So, How Many 2009 Wishes Came True ?

Last year, exactly 365 days ago, I wrote a post which contained my "2009 Wishes for Golf". I could think of no more appropriate way to close out the year than to look back on a select few of these wishes and see how many came true..so without further adieu, I will turn this over to Bushwood's Magic Genie - aka "G-Money" (his replies follow in quotes):

(1) For the LPGA, I wished:

• Great performances by marquee players - " Sorry, maybe next time"
• Stability among the sponsors - - "No prob, among those who hung around" - Fail..
• A replacement for Carolyn Bivens - " SCORE !!! Wish granted..."

(2) For the PGA

• Sponsor stability - "Sorry, it's the economy stupid - and we gotta use the TARP funds to pay them bankers their bonuses".
• A quick recovery for Tiger - "Well he recovered all right...but a funny thing happened on the way out of the driveway"...
• Early wins for some of the players we wish were BCC members (Boo, AK,DLIII,Bubba,JB, IP,Shark, Rocco): "Complete strikeout"
• Solid performance at a major by Kenny Perry - "Almost,kimosabe...almost - #18 at August was just too cruel to KP"

(3) For Sergio, some humility and class: "How about a really crappy season and an injured claw at the very end ? Karma is a bitch, el nino...so get some manners or u will have a worse 2010"..

(4) For Michelle Wie, a focus on the LPGA, some solid results, and some space from the 'rents: "Well, you played better,won your first event, and did not seem to make references to the PGA tour - so thats a SCORE. It looked like you were getting some distance from the helicopter duo,but the moment you won,BJ practically ripped the trophy from your hands and did a lap around the 18th green. Two words of advice - patricide now"

(5) For the “twentysomething golf blogger” – a return trip to TGC Amateur Nationals- hope to see you there. "Wish granted - although we both played better, there's still room to get better"

(6)For Amber Prange : Early success in the Spring events - "Not so much early success came your way,but you played in an LPGA event AND got full playing privlieges on the Duramed Futures tour in 2010 - so I'd call that SCORE".

All in all, we should not be surprised or complain....because just like in golf, sometimes we got the break and our wish was granted, and other times we "lipped out". We have lots to be thankful for, and lots to look forward to in 2010. Happy New Year to all of the BCC members and readers !

Amber Prange - Touring Professional Interview

(photo property of Play Golf Designs - copyrighted)

Bushwood Country Club is proud to share with the membership our FIRST tour pro interview. However, our first one is not just any interview - it is a special one with a young lady named Amber Prange, who is playing on the Duramed Futures Tour this year. You will remember Amber from the latest installment of "The Big Break" on The Golf Channel. Amber is not only a very talented golfer, she is also a budding business woman who was gracious enough to spend some time with us this week. So, without further adieu, here's Amber....

1. Tell us a little about yourself – age, hometown, where you live now,college, etc. I'm 24 years old, and grew up in Noblesville, Indiana (Go Colts !!!). I played collegiate golf at the University of Washington for four years, and graduated with a degree in Communications, with a minor in Business Marketing. I now split my time between Noblesville, Orlando, and wherever the Tour takes me.

2. What are your goals for 2009 ? My goals for 2009 changed a bit based on my experiences in my rookie year on tour. For this year, I am placing much less pressure on myself, and will be focusing on 2 areas: First, Play one shot at a time – focusing on the moment. Second, Play my best every time out, and finish as high as possible in each event.
3. How many events do you plan to play in 2009 ? I want to play as many as possible. The Duramed Futures Tour has 16 scheduled events, and I need to play well early to qualify for as many as I can. Regaining my full-time status is a key objective for me this year.
4. What part of your game are you working the hardest on ? Distance off the tee is the main area I am focusing on – I have always been able to hit the ball accurately off the tee, and my iron play and short game are good – but gaining an extra 15-20 yards is something I am working really hard on. I've been working on improving my core strength and conditioning this of season, and I am happy with my progress – I am in the best shape of my life.
5. How were you introduced to golf ? Golf has been a part of my family since I was born – My dad and his family are all avid golfers – counting 5 PGA professionals among them. Early on, I was not a huge golf fan – but in my early teens it really began to click for me and I developed a real passion for it.
6. What's in your bag ? I am a big fan of Ping clubs – I play the G-10 driver, fairway woods and hybrids. My irons are Ping I-10's, which I love, and my wedges are the Ping Tour series. My putter is a Yes! Tracy – the folks at Yes! Golf are incredible supporters of the Duramed Tour (shout out to Glenn at Yes! Golf- your rock…). My ball is the Titleist Pro v1
7. So we have to ask, How do you mark YOUR Titleist ? I mark my balls with little dots around the number to look like a flower.
8. Tell us about your work with Play Golf Designs – what is involved in that ? Play Golf Designs is an incredible company that I work with. They are based in Las Vegas, and offer golfers the ability to book a complete package at the best courses in the area. Packages include golf with one or more of the Professional golfers on the staff at PGD (including me), and it provides a great opportunity to meet and get to know the pro's the PGD roster. For us, it is a great chance to network with people who are passionate about golf and meet our fans.
9. What has been you most memorable experience with PGD ? Meeting someone who helped me get into LPGA Q- school.
10. How many holes in one ? Only one so far – but it was very memorable. It happened in my FIRST collegiate golf tournament, and my Dad was there watching. I hit a 5 iron onto the 165 yard 17^th hole - it hit about 5 feet away, and rolled right in the cup.
11. OK, now for a personal question - how far do you hit your driver ? Ah, a personal question, huh ? I currently hit my driver about 225-230 - so adding the 15-20 yards that I am shooting for will get me out there in the 240-260 range. That's really important to me for posting lower scores this year – so you can see that's why I am focusing on it.
12. Who would be in your dream foursome and why ? My dream foursome would include Ernie Els ( a super nice guy who I met at Lake Nona), Trevor Immelman, and a tie between Tiger and Sergio. OK – I know that's five people – but we would play fast and not hold anyone up !
13. Favorite sports other than golf ? I love to play Volleyball, and want to take up Tennis at some point. I also love skiing and kickboxing.
14. Favorite athlete ? Peyton Manning
15. What frustrates you the most ? On the golf course, Bogeying the last hole or three putting. In the "real world", selfishness and rudeness.
16. What makes you smile ? Polite people and pure selflessness.
17. What's on your IPOD ? Ah, I knew this one was coming ! I like practically every genre of music - currently in rotation I have a mix of Hip Hop, Sinatra,Techno, Mickey Avalon. Hard Rock (think Korn), and Classic Rock.
    
18. What is one song that gets you really pumped up and ready to compete? …Hmmm, that would be a song by Buckcherry called Crazy Bit*h. The lyrics are kind of racy, but the beat and tempo really get my heart pumping.
19. What is one thing that will surprise the members of Bushwood about your experience on The Big Break ? hmm Big break shocker... they try to feed us a lot of alcohol and everyone got along great with one another except for Dave
20. Can we get the first interview after you win your first Duramed event ? Of course…how could I say no

Amber Prange will be playing on the Duramed Futures Tour in events across the USA this year. She is super nice, and I encourage everyone to go out and support Amber AND the Duramed Futures Tour events ( 2009 schedule is here). She is also the newest official member of Bushwood Country Club, and will receive an official Bushwood Country Club t-shirt – Welcome to the club, Amber !

10 Golf Wishes for 2009

My (Golf Related) Wishes for 2009

So my last post contained my personal golf resolutions / wishes for 2009 – but no mention of anyone else. In the spirit of fairness and goodwill, here are 10 wishes for the rest of the golf world in 2009:

(1) For the LPGA (you know I am a big fan):
-I wish you great performances from some of your marquee players early on (Paula, Morgan, Lorena, Cristie,Natalie, etc) , as well as some breakthrough wins by some newbies (Anna Rawson, Stacy Lewis, Erica Blasberg,etc... – sorry Michelle, you get your own special wish later).
- I also wish you many new fans
- Stability among your sponsors.
- Oh, and I hope you find someone to replace Carolyn B – she SUCKS - totally does not get it…
(2) For the PGA:
-Stability in the sponsorship arena.
-Maybe try reigning in the purses so the best players NEED to play more often – I mean they are PLAYING GOLF for chrissakes
-A quick recovery for Tiger
-Early wins for the most compelling stories / personalities on tour
i. Boo Weekly – hint to media: ever hear the term “crazy like a fox”? He is working you like a pro, guys….
ii. Anthony Kim – used to be a hater, now I love the guy. He is the real deal
iii. Davis Love III – I know he wears Polo like a second skin, but he made a great comeback in ’08, and he will be our RC Captain soon, so lets give him some love
iv. Bubba Watson – Time for the “long one” to break through
v. JB Holmes – bc he was just STONE COLD at Valhalla
vi. Ian Poulter – ditto JB comment above. Get over the hair, the pink clothes, and the prissy walk – he can flat out get it done
vii. Greg Norman – I’m rooting hard for a comeback from the Shark
viii. Kenny Perry (at a major) – Just to shut up the talking heads on TV who dogged him for skipping majors in 08 to focus on the Ryder Cup ( hey guys on TGG, we did WIN the RC with some great performances from KP,right????)
ix. Rocco - To prove that Torrey was not a fluke
x. Phil – At the US Open (so the aforementioned Talking Heads will STFU about Winged Foot)
(3) For Sergio (who gets his own special wish)– Some humility and class. Sorry dude, I can’t wish for you to win as long as you act like a spoiled, “entitled”, ingrate. Your smile is great, and fools a lot of people – but until you learn to lose with same grace as you win, I will root for anyone but you. (Sorry Golf Girl – I know you like him….).
(4) For Michelle Wie (same as Sergio...her own wish)
-That you play consistently, play hard, don’t whine, and compete fairly on the LPGA tour. If you do that, and actually are competitive, then I may believe you are for real.
-That you IGNORE the PGA tour. You cannot, and never will,be able to, compete with these guys. Your delusions that you could EVER compete with them will keep you from achieving your potential. BTW – I watched Brittany Lincicome BLOW IT PAST you when you were supposed to be in your prime – so get over it …the PGA game is NOT about distance - its about SCORING (another hint - so is the LPGA,)
- That you fire your parents as coaches and advisors. BJ - Dude, get a life...you know golf like I know "nucular bombs"...
(5) For Tim Finchem – Some wisdom..Careful dude, you are about 18 months away from being in the Carolyn B sitch….
(6) For the Golf Girl – a round at “Farmore” and all the golf fashion that you can handle
(7) For the “twentysomething golf blogger” – a return trip to TGC Amateur Nationals- hope to see you there.
(8) For Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey – a bunch of early wins on the Nationwide tour, entry into plenty of PGA events, and the return of your PGA Tour Card
(9)For Amber Prange and Irene Cho – Early success in the Spring events….the future of women's golf needs more players like you.
(10)For Titleist and Callaway – That you kiss and make up regarding the freaking ProV1 patents – come on guys, don’t mess up the game, we already have enough challenges… (dudes at Callaway – you make some good stuff, but Titleist will ALWAYS rule the ball market – deal with it)