Player Profile
(Click here to see past "Player Profile " articles)
Welcome to Player Profile. Each Month I will post photographs of one of today's leading LPGA players and a brief question and answer session.
LPGA Player Sherri Steinhauer
Sherri Steinhauer has played on the LPGA Tour since 1986 and has accumulated six wins. Sherri Co-Captained the US Solheim Cup team in 1998, has twoWomen's British Open titles and has ammassed almost five million dollars in career earnings. We recently talked with Sherri following the Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill.
Rich: Take us back to 1998 Solheim Cup. You made the put that clinched the Solheim Cup for the United States. Tell us about your experience that week.
Sherri: Playing in 3 Solheim Cups has definitely been the highlight of my career. Making the winning putt in the 1998 Solheim Cup gave me a feeling like none other. Our win was the accumulation of the entire team playing well all week; I just happened to be at the right place at the right time and came away with the winning putt. After making the putt having my teammates come running out to the green is a moment I will never forget. It's hard to describe how incredibly wonderful it was to play on a team and represent our country which is in such juxtaposition to golf as an individual sport.
Rich: That year you also won the Women’s British Open, and then won it again in 1999. How do you use big wins in the past for mental toughness today?
Sherri: As a result of winning, I realize that many things have to be consistently well executed to end up at the top of the leader board. Fortunately, that's what happened in the two British Opens. There is so much I take with me into the future from a win. One thing is for sure, I can never force a win. The more I get out of my own way and let things happen, rather than try to force shots, the more I am successful.
Rich: You and Annika Sorenstam both missed the cut this week at the Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill. Does it soften the blow a bit when you know Annika missed it as well?
Sherri: Knowing Annika also missed the cut at the Michelob Ultra Open reminds me of the competitiveness of our LPGA tour. One must be "on their game" in order to have a good finish in any event. However, with the ebb and flow of golf, there's always next week and who knows what the future holds.
Rich: Where are your favorite tournaments?
My favorite tournaments are definitely those held in the Northeast where the courses tend to be tight and tree-lined. I grew up in Wisconsin playing on this type of golf course. I enjoy opportunities to play on courses reminding me of those back home.
Rich: Are there any good luck items in your bag?
Although I am a somewhat superstitious person I typically do not carry any good luck items in my bag. However, when I won the JAL in 99 I had been to a Cher concert in NY city on Tuesday night of tournament week. Cindi Lauper (opening act) tossed a guitar pick into the audience, which I caught and carried in my pocket all week. I went on to win that tournament.
Rich: With all the 16 to 20 year olds grabbing headlines, it was nice to see Julie Inkster win one to show the kids that they don’t have a lock on winning on the tour. Is there a coalition of the “over 40” club on tour that meets to discuss ways of sending these kids to “time out”?
Sherri: No, the older players do not get together and figure out ways to send the younger ones to time out......we just have to continue to get better if we want to continue competing on tour. I enjoy being a part of this era and having the opportunity to witness firsthand how much better the young players are as compared to when we older players came out on tour.
Rich: What are your plans for the next decade or so? More time off, or continue the pace you’ve kept the last few years?
Sherri: I love this game, it is my passion, and I still thrive on the competition. When I feel I no longer have a chance to win I will retire. However, it will take a lot to bring me to this point, as I realize how much I will miss the competition when that day comes. I will probably soon start cutting back on the number of events I play (and no longer be known as "iron woman", my nickname among competitors, earned for playing numerous events in a row, usually at least seven).
Rich: What does your off time look like?
Sherri: My off time is spent in Palm Springs, CA. I recently purchased a new home and have enjoyed decorating it on my off season. My home decor is a mix of Santa Fe and colorado Rustic. I've purchased furnishings through out my travels on tour, buying things from all over the country and in Mexico. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with my dog, Dainin. I rescued him 3 years ago, his name in Zen means great patience and great endurance. His name is a constant reminder to me of what it takes to be a great golfer, something for which I always strive!
To learn more about this LPGA Player go to her page on the LPGA web site.
