Dont Drink the Water

Editor’s note: LPGA Tour rookies will be blogging throughout the 2008 season. Liz Janangelo was one of the country’s top amateur and one of the best ever to play at Duke University. She is a two-time winner on the Duramed FUTURES Tour and tied for 14th at Q-school to earn exempt status on tour this year.

Three tournaments into the season the LPGA has certainly been an enjoyable place to go to work. Everyone has been very welcoming and helpful. The deer in the headlights look is slowly beginning to wear off and it’s certainly nice to be able to spend time with people that have common goals and interests. With that said, I have learned a great deal in three events. A few little tidbits that I have stored in my Memory Bank are:

There are NO snakes in Hawaii

Nice Perk: Luckily the LPGA lights up the range and putting green prior to Pre Pro-Am rounds (6:30 am) so that the rookie players are able to see before their practice round, also for early morning tournament rounds. Nothing spells golf season like 4am wake-up calls!

A good caddie saves a player 3.274 shots/round.

The only thing cooler than an underage rental car fee is an overweight luggage fee. Everyone should agree it is very difficult keeping it under 50lbs for a two-and-a-half week trip to Hawaii.

One of the best services that is offered on tour is Day Care for tour moms. I don’t know how tour moms do it. Pat Hurst, Carin Koch, Juli Inkster, Leta Lindley, and many others are incredible! To be able to balance family life and great golf needs to be commended. However, the rumor amongst tour caddies is that the giant staff bags were getting very difficult to carry. Umbrella, rain suit, swing aids, sweaters, snacks, and children were hard to maneuver around the golf course.

Even if it’s HOT water, it’s still water so if you are in Mexico don’t drink it.

Despite what you may believe Laura Diaz smiles.

The only thing more dangerous than an African Hippopotamus is Mexican water. Trust me.

So far the best part of being a tour rookie is the ability to fly under the radar. This has enabled me to view the tour as an outsider, while getting the inside scoop.

A few examples are the fact that I’ve learned that Annika has a GREAT arm. She can give anyone a run for their money in the Ball Throw for Distance category of Field Day.

Another talented athlete is Morgan Pressel. It has been made clear that she has acquired the tennis gene from Uncle Aaron Kriekstein and will take down all LPGA members, Calloway Johnny included, in straight sets.

Finally, Swedish players by far earn the award for most hours logged in the gym. With fellow tour rookie Louise Friberg’s recent victory at the MasterCard the efforts put forth off the course are proving that hard work rewards success. Way to go Louise!!!


Editor’s Note: To see more Rookie Blogs and other great features on your favorite players, please visit www.LPGA.com, the official site of the LPGA Tour.