfgals. I figured it was just that women were too wrapped up in the daily grind of life and didn’t place enough value in weekend escapes to golf with their buddies.

But then I met Sue Daugulis and Ginny Golding -- two amazing women who taught me what GOLF really means.

Check out my 3 day adventure with Ginny, Sue and over 20 women at Talking Rock, Rivershore and the award winning Tobiano, where we played and partied like only golfgals can...

Can't wait to do it all again next year!

Golfgal

Big Break Sandals 5: Extraordinary Eagles and Exits

2010-07-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

Lots of WOW moments on this week's Big Break Sandals.

Wow, did you see Sara's eagle!

Wow, did Taryn really wiff on TV?

Wow, check out Taryn's amazing comeback 80 yard pitch to almost eagle out on that 479 yard par 5.

And WOW, did Ryann really get eliminated this week? Now THAT surprised me.

Ryann's long and strong and a great player. Hey, she's won two Duramed FUTURES Tour events this year already!

But in golf, even the best have bad days and it just wasn't in the cards for Ryann this week. I will be at the Canadian Women's Open this August and look forward to watching Ryann show her game there. She's already qualified. I can't wait to watch her in person.

Carling joined me again this week with her thoughts on the day and on the comments she heard for the first time from her competitors who were watching her swing her club and hips after nailing the playoff win...

They say that golf is a game of inches, but with Sara Brown, it's a game of 1/2 inches. Imagine what it was like going from missing immunity by a 1/2 inch to holing an eagle to avoid final elimination. Wow...what a day that girl had!

Taryn also had a pretty down, down and then waaaay up day on the island. Sometimes you wonder where they get the energy to keep plugging. Well, it sure paid off this week for Taryn. Find out what she thought over that 80 yard wedge shot on the final elimination against Ryann.

Well, next week looks like lots of fun and nostalgic too with BB champions returning. It would be great to see them really go head to head with the new ladies. Until then...

Golfgal

Big Break Sandals 4: Stacey Stumbles

2010-07-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Always sad to see someone leave the Big Break, but for a Canadian, it was particularly tough for me to watch Stacey take the walk.

I was just getting to know her with our first interview last week and then suddenly, she's gone. I hate it when that happens!

But I don't think she'll be forgotten. Stacey's "beach shot" in last week's show was pretty unforgettable. And doing in front of Greg Norman was pure icing on the cake.

But isn't it amazing how one day you can do no wrong and the next, nothing goes right?

Stacey could have used a little of Seema's incredible luck, but given all the little breaks that occurred on that show for others, it seems, as GC said, that luck just ran out for Stacey that day.

So sorry to see you go, Stacey,but I hope to see you at the LPGA's CN Women's Open in August.

Caught up with Carling this week to chat about the show and what it was like watching her good friend Stacey leave. And I had to ask about Seema's SAVE card (was it a plant?) and Chris' state of mind that day. What was that about? Luckily, Carling cleared up a lot of things for me...

Sara was off playing the CN ladies event up here in Canada this week. I was able to chat with her on her ride back to the US. She did very well - 4th place finish! Well done Sara!

And, having missed her last week, I really wanted to get her thoughts on both last week's show and this week's...

Next week, what surprises will GC bring us? No idea, but looking foward to finding out!

Golfgal

Big Break Sandals 3: Maiya can't fend off shark attack

2010-07-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

I think Carling spoke for all of us golfgals tonight when she said, "I have a crush on Greg Norman."

Oh ladies, don't we all? From the day I saw him in that sexy "down under" straw hat in the 80's, I was hooked line and sinker by The Shark. And I didn't take up golf until 20 years later!

His kind of charisma doesn't wear off with age, so no wonder these young Big Breakers were overwhelmed by his presence. If the first immunity challenge was any indication, most of these ladies were a tad "off their game" around one of the greatest players in the world.

I am not sure if Maiya was still feeling the pressure of the "flop shot" foozle she made in the first immunity challenge, but it was sad that her short game betrayed her in the elimination challenge to none other than her former college teammate, Ryann.

Frankly, her drive and 2nd shot were pretty good - not really long, but still good shots. I was expecting a solid up and down from Maiya in the end, but it was not to be. Not that it really mattered with Ryann's great birdie putt, but I would have liked to see Ryann win the hole over Maiya, instead of Maiya losing it. Too bad...

I wonder if sending her friend home will have an impact on future episodes for Ryann. I guess we won't know until we watch...

Speaking of birdies...

Although Stacey did not have to hole-out to achieve immunity, her shot from the beach was truly a stroke of genius. I couldn't wait to ask her about it during our first interview tonight...

Thanks Stacey!

Had a chance to catch up with Taryn today and get her take on this week's show and the drama going on around her...

Carling also joined me to talk about the difficult day she had, battling blood sugar levels and barbs with Sara. Had to ask her how that started and how it all worked out in the end.

Thanks ladies!

Golfgal

Big Break Sandals 2: From Immunity to Elimination, just like that!

2010-06-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well, in only 2 days, Kelly certainly had her share of ups and downs on the Big Break Sandals.

One day she's holding the Send/Save card and the next she's taking the walk of shame.

They say that the Big Break isn't "real golf", but when you see those kinds of highs and lows, you start to think it's very much like this fickle game we play. Birdie one hole and double bogey the next. It's a wonder we keep coming back for more. Golfers must be born masochists.

At 32, Kelly is the oldest player on the Big Break. She comes with a lot of experience as a successful golf pro at the Reunion Resort in Orlando. So it made me wonder how she missed that 8 iron shot when Seema literally handed her the get out of jail card.

Taryn gives us an inside look at the Sudden Death playoff, shares her thoughts on the elimination challenge and Kelly's performance, and clears the air on something she supposedly said, but really didn't...

Oh those editors! :)

Carling "dancing queen" Coffing certainly had a fun day in paradise. Let's hear more about what she thought of the first 2 shows of the season and her send/save choice...

Thanks Taryn and Carling!

Next week it looks like the Shark will shake things up a bit. Can't wait!

Golfgal

Big Break Sandals Episode 1: Elena Ends Early

2010-06-24T08:12:00.001-07:00

Did you call this one? I sure didn't. Seeing Maiya look like she'd burst into tears any minute in her post-day interview compared to confidence of Elena radiating from the TV, if I was a betting person, I would have been taking to the cleaners.

But it wasn't Maiya who's clock was cleaned last night. Poor Elena - she looked so good at the beginning, but it's amazing how the tables can turn in golf. One minute you're on the top of your game and the next minute, you're on the bottom looking up.

And it's not like Elena is the worst player in the group. She's already proven she's got game. At Ferris State she posted five collegiate victories, received two-time Second Team All-American honors, was Conference Freshman of the Year, 2006 Conference Player of the Year and a three-time MVP. Strange, though, how the Big Break can break even the best.

It's been a crazy week for me, covering the TELUS Skins Game Monday and Tuesday, so I am behind on my BB interviews. But I am very happy I was able to connect with Taryn Durham earlier today to get her perspective on the show.

Thanks Taryn!

Next week I hope to chat with Taryn again as well as a couple of the others ladies I missed this week. Send me some questions if something's on your mind and I'll include them in my interviews.

Golfgal

From golf dreams to getaways

2010-06-23T17:54:00.001-07:00

It doesn’t take much encouragement for me to start hunting for my next golf vacation. Just turning on European Golf on Saturday mornings can be enough to make me start scouring the Internet for cheap airfares to new courses and golf adventures. But this week, my incentive came from a very strange dream…

After two fun, but tiring days covering the TELUS Skins Game at Bear Mountain on Vancouver Island, I came home exhausted, and a little bit punchy too. I unpacked my suitcase and hung up my latest favorite piece of golf attire - a new belt designed by none other than Ian Poulter.

I guess I must have had Poulter on my brain when I went to bed, because the moment my head hit the pillow I was dreaming of being at the British Open at St. Andrews with Ian, wearing one of those white caddie jumpsuits that looked like it was meant for the Masters (Okay, so I get my majors mixed up in dreams).

The jumpsuit was way too big for me so I had to wrap my new IP belt around my waist so I didn't look like the Pillsbury Dough-girl.

Anyway, as we walked the links, I asked Ian if I could hit his next shot (What was I thinking!!!!). He slowly turned and gave me the "Poulter stare". I felt like I'd just clicked the shutter on my camera in the middle of his backswing. I immediately woke up in a sweat.

Aren't dreams crazy? They make so much sense at the time, but a few hours later you wonder if you were reliving some LSD flashback. Not, that I'd know about those things. ;)

But for this dream, I had a pretty good idea of its source, if not its script.

Yesterday, on the 17th hole of the TELUS Skins Game, Ian was in the middle of his backswing when one of the media guys behind the tee box clicked too early. Ian stopped mid-swing and did an immediate about-face to the guy. Oh my...I wouldn't have wanted to be him...

But before Ian could say anything, the entire gallery of thousands poured out boos and sounds of shame aimed at the photographer. I didn't see the poor guy, but I bet he turned 10 shades of red.

Ian could not keep a straight face. I guess he was surprised see the crowd pull together like that for him. Ian turned to restart his pre-shot routine with a funny grin on his face.

And then suddenly from behind me, about 10 yards from the tee box, a guy yelled out, "Bang it tight, Ian. Bang it tight!" To which Poulter yelled back, "I've got it!", and then proceeded to rip his ball waaaay Right,...not Tight. R...T...two letters that are pretty close together in the alphabet, but miles apart on course. Ooops!

Now, one might think that Ian would be pretty upset at this point. After all, he has a reputation for having a bit of a temper. I know it was just a charity event and that the guys are always more relaxed. But this was the 2nd last hole of the tournament and there was $245,000 on that one hole.

I was expecting Ian to show a bit more frustration. But he just walked up to his ball joking with the crowd about his 'loveley" lie, and then just whacked it out. Quite the follow through don't you think?

All day I’ve been thinking about the dream and its source, and I have decided it must have been a "sign". Either I’m headed for caddie school or it’s time to seriously look at how I’m going to make my way to the home of golf – St. Andrews.

Walking the hallowed fairways of Tom Morris’ home club and crossing the bridge at the 18th, pausing to put my foot up on the stone as Jack did not so long ago, is something I’ve always “dreamed” about. And now, those conscious dreams seem to have infiltrated my REM sleep. Yup, it’s time to put a serious plan together to golf in Scotland.

Over the next few weeks I am going to pick the courses and set up a tour for summer 2010. I'll keep you posted on that. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

Meanwhile, it’s time for me to hit the sack and pick up where I left off in last night's dream. Hmmmm…I wonder if Ian's still glaring at me.

Golfgal

TELUS Skins Game - Why the pros keeps coming back for more...

2010-06-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

It’s been 18 years since the first TELUS Skins Game hit Ontario in 1993. Even in its first year, the event attracted the best of the best -- Jack Nicklaus, Nick Price, Ray Floyd and Freddie Couples.

18 years later, some of the names may have changed, but what hasn’t changed is the calibre of professionals who annually flock to Canada to play two pro-ams and a two day charity event.

This all after one of the toughest weeks of US Open competition in recent memory.

Ian Poulter, being kind to the USGA, called it, “a very difficult test of golf and stressful week”.

This year Freddie made his 11th appearance; Mike Weir, his 8th and Retief Goosen, Camilo Villegas and Ian Poulter returned for their 2nd.

What makes them come back every year after being beaten up at the US Open?

Why don't they just go home and lick their wounds?

Some more jaded individuals might think it’s the pampering they receive from the sponsors or the lofty appearance fees they allegedly receive.

But for golf lovers like me and the thousands of other fans who attend this event year after year, from the Yukon to Labrador, we believe that these golf guys love playing golf in the Great White North for all the right reasons. Why else would 4 out of the 5 players this week have already committed to playing the Canadian Open this year?

It certainly can’t be the weather, with last year’s Open forced into a Monday final with torrential rains.

Even on the first day of summer at Bear Mountain, temperatures never reached above 16 degrees.

So when asked in the media tent after their first day why they keep coming back, it was no surprise to this writer that their answers were unanimous – it’s the quality of the event, what it does for local charities, the quality of the venues they get to play, and what really blows them away -- the quality of the fans who support this tournament year after year.

“I’ve played umpteen times and this tournament amazes me every year,” said Couples.

“To have that many people watching 5 guys play is a lot of dedication and I think it’s the best two day charity event; they raise a lot of money on tour.”

And after being cajoled by the crowd around the 9th green to show off his signature Spiderman poise, Camilo Villegas couldn’t help but agree that Canadian fans are a unique breed.

“Like Fred said, the fans here are unbelievable. Same thing two years ago - Monday, Tuesday; you guys don’t work here in Canada on Monday, Tuesday? [lots of laughter] But it’s awesome – awesome to see everyone out here supporting the game, supporting us and supporting the charities.”

Meanwhile Retief, who lead with 5 skins and $75,000 after 9 holes, couldn’t say enough about the quality of the Bear Mountain layout.

“The golf course is in great shape; the greens are perfect here. When you start something on line, it goes in, unlike what happened last week.”

Mike Weir concurred, “I thought it was as Goose said - a very good mountain course. The greens were perfect and it was nice to see the ball roll so well."

"And for a new golf course, it is in tremendous condition; there are a lot of fun holes to play. I can see why people would want to come up here.”

This is the 5th time the TELUS Skins Game has been held in BC.

Whistler’s Nicklaus North hosted the event in 1997 and 2005.

Predator Ridge in Vernon welcomed it in 2000 and 2008.

And although no announcements have been made about where the next Skins will be played, look for it most likely to be on the east coast post-Bethesda next year.

And after the US Open at the Olympic Club near San Francisco in 2012, the obvious choice would be Predator Ridge’s newest 18 hole masterpiece, The Predator, that just opened for tee times on April 15th.
I can't wait!

Golfgal
ps: For those of you expecting a Big Break posting, check back with me later this week!

If you're a Golf Tips Junkie

2010-06-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

Recently a follower on Twitter commented that my bio should be in the world record books for "most mentions of the word 'golf'!" Haha...they have a point I guess. Here's how it goes..."I love playing golf, watching golf, writing about golf, reading about golf, travelling and reviewing golf courses. In my spare time, I’m a marketing consultant who wishes she was playing golf."

I think about golf all the time. A total addict, I can't get enough of it. I keep waiting for the love affair to wear off, but it doesn't. My book shelf is full of golf books; and golf magazines can be found all over the house.

Luckily my golfguy loves the sport as much as I do. But that's a good news/bad news thang. Nothing is more infuriating than coming home to discover that the most recent GOLF magazine has just arrived that day and he got dibs on it. And once he's got it, it's gone for the next 24 hours while he consumes the entire issue cover to cover.

I currently subscribe to GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest and also enjoy a number of free magazines as well, including Golf Canada Magazine and InsideGolf (for whom I write on a regular basis). While other golf addicts like me jump to equipment reviews when their favorite magazine hits their mailbox, my first stop is always the golf tips section. GOLF Magazine, IMHO, has the best tips in their monthly "Private Lessons" at the back of every issue. When I'm in a slump with any part of my game, it's not unusual for me to scour through old issues to find a tip that might resonate with my situation.

So you can imagine how excited I was to discover GOLF Magazine's Private Lessons, 2nd edition. This book is chocked full of the "best of the best instruction" from GOLF Magazine over the years.

The table of contents is organized so you can quickly find the area where you need the most help, starting with setup and address and ending with Faults and Fixes. There's even a section on The Mental Game. The illustrations are great as well.

I recently had an issue with over slicing the ball with my irons (can't say the most dreaded word in golf outloud, but it rhymes with spank). Anyway, lucky for me, page 292 contained the cure with a simple drill I could practice on the range. Today, my irons are flying high and landing softly 80% of the time. Occasionally, old habits creep in, but now I know the secret to getting back on track.

There are always 3 or 4 golf books next to my bed that come and go, but the only constant is Private Lessons. Browsing through tips before turning out the lights, I've discovered some "ah ha" moments that make me want to jump up and start swinging.

I really do recommend this book if you love discovering new golf tips and tricks. And if you're like me, it will become the "go to" book when it's too late at night to call your swing doctor.

I have an extra copy that I'd like to share with one of you. Whoever is first to post a comment with the right answer to this piece of US Open history wins their own copy. I chose this question because I am a huge fan of European golfers and believe that the guys from across the pond are ready to win it again. Hey, just look at Lee Westwood this past weekend - does he look ready to win the US Open? (On a side note, I really was hoping for Robert Garrigus at St Jude. My heart went out to him this weekend. I hope he bounces back and realizes that he already proved he's got game and can win on the PGA Tour.).

Anyway...back to my trivia question -- here's the skill testing question...

Since 1928, only one European-born golfer has won the U.S. Open. Who was the winner?

1. Nick Faldo

2. Tony Jacklin

3. Bernhard Langer

4. Peter Oosterhuis

So, go ahead and take a guess and let me know who you think it is. You might be surprised. I'll need your contact info, so please send it to me at golfgal [at] on-mark-it.com to claim your prize!

Golfgal

When life throws you a double bogey, remember what GOLF really means

2010-06-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

My golfguy always says, “Life is easy. Golf is hard.” And with my game, I've never been able to dispute that.

But when I was struck down by the flu and a viral infection recently, I saw things in an even more depressing light -- Life became hard and golf, impossible. Oh joy!

Being trapped inside a framework of festering fungus (I'm starting to sound like David Feherty), it was maddening that I couldn’t work on the computer or even read a book; the words became a jumble of letters my brain could not decipher (but hey... you gotta love those drugs! ;)).

So, the only thing left for me to do was stare at the boob tube. Thankfully with golf in high season, tournaments abounded on our PVR. And while I watched players hit shots I could only dream of, my mind started to replay some of my past golf adventures and made me realize that life really isn't hard - it's just too damn short!

So I decided that I would take the opportunity to do nothing, and instead of moan and groan, I would start to plan some future golf getaways I could enjoy with my golfguy, before I kicked the proverbial golf bucket. I let my mind wander...

I recalled my golf buddy talking about her upcoming trip to Spain when I started watching the Madrid Masters and it made me want to get on a plane and fly to España. I love so many of the Spanish golfers and so to golf in Spain where my heroes walk the links would be a dream come true for me.

I could almost picture myself strolling down a fairway in Malaga and smelling the faint whiff of Jimenez’s just lit cigar...
Or peaking around a dogleg to watch Sergio scissor-kick through the air to see where his ball may have landed after yet another miraculous shot from the trees (And, yes, I do believe Sergio will bounce back this year after his heartbreak of 2009 and ensuing depression – there’s just too much fire that flat belly!)...
Thinking of Spain made me recall Seve’s knee-weakening smile...
...and the boyish charm of powerhouse Alvaro ‘please pass me a razor’ Quiros.

Yes, the Spanish are a feisty lot -- not always appreciated by some, but I just love the passion they bring to the game and to life.

Spain has everything one could want in a golf vacation – championship courses, world class golfers, gorgeous weather and scrumptious wineries. I can't imagine why it's taken me so long to visit there.

So as I lay in bed planning my retirement travels, I bookmarked a month out of the next 30 years to explore the links on Spain, throwing in some golf in Portugal for good measure. I haven’t picked all the courses that I will play, but I’ll give a lot of attention to the ones chosen for professional events like the 6 courses on the European Tour this year and, of course, I can’t forget Valderrama – host to the 1997 Ryder Cup, where Jimenez first tasted RC action as one of Seve’s vice captains.

Speaking of Ryder Cups, watching the RC-wannabes flock to Wales for this week’s Wales Open has been fun. It brought back memories of a press conference I attended last year at Sahalee, where they announced the 2010 US Senior Men’s Open (I can't wait to attend that major in July).

At lunch I had the honor to share a table with of some of the founders of Sahalee Country Club and Ken Still - a 3-time PGA winner and 1969 Ryder Cup player who was full of zest and stories for his captivated audience. I had to ask him how he felt about playing the Ryder Cup at Royal Birkdale in 1969.

“Biggest thrill I ever had was playing the Ryder Cup. The whole experience – the whole week was hard to describe….majestic! I remember my first tee shot. Trevino and I were partners. When they called, ‘Team USA, fire away please!’, I said to Lee, ‘I think I’m going to whiff it.’ And do you know what he said? He said, ‘Whiff the son of a bitch and let’s get out of here!’ So I hit the ball and it went 280 yards right down the middle.”

Haha! Sitting there listening to Ken, it felt like it was just yesterday for him. So, then I asked him what he thought of today’s Ryder Cups versus those in his day. Did he like the rambunctious nature of today’s matches and crowds? Well, I'm happy to report that he just loves it! It was great to hear him share his enthusiasm of Boo Weekly’s giddy-up at Valhalla. But, I was surprised to hear him say he thinks Wales will be even more raucous and noisy. Now I wish I had tickets :-(.

Ken was 74 years old at the time we met and was still loving teaching golf. He had 6 lessons already lined up for the next day. I sure hope I’m full of his vim and vigor when I’m his age. Heck, I’d like to have it today!

I’m just about ready to keel over from being awake for more than 4 hours, but before I go, I want to share with you something I learned at a weekend golf getaway I attended recently with 20+ other golfgals. GOLF =

Gratitude Opportunity Learning Fun

So, although I whine and moan about how unfair it is to be sick during peak golf season, I really am grateful to have the opportunity to learn this wonderful sport and have fun doing it with my golfguy and all my golfgal buddies. I just like to rant and rave sometimes. Hey, maybe there is a little Sergio or Seve in me after all ;)

Ole!
Golfgal

The Club at Morningside – Golf luxury…pure luxury!

2010-05-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air is a term that just did not fit the best place on earth this year. In fact, it was warmer in Vancouver during the Winter Olympics than it was from March through April. Golfing was a real challenge unless you like wearing 10 layers of clothing and fur-lined golf gloves. Being a golf addict, I tried to play, but ended up looking like the Pillsbury Dough boy!

So after a few pathetic attempts at playing the links, I decided it was time to strip down and head down to hotter climates. My golfguy and I flew to Palm Desert at the end of April to enjoy some heat and work on our games. We played golf every day and really enjoyed some great courses, like the Classic Club and even the “50 mph wind tunnel”, AKA Desert Dunes.

But our “come back tomorrow” course had to be The Club at Morningside in Rancho Mirage.

Morningside is an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course that opened in 1981. It was the first course Jack designed in the desert cities of Southern California. He designed it the same year he won the US Open and PGA Championship – 1980 – the year “Jack was back” at 40 years of age. That man can really multitask!

Anyway, the 155 acre course is stunningly beautiful and immaculately maintained, offering gorgeous views of Mt. Gorgonio and Mt. San Jacinto. 20 acres of lakes come into play on 14 holes (I can attest to a few of those).

They have one of the most extensive practice areas I have ever seen. I could have stayed there all day and been perfectly happy. They offer two practice putting greens, a practice pitching area with target greens, practice fairway bunkers, and some of the most breathtaking views in all of Southern California. What more could you ask for?

The fairways are raised and undulating and many of the greens are tiered; yes, there are even some Jack-style “double greens” that can play havoc with your sky caddie at times. The first time I played, I used the wrong club twice because of wrong yardages on that blasted device! But… those 3-putts aside, I really liked the bent grass greens. They rolled true even though they’d been punched a week earlier.

But the thing that stands out in The Bear’s masterpiece is the landscaping. I read that each fall they plant 250,000 individual flowers on the golf course. No wonder Ken Venturi, Lee Trevino and Amy Alcott used Morningside as backdrops for some of their television and magazine ads.

Here are some of my most memorable holes (yardages from the white tees)…

3rd Hole – 144 yard par 3

Besides the gorgeous landscaping around the tee boxes on this hole, I loved the confidence I felt over my tee shot as I looked at the green. Have you ever stood at a hole and just knew you would going to hit a good shot? It’s rare for me to feel that confident on a tee box, but with this hole, I felt a sense of calm, even with the water looming in front.

8th Hole – 462 yard par 5

Now here’s a hole I can’t wait to play again. I have a love/hate relationship with it. The #1 handicap hole for women (7 for men), it’s a dogleg left with water all down the left side and a narrow landing area. If you make it on the fairway safely and not ended up in the trees on the right, you feel like you’re okay. But, don’t get cocky. You may be patting yourself on the back after your 2nd shot, but pay special attention o n your 3rd. Although it’s beautiful as you approach the green, there is trouble all around. Don`t you just love a challenge!

Between the 10th and 11th Holes

Okay, so this isn’t a favorite hole in the traditional sense, it’s the view between the 10th and 11th holes. But just look at this…is this gorgeous or what!

12th Hole – 155 yard par 3

Another beautiful hole, this one looks daunting with all the water and tons of sand all around the green, but it’s not bad if you follow one rule – take more club than you think. Par felt good the second day after I made the mistake of not taking enough club on day one.

It’s one of Jack’s double greens, so there’s more room up on the putting surface than you think.

18th Hole – 518 yard par 5

This is a very long hole for a high handicapper. But it is a really beautiful closer. There is water all down the right hand side, but the fairway is pretty generous so you shouldn’t have too many problems with that if you keep to the left the whole way to the green. But even with that, the approach can be intimidating. I chose to lay up on my 3rd shot because I was not going to try and reach the green with water and bunkers everywhere. The green is quite generous (it’s the other half of the 12th green), so if you play it safe, come in from the left and take a bit more club, you should be okay.

The Club at Morningside is a private club, so it's not that easy to get a tee time. But if you can wangle a way onto this Nicklaus masterpiece (maybe through your club pro), I strongly suggest you bring your camera. Because, even if you’re having a bad day with your swing, just look around and enjoy the beauty – this course gives you one Kodak moment after another to take away any of any pain the course dishes out.

The Club at Morningside wouldn’t pass the “official women-friendly test” from Golf For Women Magazine because the yardage from forward tees is about 240 yards longer than GFW would like to see. But I played it twice and the yardage wasn’t an issue and there were no long carries over water or waste areas. And in terms of amenities, their on-course bathrooms make most golf course washrooms look like outhouses. I’ve never seen such an elaborate bathroom on a golf course in my life.

Jack designed The Club at Morningside specifically for “country club members”, including spouses and guests of any handicap, making a round of golf fun, but still a real test for players of all skill levels.

In my books, this is golfing luxury….pure luxury!

Golfgal

Peggy Ference is making golf history and playing in the US Open Challenge at Pebble Beach!!!

2010-05-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

WOOHOO!!!!

We did it! We banded together, blogged and facebooked and twittered about it. We voted religiously every day in April and our votes resulted in Peggy Ference winning the US Open Challenge Contest. Check out the story in Golf Digest.

I am so excited for her. Now everyone of us golfgals can live a bit vicariously through her as she tries to do what no one has done before - break 100 at the US Open Challenge.

Congratulations Peggy! We are so proud of you! You go girl!!!!

Golfgal

Greg Norman and Sandals host 11 talented women golfers looking for their Big Break

2010-05-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well, the wait is over for all of us Big Break fans. Big Break Sandals has finally been announced. And it's promising to be the most entertaining Big Break since the ladies battled it out in Maui in 2008.

Check out this line up of chicks with sticks...

From left to right: Maiya Tanaka, Sara Brown, Elena Robles, Ryann O’Toole, Lili Alvarez, Taryn Durham, Carling Coffing, Seema Sadekar, Kelly Sheehan, Chris Brady, Stacey Bieber.

I know only one of these ladies personally and can't wait to see how she does - Sara "No H" Brown.

Sara Brown (24, Tucson, Ariz.) – After a successful collegiate career at Michigan State University and a stellar rookie season on the Duramed FUTURES Tour, Brown endured a “sophomore slump” in 2009, to the point where her usual smile turned to frustration, nearly causing her to quit the game. Refreshed and energized after a winter hiatus, Brown has her eyes set on winning Big Break Sandals Resorts.

I interviewed Sara last spring and was immediately drawn to her bubbly personality and fabulous sense of humor. I finally got to meet her in person and see her golfing talents when she competed in our CN Women's golf event last spring in Vancouver.

Sara was very impressive ending up in a tie for 3rd place, 1 back from Courtney Erdman of Big Break Ka'anapali. I am excited for Sara that she's been given this opportunity to break into the big leagues. I think she can do it and can't wait to watch her every week get 1 step closer to her Big Break.

Another golfgal that really interests me is a fellow Canadian - Stacey Bieber.

Stacey Bieber (25, Fort Worth, Texas) – Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Bieber nearly quit golf after college to pursue a professional career in investment banking. Realizing she could not give up her dream of one day competing on the LPGA Tour, she re-dedicated herself to the game. Her goal is to be on the LPGA Tour in 2011.

Canadian's have been pretty successful in Big Breaks before. Let's not forget Derek Gillespie won Big Break PEI in 2009 and Christina Lecuyer was in the final four on Big Break Ka'anapali. I'll always have a soft spot for Christina -- she was the first Big Breaker I ever interviewed and kicked off my weekly interviews on that show and every Big Break since.

I hope to get a chance to talk to Stacey during the series and get to know her better. She's got good roots growing up in the city that will host this year's Canadian Women's Open. And she going to have a bunch of passionate Canuck golfers, including me, cheering her on, all the way to the LPGA.

Here are the rest of the ladies...

Lili Alvarez (26, El Paso, Texas) – One of Mexico’s elite amateur golfers who grew up competing alongside Lorena Ochoa, Alvarez’s fun loving personality is infectious on the Duramed FUTURES Tour. A student at Tulane University in New Orleans who endured the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Alvarez learned to appreciate life to the fullest.

Chris Brady (25, Charlotte, N.C.) – The lone contestant who had exempt status on the LPGA Tour (2008), Brady hung up her golf clubs when her game and the economy took a downturn in 2009 to pursue an engineering career. Big Break Sandals Resorts will be her test to see if she has the competitive fire and passion to resume her golf career and attempt to return to the LPGA Tour.

Carling Coffing (24, Middletown, Ohio) – A sweet, Midwestern young lady on the surface, Coffing is a tough competitor who has overcome enormous odds to achieve her dream to be a professional golfer. Coffing was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 5, and after years of giving herself dozens of shots every day, she switched to a diabetic insulin pump in 2008, which is connected to her 24 hours a day. Coffing now competes full-time on the Duramed FUTURES Tour.

Taryn Durham (24, Glasgow, Ky.) – The quintessential All-American sweetheart, Durham has the looks, the southern charm and southern accent. While Durham’s resume stacks up with her fellow competitors, she has an edge over her fellow competitors in that she is the only contestant who has competed in a Major Championship (2007 U.S. Women’s Open).

Ryann O’Toole (23, Los Angeles, Calif.) – The youngest competitor on Big Break Sandals Resorts, O’Toole’s mission is to dominate women’s golf. A recent graduate from UCLA – she was a teammate of fellow contestant Maiya Tanaka – O’Toole also is one of the longest hitters in the field, averaging more than 260 yards per drive in tournaments she has played in 2010.

Elena Robles (26, Redondo Beach, Calif.) – A fierce competitor who works numerous odd jobs to make ends meet (substitute teaching, modeling and serving as an extra in television and film), Robles has a history of having a fiery temper on the course. After finding faith and re-dedicating herself to golf in 2009, Robles believes her goal to compete on the LPGA Tour is within reach.

Seema Sadekar (24, Las Vegas, Nev.) – One of the most fashionable players on the women’s golf circuit – she has a custom-made golf bag covered in faux diamonds and wears stylish golf attire – Sadekar always manages to be noticed wherever she goes. In addition to competing full-time on the Duramed FUTURES Tour, Sadekar is heavily involved with her older sister’s golf events company, and also is co-founder of a golf marketing and apparel company.

Kelly Sheehan (32, Orlando, Fla.) – The lone contestant who has not competed full-time on the professional circuit, Sheehan plans to channel her 10 years of experience as a certified PGA of America and LPGA teaching professional to overcome the various challenges facing her on Big Break Sandals Resorts.

Maiya Tanaka (24, San Diego, Calif.) – A success story from The First Tee Program, Tanaka currently lives out of her car and competes on four professional golf tours (Golden State, California Players, Cactus and the Duramed FUTURES Tours). Tanaka and fellow Big Break contestant Ryann O’Toole were teammates at UCLA and are longtime friends.

Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club at Sandals Emerald Bay will host this series and designer Greg Norman is expected to make an appearance on the show. Lucky ladies!

I'm also pretty happy that Tom Abbott will make his Big Break debut as host, joining co-host Stephanie Sparks. I think they'll make a great team.

So, the question is...who should I interview each week? Hmmm....Sara and Stacey are obviously high on my list, but I really don't know the others well enough to choose. Who do you think would add some spice to the weekly episodes and interviews? But not too much spice - I really would rather not have a return of the drama of Big Break Ka'anapali. THAT was over the top! ;)

Golfgal

RCGA rebrands itself - raises the bar by offering innovative golf membership programs.

2010-04-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

This week I sat in on a conference call where the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced that it has re-branded its consumer facing side...Golf Canada.

Now, I'm usually pretty skeptical about re-branding initiatives-- often they are just superficial face lifts without real change or much substance. But I'm happy to say that Golf Canada is much more than a new name and website.

According to Scott Simmons, Executive Director and CEO, Golf Canada... “Adopting Golf Canada as our new brand is more than simply changing our logo. We are committing to a new brand promise of customer service and inclusiveness; working together with the entire Canadian golf industry to grow and shape the future of our sport.”

"Promise of customer service" sounds good right? Well, what's even better is that they put their money where their mouth is - or actually "our money". Today members of Golf Canada have a wealth of new value-added benefits with their memberships and they haven't even raised their prices.

Here are some new innovative perks that come with the standard $29.95 membership:

I love being after to trade in my Aeroplan points for free golf. For only 7,000 miles I can get a $50 gift certificate. That more than pays for the membership.

That's a pretty good deal since Air Canada isn't exactly generous handing out points tickets. Finally a use for all those points I've been collecting. Hey...maybe Golf Canada should let us buy your renewal membership using points ;)

I also heard from a few people that the RBC deal is pretty sweet as well - they saved between $400-$600 with the new program. Their benefits sure look good for golfers...

Not sure how good the iTravel2000 or hotel deals are yet, but I will try them out this summer and let you know.

Now...for just $25 more, you can have the GOLD membership, which includes:

I am particularly excited about the BlackBerry GPS application since I ready use a BB and I'm tired of paying the yearly Skycaddie fees.

It's an exclusive deal with RIM for now, but there is talk of opening it up to other device manufacturers after a few months. So iPhone users, just be a little patient.

Now, I'm both a Golf Canada member and a USGA member, so I decided to take another look at what the USGA offers its members today:

Hmmm...getting a calendar and divot tool isn't much of an incentive to me to upgrade to the $50 membership. Maybe the USGA should take a look at what Golf Canada is doing and step up their membership privileges a notch.

Golf Canada is a breath of fresh air for all golfers in Canada. In fact, I think it has set a new benchmark in golf membership programs for other golf associations in other countries. Yes, the USGA and others should take a close look at what Golf Canada is doing (and will continue to do into the future).

Congratulations Golf Canada! I'm proud to be a member of first province to adopt your new branding, Golf British Columbia - Canada's Golf Capital!

Golfgal

MAJOR REBRANDING RCGA swings into 21st century

Toronto Star
23 Apr 2010

Organization moves to shed outdated image, changes name to Golf Canada after 115 years The Royal Canadian Golf Association is hoping to shed its stuffy image with an aggressive makeover plan that includes changing its brand name after 115 years. The...read more...

Vote for Peggy at the US Open Challenge and help make history!

2010-04-14T14:39:00.001-07:00

Normally I don't get all excited about the US Open Challenge. In the past I've watched a bit of it, but it always seemed like a way for celebs to show off (not big into pro-ams either) and average Joe's to be humiliated.

Remember 2008 at Torrey Pines where it all started...John Atkinson, an 8-handicapper, shot 114. In 2009, at Bethpage Black, Larry Giebelhausen, also an 8-handicapper, shot 101. So close, but not good enough.

So for 2 years I paid little attention to the event. But this year is different. This year, there's a Josephine in the mix! Peggy Ference from New Jersey is the first woman finalist in Golf Digest's US Open Challenge at Pebble Beach.

And...of the 5 finalists, Peggy has the lowest handicap at 4.6. So already she looks to have a better chance breaking 100 than the past amateurs who tried and failed.

Just think how cool it would be to see a woman be the first US Open Challenger to break 100. It won't be easy at the 7K+ yard Pebble Beach with US Open rough and Sunday hole locations, but it will sure be exciting. Now, THAT is something I'd pay to watch.

Peggy is a pretty cool golfgal and one I believe deserves this chance. Check out her video and you'll understand why her story was picked out of thousands submitted to make the final 5.

So I ask you...what impressed you about Peggy in that video? For me it was a 51 year old woman carrying her bag - haha! For that alone, she should win!

But back to what's really important...

The Golf Digest is letting us choose who should get the tee honors at Pebble Beach. So PLEASE help Peggy make history. It's easy to cast your vote. Just go to the US Open Challenge page, login (or register), and then vote for Peggy. Then spread the word to all your friends and come back tomorrow and vote again! You can keep voting once a day until the end of April. I have it as a recurring appointment in my Outlook calendar just so I don't miss a day.

I repeat...Get out and vote every day this month to make Peggy the 1st woman to compete in the US Open Challenge (hopefully not the last) and one of the few woman in history to tee it up from the back tees with the boys.

Then cheer her on with me, on Sunday, June 20th before the final round of the US Open.

Golfgal

Maui – where women golfers feel right at home

2010-04-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

Last summer the National Golf Foundation released their 2008 report on the number of people who played golf in the USA over the past decade.

Of the 25.7M adult golfers in the US in 2008, only 5.2M of them were women – just over 20.2% of the total. That’s the lowest percentage we’ve seen since 2000.

It’s a sad trend to say the least, and there is lots of speculation about why more women don’t golf, but one of the biggest issues for women in this male-dominated sport is that on many courses in North America, women golfers do not feel welcome.

But if there is one place in the USA where the welcome mat has been laid out for us golfgals, it’s on Maui and its neighboring island, Lana’i.

So how does one determine if a golf course is women-friendly? I always start with what Golf for Women Magazine used to use to rate golf courses.

Taking a look at the courses I played on Maui and Lana'i in November, here’s how they stacked up using GFW’s system…

Ka’anapali Kai and Royale Ka’anapali

Golf For Women Criteria	Ka'anapali Kai	Royal Ka'anapali
At least one set of tees fewer than 5,300 yards	√	√
At least two under 6,000 yards	√	√
At least two tees rated for women	√	√
Few forced carries from forward tees	√	√
Be in top condition	√	√
Unpretentious setting	√	√
Traditional Design	√	√
Compliment players of all levels	√	√

Both of these courses got top marks on all the GFW technical criteria and topped it off with a wonderfully stocked pro shop for women’s golf apparel and accessories with lots of bling. The Royal is quite a bit longer than the Kai and challenging enough to host the Wendy’s Skins game, but that doesn’t mean it’s not friendly for women. But, if you are a high handicapper hitting the links for the first time on Maui, my recommendation is to get your sandbaggers wet on Kai first.

The 11^th green at Ka’anapali Kai.

It’s less expensive; the rough is a bit more forgiving; the views are wonderful and you’ll get a feel for the tricky greens before you tackle its big sister.

Wailea Emerald and Gold Courses

Golf For Women Criteria	Wailea Emerald	Wailea Gold
At least one set of tees fewer than 5,300 yards	√
At least two under 6,000 yards	√
At least two tees rated for women	√	√
Few forced carries from forward tees	√	√
Be in top condition	√	√
Unpretentious setting	√	√
Traditional Design	√	√
Compliment players of all levels	√	√

Both of these Wailea courses are wonderful to play and complement golfers of all skill levels. But if you have to choose between them, and have a handicap over 20, you’ll probably want to stick to the Emerald. A recipient of a Top Fairways Award from GFW seven times, Wailea Emerald it is one of the most women-friendly golf clubs in all of the USA, and I think, one of the most beautiful.

The first hole is a wonderful way to start your game, not only for the view straight out to the ocean, but the fun as well.

I love courses that almost guarantee you early success and this 11 handicap, short par 4 is a treat to play. Walking away with a par on the first, you’ll be ready to face the hardest hole on the course without quaking in your shoes, the par 5 second.

From the first tee to the last putt, your senses will be pampered with the sites, sounds and smells from this garden paradise.

The pro shop has a nice selection of women's golf apparel and, something you don’t see that often, women working behind the counter to check you in.

The practice facility has everything you’d want in a range/short game area, including grass tees. The women’s locker room is spacious and clean with complementary lotions, large private showers and tons of lockers. The electric carts come complete with GPS systems, ice, water and towels.

It also has one of the best 19^th holes on the island; and with Chef Beverly Gannon's revamp of the Seawatch restaurant, patrons are treated to first class cuisine as well.

Makena Golf Course

Golf For Women Criteria	Makena
At least one set of tees fewer than 5,300 yards
At least two under 6,000 yards
At least two tees rated for women	√
Few forced carries from forward tees	√
Be in top condition	√
Unpretentious setting	√
Traditional Design	√
Compliment players of all levels	√

Although it doesn’t quite meet the yardage requirements with the two sets of women-rated tees at 5,303 and 6,151 yards, the Makena Golf Course was good enough in other ways to receive recognition from Golf for Women with a Top 100 Women Friendly Courses award, along with a dozen other accolades from the “who’s who” in golf and tourist magazines. And if you are into sustainability, you’ll be happy to know that it’s also certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program in the areas of Environmental Planning and Wildlife and Habitat Management.

We had the pleasure of playing a round of golf with the Golf Operations Manager, Erik Johnson, who was fairly new to the island himself (moved to Maui and joined Makena a year ago), but made a point of knowing more about the island and it’s culture and history than I could learn in a decade. A man full of funny stories and interesting factoids, Erik kept us entertained during the whole round.

Makena is an impressive Robert Trent Jones JR. design. With winding fairways that meander through the Kiawe trees, elevation changes that provide breathtaking views, and fun risk/reward holes that add spice to your game, Makena has everything one could ask for in a great golf course.

14^th hole, Photo courtesy of Makena Golf Resort

But the thing that you’ll really appreciate is the peace and tranquility you’ll experience while playing this award-winning course. There is almost no wind; every hole seems separate from the others; the only sounds you’ll hear are those of Mother Nature.

The Makena clubhouse and pro shop may not be as extravagant as some of the others on the island, but there’s a laid back friendliness from the staff, which makes the whole experience relaxing and very enjoyable.

There are actually two courses at Makena, but the old “South” course has been under renovation for a couple of years. They are hoping to open up 9 holes early in 2010, so I’ll put that on my must-play list for next year.

The Dunes at Maui Lani

Golf For Women Criteria	Dunes at Maui Lani
At least one set of tees fewer than 5,300 yards	√
At least two under 6,00 yards	√
At least two tees rated for women	√
Few forced carries from forward tees	√
Be in top condition	√
Unpretentious setting	√
Traditional Design
Compliment players of all levels	√

Now this course really surprised me, pleasantly. After reading that it is Maui’s highest USGA slope-rated course, I was sure it couldn’t possibly be women-friendly, but I was wrong.

The Dunes is a unique links-style golf experience that is a must-play for anyone who loves golf. It may be one of the hardest courses from the tips, but from the forward tees, it’s a fun introduction to links golf for higher handicappers.

The 16^th hole at The Dunes of Maui Lani

I love how the course meanders up, down and around ancient alluvial sand dunes that were sculpted by the winds over a million years. It’s like Mother Nature herself had a hand in its design.

Add to the 18 fun-filled holes, the Dunes’ friendly staff, affordable green fees, an excellent practice facility and the Café O'Lei and you’ve got a winner in my books.

Kapalua Plantation and Bay Courses

Golf For Women Criteria	Kapalua (Bay)	Kapalua (Plantation)
At least one set of tees fewer than 5,300 yards	√
At least two under 6,00 yards	√
At least two tees rated for women
Few forced carries from forward tees	√
Be in top condition	√	√
Unpretentious setting	√
Traditional Design	√	√
Compliment players of all levels	√

At the risk of being lambasted by readers who think the Kapalua Plantation Course is God’s Gift to Golf, I have to say that, as a woman, I much prefer the Bay Course than the home of the SBS Championship.

I played the Plantation Course for the 3^rd time this past fall with my new friends on Maui that organize the annual Aloha Team Classic - a charity golf tournament which supports various youth agencies across Maui.

Hosts Stuart and Debbi Katz are members at Kapalua and I am not I would have survived the round without their help on a very knock you over day. Thankfully they help us understand how to play this course and read its very tricky greens. Yup, they seemed to have this puppy tamed, but for me, The Plantation Course is still a beast. I'm glad I played it, but wouldn't call it "women-friendly" -- more like gorgeous but deadly.

On the other hand, the Bay Course at Kapalua felt like it was made for me. I only played it once, but it definitely won’t be my last. It was love at first site when I started off birdie-ing the first hole. From there it just got better from the mountain holes to the surfside fairways and greens.

The Bay Course photo, courtesy of Kapalua

I was surprised that the second set of tees at only 5,676 yards weren’t rated for women. I guess that’s why it never quite made the cut when it came to GFW’s rating system. Nevertheless, The Bay Course is fun to play and much more laid back than the Plantation Course. But it still offers up beauty, variety, challenge and spectacular views within a women-friendly environment.

So go ahead and try the Plantation – it’s a great course. But if you’re feeling a little beat up after that experience, don’t worry. Just down the street, The Bay Course will make it all better. Trust me – been there, got the crying towel.

On Lana’i: The Challenge at Manele and The Experience at Koele

Golf For Women Criteria	Manele	Koele
At least one set of tees fewer than 5,300 yards	√
At least two under 6,00 yards	√
At least two tees rated for women	√	√
Few forced carries from forward tees	√	√
Be in top condition	√	√
Unpretentious setting	√	√
Traditional Design	√	√
Compliment players of all levels	√	√

Well, I guess the results speak for themselves – on Lana’i, Manele would rank higher than Koele in terms of women-friendliness under GFW’s yardstick. But it’s hard for me to agree with that since I shot my best round of golf ever the first time I ever played The Experience at Koele. Funny how some courses just fit your game, regardless of yardage or ratings.

GFW might disagree, but for me, both of these courses are ‘must plays’ for any golfer – young, old, male or female, these two masterpieces are not to be missed if you are planning a golf vacation in Maui.

They may be pricey, but they are worth every penny. Playing each of these courses was pure delight for me. The moment I stepped off the 18^th green, I wanted to play the course again.

The 6^th hole at The Challenge at Manele

Immaculate conditions, signature course designs, gorgeous views, staff who exemplify the Aloha spirit and great 19^th holes make a day at either club a memory you will relive in your mind forever. I really don’t know which course I liked more – they are so different.

All I know is, “I’ll be back!”

Golfgal

Golfers who give back are my kind of people

2010-03-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

Recently I was asked by a colleague of mine why I tweet. She understood why Facebook was so popular, but Twitter's value was not obvious to her. I felt that way when I first started tweeting, but decided to give it some time and it didn't take long for its value to jump off the screen at me.

Twitter has introduced me some of the greatest people know, and not surprisingly, many of them are golfers. Unfortunately I haven't physically met most of them (but I'm hopeful), but I was lucky last fall to play golf with two of the nicest people you'd ever want to spend 4 hours with -- Debbi amd Stuart Katz from Maui. And all because of Twitter.

I met Debbi online after I tweeted about how excited I was to be planning my trip to Maui in the fall. She saw my post and told me she and her husband had retired and had been living on Maui for the past 5 years. I could feel the green monster creeping up on me when I read that, but I thought I'd swallow the jealousy and follow her to learn more about a life I could only dream about.

Anyway, it wasn't long before we were talking about getting together for a game while my golfguy and I were on the magic isle. We did just that and it was too much fun! Okay, maybe playing Kapalua Plantation in hurricane winds at 7 AM with rain blasting us sideways isn't a normal person's idea of fun, but I never said I was exactly normal ;)

It was only the 3rd time in my life that I played the Plantation Course and although it's absolutely gorgeous, it's definitely not for the faint of heart.

Stuart and Debbi are members at Kapalua and it was very evident during our game that playing 150 rounds a year can go a long way to taming the Plantation Course and understanding its greens. They obviously love the course the way they played it (Thank you Stuart for reading all my putts for me ;)), but for me, it's a beast and will always be a beast until I can retire on paradise and play 100+ rounds a year on it. Yes, I want revenge!

While playing with our new friends, we learned that Debbi is president of the Beyond the Rainbow Foundation, which helps Maui's youth realize the promise of their future by financially supporting numerous charities on the island. Stuart is the Chairperson of the Aloha Team Classic Golf Event - a friendly annual golf tournament now in its 5th year, that is the primary fundraiser for the Foundation. What is it about golfers and giving back? So many give so much. It's quite amazing.

Anyway, last October amateurs from all over the US teamed up with a bunch of Maui club professionals and 4 LPGA players at the Aloha Team Classic.

Kim Welsh, Champion of Big Break Ka'anapali took home low gross score among the LPGA professionals. I wish I could have been there just to see her drive a ball. Apparently people from the mainland come back year after year to play this event. I'm not surprised; it's sounds like a blast!

This year the tournament runs from Oct 17-20. It's a 4-day golf event for 2-person amateur teams and includes 3 rounds of golf on Maui that begins with a sunset welcome reception on Sunday evening. Also included are lunches after each round of golf, prizes, and 2 special evening dining experiences.

What a great way to meet golfers from across the country that you probably would never have a chance to meet. Oh I wish we could go. But unless the tournament moves to November we're out of luck this year. October has work commitments that can't be uncommmitted. Sigh...

Anyway, we're hoping to enter it in 2012, but in the meantime, why not give it a try. Maui is so much more affordable now than ever and you can get some great deals on condos and resorts and airfare. If we had a free week in October, my golfguy and I would be there.

So think about it and if you do go, please tell me what it was like. I love to live vicarously through other golfers' experiences. And this one looks like a real winner!

Golfgal