Playing From the Forward Tees: 2011

Saturday, December 31, 2011

I resolve to have more Golf in my Life…

As we get ready to enter 2012 I’m reflective of my golf experiences in 2011 and looking for ways to enhance in 2012.

In 2012, I resolve to add a minimum of one PGA tour event to my spectator schedule. Last year I attended the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital Open for Children and the Children’s Miracle Network Classic at Walt Disney World. Disney and Bay Hill have always been staples for me and I’m excited to add the JTShriners Open to my list. And next year it’s officially during my birthday. Perhaps, I can get Justin to do a special birthday waggle at the first tee ;)

This year, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic at Walt Disney World because my Fairy Golf Father (Alonzo Mourning) played in the Pro-Am. The second day he was paired with Miracle Child Ashtyn Brown. Ashtyn, who is on the golf team at Ball State University, fought acute lymphoblastic leukemia twice. She wasn’t supposed to live, let alone flourish and play golf. In her struggle to get better, Ashtyn received a kidney transplant, just like Alonzo. So on that day, on that course, there were two warriors! I felt so incredibly blessed to be able to witness proof that God hears prayers.

I resolve to play more Golf. Ok, twist my arm on that one. Actually, I resolve to play in at least one tournament that isn’t a scramble. It’s time to tap into my competitive spirit and play in more trash talking based tourneys!

I resolve to take more lessons to improve my game. I recently bought a package that includes 10 golf clinics at the Nick Faldo Golf Institute. I resolve to actually utilize all 10!

And lastly I resolve to do better in updating my blog and sharing my love for this game!

My wish for each of you in 2012 is that you too find a way to enjoy the things you love and kick it up a notch!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open

This year I attended the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open in Las Vegas, NV (TPC Summerlin). I know, I know …right? Let’s break this down. Justin Timberlake. Golf. Charity. Las Vegas! Talk about a full house. Attending this tournament is definitely like hitting the jackpot!

The host course TPC Summerlin is beautiful. You have the green grass of the course contrasting the desert with a backdrop of mountain ranges. And the really cool thing is my brother showed me how to get there from the Vegas strip by bus. It was very easy. And the total time was 37 minutes from strip to course at a cost of $7. As far as admittance to the tourney, you could buy a daily or weekly passes. One of the benefits of the weekly pass (besides 5 days of great golf) is being able to sit on “The Hill” and watch golf. The Hill"; is a luxury 22,000 square foot entertainment pavilion overlooking the 16th, 17th and 18th holes and granting stunning views of the course and Red Rock Mountains.

The week opens with the Championship Pro Am. Now the interesting thing about this Pro-Am is it featured 3 foursomes that consisted of 3 celebrities each. Celebrity Foursome number 1: *NSYNC founding member (and my friend) Chris Kirkpatrick, Football player Seth Joyner and Basketball legend Truck Robinson (who by the way could make a career in golf) and their PGA professional Kevin Streelman. Celebrity Foursome #2 showcased actor Anthony Anderson, former football player Marshall Faulk and former football and baseball player Bo Jackson and their PGA professional Charlie Wi. Celebrity Foursome #3: *NSYNC Founding member Justin Timberlake, actor and comedians Cedric the Entertainer and George Lopez with their PGA professional Trevor Immelman.

While neither of these foursomes won the Pro Am great golf was played and the spectators had a great time. If you’re looking for a tournament to add to your spectator list I suggest you put in your vacation request for October 1 – 7, 2012. Melinda, Kari, Roger, and I will meet you on “The Hill.”

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Family Affair

Thank you to the community who follows Playing From The Forward Tees, a blog by my wonderful sister, Lisa. Way to give her brother a chance to write it up.

As you well know, Playing From The Forward Tees is all about Lisa’s journey, her pathway to the pursuit of excellence for her real love of Golf. All of that and more recently was revealed with Lisa’s trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. Please know that I would love to think that Lisa was just visiting me in Vegas but I knew better. So this prose is in ode to her trip with positive reasons to push for support with shameless promotion.

Lisa went to the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital For Children Open recently held at TPC Summerlin , the home of Pro Golf in Vegas.

I got to tag along with her when I could on Thursday, September 29, 2011 and yes Lisa wanted me to tell it, tell it about that day together. I will soon. But how could I really do that now? Really, missing out on the day before was crucial . I had to miss the MGM Resorts International Championship Pro-Am on Wednesday, September 28, 2011.

One professional golfer with three amateurs made it all work with each grouping. And the stars were out there too. Not just as celebrities but people of influence who make a difference through their positive work.

For example, Justin Timberlake's grouping consisted of :

Trevor Immelman – the 2008 Masters Tournament Champion is really known for his swing.

Cedric The Entertainer - Can he tell jokes? Yes ! Thank you for the overall funny career and all the positive work you do, for real. The Cedric The Entertainer Charitable Foundation, Inc. provides scholarships and positively encourages students to achieve.

George Lopez - As Research Fellow for the NLCA, National Latino Cosmetology Association Foundation , I get to visit Beauticians, Barbers, massage therapists, estheticians and many who make cosmetology work where they work. I’ll just state the performances of George Lopez have influential effects for better patronage in the salons and shops.

**For the record, my favorite JT tune is Senorita.

Rarely am I speechless in peaceful respect regarding the work of people in the public eye. Mr. Timberlake’s charitable work really speaks and helps. In that realm, his record of success is beyond platinum.

I've enjoyed taking over Lisa's blog. Thanks for tweeting my picture Lisa and thank you for the retweet - Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital For Children Open -

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I'm tired of being "Social"

I haven’t played in a golf tournament since Zo’s Summer Groove. And I’m getting restless.

It isn’t that I haven’t been playing golf. It’s just that I’ve been playing “social” golf. Playing after work on Wednesdays with a league and playing 9 holes on every Sunday with Sue.

Now don’t get me wrong. “Social” golf is fun. It’s an opportunity to hang with people you like playing the game you love, but it doesn’t put the fire in your belly. There’s more chatter than trash talk. There’s more mulligans than penalty strokes and more swing doctor purchases from the bev cart than Gatorade.

Now as luck would have it I just got in invite to be on a foursome playing in a tournament at the end of October! And this is the same tournament that I played last year and won (Ladies) Longest Drive. Which leads me to my new nickname given to me by my Godson, “Cheetah Woods.” Which is by the way is way better than “Cougar Woods!”

But like the other “Woods” I need to find some other tournaments to play before the one in late October if I’m going to bring home another trophy. The challenge is that I'm running out of time. Maybe I can convince the crew to turn one of our “social” golf outings into a little internal tournament. I’m thinking a small entry fee and winner takes all.

That’s the ticket. I’m feeling a flame beginning to form…

Monday, August 29, 2011

Zo's Summer Groove Golf Tournament

Last month I participated in the Zo’s Summer Groove Golf Tournament hosted by, NBA Future Hall of Fame Inductee, Alonzo Mourning (yes, I’m biased). Zo’s Summer Groove, an annual fundraising event, supports Alonzo Mourning Charities (AMC). AMC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public fundraising foundation. AMC's mission is to create platforms for youth to excel. AMC supports programming with proven results that deliver resources to students and families in need.

In the past the tournament had been at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa. This year, the host course was Turnberry Isle in Aventura, FL. According to their website, “World Golf Hall of Famer Raymond Floyd completely redesigned both championship courses from tee to green and the results are nothing short of spectacular. The Soffer and Miller courses offer 36 holes of character and a fair test for all skill levels. Recently Fairmont Turnberry Isle Miami golf resort was proud host of the NBC/ADT Golf Skills Challenge and The Stanford International Pro Am, an official LPGA tour event.”

Of course I had to get a new wardrobe for the tournament. I totally worked the pink since I knew I would be one of a handful of women playing. Pink skort, visor, scarf for my golf bag and grey/pink shoes. Because Nike doesn’t have a pink golf balls, I rocked Lady Precepts.

The tournament, being held on both courses, was a sell-out. As I walked the range area I noticed that the field included Jason Taylor (former Miami Dolphin), NFL Hall of Famer Richard Dent,CNN’s Roland Martin, actors Anthony Anderson (Law and Order), Jeffrey Donovan (Burn Notice) and fitness guru/golf Diva Donna Richardson Joyner. Luckily, I was put in a foursome with my friend Jason and his friend Shawn. Unfortunately our 4th, Trey, couldn’t make it.

Since no one in my group had time to warm up (log jam at the bag drop) we had to work it out on the course. What I loved about playing with Jason and Shawn is that while they are competitive, they also like to have fun. We visited every vendor tent, tasted every Grey Goose popsicle, took Grey Goose shots,hydrated with coconut water, did push-ups with members of the US Army Miami Recruitment Battalion (I did 10)and sampled the food at all the restaurants.

The format for the tournament was best ball and we finished at 1 under. We did not win or come close,but I am proud to say that more times than not we used my ball. But my biggest accomplishment this year was my increased confidence level. Last year I was so intimated about playing the Blue Monster at Doral that I needed a pep talk from Alonzo to get out car. No pep talk needed this year! I couldn't get on the course fast enough. What a difference a year makes! I Love this game!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Seasons Change

For me the season changing from Spring to Summer means transitioning from spectator to player. This Spring I had the pleasure of attending the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Going into the week the weather was looking beautiful so I took vacation and attended Wednesday – Sunday.

Wednesday, I attended the Pro-Am tournament. I have loved attending the Pro-Am over the years. The players are very social, stopping for pictures, autographs and take the time to answer questions. Wednesday morning I followed Tiger with a minimal gallery (by Tiger standards), and later in the afternoon Graeme McDowell. I even got up enough nerve to ask Graeme for an autograph to which he happily obliged. He seemed genuinely surprised when I told him I follow him on Twitter. Thursday – Sunday I followed Graeme, Tiger, Aaron Badderly and Rickie Fowler (I liked his pink outfit best). I literally was on the course from sun up to sun down.

Of course this type of schedule can only be completed with the help of friends. First, my friends the Campbell’s, who live on the course, kept me hydrated, fed and provided a great restroom. Mr. Bell, provided me with a weekly badge when I realized my two one day badges weren’t going to be enough. And then the golfers themselves who played outstanding golf that kept me glued to their every drive and putt.

The only thing that topped this in- person experience was watching the Masters. Wow and wow. I found myself watching via computer and on television. The online coverage was amazing. I loved being able to watch multiple holes. It was so thrilling!

But as we transition into Summer it’s time to get off the couch and onto the course. I recently took a lesson at Orange County National Golf Course with Coach Ted. We narrowed my stance, soften my grip and got me to do a full shoulder back and forward rotation. I was so completely jazzed leaving that lesson.

And now it’s time to take what I’ve learned and put it to the test. This week I’ll be playing in the 9 hole after- hours league. Follow my progress here or on Twitter @playforwardtees. I have a feeling this is going to be an exciting season!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Golf Heaven

I had the pleasure of attending the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show, held January 27-29, in Orlando, Fla., The Show welcomed some 1,000 top golf companies and brands and more than 40,000 industry professionals from around the world to the industry’s 58th annual global summit for the business of golf.

Before going, I sought advice from some of my PGA friends on how to best tackle this mammoth show. It was suggested to me to go on the last day within the last two hours of closing. I was warned that I would be overwhelmed but going at this time would decrease my sensory overload.

After entering the convention center, you walk a long hallway on the second floor. From this vantage point you can look down over the show floor. It was at that time I felt my body began to float. Golf merchandise as far as the eye can see. I just stood there hyperventilating. Are you kidding me? I broke out into a sweat, if only I could repel onto the floor. But alas, I couldn’t. So I’m off to the press room to get my credential from the gracious Sherry Major.

Prior to going to the Show, I had a perception that women’s golf clothes lacked flavor and pizzazz. So imagine my surprise when I saw booth after booth of women’s clothes that had style, color and prints. Clearly I have been shopping in the wrong place. Some of the clothes still lacked flavor, and there were clearly some brands not made for a curvy woman like me, but I was happy to see great fashion!

Of course I went and checked out the Medicus Golf area. I really should just get on a payment plan with them. Considering I’m a newbie, I need all the training aide I can get ;)

Lastly, I had a nice conversation with Liz from Bloom Designs. I wandered into her booth because I’m obsessed with stationery. Bloom Designs is a golf themed fashionable stationery company offering fine boxed stationery, notepads, invitations, and apparel. The cool thing about Bloom Designs is that they also personalize. So it’s a great resource for gifts (hint, hint friends) or golf tournaments. Check them out or put your order in for my birthday gift at www.bloomdesigns.com.

The PGA Merchandise Show was this girl’s version of Golf Heaven on Earth. I’m already counting the days until next year!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

When I Golf Grow up Part 2

I had the best time playing with Lisa and Sheri. We played Women Vs. Men /all play - best ball format. Uh? I wasn’t sure what it meant either. So basically Sheri, Lisa and I were on one team and we were playing against 3 men on the other team (Lisa’s husband, father and a friend of the family). You play your ball all the way through but you only put the best score on the score card.

I was excited. This gave me an opportunity to play my game but without all the pressure! The first hole I had the best score. That is basically the only contribution I made! Lisa and Sheri are phenomenal players so I basically found myself falling into spectator mode. I would rush my shot so I could watch them. Both of them were poetry in motion.

At one point Lisa asked me if I was still taking lessons. I told her off and on but not in about 6 months. She told me that she still takes lessons. That news shocked me. Lisa played on her college golf team. So it never occurred to me that she would be taking lessons. But when you think about it, technology of equipment has evolved, as well as, golf course developers have tried to make courses themselves, very competitive. Courses now have slopes, different foliage as hazards, dog ear left and rights etc. So absolutely I can see where continued lessons are still needed, especially, if I plan to take my game to the next level.

Yes, taking more lessons sounds good in theory but where do I find the time? The reality of the world is that we find plenty of time to do things we don’t like but have deemed a “have to do.” Meanwhile the things that bring us joy and feed our soul are cast aside. These joy opportunities are left in the corner to collect dust while the “have to do” is our constant companion.

Why is it? Why do we sometimes feel we are not living unless we are suffering? Not cool. Not cool at all.

So here’s my New Year’s promise to myself. I will time find time to wipe the dust off of my joy opportunities and take them out of the corner. I realize this process will be slow to get going. So starting in January I’m going to start by going back to my monthly massage (Oscar, here I come!), followed by at least one golf clinic or lesson a month. I have to play a minimum of 1 9- hole and 1 18-hole a month. And the driving range a minimum of twice a month.

I expect you all to hold me accountable and I challenge you to move your joy opportunities out of the corner!

Sidenote: Lisa was invited and participated in the Bob Hope Classic. Guess the lessons are really working out for her ;)

Playing From the Forward Tees