Paula Creamer

Paula Creamer

Very few athletes can make the jump from high school to the pros. Fourth ranked woman golfer in the world, Paula Creamer, joins superstar athletes LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as exceptions to the rule. She has dominated the amateur circuit. In 2003 she won 11 tournaments securing the title of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Player of the Year. During the 2003-2004 season while she was still an amateur, Creamer played in 10 LPGA events and had five top-20 finishes. The “Pink Panther” as she is called by her adoring fans earned her exempt status for the LPGA Tour season in 2005. She quickly became the youngest winner (18 years, 11 months and 18 days) ever at the Sybase Classic. Two months later, after winning the Evian Masters, Creamer became the youngest player to capture $1 million in career earnings. Her golden locks, sense of style and competitive spirit have made her a marketer’s dream. She recently showcased her flair for fashion at the 2008 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando with her own collection of Sundog Eyewear. The Green Magazine caught up with the four-time Tour winner to discuss her success, passion for design and, of course, that oh so helpful tip for you to salvage a few strokes on the course. 

You just finished tied for 14th in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. How did you feel about your performance? It was a great event for my first time; they did a wonderful job putting on the tournament. Guadalajara is a beautiful, wonderful golf course and it was nice to play in Lorena’s first invitational tournament. 

What distinguishes you as a player? I would say my attitude. I’m very driven, I’m very competitive. I want to be the best. I think that’s what gotten me to where I am today. 

Who started you out playing golf? I lived on a golf course in California. I tried when I was younger, but when I was 10—that’s when I really got the bug. 

Did you know that the LPGA was for you after you caught the bug? No. When I was younger I planned on going to college, getting my degree and doing the college type of thing. And that didn’t really work out. I just came out of high school and turned professional, but being one of the best players and competing against the best players has always been my goal. 

Tell us about your experience at the David Leadbetter Academy. It’s an amazing place—being with all the athletes. Being able to just go out on the tennis court and see Maria Sharapova, you’re always surrounded by the best athletes in the world. 

You were featured in the International Olympic Committee’s short film for the bid of golf’s inclusion in the 2016 Olympics. How important is it for the game of golf, and what are your thoughts on golf being in the Olympics? It’s very necessary in lots of ways. The Olympics is such an amazing time. To be able to play in the Olympics would be even more exciting. Anytime I’ve ever had the chance to represent my country its always been the best. To be able to do that would be a dream come true. It would be a huge step for golf in general. 

What do you like to do in your spare time other than playing golf? I love to work out. I love to spend time with my family. I draw a lot of clothing (laughs). I don’t really have that much free time though. 

You’re one of the few “fashionistas” on the LPGA, do you have a favorite fashion designer(s)? (Laughs). I’ve been obsessed with clothes and especially fashion. I think to kind of show who you are through clothes is pretty neat and fun. It’s very difficult to say who is my favorite designer. It all depends on what kind of mood I’m in. 

How would you describe your personal sense of style on or off the golf course? On the golf course I like to feel very athletic. I love Adidas clothing. It’s nice to be able to wear clothes and feel feminine while being an athlete. Performance is something that is ultimately most important. 

Would you be interested in taking some classes in fashion design? Oh yes, I would love to do that. Right now there’s not much time, but without a doubt I would love to go get my degree in fashion and go to school. I think that would be so much fun. 

Any regrets going straight from high school to the LPGA Tour? No. No regrets at all. I think it was the best decision that I made for myself. It was very difficult, but it is something that I wouldn’t change. 

What do you want young golfers to remember about you as a player when they look back on your career 20 years from now? Golf would be very important for people to remember, but I think just being a role model in general is something that I really hope that I can do. I love children, and being able to influence a young boy or girl—to just help give them a chance—I think that’s mainly what I want. 

When you are faced with a difficult shot, how do you approach it? Well, I think committing to the shot is the most important thing. If you are 100 percent committed to what you’re trying to do then you can’t blame it on that. You might not get the best results, but the more you commit to something the better, in time, you will become.