LPGA

(Granbury, TX: May 9, 2011) – HIRZL, the leading specialist for high performance sports gloves, is pleased to announce that LPGA Tour star Anna Nordqvist will be competing as a HIRZL Staff Player using HIRZL’s SOFFFT™ Flex performance gloves.

Nordqvist, currently ranked 20th in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, is a Major Champion Winner (2009 LPGA Championship), multiple LPGA Tour winner (including the
LPGA Championship and LPGA Tour Championship) and 2009 Solheim Cup participant. Anna turned professional in 2009 after a distinguished amateur career in which she was a two-time All-American at Arizona State University. She was the runner-up in the 2009 LPGA Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year race and captured the Ryder Cup Wales Ladies European Tour (LET) Rookie of the Year award.

“I am very impressed with HIRZL gloves,” said Anna. “I am confident wearing HIRZL gloves will help me take my golf game to the next level and I am looking forward to being a great ambassador for the HIRZL brand.”

Anna is the first LPGA player to endorse the rapidly growing glove brand. “Anna was among the first Tour players to use our HIRZL gloves and told us they really made a difference to her playing level,” said Bagher Pirouz, HIRZL CEO.

“We are very excited to have Anna join the HIRZL family,” stated Gary Sheppard, President of HIRZL North America. “Anna’s personality and performance has quickly led her to the top echelon of LPGA players as she continues her stellar play around the world. She’s the ideal addition to our team as we continue our efforts to grow the HIRZL brand. We anticipate significant interest in our gloves from Anna’s participation in LPGA Tour events in the U.S., Canada and around the world.”

HIRZL is a global pioneer in high performance sports gloves, including golf and cycling. Innovation is the heart of the HIRZL philosophy and is supported by a focus on design excellence and top quality production. Anna’s gloves, SOFFFT™ Flex, have the unsurpassed softness feel, and long lasting performance in a cabretta glove that is demanded by the world’s best players.

LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011 Statement

Organizers of the LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011 announced on March 1, 2011 that Sherwood Hotel is the title sponsor of this tournament. However, after two months of intensive negotiations and discussion, Golf Association of ROC and Sherwood Hotel failed to reach a consensus on the collaboration and execution details of the aforementioned title sponsorship.

In order not to procrastinate scheduled tournament and communication preparations of LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011, it has been confirmed that the SUNRISE GROUP, made up of Sunrise Golf & Country Club, Sunrise Construction and Mu-Sheng Construction, will be the title sponsor of LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011.

Both parties have expressed regret about the results of the negotiations. However, Golf Association of ROC is still appreciative of Sherwood Hotel which stepped up and promised to be the title sponsor of the LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011. Sherwood Hotel, on the other hand, indicated it will continue to lend its support of the championship in ways other than title sponsorship.

As a result, the LPGA Taiwan Champions 2011 will be renamed Sunrise LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011, effective immediately.

Former LPGA Tour member to help promote junior golf

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida, May 11, 2011 – The LPGA Foundation announced today that Kiernan Schindler, a Class A LPGA Teaching and Club Professional (T&CP) member and a former LPGA Tour member, has been named the Director of LPGA-USGA Girls Golf.

Schindler, a Wake Forest University graduate who was also a standout on the women’s golf team, played golf professionally for four years. She spent two years on the LPGA Tour, after capturing co-medalist honors at the LPGA Tour Qualifier in 1991, and was also a member of the Ladies European Tour (LET) and the Ladies Asian Golf Tour.

“Kiernan is an ideal person to lead our renewed effort to advance the goals of the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf ,” said Carol Corcoran, President of the LPGA Foundation. “She personally knows the value of introducing girls to golf early in life so that they can learn a wonderful life-long sport and become confident and capable young women. We are truly delighted that she is joining our team.”

In March 1994, Schindler left professional golf to join PowerBar Inc. as its sports marketing manager, where she helped manage the sponsorship of Tom Lehman and Michelle McGann. Schindler then worked as the advertising sales director for Time Inc., Hearst Magazines and American Express publishing for nine years before returning to work in golf in November 2005.

Schindler has spent the past five-and-a-half years as an LPGA certified teaching professional, first at the Moraga Country Club in Moraga, Calif. and then at the Green Spring Valley Hunt Club in Owings Mills, Md. and the Lake Presidential Golf Club in Upper Marlboro, Md.

The only national initiative of its kind, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf is organized as a partnership between the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the world's longest-running women's professional sports association, and the United States Golf Association (USGA), the national governing body of golf. The LPGA and the USGA are non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.

LPGA-USGA Girls Golf provides an opportunity for girls, ages 7 to 17, to learn to play golf, build lasting friendships and experience competition in a fun, supportive environment, preparing them for a lifetime of enjoyment with the game. Girls are learning values inherent to the game of golf, such as patience, respect, perseverance and honesty, preparing them to meet challenges of today's world with confidence.

The Sybase Match Play Championship will return to the renowned Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, NJ next week, May 19 – 22, 2011. The storied golf club will host the LPGA Tour’s only match play tournament on the championship 18-hole Highlands Course. However, Friday’s Chairman’s Challenge will be played on Hamilton Farm Golf Club’s Hickory Course, the only USGA-rated par-3 course in the nation featuring 18-holes and a total of 3,100 yards.

Set against matured forests, rolling hills and picturesque streams along the New Jersey country-side, Hamilton Farm Golf Club will showcase the world’s top female professionals amongst 600 acres in historic Somerset County. The former country estate of the late New York financier James Cox Brady was originally developed as working, sustainable farmland that once regularly employed more than 100 local men and women during the early 1900’s. Additions over the years included the mansion and a horse barn that at one-time was considered the best in the country.

To bring marquee golf to the property, Hamilton Farm Golf Club enlisted the services of Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, nationally known golf course architects that oversaw the creation of one of the premier golf facilities in the country. The 18-hole Highlands Course (74.7 rating, 139 slope) sits at 7,117 yards from the black tees along hilly countryside while the 18-hole par 3 Hickory Course (57.5 rating, 98 slope) plays at 3,080 yards from the blue tees.

As tournament action begins next week, players and golf fans alike will have plenty to take in at the Hamilton Farm Golf Club, home to the Sybase Match Play Championship.

For more information on Hamilton Farm Golf Club, visit www.HamiltonFarmGolfClub.com.

Written by: Mallory Beck, Octagon Global Events 

Hi everybody, My name is Kimberly Kim. I know, I have a lot of nicknames. Kim-2, K-2, Kim Kim, etc. It's always difficult booking things over the phone, I confuse people. I have a lot of conversations that go, "what's your first name?" Kimberly. "What's your last name?" Kim. "No I'm asking for your last name..." That is my last name. My name is Kimberly Kim. "Oh, I'm so sorry." No, don't worry about it. I like my name though - it's funny to me. :) Let's see...my first blogging experience. :) Well, first I still can't believe I'm an LPGA Tour Rookie!! I started playing golf with my older sister when I was eight years old. We actually played almost every sport. She was way better than me, so of course I took no interest in something she could beat me at, which is why soccer became my favorite sport when I was younger. :) I wanted to be Mia Hamm, but after my sister broke her back and I broke my wrist for the 5th time, my mom put her foot down and I am thankful for that! If she didn't do that, I wouldn't be living a dream and playing golf as a career. So... when I was 13, golf got serious for me and I would've never thought by age 19 I'd be out on tour! I'm so lucky and blessed that I have such an awesome family, friends, and supporters, otherwise there is no chance I'd be where I am now. So far, being a rookie has had its ups and downs. A down - the food is just way too good/amazing out on the LPGA Tour. I'm sure you have all heard of the freshman 15 in college... well, I think there should be a rookie 15 as well. Basically each week the food is everything you could ever want and wish for. Thank goodness for the gym. Other than that, rookie year has been awesome. :) I just got through playing my third event in Alabama. My performances thus far have not been as good as I'd like them to be, but I'll just have to persevere through it. Right now I'm back at my temporary home in Pueblo, Colorado. I just love Colorado - I love being outdoors, enjoying the nature, and enjoying the awesome music scene. I love going to concerts! This week there is a reggae festival in Denver, CO. That will be my day off this week. :) I really feel like golf is a full-time job and an awesome job, for sure. The weather here just got good enough to start playing golf (although right now I am basically hiding from the wind outside). The weather on the mainland (as I call it) never ceases to shock and scare me. I'm praying the weather holds up and is awesome at these next events. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and for all the places we'll be traveling. It's going to be one busy summer!! Thanks for taking an interest in me, Kim Kim

Learn more about Kimberly Kim >>
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The copyrighted content contained on this blog reflects the sole opinion(s) of the author. Such content does not necessarily represent the LPGA's views, opinions, intentions, and/or strategies, and is intended for informational or amusement purposes only.

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Jeehae Lee, an LPGA Tour member and Futures Tour alumna, showed her Yale University colors and support for the young Bulldogs' team last week at the NCAA Division I Women's East Regional golf tournament. Lee was a member of the 2003 and 2006 Ivy League Championship team as a college player. The East Regional tournament was held on the Legends Course at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Nine of World’s Top-10 Headline Field at the Sybase Match Play Championship

Click here for Final Field >>

Gladstone, N.J. – The Sybase Match Play Championship will once again play host to the top female golfers in the world as the event returns to Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, NJ next week, May 19 – 22, 2011. The final field features nine of the top-10 players in the Rolex World Golf Rankings including No. 1 Yani Tseng, Jiyai Shin (2), and Suzann Pettersen (3). In addition, nine of the top-10 players from the 2011 Official Money List and six of the top-10 players from the all-time Career Money List will play. LPGA Tour professionals had until Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. to register to participate in the event.

“We are very excited to continue to play host to the world’s best female golfers in a unique and exciting match play format seen nowhere else on tour,” said Tournament Executive Director Andy Bush. “The quality of our field promises to deliver plenty of exciting competition while proceeds from the event benefit the local community.”

The field is also comprised of the top-48 players on the LPGA Tour’s Official Money List with Karrie Webb and Stacy Lewis closing in on Tseng at second and third, respectively. Webb has captured two victories in six LPGA Tour stops, while Lewis notched her first major victory earlier this season at the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

Other tournament hopefuls include Maria Hjorth, who returns to Hamilton Farm Golf Club after collecting her fifth-career victory at the Avnet LPGA Classic during the Tour’s last stop.

Fans can still obtain two free daily tickets to the Sybase Match Play Championship courtesy of Sybase by texting the word LPGA to 792273 (“SYBASE”). Limited quantities of free tickets are available. Daily tickets are available for purchase for $20 in advance or $25 at the gate and are valid any one day Thursday through Sunday. Weekly passes are also available for $50 in advance or $60 at the gate and are valid everyday Thursday through Sunday. Tuesday May 17th and Wednesday May 18th are free to the public courtesy of Sybase.

For more information on the Sybase Match Play Championship, visit www.sybasematchplaychampionship.com.

Twitter- @SybaseMatchPlay

Facebook- Sybase Match Play Championship

Sybase Match Play Championship Accepting Color Your Player to Victory Submissions

The Sybase Match Play Championship is offering young golf fans and artists the chance to meet and walk inside-the-ropes with LPGA Tour stars Stacy Lewis, Morgan Pressel and Beatriz Recari next week when the event returns to Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, NJ, May 19 – 22, 2011.

The “Color Your Player to Victory” contest is being held this week and gives children 5th grade and under the opportunity to show off their creative talent by coloring a blank outline of their favorite participating LPGA Tour professional. Participating LPGA Tour players will then hand-select their favorite submission for the opportunity to meet and walk inside-the-ropes during a championship round in next week's championship, May 19 – 22, 2011.

Aspiring artisans have until this Friday at 5:00 p.m. to submit their artwork. Only one submission per LPGA Tour Player per participant will be considered. Children and their guardians are also required to sign the included entry waiver with contest submissions.

 

Click here to download: Stacy Lewis | Morgan Pressel | Beatriz Recari

 

Contest entries can be submitted by any one of the following methods: • Email to Kristin.Fowler@octagon.com • Fax to (919) 677-4444 (Attention: Kristin Fowler) • Mail to: Hamilton Farm Golf Club, Attn: Sybase Match Play Championship, 1040 Pottersville Road, Gladstone, NJ 07934

Written By: Mallory Beck, Octagon Global Events 

At the Avnet LPGA Classic, several LPGA players traded in their clubs for a baseball bat and glove to play in a friendly game of softball with Avnet executives.

 

 

  Brittany Lincicome and Natalie Gulbis Wendy Ward Stephanie Louden and her son. Brittany Lincicome Natalie Gulbis

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LPGA Tour member and LPGA Futures Tour alumna Kristy McPherson was busy with her "other job" last week at the NCAA Division I Women's East Regional golf tournament. The qualifying tournament for the 2011 NCAA Women's Golf Championship was held on the Legends Course at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla. Kristy serves as volunteer assistant coach for the Augusta State University (Ga.) women's golf team, for which her brother Kevin is the head coach.

Untitled Document Yani Tseng Written By: Brian Wedl, Octagon Global Events

The Sybase Match Play Championship will host the only random player draw in professional golf on Tues., May 17 at Hamilton Farm Golf Club, emceed by CBS 2's meteorologist John Elliott. The unique event provides intriguing matches as the top 32 players in the world randomly draw their first round opponents in the LPGA Tour's only match-play event.

The top-32 players, in numerical order, will determine their first round opponent by randomly selecting one golf ball from a container provided by Callaway Golf. Each golf ball will contain a number indicating the ranking of competitors 33 through 64. Once a player has drawn a ball, the corresponding number printed on that ball will determine their first round opponent. Unlike the NCAA Basketball Tournament or the Accenture Match Play Championship, the top seeded player faces the possibility of drawing the 33rd ranked player as opposed to automatically playing the lowest seed (i.e., 64).

Last year a majority of the first-round matches were won by higher seeds. However, 19 matches reached the 17th hole with 14 matches extending to the 18th hole. Six matches were also decided by extra holes, including Suzann Pettersen's tough matchup with Juli Inkster. Notable first round upsets included:

Juli Inkster (35) defeated Suzann Pettersen (3)
Shi Hyun Ahn (48) defeated Anna Nordqvist (6)
Beatriz Recari (62) defeated Brittany Lincicome (16)

For more information on the Sybase Match Play Championship, visit www.SybaseMatchPlayChampionship.com.

Twitter - @SybaseMatchPlay. Facebook – Sybase Match Play Championship.

Paula Creamer recently played Augusta and talked about her rounds and staying in Butler Cabin.

 

Paige Mackenzie joined Judy Rankin and Tom Abbott in the Golf Channel TV booth at the Avnet LPGA Classic.

 

Untitled Document Madison's Sherri Steinhauer has nine career LPGA victories, including two majors.

Article by Rob Schultz

No one knows how to put together a golf soiree better than Sherri Steinhauer.

Case in point: As an assistant captain of the United States Solheim Cup team, Steinhauer recently secured a practice round for the team at the famed and ultra-private Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey later this month.

There will be a cocktail party and a dinner so Pine Valley members can meet the team. After that, the players and coaches will stay overnight at the club before getting up the next day and playing the course considered by many design experts to be the best in the world.

"It'll be a team-bonding session," Steinhauer said excitedly.

That is what Steinhauer feels most comfortable doing these days. The Madison native's 25th year playing on the LPGA Tour will be a light one. She has entered just three events so far and didn't make the cut in any of them.

"I'm just not real sharp," she admitted.

It's been that way for Steinhauer since last December when her mother, Nancie, died just four weeks after she had learned she had pancreatic cancer. It was a devastating blow to Steinhauer because her mom, who was 80, was her rock, her best friend and her confidant.

 

Click here to read more >>

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Boeljon earns maiden Strokeplay title in Turkey
Article courtesy of Ladies European Tour

8th May 2011- Christel Boeljon held her nerve to claim her first solo Ladies European Tour title at the Turkish Airlines Ladies Open at National Golf Club in Antalya.

The 23-year-old from the Netherlands held a one stroke lead going into the final day and closed with a level par round of 73 for a five under par total.  

She finished three strokes clear of her playing partners Florentyna Parker and Becky Brewerton, who double bogeyed the last.

Brewerton had birdied the 16th and 17th to get within two strokes of the leader, only to find the water twice on the ultimate hole.

Boeljon opened with three birdies in her first four holes to move three clear of Parker and despite dropping a shot at the par-four ninth, she remained three shots clear at the turn.

She opened up a five stroke advantage after 11 holes, having holed a curling five-footer for birdie on the 10th. Despite a shaky finish - with four bogeys and a chip-in birdie over the closing seven holes - she had the cushion she needed to walk away with the €37,500 first prize and trophy.

"It feels great. My mind is doing over hours right now. It's great," said Boeljon, who climbs to third on the LET's Henderson Money List with her victory. "You put so much hard work in it and to finally come out on top is an amazing feeling.

"I was a bit nervous for sure and the back nine was a bit messy, maybe, but the wind picked up as well and you could see it from the scores. They all went up. I was happy to keep my head down and keep grinding and it was enough."

Boeljon, who previously won the 2009 European Nations Cup as part of a team, tied for second in Turkey 12 months previously and she added: "I think it's the experience that let me come out on top this week. I've spent some time in America and it's my third year on tour, and I think I've gained enough experience now to win and finally I did it."

Boeljon is now well on her way to achieving her goal for the season: to earn a place on Alison Nicholas' European Solheim Cup team when the event takes place at Killeen Castle in September. She has climbed to third place on the European team standings, from which the top four will earn a place on the 12-woman squad, along with four players from the Rolex World Rankings and four captain's selections. "Before hand my goal was Solheim, so I'm on track right now," she said.  

Parker, the 2010 ABN AMRO Ladies Open champion, began strongly but eventually signed for a 75. Having cancelled two bogeys with two birdies on the back nine after chipping in on the par-three 16th, she found the left greenside bunker on 17 and made a double bogey from there after racing a chip across the green.

"I struggled the whole day today. I thought I was going to get it going with the birdie on two but I wasn't hitting it good enough and I was glad I made two birdies on the way back, but double bogeyed 17 unfortunately. Overall second place was good," Parker said.

Brewerton also carded a 75 despite being just two off the pace with a hole to play. She said: "I w

Hi Everybody!

I just finished unpacking Jenny (the RV which I called home over the winter) and moved back into my house in Barrie, Ontario. After spending the winter living in a retirement trailer park, I didn't t think my living situation could get any worse… but then…I moved back in with my parents!!! Just kidding, Mom and Dad - it's really nice to be home :) I guess I should fill you in on how my season is going so far. I started the season off at the R.R. Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup in Phoenix. First-tournament nerves got to me a little, but it was a great learning experience. I was able to meet some of the actual LPGA founders and learn more about the history of the LPGA. After Phoenix, it was off to the Kia Classic. Industry Hills was a beautiful golf course. I played well and ended up qualifying for the Kraft Nabisco Championship, my first major championship. I made the cut, which was great for a rookie. I struggled with my ball striking the final round and spent a good part of the day in the thick rough. After the Kraft NAbisco Championship, I went home to Canada for a few days to relax and take a break from golf. My parents manage a golf course up there, so I helped them with some spring cleaning and preparations for the 2011 season. After that, it was back to Jenny for a couple weeks of practice in Orlando. Last week, I played in the Avnet LPGA Classic in Mobile. I played well and had my best finish yet - T-16th. I got to play the final round with Lorie Kane, which was special for me being a fellow Canadian! So far, I have learned a lot and met a lot of really nice people! I'm looking forward to our upcoming events in the Northeast. Maybe if gas prices go down I might be able to stay in Jenny!!! Bye for now…

Learn more about Stephanie Sherlock >>
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The copyrighted content contained on this blog reflects the sole opinion(s) of the author. Such content does not necessarily represent the LPGA's views, opinions, intentions, and/or strategies, and is intended for informational or amusement purposes only.

I'm so bad at keeping a blog going. Clearly you can see that I've never kept a journal, and if so, it had maybe three pages filled over a span of three months! Anyways, a few tournaments under the belt and there are still many improvements needed. I've definitely been "stalking" my swing coach, Brian Mogg, and gathering all the correct information that is needed to perform well to my likings - mainly, proper course management now. Aside from all my lessons, I've decided to play as much as I can and wherever I can. Gotta keep staying competitive, of course! This is really random, but I just went to go see the new movie, "Madea's Big Happy Family" and I'd recommend for everyone to go see it....that's if you want your stomach hurting due to so much laughing!! Well, now I'm preparing for the U.S. Women's Open qualifying, which is very soon. I chose to qualify in Jacksonville, Florida - an easy drive from home. Last year's course was in great shape, and I'm sure this new site's course will be too! I'm looking forward to it!! Be back sooner than last time with my next blog....xoxoxo!

Learn more about Shasta Averyhardt >>
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The copyrighted content contained on this blog reflects the sole opinion(s) of the author. Such content does not necessarily represent the LPGA's views, opinions, intentions, and/or strategies, and is intended for informational or amusement purposes only.

ECCO Golf Shoes Signs Gerina Piller and Belén Mozo

(Londonderry, New Hampshire) -- Danish brand ECCO -- maker of the world's most comfortable, stylish and technically-advanced footwear -- announced that LPGA Tour player Gerina Piller and LPGA rookie Belén Mozo have joined its roster of elite staff players and will be competing in the new Golf Street and BIOM Golf models. Mozo will also showcase the company logo on her headwear.

BIOM Golf, the first-ever natural motion golf shoe, features a patented design that takes advantage of the foot's system for absorbing impact while bringing players closer to the ground for unmatched feel and traction.

The only true hybrid sport-casual shoe, Golf Street's fashion leather types, subtle detailing and unique, super-gripping outsole make it a bright, funky and fun option for use both on and off the course.

 

Gerina Piller

Recently married to PGA Tour player Martin Piller, the former Gerina Mendoza earned full LPGA Tour status via a fifth place finish on the 2010 Futures Tour money list. A native of New Mexico who began playing golf in her late teens, the 26-year-old had three runner-up finishes last year and led the Futures Tour in driving distance.

During a stellar collegiate career at the University of Texas El Paso, Piller was Conference USA Champion and Player of the Year in 2007. After turning professional, she steadily honed her skills while finishing 12th and 15th, respectively, on the Futures Tour money list in 2008 and 2009.

“The world first came to know Gerina through her appearance on Golf Channel’s Big Break Prince Edward Island,” says Jesper Thuen, Marketing Manager, ECCO Golf. “Since then, she’s proved she has serious game to go along with her beauty and personality. We’re all excited to watch her career reach new heights now that she’s competing full time on the LPGA Tour.”

 

Belen Mozo

Mozo turned professional at the 2010 US Women's Open, and soon after tied for eighth at the LPGA Tour Q-School to earn full status for the current season. The following week the 22-year-old placed 3rd at the Ladies European Tour Q-School to also earn full status on that circuit. Her early professional success was preceded by one of the best amateur careers in recent memory. This included becoming the first player since 1972 to win the Women's British Amateur Championship and British Girls Amateur Championship in the same year.

"Belén has already captured the world's attention with her game, beauty and personality," says Jesper Thuen, Marketing Manager, ECCO Golf. "She's the ideal addition to our team and pairs perfectly with our other young players competing on the LPGA Tour, Gerina Piller and Jennifer Johnson."

A native of Spain, Mozo was a four-time All-American at the University of Southern California and a top player on the school's 2008 NCAA National Champion squad. She also won the 2006 International European Ladies Amateur Championships, as well as the AJGA Thunderbird Invitational and Doral-Publix Junior Classic in 2004.

What are Dori Carter's favorite things? Did you know that she loves reading books by Emily Griffin and drinking Diet Coke? Dori also loves wearing MAC make up and cheering for her Ole Miss Rebels. See all of Dori's favorite things below.

 

Jan Stephenson to Dance on Australia's Version of "Dancing with the Stars"

From the ALPG (Australian Ladies Professional Golf)

Aussie golfing great and ALPG Life Member Jan Stephenson has been in unfamiliar territory in recent weeks, donning high heels for a long and rigorous practice schedule in preparation for the 2011 Dancing with the Stars.

A winner of 16 LPGA Tour titles, including three majors, Stephenson has been in serious training for the past six weeks as she prepares for one of the greatest challenges of her life when she lines up as one of eleven stars in the news series of the dance show. Her dance partner is model, dancer and choreographer, Mark Hodge.

“It has been a gruelling experience” Stephenson said this morning, from her practice studio on the Gold Coast. “You would have thought that having lived in golf shoes most of my life, my feet would not blister. Well, I can tell you the balls of my feet are covered in blisters and as fit as I am, my legs and feet are killing me! This is really hard work but I am enjoying the challenge and despite being a little nervous, I am looking forward to Sunday night. I am still a very competitive person.”

Stephenson is the first golfer to appear in any of the BBC's international Dancing with the Stars franchises and will compete against other celebrities including World Champion surfer Mark Occhilupo; former Australian Idol winner, Damien Leith; model, Lara Bingle and newsreader Samantha Armytage.

Stephenson says she is spurred on by suggestions that she will be out of her league against the younger competitors, saying, “Most of the other competitors are in their 20's so people think I have no chance. I'd like to think my age and competitive experience will work in my favour. I am a fitness freak and still work out every day so that side of it will not be an issue. This whole experience is very mentally challenging because you have to remember the steps and technique for three or four completely different dances. You really need to focus, and I am used to that.”

Warren Sevil, CEO of Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) says he hopes the golf industry will support Jan throughout the series, “This is a high rating show, which will showcase one of the greats of Australian golf. Jan put Australian women's golf on the map a few decades ago and went on to become one of our best performed players, man or woman. I hope the Australian golf industry and golf fans in general will get behind Jan and lodge their votes to keep her in the show until the very end. In an indirect way, this is a promotion of Australian golf and a celebration of one of the true legends of the game. Anything that profiles Australian golf can only be good for the industry.”

Dancers will raise funds to support their favourite charity. Details of phone voting will be announced during the show this Sunday, 8 May. Fans will also be able vote online at

http://au.tv.yahoo.com/dancing-with-the-stars