The time has arrived......Here's The Christina Kim Q & A interview!

Whether cutting it up on the course practicing before a tourney, or practicing at home in Florida, Christina Kim has a smile and laugh that are contagious! 

She has been a member of the US Solheim Cup twice, with the most recent being in 2009 at Rich Harvest Farms when she grabbed the final point to clinch the Cup for the US Team. Her Solheim record overall is 3-1-0! This season thus far, she has finished tied for 8th at The Womens' US Open,  9th for the RICOH British Women's Open, 25th at the LPGA Championship by Wegman's and 29th at the HSBC Women's Champions, to name a few. She turned pro in 2002, after finishing 2nd on the money list of the Futures Tour with 12 Top Ten finishes out of 18, which earned her exempt status for the LPGA Tour in 2003, her Rookie Year.

She was the first to have the record/title of the "youngest LPGA Player to earn $1 million dollars" (which has since been broken). She is currently ranked 53rd on the Rolex Rankings list as of the end of July. I've used bright colors for this session, to reflect the bright personality that Christina Kim brings to the LPGA. I hope you enjoy......

Q. At what age did you first realize that you had what it takes &  wanted to play golf competitively?
A. Funny enough, my perception of golf was always a bit different from the norm. I just always knew I wanted to play golf for my entire life, and then at the age of 16 I realized what the LPGA was. When I was 14 onward, my father lugged around a video camera and tripod to EVERY tournament I played. We would then analyze my rounds after the fact. So when I saw the LPGA on TV, I assumed it was something similar. It was only when I started to play really aggressively in amateur events that the idea of playing and making money sunk in. What a wonderful career to have! To do what you love and to love what you do is often very rare in life. So I would say it was at a pretty late stage in life when I figured it out, but I knew I always wanted to play golf at a young age, so its hard to answer the question!


Q. You seem to be close with your family and have supportive parents, are there any other siblings in prof sports? And does your family all live nearby? A. My family is pretty close-knit. I have an older brother and sister, and though we all started to play at the same time, I'm the only one that caught the bug. My brother is more of an introvert and very intelligent when it comes to science and technology, so he has found a passion for that. My sister still plays, but is happily married and focuses on her career. My brother lives about a half an hour away from me in Orlando.


Q. What do you feel was the biggest change you made this year with your game, that started to really   make a difference and start placing you back near the top?
  A. Two words- Ron Stockton. He and I spent one hour on the putting green in Toledo, and since then, my view on the game is absurdly different. I feel like I am unstoppable and I am excited to be on the greens again!


Q. What has been the overall response of your book "Swinging From my Heels" from your fellow competitors on the LPGA Tour? I personally LOVED the book after reading it the first two days after I rec'd it! It was one I couldn't put down and literally gave me many laughs!
A. Thank you for the kind words. Of the nearly 40 players I've given a copy of my book to, I have yet to hear one negative comment. It was such a thrilling experience to write, and the journey to discovering so many things about me was incredible!



Q. Are there any sequels in store for all your fans? And, how did you find balance with a grueling travel schedule and say, writing that first book with Alan Shipnuck?
A. I've been asked many times about whether a sequel is in store for Alan and me. It is such an honor because that means people have enjoyed the book, which immensely pleases me. However, at this time, I think writing a sequel is not in the stars at this time. Making phone calls is pretty much how Alan and I made the book work. We would be on the phone for hours at a time, while I would go about multitasking!


Q. It seems that you literally have thousands of fans, both on the course and with Twitter; what is your favorite social networking site that you prefer for connecting with your fans?
A. In so far, I love being able to interact with my fans and followers on Twitter. To be able to be connected to so many thousands of fans, at any given moment, is very fulfilling. I have met so many wonderful people through Twitter, and for that I am grateful!


Q. As a prof golfer on the LPGA Tour, what would you say the hardest thing is to give up while your out grinding away traveling to tournaments?  A. The hardest thing to give up is the ability to hang out with friends and family. But that is something that one can and has to get used to. Phone calls, skype, email, texts, have all now become a means of a second language for me, though nothing beats being in one's presence.


Q. Who are your sponsors?
A. I presently do business with Clemmy's all natural ice cream, Keri golf bags, Jamie Sadock clothing, Sunderland Outfitters, PUR water filters, TaylorMade, Putterflys, and I do non-endorsement business with Porsche. 



Q. While I realize some golfers might have others do their travel scheduling/booking flights, etc, I've heard that you do all of this yourself, is that true?
A. I personally love being able to find a perfect travel schedule. I do a portion of my own accommodations, as well as have travel agents book some as well. And why not? If one is capable of doing their own travel, I think they should! 



Q. What would you say are your goals for the remainder of this season and into the start of 2011 on the LPGA Tour? A. My goals are to win, to try and achieve a perfect round of golf where I hit every shot just the way I want to, and to continue to grow the brand of the LPGA and the game of golf, wherever I go.


Q. What do you find most flattering from the thousands of fans you have, being a prof golfer, accomplished writer, and great presence in the world of social networking? 
A. I find the fact that people listen to what I have to say in my tweets, my book, my blog, and as a golfer the most humbling thing in the world. I can't believe anyone would want to know what I do on a daily basis. It is such a great feeling, and yet I still don't get it haha! :)


Q. And winding down with our questions, what keeps you grounded with so many accomplishments at such a young age? 
A. My parents always told me that no matter what you do, you have to remember where you come from. And like many people in the world, I was not raised with a silver spoon. I was always raised to be respectful of people and what they do. However, I don't think I am that accomplished, to be honest. I feel like my career is just starting. 


Q. Is there a special someone in your life right now?  Do you forsee marriage and/or children in your future on the LPGA Tour or will that be another separate chapter in your life after golf?
A. I am not dating right now, nor do I have any intention of finding a boyfriend for a while. I had a relationship with a great guy earlier this year, but I realized that at the present moment, golf has to consume my life. Nancy Lopez has given me some great advice, in telling me that right now is the best time in my life. That I should take care of me and find personal happiness. And anytime Ms. Lopez tells me something, I listen!!

Q. There was a huge response to the CKJR golf match up with John Raser, is there a sequel....CKJR #2 in store for your fans? And when might they expect this to occur?
A. The CKJR golf match I had with my buddy, John Raser, was so much fun! I had a great time, and I am definitely fiending on when I get a chance for redemption! We are both very busy with our schedules, so presently the CKJR is looking like its going to happen this winter. 


I'd like to Thank Christina Kim, for taking part in this Q & A format interview. You can follow Christina via the following links;  Twitter at @TheChristinaKim  And, her Blog as well via TheChristinaKim.Blogspot.com and lastly, you can also follow all LPGA Tourneys at LPGA

This week for the LPGA, is The Safeway Classic Presented by Coca Cola

This week's tournament will be held in North Plains, Oregon. It will be Aug 20-22nd. The format this week is 54 holes. Ghost Creek Golf Course will host this week's tourney at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club. The course plays 6552 yards and is par 72. is Televised coverage will be on the Golf Channel as follows;

Aug 20 : GC 12:30-2:30 PM ET
Aug 21 : GC 5:30-8:00 PM ET
Aug 22 : GC 5:30-8:00 PM ET

Defending Champion MJ Hur won this tourney last year while in her rookie season when she defeated Suzann Pettersen and Michelle Redman in a two hole sudden death playoff. Current rankings have Cristie Kerr as the world's #1 player followed by Ai Miyazato and Jiyai Shin.

You can follow the classic via Twitter at @safewayclassic or online at Safewayclassic.com

Now, Go Hit Some Balls..............

Congrats to Marin Kaymer on winning the 92nd PGA Championship!

After a controversial ruling on the 18th hole yesterday for Dustin Johnson, he ended up losing 2 strokes and fell out of contention for what could have been a 3 way playoff. He handled himself with class and had respect for the game and the rules. It was clearly noted in the rules, that all players recieved prior to the tourney. He said, he should have looked at them closer. As I'm sure most of you saw on tv, he hit to what looked like an old bunker which was out of the fairway. The problem was, that he did not ask for any clarification and after grounding the club before stepping away, he was penalized 2 strokes.

Many golfers tweeted after this, saying he did not deserve that ruling however, the rules clearly stated that ANY and all bunkers whether inside or outside of the fairway, would be played as bunkers this week. Pretty clear indeed. And, while that doesn't help Dustin take the bite out of the sting, players who once said he was cheated agreed that it was clearly stated and the area to which Dustin fell into "resembled more of a bunker and less of just the rough".

I will simply say it was a very unfortunate situation. Arguing about one's personal opinion does nothing at this point. Dustin played a great tourney and has the class and respect, that you only hope to see in a professional athlete! Keep your eye on this fella!

Now, the PLAYOFF was down to two men; Bubba Watson and Martin Kaymer. They went back and played the 10th hole to remain tied and then it was onto the 17th where they again remain tied. Two great players, two playoff holes and no one was about to give up.
Then, Bubba hit his drive and it went way left. Martin hit his and it went way right. After a long look from both areas that he had available for a drop; Bubba played it from where it was. Not the shot he was looking for and he ended up off the right side of the green. Martin had decided that from his spot off the rt side of the fairway, that he would do a very short pitch shot  to get back to the center of the fairway since he knew he would only be hitting 3 from there and Bubba was hitting 4 from his errant shot off to the left. Bubba needed his next pitch, which was his 5th shot to drop to stay in the game and .......well it nearly did just that. His ball hit the pin and bounced left. Martin then needed only to put it close and he still had 2 putts to sink it. His pitch shot from the fairway put him close but not close enough. He missed the first putt and all eyes were on his 2nd to see if this Playoff would continue. His 2nd putt dropped and he stood with a look of disbelief on his face that he was the winner.

The 25 y.o. from Germany had won his first Major, Martin said he still couldn't comprehend what had just happened. Bubba on the other hand, was okay with taking 2nd place and said he wouldn't have changed a thing. That's the way to play, with no regrets and he had none as he said. The important thing for him, was that he earned his way onto the Ryder Cup with his finish. That speaks volumes for the type of player that he is and the respect he has for the game! With yesterday's PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup's 8 automatic spots were finalized. What a great tourney this was with the likes of Rory McIlroy pouring on the steam over the weekend and finishing in 3rd place alongside Zach Johnson. Jason Day and Matt Kuchar finished tied for 10th place, while Camillo Villegas aka Spiderman finished in 8th.

The 2010 (37th) Ryder's Cup will be played in Wales, which was just host of the LET Wales Ladies European Championship this weekend. It is just 45 days away!

Ladies Championship of Europe is in Wales, site of 2010 Ryder Cup

Conway, UK is the host of The S4C Ladies Championship of Europe this week where the 3rd round is complete. Defending Champion Karen Stupples posted a round 71 today. Feeling as though she "left a few out there", holds 5th place all to herself. Leading the tourney is Lee-Anne Pace from South Africa at -4. Christel Boeljon is in 2nd place, just 2 strokes back at -2. Melissa Reid from England and Sweden's own Carin Koch are tied at +2.

Defending 2009 Champion Karen Stupples carded 5 birdies out there today, and will be looking for more in the final round on Sunday. Representing her sponsor VTech, she hails from England and is a very sweet lady who not only plays on the LPGA Tour, LET Tour, but is a mother to her first son Logan James born in 2007. Karen qualified for the LPGA on her first attempt! She attended Florida State University and had her career low round of 64 in her opening round at The State Farm Rail Classic in Springfield, IL to end the tourney tied for 8th. Springfield, IL is where I had the honor of meeting Karen this year, while also meeting up with a new twitter friend Mary Ann aka @ouchieee who is a huge golf fan/supporter of women's golf. While the tourney is now at Panther Creek Golf Club, it remains a tournament Karen enjoys playing in each year. Karen is an active tweeter in the Twitter world and you can follow her via her twitter name KStupples . You can catch live scoring updates via the web at LET Ladies European Tour  Best of Luck to Karen on the final round!

Mother Nature strikes Whistling Straights to delay another round of Golf!

From the beautiful shore lines of Lake Michigan to the Logo carved in the sand, Whistling Straights has some great scenery to take in.

Today's round was not completed for many players, after another day of delays from Mother Nature. Matt Kuchar the leader, shot a 2nd round 69 to stay one stroke ahead of Nick Watney at -8.  Watney closed his round out with a 68 and shot 4 under today to end at -7.

While Tiger may have missed some fairways, this did not slow him down or keep him from getting par on those holes. TIger's day ended at -1 through 6 holes. Lefty was able to finish his 2nd round, with a 69 to bring him to -2 overall. He is now in a tie for 18th place after the first half of this tourney. Bubba Watson had some challenges with the 20 mph wind today and sits at -3 through 9. I look for Bubba to make up ground on saturday when the weather should be more conducive as well.

Dustin Johnson, who posted a round 68 today, is in a tie for 3rd place at -5 after he drained a putt on hole 5 for an eagle! Shaun Micheel who shot a 69 today, sits at -2 and alongside Lefty tied for 18th place. Bryce Molder was one of the "movers" today and had birdies on holes 5, 6 & 7 to get into a 7-way tie for 3rd place. Hunter Mahan, Luke Donald, Stewart Cink and Retief Goosen to name a few; took a downward turn and likely will miss the cut which is projected to be +1 currently.

Recent winner Louis Oosthuizen will not be playing the weekend and Anthony Kim will need a good finish of his 2nd round to keep him into play for the weekend. He currently sits at +2 through 7 holes after posting a first round of 74 yesterday. If anyone can turn things around quickly it's Anthony Kim, who only recently returned to the game after his thumb surgery earlier this season.

If you think you've heard of Kohler before and are wondering about the connection; you would be correct in connecting it to one of the world's largest plumbing products. Many of you may have Kohler faucets and fixtures in your homes. It all began right here in Wisconsin, in the same community hosting this week's 92nd PGA Championship.

Kohler is a village located in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. Sitting along the Sheboygan River and known for it's largest employer; The Kohler Company. The village was originally developed as a community by the Kohler Company in 1912, and also owns The American Club golf resort which houses both Whistling Straights & Blackwolf Run. Whistling Straights opened in 1998 and in the following year in it's first year of eligibiity, received distinction in Golf Magazine with being ranked 67 in the top 100 Golf Courses in America.

Saturday's coverage will be on TNT from 11 am - 2 pm ET and then from 2 pm - 7  pm on CBS Sports.
Sunday's scheduled coverage will be the same. You can also catch it LIVE on PGA.com or with the iPhone app PGA Championship!

Anyone wonder about the Duramed Futures Tour?

The LPGA's Developmental Tour is the Duramed Futures Tour. Also known as the "Road to The LPGA". With 30 years of competition, it is clearly the most established developmental tour in the world. Operating under the  ownership umbrella of the LPGA, hosts 17 tournaments this year that are played in 13 states & Mexico. While the league attracts professional women athletes from around the world, the average age is 25 y.o.

You may recall the name Vicki Hurst, who now plays on the LPGA Tour as well as MJ Hur, Mina Harigae and one of my favorites Jean Reynolds. I've had the pleasure of meeting Jean Reynolds, who is a very sweet and talented young lady. She is incredibly polite and when you talk to her it is as if you're talking with an old friend. While she hit a rough time this year in the passing of her Grandfather, she keeps on the grind on the LPGA Tour.

There have been 6 Alumni win titles last year including Lorena Ochoa, who was Player of The Year while on the Duramed Tour in 2002. It's still hard to believe that she has retired from competitive golf on the LPGA Tour, which occurred earlier this season.

Stay tuned for more in the future regarding this Tour, as I will be choosing one lady to feature in an upcoming Q&A session on the blog.  The next featured players will be Christina Kim/LPGA and John Raser/eGolf Tour. Many of you have recently read the blog featuring Brandan Price who plays on the VGT, and I look forward to featuring many more professionals in the future!

Now, Go Hit Some Balls!.......................

Go Bubba Go!

So today's first round of the 92nd PGA Championship at Whistling Straights is  almost in the books (or  on the cards that is). You've heard of Run Forest Run; well today I was saying Go Bubba Go! And that he did, with a short game that included picture perfect pitches to shots that assured birdies. He is currently in a 4 way tie for 1st place alongside Francesco Molinari, Matt Kuchar & Ernie Els. Both Matt & Ernie are still on the course.

After just over a 3 hr delay this am due to the fog; the last major of season was underway. The humidity and heat hitting the Midwest, was very visible with the moisture litterally hanging in the air. Friday is expected to be another very warm, humid day as well before relief is to come overnight on friday. I would expect to see another delay in the am for the start of Round 2 as well.

Bubba certainly brought his short game today and he wasn't the only one off to a good start. Tiger Woods started off with 3 early birdies and ended with a -1, 71 just 3 back from the leaders.  Recent winner Louis Oosthuizen carded a -2, 70 to be in a 12 place tie for 9th. Ernie Els is -4 through 12 holes and is always what I like to call a silent steam engine.

Wisconsin's own Steve Stricker didn't have his best day however, he finished at even par as did a long list of others. Phil, the newly declared vegetarian, also carded an even par. Vijay Singh, Ben Crane, Adam Scott, Lucas Glover, Hunter Mahan, Sean O'Hair and Bill Lunde are all currently at +1, as play continues.

I predict tomorrow will bring additional momentum from Tiger, spiderman Camillo Villegas will start his climb and Dustin Johnson is going to come out firing birdies!

You can catch Friday's coverage on TNT from 1:00-8:00 pm ET!

Now, Go Hit Some Balls!.................