Its is true business networking has drastically changed over the past year.  I am glad to see the ‘One Minute Elevator Speech’ finally go.  As impatient as most business people are and as crowded as the business networking arena is getting, you are lucky to get one word out about ...

While playing in a Duramed ProAm in Mason, OH I was teamed with a young high school golfer that was awarded a spot in the event via an essay contest – not your normal way to get to play in such an event.  This young woman is Brittany Zins, a soon-to-be senior at McAuley High School in Cincinnati, OH and she is not your ‘normal’ teenager.  She is captain of the golf team, a member of the Drama Club, a Key Club Ambassador and…she has a part-time job!

Brittany is relatively new to the game of golf but her passion for it and her talent belie her lack of tenure playing.  She is a native of Cincinnati.  She, along with her father and brother are the ‘golfers in the family’…but not her mom…she doesn’t golf at all.’

The essay contest was sponsored by Cincinnati-based Rumpke Company, a waste management company.  There were about 25 schools involved and a little over 30 students entered.  Brittany stated “My coaches gave me the honor of representing McAuley in the contest (they gave it to me at a meeting).  I got a letter at school telling me that I had won.”

The essay topic was “Environmental Stewardship’ and I have included her essay in this article.  Her talent goes well beyond the golf course.  She is a great example of what the youth of America has to offer our planet and it’s care going forward.  She appreciates the beauty of the outdoors and that transcends into her love of the game of golf.  We could all take a lesson from young women like Brittany, not so much about how to play golf (even though she is a very good player), but ways to preserve our resources and care for our planet for future generations.

As for Brittany’s future, she is undecided about her college pick but has Georgetown(KY) College, Wittenberg, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and Northern Kentucky University (NKU) on her list of possiblities.  When asked what she would like to major in she said “I enjoy chemistry and I want to do something in the law so forensic science is kind of the in between.”

We wish Brittany Zins all the success possible in the future.  She is definitely a ‘stand-out’ personality and a very conscientious and talented individual.  It was this author’s pleasure to have met her.

Here is a re-print of her winning essay:

Brittany Zins

May 11, 2009

Environmental Stewardship

During the summer I enjoy playing golf outside in the beautiful nature, surrounded by occasional birdies, eagles, and many times family and friends. As I look around I notice in wonder and awe the trees, bushes, and even lakes. Although, while playing the game I try to avoid these things, I can’t help but wonder; without more stewards for the environment would these beautiful courses be here in 20 years?

Today many companies and citizens are trying to go green to help change the way in which we use the resources our environment offers. Changes such as hybrid vehicles and solar power are the newest ideas. I too am trying to make changes such as these with my family. Both my parents have switched to hybrid cars. This helps reduce the amount of pollutants our cars expel into the air. Car exhaust isn’t the only thing our new hybrid cars offer. They also conserve gas, a nonrenewable resource being quickly consumed in today’s fast paced world.

Along with changing cars, I also help recycle at home and school. Recycling plays a major part in helping to conserve the environment. Living within the environment, there are animals. By recycling I help save the lives of these animals that could eventually die out from human pollutants. Saving animals from extinction for future generations to enjoy, is being a good steward for the environment. Recycling helps to reduce the rate in which landfills are filling and the rate our natural resources are being consumed. Protecting our environment is important. Trees provide oxygen in our world. A great way to help offset deforestation is by planting a tree every year.

In an attempt to be more conscientious about utility bills in today’s economy, our family has developed energy saving routines. An environmental and money saving change we made at home recently is the use of florescent light bulbs instead of incandescent. This helps reduce the amount of energy used when lighting the room. Another conservation habit we developed is unplugging unused electronic devices and turning off lights when leaving a room. Our laundry habits have changed as well. Running the washing machine on cold water and the dryer on low heat helps to decrease the amount of energy used. Being more energy efficient is better for the environment.

The only pure, non polluted water left in our world comes from ice caps. When we use up our current water supply the ice caps will be the only thing left. For this reason I run water as little as possible. Conserving water through taking short showers, brushing my teeth without running water, and running the dishwasher only when full are a few ways which I try to help conserve.

Conserving our environment is very important to me because I would like for the rainforest, ice caps, and even golf courses to be here for my children and grandchildren to see. Saving the environment is part of our job as human beings.

Thanks for visiting Ladies on the Tee Golf Blog at www.sherrytabb.com.  We hope you enjoyed ‘meeting’ Brittany.  If you are aware of other ‘stand-out’ stories please let us now.  As always, your comments are welcome and appreciated!

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Korean Work Ethic on LPGA

I’m not quite sure I understand the long hours the Korean contingent puts in out here. I’ve witnessed the practice regimen for two weeks now and it’s impressive as well as depressing. The Korean fathers control their daughters; I have an eerie feeling when I watch the father and daughter interaction.

The week started at 6:00 a.m. Monday morning. We did nine holes before the Monday pro-am, the first time I’ve done that in my twenty years on tour. Mondays are usually reserved for travel, relaxing, and doing laundry unless you’ve missed the previous cut and are in the pro-am. Our Monday ended at 5:00 p.m. and included two trips to the practice tee, father shadowing his daughter every step of the way. I sure wish I could understand Korean, I’d like to know what he’s mumbling as he shakes his finger at his daughter and scowls.

M.J. slept in Tuesday, we met at 8:00 a.m. played eighteen holes and practiced until about six. There were a couple of long breaks during the day, but I could tell she was tired and her dad insisted she keep practicing. In golf, there are definitely diminishing returns when you practice while you are tired. Most players go to the range with something definite to work on; the Koreans just go to hit balls. I continually ask M.J. what she’s working on and she tells me “nothing, I’m just hitting balls.”

Rochester, NY is one of those sleepy golf towns and the turnout, despite the weather, was great. The LPGA has been coming here for years and the community definitely supports the tournament. I was shacked up at the Dorkat, a so-so mom and pop motel without a car, but the tournament provided courtesy transportation every day, something other venues do not offer for the caddies. Peggy, the motel owner, had a nice hot dog cook out one night, and they even did our laundry for a small fee.

Wednesday I was told to show up at eleven, but found out from some other caddies M.J. and her father played nine holes before the pro-am. It was her dad’s idea, I’m not sure what they hoped to accomplish. I felt slighted but appreciated the extra sleep. I realized, after talking with some experienced LPGA caddies, my suspicions were true. According to a couple caddies, the father’s identity was solely based on how their daughters played golf. If daughter missed the cut, dad had to be subservient to any father whose daughter was playing on the weekend.

A few caddies were threatened when they refused to look the other way after a rules infraction. Supposedly there were a few fathers tied up with the Korean Mafia and things got a bit tense. A couple of fathers were suspended because of their behavior and there were a couple of child abuse reports. My brother mentioned he drove by a courtesy car once and noticed the father screaming violently as daughter was cowering in the passenger seat. Hopefully those days are over but you can definitely sense some awkward feelings among the players.

We played well Thursday and struggled through our long, rain-delayed Friday. We didn’t finish our round Thursday and had to be back in position at 7:00 a.m. Friday. Those long practice days caught up with M.J., she was tired and we struggled big time; she was lucky to finish. I continually forced water down her and made her walk in the shade whenever possible. We finished around 6:00 p.m. at three under and her father wanted her to practice some more. He gestured toward the range and mumbled some coarse Korean, but I said no and convinced M.J. she needed rest. Dad wasn’t happy with me, but I didn’t care. This girl has a lot of talent; hopefully dad won’t burn her out.

Saturday was another long day with a couple of extended weather delays. We plodded along making a few birdies and bogies, and after bogies on 14 and 15 she sucked it up, birdied 16 and eagled 17. Dad still had nothing good to say after the round and while we spent an hour on the range. M.J. was all smiles because we were going to play with her hero Se Ri Pak the next day.

I spent Sunday comparing the young phenom with the Hall of Fame golfer. Certain people have an aura; Se Ri is one of those individuals. Her walk, talk, mannerisms all have a purpose; she was totally focused the entire round. I saw those qualities when I worked for Raymond and when I was lucky enough to be in Jack’s group. Hopefully M.J. learned a bit from Se Ri; I sure did.

It was a long, but profitable week; we finished tied for 22nd I think. I’m not afraid of hard work as long as it’s productive. Maybe we’ll find a happy medium so my young phenom doesn’t waste all her energy early in the week. Long Mondays create little pay on Sundays. We’re off to Toledo and she wants to practice early Monday then play a practice round after the pro-am. We’ll see.

Take care.

Mark

Wow! $100,000 for 14 days work!

Hard work, mind you, and definitely work that required years of training and practice, but still...that's a lot of do re me! And in US $ too!

Congratulations Derek!!!!

It almost feels like a first place purse at a PGA Tournament - NOT! Need at least 1 more zero to come close to that. :)

But something tells me that Derek is going to hit the big leagues very soon. This is just a taste of what is to come. He's got game, he's got guts and now he's got the gold!

It seems like only yesterday that I talked to Derek before Big Break PEI even aired, for a "20 questions" interview for Inside Golf Magazine. Being the only Canadian, I thought it would be cool to let Canadian IG readers know about the only Canuck in the mix. Little did I know that he would go home the champion. I'll say it again...Well done Derek!

Last week after watching Blair play the first 9, I started to believe it was anyone's championship. And then after Blair's amazing birdie on the 10th hole, I think more than a few people were wondering if it was time for the underdog to win. But as Blair said...she played her best, but it wasn't quite good enough. Derek played better. Derek deserved to win.

But Blair never gave up - her putt on 12 showed that. As Stina said, Blair had nerves of steel after 3 putting the previous green. It was so great to see her battle to the very end. Her composure was amazing.

Before we get into the interviews this week, I want to share with you my three part series on Rodd Mill River, home of Big Break PEI. I had such a wonderful time playing there and after seeing the contestants play the 18 holes over two weeks, I felt like I had walked the fairways with them. I hope you enjoy them and give PEI and its 30 golf courses a try for yourselves. It is a golfer's playground...

Golfgal's Excellent Big Break PEI Adventure - The Resort
Golfgal's Excellent Big Break PEI Adventure - Mill River Golf Course - Front Nine
Golfgal's Excellent Big Break PEI Adventure - Mill River Golf Course - Back Nine

I started tonight with Michael Michaelides from Big Break X. He had some very interesting comments about playing it safe versus playing it smart when I asked him about Blair's remarks on 15...



Next up was Brian. He gave me some insights into that day and the players, but mostly he left me with a better understand of what it means to be a big breaker, what he learned from the experience, what he would do differently if given the chance again, and how much he cares for the people he came to know over the 2 weeks.

Brian may have appeared to be "The Villian", but he is actually a big softie with a big heart. I hope he does well in his chosen career as a pro golfer. His website BrianSkatellgolf.com should be live soon - be sure to check back for that.

Well, the man of the hour had a busy night being on a live chat session with the Golf Channel. They said it was supposed to be half an hour, but it's almost 2 hrs later and Derek's still there answering questions. That's impressive. But what really impressed me was that he still made time for our weekly interview. Money hasn't gone to this champ's head...

Wow, pretty cool about the Nationwide event and that sponsor exemption from Mr. 99 himself. Very very cool!

Caught up with Blair today - my what a busy woman she is! She may not have won the $100K, but something tells me Blair is about to find her own big break as a result of her strong performance on the show...

I hope Blair enjoys her week at the 5 star Rodd Crowbush Golf and Beach Resort. With all the events and travel she's been doing, I bet she'll need the rest and that's a great place to relax and enjoy 5 star pampering. I just finished up my article on that golf course/resort and will publish it later in July. The Links at Crowbush is a "must try" experience - it looks like it was plucked straight out of Ireland.

Well, it's time to say goodbye. I want to thank all the contestants who took the time to chat each week with me. What a great bunch of people! I can't wait to do it again for Big Break 12. I think it's time for another reunion don't you?

In closing, a big congratulations goes out again to Derek! And Brian shared in his interview, "The right person won."

Golfgal

I was out on the driving range yesterday evening along with about 20 other hardy Texans…I know they must be near native Texans since they know to use the driving only after the sun goes behind the clubhouse and the tee box is in the shade.  But I digress… ...