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.
January, 2006 Player of the Month:
LPGA Player Beth Bader
32 year old Beth Bader joined the LPGA tour in 2001. Since then she has scored a "63" and has also dropped in the elusive "hole in one" during tournament play. While she still awaits her first tournament win, there is no doubt that she has enjoyed her professional career so far and makes a comfortable living doing something that she loves.
During her college career Beth starred at Iowa State University. She was captain of the golf team and
received MVP and Player of the Year awards.
Here are just a few things you might find interesting about this very entertaining LPGA player.
Rich: What is the most fun thing to do while out on tour?
Beth: Since most of our days are filled hitting golf balls and playing the golf course, I really don't lead an exciting life week to week. I do enjoy trying different foods so I try to make it a point each week to try a new restaurant.
Rich: Where is your favorite tournament located and what are the key ingredients to a great venue?
Beth: Kingsmill and Portland (Safeway Classic). For me a great event consists of, well, if I like the course and Kingsmill is, to me, a shot makers course. Portland is such a beautiful layout with the huge pine trees and the fans are just awesome. Both events treat us so well, from the Pro am parties to the great food and just wonderful hospitality. I just can't wait to play these two venues.
Rich: You lost your mom last year. What was it like trying to concentrate on golf knowing your mom was battling cancer?
Beth: Loosing my mother last year is just indescribable. She was the rock of our family. My focus last year was difficult and I think my game suffered. I feel I have started to cope much better now and realize her pain and suffering are over. She has been my inspiration this year and will always be. I believe starting our foundation in honor of Mom has really helped our family. I owe it all to my sister who started our organization up while my Mom was still alive. They started making bracelets and they turned out so nice our friends wanted to buy them. Now, almost 2 years later, we have sold over $4,000 in bracelets, had our 2nd annual dog walk, and our 2nd annual SLB foundation of hope golf outing. We have raised just over $60,000 in just two short years.
Rich: Are you getting other LPGA players to join in on the rally to raise money?
Beth: All the girls on the LPGA have just been such a big support. So many have donated to our organization. I have sold a lot of bracelets to many of the girls. (they make great gifts!)
Rich: You are currently ranked 70th on tour. Last year you finished 113th. What has changed your game the most this year?
Beth: My golf game is becoming more consistent over the years. But to really narrow it down from last year is I am in a better state mentally. I have a lot of improving to do but that's the great thing about this game of golf. You always have something to work on. Never get content, because if you do you've lost the love for the game!
Click on this link for information on the Foundation of Hope organization, founded in honor of Beth's mother Susan L. Bader, that works to give "HOPE" to patients and families dealing with Pancreatic Cancer. www.slbfoundationofhope.org
To learn more about this LPGA Player go to her page on the LPGA web site.
