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By Natalie Gulbis
I have to start by saying that I am living my dream! I always dreamt of playing professional golf and competing against the best female golfers in the world, traveling to great golf courses and playing in front of amazing golf fans. Professional golf has surpassed every possible expectation I had as a young girl. It truly is amazing and I have the best job in the world!
Not only am I doing what I love, but I get to experience so many other great things by being a professional golfer. I have friends and family attending almost every event; their support is incredible and invaluable. I have made some remarkable new friendships along the way. And I get travel all over the world, visiting some truly wonderful places.
Aloha! The first event of the year is in Hawaii, certainly a special place to start the 2008 LPGA season. I love Hawaii with its magnificent sunsets, stunning beaches, and phenomenal golf fans. Still, the course is tough and the conditions are windy. It can be very challenging. And even in such a spectacular locale, my typical tournament week is much like any other.
MONDAY: Travel and business day.
I always travel on Mondays. I relax a little bit, work out a little bit, and catch up on personal and business calls. If I have the chance, I go to a movie or to a spa, both ideal for me to unwind so I can be energized for the week ahead.
TUESDAY: A 5:00 a.m. wake-up call, a workout and a practice round on the course.
I usually practice before and after the round and stay on the course until 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. There is almost always an hour-long press conference on Tuesday in addition to any sponsor meet-and-greets or photo shoots later in the afternoon. And I can always count on a fancy dinner for sponsors and VIPs. I think it’s very important to attend, so I make almost every dinner to meet and thank the sponsors and staff who make the events so great. After the dinner, it’s straight to bed, usually no later than 9:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Up early, again!
I fit a good workout in on Wednesday - maybe early, maybe later - depending on my Pro-Am tee time. For example, if I have a 9:00 a.m. time, I get in a 90-minute workout before I head to the course. Then, after the Pro-Am, I practice and tune up any part of my game that needs work. Wednesday night is a quiet night, before tournament play begins. I enjoy a low-key dinner (often from room service) and then an hour of fellowship on tour, a highlight of my week!
I always prepare my Adidas clothes the night before play begins, definitely a ritual that helps me focus. I need to have everything set, from matching socks and shoes to clothes, accessories, ribbons and hat. I pack my snacks for the tournament and go over my course notes. And I never forget a very special routine. For four years, I have made my caddy, Greg, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before every single tournament round… my very own superstition! And it's great, because he loves them. I am usually in bed by 9:00 and prepared for the event to start.
Thursday through Sunday finds me in tournament play, always trying to reach farther, to go longer, to meet and conquer new challenges.
I know it might seem boring to follow the same routine week in and week out, but a different city, a different course, and the thrill of another competition all make each week a new adventure with new and exciting possibilities. |
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