Tracy Hanson joined the LPGA Tour in 1995 after a very successful college career at San Jose State University. At San Jose she won 10 collegiate titles and was a member of the NCAA Championship Team. She was also a four time All American & three time academic All American. I caught up with Tracy at the Safeway Classic in Portland, Oregon and found out even more about this professional golfer.
Rich: You studied kinesiology at San Jose State. Where did your interest in kinesiology come from and are you still using what you learned?
Tracy: As an athlete - played basketball, golf and downhill skied. Growing up I gained an appreciation for studying the human body and how God created us. I learned about all the muscles that make up the body, how the body moves and how sport influences our society. I think I still use a lot of what I learned, as a professional athlete, and as I exercise to stay healthy.
Rich: You’ve been on the LPGA tour since 1995. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the tour over the last twelve years? Of those changes, what is the best change since that time?
Tracy: The biggest change on tour that I have seen is how the "depth" of the high level of play has grown. The young players are ready to win in their first year or two. When I joined the tour, I think we all looked at our first couple of years as a "learning curve". The best change since my first year is the growth of the tour in relationship to TV exposure and purse increase.
Rich: That elusive win on the LPGA is still out there. Is that still your goal every week?
Tracy: I think it is every player's goal to win each time we tee it up. It's why we compete. I have been close, lost in a playoff in 1998. During the last 3 seasons I have undergone major swing changes for the goal of performing at my best inside the ropes.
Rich: What does time off for Tracy Hanson look like?
Tracy: I spend most of my off time either visiting my boyfriend, family, and close friends. I usually take some time away from golf. I enjoy reading, running, working around the house, riding my motorcycle, helping others, and learning web site design.
Rich: What are some of your favorite events on tour?
Tracy: Both Safeway events - Phoenix and Portland, the Jamie Farr in Toledo, the Canadian Open.
Rich: Describe how your strong faith gets you through the “cut” weeks.
Tracy: It's never fun to miss the cut, but in the big picture my performance on the golf course has nothing to do with who I am as a person. I know that God loves me whether I make the cut or don't make the cut. I find my identity in my relationship with Jesus Christ. Winning, making cuts, making lots of money will be forgotten, but my faith in God opens the door to eternity.
Rich: What players do you spend time with out on the road?
Tracy: Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, Wendy Ward, Jamie Hullett, Katherine Hull
Rich: Do you only live in places with panhandles? (Idaho and Florida)
Tracy: Nope - I live in Michigan as well :)
Rich: Thanks Tracy!
