Basketball Is For Everyone

Recently, we heard the story of Tiffara Steward, a college hoops star that is under 5 feet tall and has seemingly everything stacked against her as far as being an athlete is concerned. Someone forgot to tell her that a person with vision, hearing, and skeletal issues should not be on the court. Good for her!

I came across a story yesterday about another unlikely basketball star. Jason McElway was a student team manager for a high school basketball team in New York. This video came out in 2006 and Jason was a recipient of an ESPY award in that year. I've searched further and do not know what became of this incredible young man and can't believe I haven't heard of him sooner. I guess I just don't watch enough ESPN award shows, eh?

If you have an update please leave a comment. It would be interesting to find out what became of him. He's not listed on the current coaching roster of the school so it looks like he's moved on. The game in the video is allegedly the last one in the season of his senior year.

What other great stories am I missing?

5 Questions With Another Passionate Golfer

(No, it is not Women's Golf Month yet - I just found this video fitting.)

Today's guest is a fellow blogger on the Women Talk Sports with me. Sherry Tabb is in the golf industry and a strong voice for women in golf. Her blog, Ladies On The Tee is dedicated to help women embrace the game of golf in greater numbers. The mission is to develop a community of women that will share their experiences, their ideas, their successes and their overall passion for the game of golf. Sherry took a moment out of her busy schedule to be my guest today.

1. When did you start writing about golf? What inspired you to start Ladies On The Tee?

I started my blog in October of 2008. I have been in the golf business for 13 years now. I own Tee 'M Up Enterprises which specializes in helping organizers of golf events. During this time I have noticed the overwhelming lopsidedness of the number of men playing versus women. In particular the lack of golf and business networking with most women playing the game struck me as regrettable. There was and is so much misunderstanding, fear, and intimidation about the value of golf in general and in the business world when it comes to the female perspective. Added to my personal desire to help women embrace the game of golf was the extra motivation to provide a women's golf community and resource center since the premier women's golf magazine, Golf for Women, shut down last summer. That was the last straw. It was time to act on my passion and take my business to another level.

2. How long have you played golf? What's your handicap (if applicable) and how often do you play?

Interestingly, I started my golf business without knowing a whole lot about golf. While rehabbing from shoulder surgery I was invited to play in a golf scramble. Since my shoulder was not completely rehabbed I was not able to take a full swing or swing hard so I had a fair amount of success playing. I was hooked!! That was 13 years ago.

My handicap is currently 12.9 index but I have not played a lot over the past couple of years. What a shame...to work in the business but not play regularly. That is my goal this year - to play more. Hopefully to get in a round or practice at the range at least once per week. When I played every week my handicap was 8.9. I'd like to get it back to single digits!!

3. What other sports have you been involved in during your life? What competitive or team sports have you been involved in, if any?

Tennis - I started playing at the age of nine and made it my career as a teaching professional for close to 15 years. I became the first female Head Tennis Pro in my area. I competed locally as a junior and into adulthood. I specialized in doubles towards the end of my career due to chronic shoulder problems. I won numerous titles in Singles & Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles over the span of my career.

Additionally, I played about every sport possible from the time I learned to walk. Before organized sports I would play baseball and basketball with the neighborhood boys (much to my older brother's dismay) In grade school I played on our school's kickball, volleyball, and softball teams. High school - I played on our basketball and volleyball teams.

In addition, I played on ASA (American Softball Association) and USSSA (US Slowpitch Softball Association) teams starting while I was in high school and continued until I was in my late 30s. I traveled around the country playing and competed in a few National Tournaments. I played tennis and softball for the University of Cincinnati.

I would have to say that overall, tennis was my real passion until injuries required that I step away from the game. Golf is now my passion, both playing and supporting its growth in any way that I am able. I have competed in a couple of local golf tourneys and had the good fortune to win the Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan Mixed Couples title with my partner, Kevin Manley. That was a blast because I was a relative newcomer to the game and wasn't even sure of the scoring system being used (Stableford System). That probably helped keep me focused since I didn't realize we were in contention!!

4. Who do you consider to be good role models for women and girls in the world of golf? Are there others that you consider good role models outside of golf? What makes a good role model in the sports world?

There are 2 names to jump to mind as role models for womens and girls in golf. Without a doubt, Nancy Lopez is one of the greatest ambassadors of the game and goes above and beyond to give back...all the time! Paula Creamer embodies that same understanding of 'her place' in the game of golf today. Both of these women are 'class acts' and we all can learn a lot from them...the way they handle themselves in good and difficult situations, the respect they have for the game and its history and their responsibility to give back through their charitable involvement.

There are so many remarkable women in sports today an din the past that would qualify for this classification. Chris Evert is one of them. She did not possess 'natural talent' but took her game to the top of the rankings through her mental toughness, drive and determination. She continues to give back through her Academy - helping youngsters get involved in the game even today. Pat Head Summit is also a role model - she has a drive and capability of pulling the best from her players. She has gone where few (even men) have gone with her coaching career.

The common characteristics that I deem important to be a 'role model' are: integrity, positive self-image, community involvement, realization of their place in the game and the importance of being 'accessible' to their fans. To summarize, a role model is a 'class act'. Things are not 'about them' but about all who they touch and whom touch them.

5. What do you think would get more women playing golf? What challenges do you think women face on the course that are unique to them?

More outreach from those of us who do play. This could be in the form of an invitation to take a lesson together, join a league, go to the driving range, attend an event, watch golf on TV or just go to the course to play for fun. Once a person sees what the game is all about and that you don't have to be strong or an accomplished athlete to play, a light bulb goes off and some of the 'walls' come tumbling down.

Also, an emphasis is needed from the course management to make women feel welcome from the moment they arrive on the course until they get in their cars to leave ( See my article "Is the Golf Course YOU Play 'Female Friendly'?). We definitely need to get rid of the "Old Boy's Club"!

Personally, I think that there is an underlying sense of 'I don't have time to play a game' that more women than men have. Getting over that is a huge hurdle. This requires education of all that golf can offer...stress reduction, physical exercise, enjoying the great outdoors, social/business networking and FUN!

Other challenges may be related to the stereotype that women in general are slow players. Have you ever seen how much time some older male players take just looking for lost balls??? Now that is SLOW.

There is a great sense of fear and intimidation for a lot of women that they don't belong or they aren't good enough. Trust me, hackers come in all sizes, shapes and sexes. Given that there are more men playing the game than women, it is fair to say that there are more BAD male golfers than women. That does not keep them from playing NOR should it.

As long as we all take the time to learn basic golf etiquette and some basic rules of the game that is all that is needed. There is a handicap system in golf that 'evens the playing field' for golfers of all abilities. The game of golf is one in which you challenge yourself more than compete against others. It is a game that, if you so desire, you can go play by yourself.

There is so much more that I could ramble on about this wonderful game. The game of golf needs women for its survival. Women and girls need to understand that we are a vital force in this arena and embrace golf for whatever personal reasons desired.

Sunday Sports Wrap - March 29, 2009

WPS: The day is finally here - the first Women's Professional Soccer game kicks off in just a few hours. The Los Angeles Sol host the Washington Freedom. The game is televised on Fox Soccer Channel and you can follow players and staff on Twitter. Check here for all the details. Go Sol!

The Madness Continues: Do I even need to remind you that March Madness continues today? I didn't think so.

Can He Do It?: Tiger Woods was in second coming into the final round today at Bay Hill just five strokes off the lead. Maybe he's back in form? Maybe not?

Today In Sports History

1989 - The first Soviet hockey players are permitted to play for the NHL

1992 - Ladies Figure Skating Championship is won by Kristi Yamaguchi

Who Inspires You? The Splash Award

Doret gave me this Splash Award and it definitely made my morning. Thank you! Now I must pass it on:

The Rules:

1) Put the logo on your blog/post.
2) Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress, or inspire you.
3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4) Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.
5) Remember to link to the person from whom your received your Splash award.

Here are the blogs that are must reads for me and allure, amuse, bewitch, impress, or inspire me. Guess what, they aren't all sports:

1. That Mutt - I love how dedicated Lindsay is to animal care. She fosters dogs, advocates rescue, and has informative content. She even lets me guest post every now ant then!

2. Golfgal - Gayle interviews interesting personalities and always makes me laugh. When I read her material, I can picture her smiling since she really seems to enjoy herself.

3. and 4. Pretty Tough - What can I say about this site except that it is awesome! This is truly a premier women's sports information source. Jane is also one of the masterminds behind the Women Talk Sports Network.

5. And One - Carolyn's basketball addiction and LeBron James obsession is fun to read about. This wordsmith finds some of the most interesting content around hoops.

6. Real Women Golf - Heather's post are always amusing and she's dead serious about her game. I'm always stoked to see when a new post has popped up from her in my reader.

So that's it. No pressure to anyone to continue the chain but I thought it would be fun. I may not even get around to commenting...hmm...

At any rate, I've included another inspiration in my life with today's video - Annika Sorenstam. I aspire to have not only her game, but her grace.

There are many other sports figures that inspire and impress me...like everyone on the Southern California Breakers women's football team - this tightly-knit group are as diverse as they are talented. Each woman on the team has a remarkable story - there are teachers, mothers, triathletes, and so much more. I'm so honored to be invited to report on the sidelines and get to know them. In fact, look for game coverage starting next month!

Who inspires you?

Sports Volunteerism

Have you ever wanted to see what is so special about the Riviera Country Club? Do you love to spend time in the water? Do you enjoy helping young people learn about basketball or baseball? Why don't you volunteer in sports?

For some, volunteering at sporting events are a way to get behind the scenes at a major event. For others, it is a way to share their passion with others. I can think of two events coming up in the Southern California are that need volunteers:

On May 12, the American Cancer Society's Anthem Blue Cross invitational golf tournament is at the Riviera Country Club. Volunteers are needed for setup on Sunday, May 11 and for various shifts on Monday, May 12. For more information email ana(dot)boote(at)cancer(dot)org. Volunteer registration ends on April 15.

On May 3 is the next They Will Surf Again event. This time it is at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington beach. This event is put on several times over the summer around the country by Life Rolls On. There are other events at more beaches in California, Florida, and New Jersey in the coming months. Click here to find an event near you.

Today's video is from Life Rolls On's first ever They Will Ski Again event. Life Rolls On is a non-profit 501(c)3 that exists to be a grassroots resource that provides hope and is an advocate on behalf of young people whose lives have been affected by spinal cord injury (SCI). LRO utilizes action sports to push the boundary of possibility for those with SCI.

There are many other volunteer opportunities. I found Volunteer Match online that matches a geographic area to the category "sports" and came up with plenty of matches. Type in your city and the keyword you are looking for on the home page and you're on your way.

Why not volunteer in sports?

Another Edition of Blogspotting

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Football: I found the scary video above on Chicks In The Huddle. Nola has a way of finding the football-related content that you just don't see everywhere.

Speaking of women who know their football, I stumbled across the blog Gridiron Goddess. She's got the world's best stadium pictured in her title bar too.

Learn Rugby: I've finally found the information I've been looking for. Your Scrumhalf Connection posted where to find A Beginner's Guide To Rugby from the International Rugby Board. The guide is in six different languages.

Game Chair: And One has found the ultimate game watching chair. It doubles as a gamer chair for the nerd in your life as well. Either way, it's pretty fun.

Don't Let The Door Hit You: Everyone's favorite narcissist has finally retired. One friend of mine put it best when he said that this guy should probably stick to pitching and keep his opinions to himself.

Want to be spotted? Send me your story!

Wild World of Wednesday - March 25, 2009

Women's Hoops: Well, I was doing fine on my women's bracket until Duke lost. Argh. In addition, Tennessee was knocked out in the first round for the first time in their history. The two-time defending champs aren't taking a break though and are back in the gym to work out their playing issues. The team lost starters like Candace Parker to graduation and have seven freshmen. They'll certainly be working hard to not let this happen next year!

World Baseball Classic: Team Japan took home the title in the World Baseball Classic on Monday night. The defending champs won behind star Ichiro Suzuki's tie-breaking two-run single in the 10th inning. Suzuki claims divine intervention was the cause.

Crew: Every year on the River Thames the University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge takes place. In preparation for this year's race on March 29, the Oxford crew took on a group being dubbed the "Great Eight" made up of the absolute best in the world. The press called this the "Students v Supermen". Team Oxford has been practicing since September with the same line up. The Cambridge team is lead by Chris Nilsson, the coach for team New Zealand in the Beijing Olympics. Last year Oxford won the race by six lenghts.

(Thanks to Katharine for contributing the information about crew.)

Today in Sports History

1958 - Sugar Ray Robinson is first boxing champion to win 5 times

1972 - UCLA wins its 6th consecutive national basketball title

Tales From The Inbox - March 24, 2008

WPS: This Sunday, March 29 is the start of the season for Women's Professional Soccer. The Los Angeles Sol take on the Washington Freedom. In the meantime, the WPS is trying to get 10,000 fans on Facebook. As I am writing this they are at 9,444. They're on every other major social media spot as well.

Cricket: English captain Charlotte Edwards was confident that her team would reach the World Cup finals. Indeed, the English team defeated New Zealand for the crown after some tense moments. (Thank you Katharine for the link!)

Small Sensation: My favorite basketball fanatic sent me a note about a truly remarkable athlete that she posted a story about the other day:

If you were blind in your right eye, partly deaf, one leg shorter than the other due to scoliosis, 4' 6" tall, 90 pounds and carting around some undeveloped vertebrae, basketball would not be an obvious goal. Tiffara Steward, however, begs to differ.

The New York Times ran an article about Tiffara Steward, a 20-year old college basketball player can hit 3-pointers and is a prodigy despite her stature.

5 Questions With A Rugby Player

I've been following today's guest on her blog for several months now. Rugby is one of those sports that I was determined to learn more about and Your Scrumhalf Connection has helped me do that. The woman behind it, Wendy Young, is so passionate about the sport that it is hard not to get excited about rugby. She took time out of her busy schedule to be my guest for five questions.

1. How did you get involved in the sport of rugby? How long have you been playing and what got you started? What other sports have you played throughout your life?

I had just started college in Oklahoma and was not playing a competitive sport (I played soccer since I was a kid) for the first time in my life. One night while I was out with my friends we got two flyers, one for Oklahoma football and one for Oklahoma rugby. My best friend went to a rugby practice first and she came home SO pumped and excited that we never went to the Football practice. The next time there was rugby practice my friends and I all attended and we were instantly hooked. I played for the University of Oklahoma from 2001-2005 and then I moved to Austin to play with the Austin Valkyries and I have been playing with them ever since!

2. What inspired you to start Your Scrumhalf Connection? How long have you been writing the blog and where does your material come from? What inspires your enthusiasm to continue?

As soon as I found rugby I was instantly addicted to it and I wanted to learn as much as I could about it. For that I turned to the Internet and through my searches saw that 99% of the sites were dedicated to Men's rugby and didn't even acknowledge that Women's rugby existed. This really frustrated me, so on Mar 31, 2006 I started my blog. Back then I was just a lowly college player that had dreams as big as the moon and had no idea that this blog would spiral into such an amazing site on the web.

I am inspired daily by the many emails, comments and visitors to my site. Everything can be turned into a segment on the site and I appreciate all feedback and suggestions. I have many things in the works for the blog and I really excited about what 2009 and the future holds because it just continues to get bigger and better each day!

3. How would you succinctly describe the rules and aims of the game of rugby? Are the rules similar in the states as they are in the UK and Australia?

The game of rugby is different than any other game I have played before, now that I have played so long the *laws* (there are no rules in rugby) appear to be second nature to me and are not unnatural at all. I would say that rugby is a mixture of lacrosse, hockey, soccer and football...it takes the exciting aspects of each sport and combines them together. The other exciting fact is that the laws are the same in the US as they are across the world. The kicker and the best part is that the men's laws are exactly the same for the women. There is no smaller 3 point circle or ball in rugby and that is another reason why it is so great!

4. Who have been your role models through your life? Do you consider yourself a role model? Why or why not?

My role model from a very young age was Mia Hamm, she was a ground breaking athlete in general and I followed her career from start to finish. Quickly after I began rugby I found a fondness for Jonny Wilkinson. My fondness for him is of course his golden locks and for his kicking abilities, I have always loved kicking in rugby and I love that we can both kick with either foot.

With my blog there also comes a large amount of responsibility and when I began the blog I didn't realize that. Now I have truly realized that with great power comes great responsibility. By no means am I claiming to have all power over everything, but I realize that my blog has become more than a small blog that 10 people read. I have worked hard to represent myself accurately and respectfully of other teams, my blog is not a place to hurt feelings or bad mouth anyone. The facts can be hard to read sometimes, but I work very hard to stay in the middle and show both sides of the story. But I am human and mistakes can happen, but again I appreciate any feedback or suggestions that anyone has.

5. What are your intentions for YSC in the future? What goals and/or milestones are you working toward.

Wow, I am constantly thinking up new ideas for YSC and I am trying to implement them each day. Right on the horizon is a new way to submit scores with more ease, and I will be releasing my new logo very shortly. Long term I want to mold the site into more content driven from my fan base, in the beginning I had to really work hard to find information but as each day goes by more and more individuals are pitching in and I really appreciate that. The blog is ever changing and will continue to change and adapt with the rugby world!

Sunday Sports Wrap - March 22, 2009

How's Your Bracket?: Well my women's bracket is just okay. I'm tied with about 13 others two spots behind the leader. As for the men's I've got three brackets going and none are totally out yet. Did you see that Gonzaga win yesterday? It's a shame that none of the refs noticed the Western Kentucky coach trying to call a timeout. More games are on today - let the madness continue.

Golf: The LPGA Mastercard Classic finishes today. Lorena Ochoa fell back from the lead yesterday by one. The PGA's Transitions Championship finishes today as well. Tom Lehman is just ahead at this point in the day.

World Baseball Classic: The US and Japan play today to decide who will face Korea in the final tomorrow night here at Chavez Ravine. Commissioner Bud Selig believes that this event will only get bigger when it returns in 2013. Over 43,000 fans attended the game yesterday where Korea defeated Venezuela to advance to the final.

Today in Sports History

1969 - 31st NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: UCLA defeats Purdue 92-72

1972 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is named NBA MVP

What Am I Missing?

Okay, I am either getting old or just getting out of touch. I just can't seem to do the whole Twitter thing. It seems like everyone I run across has a Twitter account or is telling me that I just have to get on. I tried it when I was covering the PGA Merchandise Show for Golf WRX in January. I managed about 15 or so tweets. I really did try. Still, I don't have an account of my own.

Every sport is managing to get on Twitter. The WPS is on and even have players tweeting from the field. The WNBA is on Twitter as well. It isn't limited to women's sports either. Many sports figures, men and women, have their own twitter account and send tweets from whatever event they are playing in or watching. Sports bloggers tweet and so do big-name sports journalists.

At any rate, I am starting to feel old. I thought that keeping up with everyone on Facebook, Google Reader, or through email was enough. I don't know if I can ever get into the whole 140 character limit thing. I do write a short post every now and then (like today). I'm even a big fan of making a point in a succinct manner. I just can't do it.

What am I missing? Do you Twitter?

Tales From The Inbox - March 20, 2009

Carolina Dealin': It almost sounds like California dreaming but they're on the other side of the country and much less populated. I was contacted by this new blog about golf deals in the Carolinas. They've got stories about choosing a golf instructor and other golf content. It looks like they've just started up this month so give 'em a look if you're headed to Myrtle Beach or thinking of going.

Of course, once I said California dreaming the song stuck in my head and hence today's video.

A-Rod Loves Himself: If you don't believe it, just check out his new spread for Details magazine. The picture where he is kissing the mirror...ouch...

How To Look Like A Utah Jazz Dancer: Yes, I thought the title was interesting also. I received this link a week or so ago that is an interview with a few members of the Jazz dancers. They talk about their fitness routines and eating habits but not with great detail. I would have liked to see an actual workout routine example like what exercises they are really doing in the 30 or 40 minutes (Cardio? Weights?) or an actual meal plan. I really think this could have been a bit more informative about the actual fitness aspect of being on a dance squad as opposed to talking about hair, makeup, and tanning. I did like that one of the dancers said that they are encouraged to be athletic and not skinny.

The New York Liberty: The New York Liberty WNBA pre-season schedule has been released:

Make room in your calendar, because the WNBA season is just around the corner! New York will host Washington on Thursday, May 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Madison Square Garden. The Liberty will then face off against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a game against the Mystics on Thursday, May 28 at 11:30 a.m. at the Verizon Center.

The Liberty, led by stars Shameka Christon and Janel McCarville, will open the 2009 WNBA regular season against Connecticut at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, June 7 at 4:00 p.m.

Season tickets and ticket plans are available now by calling 212-465-6073 or by clicking here. Individual game tickets will be available for purchase in the spring.

Don't forget to check out the blog where Lisa Willis answers Liberty fan questions.

How Much Are You Worth?

Most people think that they can't be bought. The truth is that most of us make a salary and, as one person I know claims, we have been "bought" for whatever that amount is. Athletes are bought, sold, and traded all the time and are acutely aware of what their value is. For example, Manny Ramirez is considered to be worth more than Andruw Jones.

Last year, we heard the story of John Odom. He was a minor league pitcher and a prospect for the San Fancisco Giants at one point. Odom made headlines last year when he was traded from the Laredo Broncos to the Calgary Vipers. This pitcher wasn't traded for another player or cash. He was traded for ten maple bats (about $665 US).

Sports media picked up the story of Odom and made a big joke of the whole thing. He seemed to take it very well. Heck, in the video above he's joking around and seemingly taking it in stride. I don't know, maybe the fact that he won't take his sunglasses off for an ESPN interview and the nervous laugh say something else.

Apparently it did. Reader Doret sent me an email yesterday with the sad conclusion of this story. John Odom died of a heroin overdose.

The warning signs were probably there. From the Yahoo! Sports article:

“I guarantee this trade thing really bothered him. That really worried me,” said Dan Shwam, who managed Odom last year on the Laredo Broncos of the United League. “I really believe, knowing his background, that this drove him back to the bottle, that it put him on the road to drugs again.”

Shwam added: “There were some demons chasing him, they’d been after him for a long time. But there’s no way to really know whether the trade did it, is there?”

Sadly, what was a big joke to everyone turned out to be much more serious.

The medical examiner’s office figured out Odom’s fame when they saw a tattoo on his right elbow over suture marks that read “Poena Par Sapientia”—a rough Latin translation of “Pain equals wisdom”—and did a Google search.

Details of his final days are elusive. His death was obscure. There is no record on where he was living, no explanation of how his body wound up at a hospital, no police report, no public record of where he is buried. Numerous telephone messages left for his family and friends were not returned.

How much are you worth?

Wild World of Wednesday - March 18, 2009

March Madness: What could be wilder than March Madness? At first, I wasn't sure if I would be able to find a group to do a bracket with and now I have four! I won't have much time to catch many of the games but there's always March Madness on Demand. All first round games are free! Check this link for more March Madness sites to "feed your need".

World Baseball Classic: After looking close to elimination, the US manages to advance to the semi-finals. Korea has also clinched a semi-final spot after beating the rival Japan. The last three games start this Saturday in Los Angeles.

Fitness: Check out Fitness Magazine for new shoulders and arms workouts. There is video for how to get tank-top toned and many more. Registration on the site is free and it is probably a good time to start a fitness routine if you already haven't.

Today in Sports History

1958 - Dodgers announces mascot/clown Emmett Kelly will not perform in 1958

1995 - Michael Jordan announces he is ending his 17 month NBA retirement

Help! I Was Tagged - What's In The Bag

I’ve watched my favorite golf blogs run through the WITB tagging epidemic recently and thought I was safe. I wasn’t. I’ve never even put my WITB on my Golf WRX forum signature! Okay Golfgal, here you go…this is what is in my bag that I happen to be gaming right now and the miscellaneous stuff in the pockets today…


What golf bag?

Ogio Edge stand bag - “punk rock” design – it rocks, just look at the pics!

What clubs?

All LEFTY:

Driver:
Cobra 460 M Speed Offset 9.0 men’s regular flex with stock Aldila NV-m shaft 50g (the guys at the Fujikura Fit-On Academy cut the tip about ¼’, added some lead tape to the bottom, and gave it a sweet Fujikura grip)

Woods:
Cleveland Launcher 15 degree men’s regular flex 55g with stock shaft (3-wood)
Cobra 5-wood M Speed Offset (hyper steel) men’s regular flex with stock Aldila NV-m shaft 50g

Irons:
4-P Callaway X-18 men’s regular flex, steel shaft (and yes, I have covers on my irons because the clatter drives me nuts)

Putter:
Odyssey Dual Force 2 (Anser style)

What else is in your bag?

I have a lot of stuff in my bag…a blue notebook with notes from every golf lesson that I have ever taken and a pen with blue ink attached, black regular sized sharpie, black mini sharpie, miscellaneous golf pencils, Golf Rules Quick Reference, The Lefthanded Golf Instructor quick reference guide, 2 bags of Epoch tees, Progrip Grip Cream, 2 scorecards from the last round I played (one filled in and one blank), Tattoo Golf divot tool with black ball marker and matching Tattoo Golf driver cover, Giggle Golf Trixie Towelette, Dodgers head covers on 3 and 5 woods, funky stuffed manatee cover on putter, miscellaneous tees of various sizes, gloves in white (2 FootJoy and 2 Callaway), brown (FootJoy), blue (FootJoy), and black (FootJoy), 2 sets of FootJoy winter gloves (one thicker than the other), TRION:Z Active bracelet in black (that I put on when I play), IZZO Golf SWAMI 1500 GPS Unit, Coppertone Sport SPF 30 spray, rain cover, driving range tees in 4 sizes, miscellaneous balls (Srixon, Titleist, TaylorMade, Nike), Golf WRX towel clipped on, small SPF 15 bottle clipped on, and UBOC mini bag containing three generic golf balls that is clipped on. I have a pocket that is currently empty but holds my lip gloss, cell phone (on silent), money, ID, and keys when I am playing.

Do you carry a lucky charm?

Nah, I’m really not superstitious. I joke about my lucky Titleist ball – I played it the whole round on the Firecliff course at Desert Willow last summer and didn’t lose it! If you’ve ever played this course you’ll know why I call it lucky to make it through with one ball.


What's the oldest thing in your golf bag?

I’m not really sure…I always clean out things I am not using and cycling everything through because I have a lot of things and get new stuff all the time.

Which is your favorite club?

Right now I have two faves: My driver and my 3 wood. I can hit both very well on a consistent basis…mostly…


Now I get to spread the tagging love to four other golfers:

Golf Views

Sports Girls Play

I Hate To Slice

Yoga For Golf

So it's your turn - what's in the bag?

5 Questions With Golfgal

Steele Canyon Golf Course Video Review @ Yahoo! Video

I found Golfgal Gayle Moss a while back and have been following her Golfgal blog for about a year. She blogs about "golf news and commentary from a business woman's perspective". I really enjoy reading her material and then she had to go and tag me the other day! Just kidding (smile)! She's interviewed many of your favorite golfers from the Big Break shows which made me especially honored when she let me to take part in a panel about women in golf. Even though I took a really long time to answer her questions she was still nice enough to do an interview here with me!

1. How did you get started writing about golf? How many different golf outlets do you write for? What is most enjoyable about writing golf-related content for you?

I’ve always wanted to write. In my work, I have written and published a lot of articles for clients in high tech (many of those ghost-written), and I have been blogging for clients for a few years. In 2007, I decided I wanted to write for myself. I have a book in me – I am sure of that. But life is too busy for that right now. So in the short term I decided to write a blog about something I love – I love golf! That’s how the Golfgal blog started.

In January 2008, Golf For Women Magazine contacted me and asked if I would be interested in writing a daily blog for them – I jumped at it. I posted daily until July 2008, when they sadly closed their doors.

I recently started writing a column for Inside Golf Magazine as well.

I really enjoy talking to people about golf and so I really like interviewing people for a story. My interviews with the Big Break and Highway 18 contestants were so much fun that I decided after they were over, I’d continue to interview people in the golf industry or just hackers like me and share their stories on my blog.

2. How long have you been playing golf and how often do you play (handicap?)? How did you get started? What do you love most about the game?

I put my toe in the water when I was in my twenties, but I hated it. My dad tried to teach me, and as much as I loved my dad, and he was a great golfer, he couldn’t teach (smile). 20 years later, I was introduced to the game again through work. My company was offering free golf lessons and I decided to give it another try (after a lot of pressure by my colleagues).

I hit a few good shots and I was hooked. It’s amazing what a few good shots can do!

Today, I am married to a man who loves the game almost as much as I do. Our handicaps are both around 19-20 (my goal this year is to hit 16). During the golf season, we play about 10 times a month I'd guess. On holidays, we golf almost every day (e.g. in Maui in Nov, we golfed 14 out of 17 days). We love the constant challenge, but also the continual (and very gradual) improvements that come with proper instruction and focus. As Ben Hogan said, “The best part of golf is improving.”

My husband and I both laugh and say, “There’s a real golfer in here just trying to get out!”. We’re hackers, no doubt about it, but we love to go to the range and practice; we love to play on courses around Vancouver; we love to travel and play in different cities; but most of all, we love playing golf in paradise. We are hooked on Maui!

3. What other sports or athletics have you been involved in throughout your life? Were you involved in team or individual sports as a child?

I was a figure skater from the time I was nine. 6 days a week – 6 in the AM and then again at night after school. It was a grind year after year after year. But, I wanted to be a teaching pro and got my wish when I was 19. In one year, I was ready to throw in the skates. Parents!!!! They all think little Suzy is the next Olympic champion. Skating parents are worse than those hockey dads that have to be escorted out of the arena ;). I taught for 7 years and it paid my way through university, but the moment I graduated, I hung up my skates.

4. Who are the finest examples of role models in golf, in your opinion? Do you believe that pro golfers should be held as role models in the first place?

I believe we all should be role models in life, so pro golfers aren’t any different. They just have more people watching. Annika and Lorena are great role models. Tiger is in terms of his work ethic, but I’m not crazy about his behaviour on the course. No one is perfect, so I guess Tiger can’t be a role model in everything (wink). But, I really hate being with golfers who get angry on the course (it ruins the day). I admire those pro golfers who can control their tempers. I’d love to see them smile more. My husband and I have deal – the more we want to swear out loud, the bigger our smile has to be. (Apryl's note: I guess I better start smiling bigger!)

5. What do you think holds back more women from being seriously involved in golf? What would you do to change that?

I don’t think girls are invited to play enough when they are young. Fathers tend to take their sons out and leave the daughters with mom. So when girls get older they see their boyfriends go out and play with their buddies but don’t feel welcome. Or their boyfriends try and teach them and that usually ends in disaster.

In my day, parents didn’t encourage women at all. It’s a bit better now, but not much. I still see dads bribe (or force) their sons to play, but never think of encouraging their daughters to take up the game.

That being said, neither of our kids like golf much even though they have all the equipment, clothes, and encouragement – takes too much time away from friends. Recently, however, our daughter saw my hot new Sweet Spot clubs and she loved the look of them – 13 year-olds are all about fashion. I told her she could use them if she played with us. She eyed them a bit longer and said, “Hmmm…maybe I will. (grin)”. Kids!

I think we should pay attention to South Korea and what they are doing with their young girls. We might learn something. At the grassroots level, we women golfers have to take some responsibility to grow the game. If each woman golfer could encourage one girlfriend to take up the game, we could change the male-dominated sport into sexless game rather than the sexist one it is today.

Sunday Sports Wrap - March 15, 2009

March Madness: Yes, it is Selection Sunday and everyone has a case of March Madness. I have invites to be in three different pools so I think some creative strategies are in order.

Tiger Watch: Tiger is off to a slow start for his return being eliminated from the Accenture event early and now far behind the leaders at Doral. Phil Mickelson is atop the leaderboard with no sign of Tiger. Even Camilo Villegas is up near the top. It is likely that everyone should enjoy Tiger's slow start while they can and he'll be back in champion form before mid-year. Or will he?

Spring Training: It's no surprise that attendance is down for Spring Training this year. What a time to go then - there are a lot of games today. These games are great to catch the big names warming up and the young talent trying to get noticed.

World Baseball Classic: If you're in San Diego or Miami today you can catch the World Baseball Classic. Mexico v. Korea is in SoCal and the US play Netherlands in South Florida.

Today in Sports History

1901 - Horse racing is banned in San Francisco and the last race is held on March 16th

1988 - NFL's St Louis Cardinals officially move to Arizona

Basketball Overload

I know that you must have seen the ESPN magazine cover with Candace Parker by now, haven't you? ESPN has been covering women in sports for the month of March and say they planned to have Candace on the cover before her pregnancy was announced publicly. I think she looks quite radiant and find the headline a bit odd - how "big" can she get? Interesting play on words.

The Los Angeles Lakers secured their spot in the postseason this week. Did anyone ever have a doubt? Oh, and just in case you are a die-hard fan of the team, please refrain from wearing green on St. Paddy's day. We all know that wearing green is completely unacceptable. I'll be wearing Lakers team colors myself.

In case you need to get your March Madness bracketing on - here are some links:

ESPN

Yahoo! Sports

CBS Sports

Doc's Sports

Friday Grab Bag - March 16, 2009

Thanks to Brian Allman at Sweet Spot Golf for pointing me to today's video.

Please Help: Kat Byles at the Homeless World Cup sent me this message to help with the charity I told you about in the last week. HWC is raising money for the Women's HWC and have a chance to get additional funding:

Can you help me win $5000 for the Women's Homeless World Cup? All you need to do is make a donation of $5 (£3) here. Global Giving have chosen their best women's projects and are running a competition to give $5,000 to the project that can call in the largest number of donations; $2500 for the next place $1000 for third. Have a look at the leader board here. We are in 5th place at the moment but only need 20 people to make a donation to take the top spot!! Global giving will also double your donation. The Women's Cup was amazing in Melbourne. We want to develop it significantly. This can really help with the funding. If you can help me win that would be amazing!! And if you know a couple of friends that might like to help that would be great too.

Support Young Athletes: If you are in the Southern California area don't forget to catch the Olympic Weightlifting competition at Capistrano Valley Christian Schools. The event is tomorrow, March 14th at 10:00 am. You can find out more info on this event and one of the local coaches from Monday's post

Have a great weekend! What are you doing?

Do You Spend Less On Sports?

Are you spending less money on sports? According to ESPN, the start of the Major League Baseball season has a lot more to worry about this year than steroid use. It does seem like there is much less attention being paid to each new revelation of an athlete using performance-enhancing drugs. Is everyone jaded now or just worried about their own bank accounts? Its likely a mix of both - it is no longer big news to find out that your favorite baseball player was using growth hormone or steroids. In addition, who really cares about a guy that is making millions of dollars when there have been layoffs at your company and you are wondering if you are next?

Some MLB teams have gone in-depth to find out what is really affecting their ticket sales. A post by The Sports Economist pointed out that the Cleveland Indians recently discovered that things like fireworks after a game and lower temperatures absolutely impact their ticket sales.

It will be interesting to see how Dodger Stadium fares this season. The organization recently hosted their annual job fair. Many think that the team will save the Los Angeles economy. This is not too far fetched but I'm not totally convinced either. People are starting to realize that in the five years that the McCourts have owned the team the price for a family of four to attend has gone up nearly 57%.

I usually replenish my Dodgers gear about this time of year. Not this time. I already own enough shirts, jerseys, and other gear that I could wear something different every day for almost two months. That usually doesn't stop me and I get at least one new design before the start of the season and a few more as the months pass. Personally, I am so frustrated with the greedy owners that I'm keeping my wallet closed. What happened to those community baseball fields that you were talking about building?

Frank McCourt has a chance to be viewed quite favorably here - lower prices back to where they were five years ago! Parking was $8 when the team changed hands and was $15 last year. Just think of how many frustrated fans like me will start to soften up. At any rate, the always sold-out Chavez Ravine will be a true test as the season progresses. Will this climate mean more empty seats?

Are you spending less on sports now?

Wild World of Wednesday - March 11, 2009

****be warned that Chris Berman drops a naughty word in this video - it is pretty funny otherwise so don't let this slip ruin it for you****

Tiger's Back...Again: After not delivering the goods at the Accenture Match Play last week the hype about Tiger's return continues for Doral. It is, however, markedly muted but still the top bill of the event. If Sergio Garcia wins this event he will unseat Woods as the number one after about 540 weeks with this title.

Selection Sunday: This Sunday, March 15th is Selection Sunday where we all find out what teams are going to be in the March Madness tourney. Today's poll question on ESPN asks what you would change about the process. Like football, finding an NCAA basketball champ comes with complaints. Still, I like the basketball system much better than the BCS. At least in basketball, teams are in a playoff system where football is just a monstrous mess and subject to opinion and other baloney.

He Stays: The Chargers have come to an agreement with LaDainian Tomlinson finally. He is a premier player but after the low production he turned in last season compared to those past fans in SoCal wonder if his heart is really in it. The toe injury that seemed to linger and other incidents make me think not.


Today in Sports History

1948 - Reginald Weir becomes the first African-American to play in the US Tennis Open

Happy Birthday Dan Uggla and Bobby Abreu

Tales From The Inbox - March 10, 2009

In With The New: Everyone’s favorite sports personality has a new website. Check out Lisa Guerrero here.

Southern Golf: While you are surfing the web, check out my friends at Augusta Golf Instruction. They have another blog with golf info here.

Me, Myself Update: I had asked about issues with the adidas site’s Me, Myself campaign and got the response that users can no longer upload since that portion of the contest is closed. Voting only is open so click here to vote for your favorite. Voting ends on March 22.

March Madness Contest: I got word of this gem in the mail yesterday…

Between now and the NCAA Men’s Final Four, fans can log onto the Coke Zero “March Madabase” here to upload their craziest and most fanatical videos/photos supporting their favorite NCAA college basketball team. As an example, check out how one die-hard Iowa State Cyclones fan secures his front row seat here

The best fan submitted entries will be featured nationally in a new Coke Zero ad airing immediately prior to tipoff during the championship game on April 6th. Coke Zero has made just two of these before (but this is the first time the fan entries will be used) - take a look at the Kansas one here.

Visit the official "Taste the Madness" site to upload and view videos/photos from colleges around the country here

Preview: Register here for the 2009 Hireko Golf Club Webinar on Thursday, March 12. This first of its kind event starts at 2:00 pm EST and lasts an hour.

Where Are The Women?: Read Golf Gal’s post about women in golf forums here. She even let me put in my $0.02.

5 Questions About Strength, Conditioning, & Olympic Weightlifting

Today's interview is with a coach in the Southern California area. Hailing from Auburn, CA , CJ Del Balso was a varsity football player and wrestler at Del Oro High School. He then played one year of football at Sierra Junior College where he was a first team All-Conference linebacker before moving on to play football at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX. A certified USA weightlifting club coach with a Master of Science degree in Human Movement from A.T. Still University, his coaching experience includes 9 years as an assistant football coach, 3 years as a Head Wrestling Coach, and 8 years of being a strength and conditioning coach. Currently at Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, he took time out from his busy schedule for today's five questions that introduce us to an upcoming event in the South Orange County area on March 14.

1. Please explain what the duties of a Strength and Conditioning Coach are - do you work with one specific team or all teams in a school's sports program?

A strength and conditioning coach is responsible for designing and implementing training programs that physically prepare athletes for competition in their respective sports. Each sport has its own unique demands and it is the job of the strength and conditioning coach to prepare a program that meets the needs of each athlete and the physical demands that their sport requires. At my school, I am available to work with athletes in all sports but I mainly work with football, baseball, and weightlifting athletes. One thing I love about Olympic weightlifting is that it develops tremendous explosive power in athletes. Many of our best lifters are also our best football players. These athletes have become much better on the football field as a result of the skills they’ve developed in the sport of weightlifting.

2. Tell us about the sport of Olympic Weightlifting - what are the basic events, rules, and requirements? What sort of training schedule and commitment is necessary to get started?

Olympic weightlifting is a sport where athletes compete against each other by completing two lifts: the snatch and clean and jerk. The snatch is performed by lifting a barbell from the ground to an overhead position all in one motion. The clean and jerk is very similar to the snatch except that the weight is first lifted from the ground to the shoulders and then extended overhead. Each athlete has three attempts on both the snatch and clean and jerk with the highest successful attempt on each lift counting towards the final total. The total of the two lifts are added up and the athlete with the highest total for both lifts is the winner. Athletes in this sport compete within specific age and weight classes which makes it a great sport for people of all ages and sizes. In our program, the athletes are required to work out 4 days per week and attend all the local competitions. That is really the only commitment that I require. Each kid must be committed to attending all of our training sessions and they have to be willing to work extremely hard. We have a great group of kids in our club who push each other on daily basis and bring a high level of intensity to the weight room.

3. How young can someone become involved in the sport? What precautions should one take into consideration when deciding to participate in Olympic Weightlifting?

Athletes who are in 7th grade and above are able to join our program. The biggest precaution in training young athletes for Olympic weightlifting is making sure that technique is sound before lifting significant weight. Every athlete who trains with us starts off learning the lifts with a PVC pipe and they slowly progress as various skills are mastered. This process is different for each kid as their ability levels vary greatly. I am very strict about performing any exercise we do with great technique which definitely helps with safety and injury prevention. If the lifts are performed with good technique under the supervision of a qualified coach, weightlifting is a very safe sport with injury rates lower than many of the most popular sports in this country.

4. What is the basic structure and hierarchy of USA Weightlifting and events? How does an athlete progress to the position of Olympian?

USA Weightlifting is organized into Local Weightlifting Committees(LWC) which include individual club programs within each committee. For example, our club is a part of the Southern Pacific LWC. There are four different age divisions athletes compete under. There are: School Age(17 and under), Junior(18-20), Senior(20 and above), and Master(35+). Most competitions take place at the local level and serve as qualifying events for the National Championships of each age division. To qualify for Nationals, athletes must lift a certain total at a sanctioned local competition. Beyond Nationals, there are international level competitions like the Pan Am Games, World Championships, and Olympic Games. Qualifying for international events requires certain totals being lifted at bigger competitions like the National Championships. Typically, Olympic qualifiers will be individuals who have placed highly in events at the international level in addition to winning their weight class at the U.S. Olympic trials.

5. Please give us the details of your event that will take place on March 14th and any other events that come in the near future. Is this your premier event for the sport in the Southern California area?

Our event on March 14th is a local competition and will serve as a qualifier for nationals. There will be 2 more local competitions before June. Our competition is not a premier event for the Southern California area. It is simply a local event that allows athletes to qualify to move on to the next level of competitions. On March 21, the Junior National Championships will be held in Foster City, CA and that would certainly be classified as a premier event.

This local competition will be at Capistrano Valley Christian Schools on Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 am.

Sunday Sports Wrap - March 8, 2009

NCAA Women's Hoops: I really like the USA Today CSTV Live Event Central to keep up on scores as there are many to keep up with today. The other good spot to keep up on the all divisions is the NCAA site itself under women's basketball. The Women's Final Four is in St. Louis this year from April 5-7. Yes, March Madness is nearly upon us!

Los Angeles Sol: From 11:00 am - 3:00 pm today is the Solfest 2009 that is free (yes, free parking and admission which is rare around here) to the public at the Home Depot Center. Open practice, prizes, tours, and player meet and greets are only part of the fun.

Surfing: The Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro continue through March 11 in Gold Coast, Australia. For the men - wildcard Julian Wilson defeated the veteran Kelly Slater earlier today in the third round. The women's event has finished with Australian Stephanie Gilmore taking the crown.

Today in Sports History

1968 - 6 year old Tommy Moore scores a hole-in-one in golf in Hagerstown, Md.

1986 - Martina Navratilova reaches the $10 million in earnings mark.

Today is also International Women's Day. This has been observed since the early 1900's and you can read more about it here

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UPDATE: I just received this information from the Homeless World Cup folks:

To celebrate International Women's Day, Global Giving will match every donation you make to the Women’s Homeless World Cup between 8-27 March 2009.

Please support and invite your family and friends to help us reach our goal too! You can make a donation here.

It's a chance to double your money and double your impact for women around the world.

And if the Women's Homeless World Cup can find the highest number of donations we can win additional funding of up to $5000.

The first Women’s Homeless World Cup was held in Melbourne in December 2008. It featured 100 women from 8 nations, and was won by the team from Zambia. It was a resounding success.

“We face a lot of challenges as women but we overcame them to win,” said Sara Daka, Player, Zambia.

Over 70% of players change their lives coming off drugs and alcohol, moving in to jobs, training, education, becoming football players and coaches, leaders in their community.

“My goal is to teach the young how to play soccer in Zambia. This way I can pass on my skills and experience and help others.” Player, Zambai, Carol Kanyemba

"My friends and relatives have received me back home proudly. A soccer game was played in appreciation of my splendid performance and voting me as Best Female Player at the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup," Dehkontee Sayon, Liberia

Saturday Miscellany

Network: As you can see by the new, purple badge to your right this blog is now part of the Women Talk Sports Network. This is a one-stop place for women's sports and women writing about sports. You'll find awesome blogs contributing like Pretty Tough, Because I Played Sports, Athletic Women Blog, and many others. I'm quite honored and excited that they asked me to be a part of it!

Wear Women Like Sports: I've had a few colleagues ask why I don't have apparel and accessories with my blog name. I decided to give it a try. Click here to check out all of the Women Like Sports gear. Yes, I even made the profile pic shirt.

Contest: Have you checked out the Sandbox8 site, Golf Views? I had the pleasure of meeting Rob, the producer, and his wife at the PGA Merchandise show in January. Starting yesterday, Rob is having a contest every week until he runs out of stuff to give. This week he's got Puma Golf gear just like recent Accenture Match Play champ Geoff Ogilvy wears.

P.S. I realize that today's video has nothing to do with today's post. I was feeling like water sports today.

Blogspotting - March 6, 2009

The WPS Skort: The addition of the skort as a part of the uniform for women's soccer has garnered many opinions around the web. Being one that has played a sport or two over the years in a skort I didn't find it so upsetting but others don't feel as I do. They are a staple in tennis and golf and if made right work for other sports as well (I've even skateboarded and done inline skating in one). However, some find that putting women in this fashion item offensive. That is one of the great things about our world - we are all allowed to have our opinion and voice them. We can even agree to disagree. I just didn't realize that everyone would be so upset about this piece of clothing.

On another note in soccer - I found this post about our team in Los Angeles.

WWE: Rob Mars points out that however silly we may find WWE, you can't deny that the women involved are exceptional athletes. So true! Check out his post about one such athlete, Gail Kim.

Around The World: After Atalanta has this post that takes us around the world in women's sports - soccer in Turkey, cricket in Australia, and awards in Switzerland.

It Happens Everywhere

Thanks to Katharine in the U.K. for sending info for today's post.

England prop Matt Stevens believes he can return to rugby a better player once he has completed a two-year ban for testing positive for cocaine.

The United States isn't the only place where athletes are caught misbehaving in one way or another. Unfortunately, it happens everywhere. Matt Stevens plays rugby for the club in Bath, England. He claims, however, that he is happy that he was caught:

"I hope with every grain of my soul, that I'll be able to come back and be a better rugby player than I was, and I think I will be," he told BBC 5 Live.

"There's a sense of relief that I can get fixed and stop abusing myself."

Stevens is banned from the sport for two years and will be able to re-sign with the club in 2011. The club's website has a brief statement that claims they have come to an internal agreement and will not convene a disciplinary hearing.

Word is that he will be opening a cafe while he is banned from rugby.

Bath Rugby has a women's club as well. They play a match against the St. Mary's Old Boys Ladies squad this Sunday. The women's team at St. Mary's could probably use a better name, eh?

Wild World of Wednesday - March 4, 2009

The Manny Yo-Yo: I get on the computer last night to find breaking news that Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers have come to an agreement. Next, someone claims it was just a rumor. A little later it is confirmed. Afterward, Scott Boras says there is no deal. I wake up this morning and the news says he is almost signed. What the heck? The Manny Ramirez yo-yo, roller coaster, merry-go-round, or whatever you want to call it is becoming more than annoying. I almost started feeling like I should be on the McCourt's side for this...until the terms of the contract they offered came out. Yeah, Franky thought that he had the public's backing until his true, cheap colors came out. Are you out of money? Is this why you keep jacking up prices? I have an idea - don't build that freaking mall at Chavez Ravine.

Poll: Click here and answer a poll on what you would spend on golf clothing and accessories.

Raffle: Click here to find out how to win a free t-shirt from Your Scrumhalf Connection. This site is dedicated to women's rugby.


Today in Sports History

1968 - Joe Frazier TKOs Buster Mathis in 11 for heavyweight boxing title

1995 - George Foreman loses WBA boxing title, refusing to fight Tony Tucker

2009 - Frank McCourt, Scott Boras, and Manny Ramirez invite me to be their 4th at Riviera and help them work out their issues, ending in a happy day for everyone. The guys all have an agreement they can live with and I shoot a 72. (I can dream, right? This is my blog)

Women In Golf: The Time Is Now

For the last few weeks I keep running into the topic of women in golf (well, more than usual). I participated in an interview with other everyday golfers about the topic on Golf Gal's blog over the weekend. Today, she has Sherri McDonald of The Big Break X talking about what she has seen happening to grow the sport for women. In addition, I was at Players Club Golf last night and the latest issue of Southland Golf was on display with the words "Women in the Game" emblazoned on the front. There was even another lady golfer at the club which I didn't used to see when I would frequent the club a few months ago. Need more evidence that women's golf is on the rise and here to stay? Check these out:

Women's golf is gearing up here in Southern California for the Kraft Nabisco Championship in Rancho Mirage March 30-April 5. Lorena Ochoa is the regining champion.

Women need to "step up to the tee" according to the post by Megan at ...Because I Played Sports

Ladies on the Tee talks about why golf is unfair to women.

I've also been following the golf trials and tribulations of a former competitive figure skater turned golfer at Real Women Golf.

Of course, find out everything you want to know about the pros at the LPGA website.

There are many other sources out there, this is not an exhaustive list by any means. I run into quite a few women that are quite passionate about golf. In fact, this happens more every day. This subject will definitely come up again in the very near future so stay tuned.

What have you heard about women's golf lately?