Who Is Natalie Gulbis and What Has She Done to the LPGA?
Thursday, December 28th, 2006
For those golfers living on the moon for the past few years, LPGA star Natalie Gulbis is quickly becoming the new poster girl for golf. In a segment of ladies professional sports long in need of some male audience attention, Natalie saves the day. With her sexy looks and even more impressive golf game, Gulbis is gaining respect both on and off the course. From her own reality show on the Golf Channel called “Natalie,” to her FHM Magazine spread, calendar, and swimwear line; Gulbis is single handedly revamping the image of the LPGA.
Born on January 7, 1983, in Sacramento, California, Gulbis started her golf career very early. When Natalie was just four years old, her father started teaching her to play golf. She was soon hooked to the sport. Her first tournament win came when she was just seven years old and by the age of 10, she was already breaking par. In 1997, Natalie won the California State Women’s Amateur tournament. She also qualified for the Long Drugs Challenge, becoming the youngest player ever to qualify for an LPGA event. She held this record till 2002 when Michelle Wie achieved the same feat at the age of 12. In 1999, Natalie won a scholarship to Arizona State University. In her freshman year, Natalie won three tournaments. In the summer of 2000, Natalie qualified for the US Women’s Open and was ranked 34th among amateurs. In the fall of 2000, she became pro and got a place on the LPGA tour in the first attempt.
In a recent article by Peter Morrice in the November issue of Golf Digest, Natalie describes her swing and talk about her current swing coach. “My father was the only teacher I ever had until I started working with Butch Harmon four years ago. I’d never thought much about swing positions, I just played by feel. Butch has helped me understand my swing, so I can make little changes, even while I’m playing.”
For those of you thinking the LPGA is still associated with the ranks of the latest “Women of the Falkland Islands Swimsuit Calendar campaign”, you’d better take another look. Although the American tour hasn’t yet reached the level of European Tour loveliness Sophie Sandolo, we’re getting there. Natalie has my vote for “Miss Birdie USA” and I wish her much success. If you want to get a better look at Natalie, you can see her during the Fiesta Bowl Parade on December 30th at 11am. Natalie was invited to be this year’s Grand Marshal. Congratulations Natalie! “Hey Natalie, can I sit on your float?”
Visit Natalie at:
http://www.nataliegulbis.com
Mesquite Country Club
Rolling Hills
The time to regale your golfing loved ones is soon upon us. As Christmas draws near, please choose your golf gifts wisely. Especially, the long sought after golfing: gnomes, ashtrays, book ends, mugs, coasters, den caddies, and other golfing d’cor usually reserved for my Uncle’s lake house bathroom. Stay away from the golf “art” and trick golf anything that will make others cringe upon viewing through “eggnog glasses,” days after on courses everywhere. Christmas gift ideas for that special golfer can become the fodder for family ridicule or the calculated creative caveat for years to come. Here are a few new ideas to consider: