Natalie Gulbis Profile

Natalie Gulbis Profile

Natalie Gulbis Profile - A Rising Star of the LPGA Tour

The story of Natalie Gulbis is particularly interesting and one which should prove to be very attractive to American fans. This young star of the LPGA tour began playing golf at age 4 under the very personal coaching of her father, John. After a stellar amateur career in California, and after one year as an All-American at the University of Arizona, where she won four collegiate tournaments, Gulbis tied for third at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament to earn her tour card.

John Gulbis remains an integral part of "team Gulbis," serving not only as father but also part-time coach (Natalie also works with Butch Harmon, Tiger Woods' instructor), manager, driver and fill-in caddie as they make their way from tour stop to tour stop in a well equipped Ford Expedition.The third member of this team is Natalie's mom who joins Natalie and her dad many weekends, flying in from their home in Sacramento. Disliking the hotels and motels which so often become the home-away-from-home of professional golfers, Natalie prefers a home atmosphere where she can enjoy cooking for herself. Walking the course with Natalie and her dad is a refreshingly fun time. Unlike many parents or spouses of tour pros who try to hide their identity, John is very willing to let it be known that the young golfer with that quirky back swing is his daughter Natalie. He is one proud dad who seems to experience the joy or angst of every shot along with his daughter.

Dean Juipe, a columnist for the Las Vegas Sun, suggested that Natalie might do better without the "perpetual shadow" of her father. That time will surely come someday, but for a young woman of nineteen there is considerable value in having dad and mom by your side.For her part, Natalie exudes pure joy. Her smile is constant and she has a wonderful way of connecting with her gallery. As her father confirms, she loves to talk - another trait that is so rare with many of today's golfers.

I spoke to Natalie for just a few minutes following the pro-am of the LPGA and her enthusiasm about her chosen profession is contagious.Natalie is still young and she is entitled to make her share to dumb mistakes or bad judgment calls during each tournament. In the first round of the 2002 McDonald's LPGA she showed what appeared to be some bad decision-making on one hole, which resulted in a double bogey. For what it's worth, her dad would have helped her play the hole much better, but unfortunately only I could hear his comments. That, however, was one of her few bad decisions. A round of one-over-par placed her in good position for the rest of the tournament. As so many professional golfers say, you can't win a tournament on Thursday or Friday, but you surely can lose it. Natalie's second round featured another fine one-over-par round which left her two-over-par after 36 holes - in a tie for twelfth place. Only four players were under par after two rounds, led by Hall of Fame member Beth Daniel at five-under. Natalie finished the McDonald's LPGA with rounds of 75 and 73 to end up in a tie for 15th place. This was an excellent result for her first time at the LPGA's second major.

On the Monday following the McDonald's LPGA, Natalie traveled to Blue Heron Pines Golf Club to play in a 2002 U.S. Women's Open sectional qualifying event. The day was long and hot, but Natalie was able to shoot three-over-par and qualify for the U.S. Open.With young golfers like Natalie Gulbis, the future of the American presence on the LPGA Tour is strong. We who live in the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area are very lucky that we get to see Natalie and the other top women golfers in the world twice every year.

Source: About.com