Player of the Month
(Click here to see past "Player of the Month" articles)
Welcome to Player of the Month. Each Month I will post photographs of one of today's leading LPGA players and a brief question and answer session.
February, 2006 Player:
LPGA Player Allison Hanna
Allison is a recent graduate of Ohio State University where she was voted OSU Athlete of the Year for 2004, Big 10 player of the year and NCAA All American first team. She currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her parents Brad and Jeanette Hanna.
Here are just a few things you might find interesting about one of the latest Rookie LPGA players.
Rich: You recently finished LPGA qualifying school in Daytona Beach, Florida. Tell us how you did and what that was like for you.
Allison: Qualifying school is so intense. I don't ever want to have to go back. I think one of the main reasons that I qualified was my attitude. I tried to try less and make sure I was having fun. The first nine holes I was four over par. My caddie and I made a little adjustment on how we were reading the putts for the back nine. I shot three under on the back nine to post a solid one over score on the tougher course. The two courses at LPGA International were set up fairly long and the windy conditions made for one tough tournament. I strolled through the next three rounds. The last day I only missed two greens. Both greens I missed that day just barely missed going into the water hazard. I know someone was watching out for me. My caddie, Michael Stokes, says to me "someone is praying for you today." On the last hole I barely made it over the hazard. I had to chip off of dirt and then proceeded to make an 18 foot downhill slider. That was a dramatic finish for me. I believe now after getting my non-exempt card last year, that it was best for me at that time to just play in five events. I got my feet wet and know what to expect. I know how difficult the courses are going to be and where I need to improve in my game. I am excited to compete for the whole season this year. Its a great opportunity for me.
Rich: You've played in previous LPGA events on a sponsors exemption or a Monday qualifying round. How does life change for you now that you've got your tour card and can play every week.
Allison: Basically I can plan my schedule. Last year I was at the mercy of the other players. I really like having a set plan. making sure that I am getting enough rest and planning practice sessions. My life changes in that I have a responsibility to represent the tour now in everything I do. I need to be conscious of this now more than ever. Women's golf is on the rise in the world. I am joining the LPGA tour at the best time.
Rich: You turned pro in May of 2004 and played the Futures Tour. You've also played in a Women's US Open. What are the distinct differences in the two venues?
Allison: The Futures Tour is a much more casual atmosphere. It's basically a place to compete and test your game against some of the better players who are not exempt on the LGPA. It's a great place to figure out how to deal with pro golf. The US Women's Open is the real deal. Nothing gets bigger that it. It has been so fun playing in the last two Opens. I love it when the crowd roars for a great shot. The money difference is not comparable too. I finished 32nd in the 2004 US Women's Open and made $20,000. While a 32nd finish on the Futures Tour would make about $400.00
Rich: As you enter your rookie season on the LPGA Tour, what are you most excited about getting the opportunity to do?
Allison: I'm most excited about being able to make my own schedule. Not having to wait for my opportunity to play in the event two days before the tournament begins. Mostly though I am excited to compete with the best players in the world for an extended period of time. See how my game stacks up.
Rich: What part of your game do you feel the most comforatble with right now?
Allison: I feel really comforatble around the greens. Chiping and putting are my bread and butter. I am always trying to make the shot once I get close to the green.
Rich: Are you looking forward to playing in any particular events on the LPGA Tour? Are there courses out there that have Allison Hanna's game written all over them?
Allison: I would love to play in Europe in the British Open. Plus it would give me a reason to do a little site seeing over there too! I think tough traditional, tree lined golf courses suit me the best. I really do not care what the course is like. I will find a way to score on each one.
Rich: Who is your favorite photographer?
Allison: My favorite photographer is Rich Heins, a guy who went to the same high school as my Dad.
Rich: Thanks for the plug, your five bucks is in the mail! :)
To learn more about this LPGA Player go to her page on the LPGA web site.
