June 29, 2011

LPGA Championship

If there is one thing great about Major Championships, is that there is always a lot of great golf and excitement on the sidelines with money list and Solheim Points.

Wegmans, One of the finest Grocery Stores you will ever shop in, celebrated their 35th Year and 2^nd as a Major on the LPGA Tour this past week at Locust Hill CC in Rochester, NY.  Arriving on Tuesday I was excited to be invited as a two time Winner to participate in their celebrations as they marched their past Champions up the 18^th fairway in commemorative of those many great years of golf.  Followed by some huge fireworks it was a great way to start the 2^nd Major Championship of the Year!

My time as Captain started with a quick trip to the course for a fun photo shoot with my assistant Captains before checking in on players as they practice up for the first round.  Tuesdays are a really good time to be able to have a chat with some of those players on the bubble knowing they are working their butt off to make this team.  Then I was off to pick out the Caddy’s Opening Ceremony Outfits with Caddy Captain Jason Gilroyed, (Cristie Kerr), but not before giving Pat Hurst a little impromptu putting lesson.  Both her and Natalie Gulbis picked my brain a little bit about putting knowing that those greens in Rochester as well as next weeks US Open are some of the trickiest they will see this year.

First Round action started with the American A list of players who took over the top 20 spots going into the weekend.  Finishing 2^nd place albeit 10 shots back Morgan Pressel picked up some crucial putts on the back nine of Locust Hill for another great tournament.  This job of mine is looking pretty easy as I watch my top 4 players on the SC point list make another strong showing.  Paula Creamer took command of her golf ball shooting 67 on Thursday and had a nice book end of 69 around to par rounds to finish T3. Steady Eddie Stacy Lewis brings in another T6 and  Pat Hurst a sleeper on Solheim points all year jumped up into contention with a total 7 under par after Fridays round and hung in there to finish T8 on Sunday.

ON THE BUBBLE

With Only 4 more events to make points, it’s getting pretty exciting as we watch the team fill out those last 3 spots and then those who are trying to make that special impression to those 2 Captain picks I have to complete the team. Look out for relatively new player Katie Futcher who has been working her way up the list and jumped into 13^th spot with a Tie for 14^th, and all of those players at #8 – 17 are fighting for any point they can muster and you can bet we will see some more action this next week at the US Open.  This is a tough swing for those players and I wish all of them all the best of Luck!

Major Points During The 2011 Year!

Double These for Majors!

1.         60                    11.       16.5

2.         30                    12.       15

3.         28.5                 13.       13.5

4.         27                    14.       12

5.         25.5                 15.       10.5

6.         24                    16.       9

7.         22.5                 17.       7.5

8.         21                    18.       6

9.         19.5                 19.       4.5

10.       18                    20.       3

That's it for now folks!  Stay tuned for more action on TEAM USA and The Solheim Cup!

Relax But Attack!

Rosie Jones /  Captain RoJo

June 7, 2011

Captain RoJo Blog

With the LPGA Tour having several weeks off in the schedule the past month, progress with Team USA looks like it has been at a bit slow on the surface.  But in reality behind the scenes, the action is turning into full gear as the Solheim Cup is now only 107 days away.

It’s All in the Details…..  It’s easy to suddenly find myself a bit overwhelmed with the amount of attention The Solheim Cup takes when I think of all that remains in the preparation of our week there in Ireland.  Every little detail is important when you are planning for an event like this, so for me, getting finished with the fluff part of the week (Clothing, Gifting, Food and Decorations) is my top priority at the moment.  Not to mention the inspirational quotes, team music, speeches and keeping up with players performance, tweeting, face booking and ect.

Even though we finalized our Players Uniforms with Antigua and Sunice some time ago, last month we touched on clothing for the Caddy’s, Helpers, and Past Captains.  We want to make sure they all look good in their Team USA shirts, hats and Jackets.  Lucky for me the LPGA takes on the burden of the actual operation and ordering the Teams clothing,  the travel and schedule, but when it comes to the decisions concerning the team, I’m all hands on with the details and preparations.  Experience reminds me and I’ll always believe that success is in the details.  Now, only our Opening Ceremony outfits are left to figure out.  Oh Boy!

Sweet 16 Practice Session!

The Fun part of my job as Captain is starting to get exciting as we brought the Top 16 Solheim Cup point makers together for our domestic practice session.  Since we will not be going to Killeen Castle before the Solheim Cup in September to practice there on the tournament course, my Assistant Captains and I looked for a fitting venue to host a Team USA bonding session.  Lucky have it, Sherri Steinhauer has connections with a member at Pine Valley in NJ and they were thrilled to host Team USA for a night of Dinner, Fun and Games as well as a fantastic round of golf on Monday morning.

We’ve Come a Long Way Baby…  Women have been breaking barriers for hundreds of years and this was one of those momentous events that even Pine Valley felt was special as Team USA were the first women to ever stay the night on property in “The Dorms.”  More like a private plush lodge with everyone having their own suite, the players were given every privilege and perfect hospitality as we enjoyed dinner in the boardroom and two other wonderful meals in the clubhouse.

Knowing the strict rules and regulations as far as females playing Pine Valley, I was reminded of a story about  how Jack Nicklaus showed up to play a practice round at Pine Valley for the Walker Cup and his wife Barbara was not allowed any where near the premises.  So in retrospect, many thanks to Pine Valley GM and Golf Director Charlie Raudenbush,  Club President Jim Davis and member Russ Meyer who were all perfect hosts and for helping to make this as exciting and memorable event for all who attended.  It was only fitting to give them a bottle of Champaign signed by all the players commemorating our “Sweet 16 Practice Session” donated by Mike Doyle at Pleasant Valley Wine Co, in NY.

Not one to give away all my secrets, we had a great time at dinner where I was able to speak to the players and give them my thoughts about the upcoming months and how our team was shaping up.  Using a couple of motivational video’s my hope was to inspire some of the young players looking to make their first Solheim Cup as well as motivate those on the bubble looking to make more points in the next several tournaments.  It was a great chance for me to visit with those players, spend time with them off of the golf course as well as have them to interact with one another in some friendly competitive Minute to Win it Games!  And it was Competitive!

And then of course there was the Golf at Pine Valley!.   What ever I say here will not give it justice for the golf course was in perfect shape and the conditions were absolutely awesome while the best women golfers our country has to offer teed it up on that Monday morning on America’s # 1 golf course.  Watching my players paired up in specific groupings was as much of a treat for me as it was for them to play.   Lots of laughs and good golf shots were played as my strategy going into the summer starts to emerge with my sights on Ireland.  Thanks again to AB Golf Design for the USA Boxing Glove Head Covers donated to the players.  It was fun to see them propped up on a couple of player’s bags getting into the spirit of “Go Team USA!”

Now, the excitement continues to grow as we watch the next couple months unfold on the LPGA Schedule with 3 major championships and only 5 events total to rack up their points.  Already as I track the players performance I’m starting to see the trends in who and what will make the difference on building the best possible team for September.

Big Win For Lincicome…..   Having already a great performance year in 2011 Brittany rose to the top in Atlantic City last week at the ShopRite LPGA Classic as she birdied the last hole of the tournament to win over Jiyai Shin and Cristie Kerr.   Cristie remains at the top of the Solheim Cup list with 582 points and Brittany gains 60 points and jumps up to #6 on the Solheim Cup list giving her some breathing room as the tour heads into the majors these next two months.  Points will be up for grabs since Major Championships will be worth double points.   Check out the entire list by clicking here….

Stay tuned this weekend at the State Farm Classic in Springfield IL. Happens to be the same town I won my first event in many, many years ago.  More to come……

Go USA!

Captain RoJo 

April 19, 2011

March Madness on the LPGA starts the 2011 domestic swing with the newly formed Founders Cup in Phoenix AZ to the Kia Classic in LA,  then on to the First Major Championship, The Kraft Nabisco in Palm Springs, CA!

The LPGA gets things started as they host the The RR Donnelly’s Founders Cup in Phoenix, AZ,  new and exciting tournament honoring the Founders of the LPGA and giving the LPGA and players the opportunity to give back to the future of the sport by raising over a Million $’s for several charities close to their heart as well as key organizations aimed to benefit those Junior Golfers in America.  Top of the leader board were many great Americans as they fought their way against Hall of Fame Member Karrie Webb to claim all the status, points, and glory, but not the money.  All proceeds went to their favorite charities including those in need from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Next up for the Tour and sometimes a special motivator for those players in line for the Solheim Cup was the Kia in LA, CA where both Antigua and Sunice were on site to take measurements and sizes of the Top 20 USA point makers.  This in it’s self is pretty exciting for those experienced players getting an early look at our 2011 outfits, but especially for those players still out there on the bubble.  This little task of trying on cloths is just the little reminder and/or kick in the butt, that the Solheim Cup is only 5 ½ months away and they need to get busy and make some points.

Later that weekend, doing just that was several players as they stacked up nicely going into Sunday’s final round, but the big winner of the week was Germany’s Sandra Gal who took home the trophy.  The big question as sports reporters gathered that following Monday at the Kraft was, how does Europe’s Captain Alison Nicholas find a way to bring Sandra Gal into the mix since she was not officially a member of the European Tour?  Rumor is: she will be in the running for Team Europe since they have a couple of special clauses for exceptional performance in the rules that would allow the LET to invite Sandra Gal onto automatic membership on to this year’s tour.  Actually, I was surprised she wasn’t a member of the LET tour but of course welcome any justifiable and worthy player to the opportunity.  I feel Alison should be able to build her team any way she can with in the rules of their organization, the LET and The Solheim Cup.

So, on to Palm Springs and nothing beats playing at the Kraft Nabisco for the first LPGA Major Championship at the most beautiful course of the year; Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage.  Just a reminder:  Major Championships are always worth double points and this being Solheim Cup year, the points are bloated to award good play coming into the event.  The week started out unseasonably hot so I was certainly getting lots of use out of my Peak Vision Sunglasses as I followed several of my USA Players the first two days of the tourney.  Funny how time flies when there is lots to catch up with players on the practice tee as well as those couple of appointments I had with friends of Team USA helping us with the details of the big dance in Sept.  I’m just glad I’m retired from the LPGA and now playing on the Legends Tour, because this baby is starting to heat up.  Thanks for the enthusiasm I share with Sheex and The Orange Whip and their generosity towards Team USA as it comes down to the final countdown in August.

Who would of thought Stacy Lewis would make her big debut in the winner circle this week taking on # 1 in the world Yani Tseng as the tournament unfolds into final Sunday.  Early on in the week over dinner with her and potential teammate, and past champion of the Nabisco Brittany Lincicome, I’m thinking Stacy is a pretty solid 7^th spot point holder on the SC list.  But later we watch what unfolds to some really exciting golf as Stacy meets the challenge on the back nine at Mission Hills to win her first event and the First Major of the Year.  Pretty Cool! Great Winn Stacy!

Stacy wasn’t the only story of the week, 8 more Americans were in the mix going into Final Sunday and watching it all unfold was pretty fun and heart wrenching as the players made their way around the back nine.  Morgan Pressel and Michelle Wie turn some gut wrenching holes into learning lessons for the bold and patient player.  US veteran Angela Stanford cards 68 to finish T3 to strengthen her position and young player Katie Future makes her big splash although not in the pond as she finished her career best T3 with a fantastic round of 68, pushing her in to the top 15 of Solheim Cup points.

All this fantastic golf plus, a good sit down with both of my Assistants Juli Inkster and Sherri Steinhauer on how we will plot our way for the next couple of months and how fast can we nail Top Solheim Cup point maker, and Hall Of Fame Member Juli Inkster down to saying Yes to playing her 9^th   Solheim Cup in Ireland.  Word is still up in the air, don’t ask, we have plenty of time to see.  Ha ha!  Juli has a plan, let’s watch it pan out.  That’s my take, I’m sticking to it.  You should too.  It’s working!

Next up The Captains Blog:    “Sweet 16 Practice Session At Pine Valley”

Next Month is our first Team USA Domestic Practice Session at Pine Valley CC in New Jersey!

Stay tuned as we give you all the up dates to Team USA as we head into the final 5 months to Ireland!

That’s it for now, Relax but Attack!

Go Team USA!

                   Captain RoJo,

The Captains Blog by Captain RoJo                                       Feb 10, 2011

It’s been exactly 1 year since I was named 2011 U.S.  Solheim Cup Captain and the truth of this experience is that there is not a better more exciting job or role I will ever have again.

Captain, means many things especially when I look back to the many different hats I am wearing with this title.  In the beginning, I don’t think I realized how much an influence the Solheim Cup Captain has in the preperations of the event.  I have somehow become Event Planner, Fashion Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Promoter, Music and Video expert, Team Strategizing Agent, Sports Psychologist and Professional Shopper.  And I’m sure there will be more hats to wear as we get closer to The Solheim Cup in September.

With my recent trip to the 2011 PGA Show, I was able to meet with Antigua, Imperial Head Wear and Sunice our Rain Gear company’s to go over last minute details of the design and fit of the Players Uniforms.  Really great stuff as I was able to meet with those top designers and make specific changes and additions that will really enhance Team USA’s feel and look as we take the Tee.

Every single day is or at least a part of it is put aside to work on a special aspect of the Solheim Cup.  A lot of our attention has been on our schedule this year and what we will be doing to bring our players together in a way that we feel like a team when we get to Ireland.  We have some really super cool plans for our Practice Sessions over the course of the summer which will help us out a lot. 

Speaking of my players, I can’t tell you how proud of them I was of their play last year.  If I was to look at the line up at the end of the year, I would say this USA line up is stacked pretty much how I thought or hoped it would.  Cristie Kerr finishing the year ranked 3^rd in the World topped our list with 441 points.  And just behind her are Solheim Cup regulars, Morgan Pressel, Michelle Wie, Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer who all who had stellar years and right where you would expect them.

Working the middle of the pack are Brittany Lincicome and Brittany Lang both long and strong off the tee had goods showing in 2010  and will have to continue their good play to maintain their positions.

Young talent but solid player Stacy Lewis is working her way into the top 10 with consistent play last year and hoping to earn her first spot on this year’s team.  US firecracker Christina Kim is rounding out the top ten with fighter Kristy McPherson.  Both players have played in recent Solheim Cups and say in almost every interview they give how important and how bad they want to play on the next Solheim Cup.

Big Fun, but no surprise is my Assistant Captain, Juli Inkster hanging around the top 12 with 3rd year pro Vicky Hurst, and many top Solheim Cup veterans in perfect position to make their move with points going ito this springs competition.

The Big Fun Question is:  Will Juli Inkster play her 9th Solheim Cup as an Assistant Captain?

The 2011 point system moves to amplified points worth 1 ½ points with a win at 60 points.  Of course Majors are worth double again, which means if you play well in those you'll be makeing huge points.

This should give us a lot of excitement as we watch our players start the season in Asia next week.  Being Solheim Cup year, the pressure is on and players are feeling the pressure between them to make the points each and every week.  Of course their main objective is to win tournaments, but if you are not in contention, next priority is to make the points. 

Knowing that we only  have 224 days  until the first ball will rifle off the clubface to the fairway of Killeen Castle #1, it is my intent to make the most of every advantage this team can have.  My entire Team USA, those at the LPGA, and those near and far to me are in high gear looking at every detail for the week of Sept. 19 – 25.  Another huge part of my Team USA will be our Fans!  We need as many fans over there, so come on over to Ireland with us and Support our Top Players as we battle for the most Coveted Cup in Women's Professional Golf Team Competition.  The Solheim Cup!

With that said we still have to play our ball, and that will come down to the players and how we perform when the bell rings  in Ireland on Friday September 23rd, 2011! 

Until Next Time,  Relax But Attack!

Go USA!    Captain RoJo  

This is a Poem I wrote for my players for the Holiday Season!  Hope you enjoy!

Holiday Cheer!

The year is finally over for the LPGA Tour, it’s time to put the sticks away, you know that’s for sure. The travel was hard and your games were on top, now it’s time to give it a little rest, find a mall, and start to shop. 

You all started in Asia with gusto and fame, it was in Singapore I think that your captain was named.  The news hit the stands and hurrah’s came my way, a proud moment for me to lead my players in the Solheim Cup to play.

I jumped in the air and started to giggle and squirm, I thought it might go to Inkster or Mallon, but the decision was firm. So I gathered my memories and thoughts of my Solheim’s of seven, to help give me the wisdom and grace to lead you in Twenty - 11.

My first task at hand was to select my assistants; my two easy picks were met with out any resistance.  Juli is the glue that will keep our team so very strong, Sherri is into detail, so you know nothing can go wrong.  A good solid trio and we all play a part; it’s been a lot of fun and a damn good start.

The summer went fast you all played without fear, us Captains dealt with future locker rooms, our uniforms, and raingear!  Our digs will be awesome, our Antigua clothing has no tweed, you won’t have to worry about getting wet, Sunice has guaranteed.

I know you all wonder what color we will wear, is it purple or pastel, No, believe me I wouldn’t dare.  No need to even ask me what color they will be, everybody knows it’s red, white and blue that I bleed.

It’s been a good race to make your Solheim Points each week, they have come so fast and many, that my notes need a tweak.  Next year they will change for each one is now worth one and a half, majors are double, good luck, no laugh.

With the cup safe at home in USA hands, we now have our sites on defending in the green fairways of Ireland.   The course will be long, tricky and tough, but nothing we can’t handle, just stay out of the rough. 

  Europe will be determined and we know the burden they have felt, fore we have the past 3 Solheim’s under our belt.You have seen me on the fairways with my backpack and glasses; next year will be the same as I plot to kick their asses. 

Your golf was fantastic from week to week, there were many times I thought, this is gonna be sweet. You all played with great talent and your caddies were loud, as for my first year as Captain I couldn’t be more proud.

Truly an honor for me to be your leader this upcoming September, I have the advice of many past Captains to cherish and remember.   The passion and pride that comes with this role, is much like I played golf, with determination and fire in my soul.

So remember as you rest and get ready for next year, work hard on your goals and your heart will hear.  The Solheim Cup is one of the best, if not the hardest, most ultimate test.

Good Luck, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and Ho Ho!

Thank you for this pleasure, see you later

 Captain RoJo

Captain Rosie Jones

December 10, 2010

End of the Year

Being Captain of the  U.S. Solheim Cup Team has proven to be very exciting this year as I made my final visit to the season ending LPGA Tour Championship in Orlando last week.  Lot’s to catch up with the players and staff since this will be the last tournament of the year and players will be in off season mode for the next several weeks as they all enjoy the Holiday Season and then gear up for year 2011. 

This was a good event for me to attend since all the top U.S.  players were there looking to better their position in many category’s on the treacherous Grand Cypress layout just outside of Disney World.  The weather turned to cool with windy conditions making the course very hard to score on with drastic greens proving hard to master.  I have to brag a bit about how well our American players played, but the big congrats to Sweden’s Maria Hjorth for her great play to capture the title.

Player of the Year

It was fun to watch the top 5 players on tour battle it out those past weeks for Play of the Year award and Vare Trophy as the results all came down to the final round and to whether Cristie Kerr could pull off a win to capture both honors.   After watching the top honor trade like baseball cards the past 3 months, the final congrats go to Yani Tseng.  I guess we’ll have to wait another year to see if the POY award will come home to an American player as C. Kerr just missed out with a brave attempt finishing Tied for 3^rd place finish.

Solheim Points

Lots of good golf and plenty of points being made, but not a lot of movement on the 2011 Solheim Cup point standings these past couple of weeks as the tour ends it’s year long plus qualifying.  Cristie Kerr leads the American squad with 441 points with Morgan Pressel in second place at 239 and Michelle Wie in third at 223.  Team USA has got a good strong line up of experienced players in the top 10 with a good mix of young players looking for their first experience of Solheim Competition and Veterans’ holding their own within the top 15 spots.

Even though I have been watching the points pretty closely these past several months, this is when the players themselves start to keep a keen eye on what is going on as well.  I expect next year will be quite the shoot out as points are worth 1 ½ times during Solheim Cup year.   Example: a Win is 60 points, double for Majors.  This will favor hot play in 2011, and give a player the ability to make a pretty good move up the roster.

Captain RoJo Wins

One of the great things about being Captain is that even though it sometimes feels like a full time job, it still allows me the opportunity to be competitive on the Legends Tour (Official Senior Tour of the LPGA).   Last month I teed it up with some great former players of the LPGA including past Captains Beth Daniel, Patty Sheehan, Pat Bradley and current players on the LPGA tour like Michelle Redman and Lori Kane at the Legends Tour Championship on the Island Course at Innisbrook FL.

With a two day total of -9,  I was hoisting the trophy for my first Major Win and my fourth title in 4 years as a senior player on the tour.  It was a fun week and a good experience for me as all those competitive juices come back to me and keep me on my toes and in touch with what my Solheim Players are going through week in and week out.

Happy Holidays!

As the Holiday Season is in full swing this is the time players wind down from the busy Tour Life and the crazy travel schedule that can take its toll over the entire year.  It’s a good time to relax and enjoy their life at home, revitalize the body, rest and balance out their time for family and friends.  It won’t be long before the sticks come back out of the trunk and the grind starts back up with new goals and expectations.

Wrap Up

I have to admit this year was a good year to be Captain of the American team.  I couldn’t be more proud of all of them as so many players found success on both the LPGA as well in European and Asian tournaments overseas in non-official events.  We got a good foundation going into 2011 and I look forward to watching with earnest as it all comes down to the final weeks leading into the competition.

I look forward to the New Year where I will be working more from home finalizing some details on the many pieces of my responsibilities regarding the Solheim Cup next September. So much to do and as of today, I have only 282 more days to do it.  Wow!

Happy Holidays

Relax but Attack!  Go USA

Captain RoJo

November 2, 2010

Summer Fun in 2010

The last couple of months have been very fun, busy and helpful as I keep plugging along towards the next phase of being the Captain of the 2011 US Solheim Cup Team!  Of course the 2010 Season is coming to a near end, but there is still a lot of exciting golf to be played as the tour is in Asia for this last swing before the final 2 events in Mexico and Orlando for the Tour Championship!

Solheim Cup Travel

Keeping me busy this summer was an invitation from one of the Official Solheim Cup Travel Companies to partner with them to help bring as many fans over to Ireland to Support our Team USA at the 2011 Solheim Cup next September in County Meath, Ireland.  RosieJones Golf Getaways is proud to offer two Non-Hosted Solheim Cup Travel Packages that include, Hotel, Breakfast, Transfers to Airport and Solheim Tickets to the compitition.  Check out our "Captains Package" for individual Travel and "Team USA Club Package"  for Groups of Ten or more Traveling to the Solheim Cup!  For more information check out Solheim Cup Travel on my web site  /index.php/solheim-cup-travel/   

Solheim Cup Points

Since my last entry, there has been a lot of exciting golf played by US Players as well as European players as Cristy Kerr still leads the US Point race going into the Asia Swing.  Michelle Wie is holding onto 2nd place since her Win in Canada and 2nd place showing in Arkansas, and Morgan Pressel having played some great golf this summer is in a strong third place.  A handful of experienced SC players sit right behind them rounding up the top 10, but watch out for some of the LPGA’s veterans like Wendy Ward, Michelle Redman and Juli Inkster who all racked up some points in October.

Next year is when the battle to make the team really starts to take shape as the players will be playing for amplified points during the Solheim Cup year.   

Ryder Cup!

This past month all eyes were on the Men’s US squad at the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, as they were trying their hand to upend the streak of homeland victories in Europe.  Lots to learn as many different stories unfolded for me to make note of and to prepare myself for the unexpected.  First and foremost, was the heat Captain Corey Pavin took for leaking raingear.  Lots of emails going around that early Friday morning as I was assured by our Rain Gear providers SunIce that our rain suits will be tested and retested before we head to Ireland as we will be experiencing some of the same wet rainy weather there as the men did this year in Wales.  Of course that Is one of my main concerns and considered a high priority when it comes to our equipment and the ability to keep our players dry and warm on the course.

Rain Suits aside, the competition was very insightful and the drama was intense as the final points were hashed out on final Sunday! 

Prattvile, Alabama!

One of my favorite things to do this year is to get out on the LPGA and nurture some of those relationships with potential players vying for the Solheim Cup. I was able to sneak over to Prattville Alabama, where I was able to have dinner with some of those gals (Cristy Kerr, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, Vicky Hurst and Stacy Lewis) and watch many other US players there for the Navastar LPGA Classic.   That week was a good one to watch as they played another great Robert Trent Jones Trail course which always gives me some good opportunities to see the much needed iron precision and Control off the Tee.  Much like what they will need next year at Killeen Castle on the new Jack Nicklaus design parkland course. 

 Non-Captain Duties and Perks!

Aside from being C Captain, I still like to play some competition and did so on the Legends Tour, the official Senior Tour of the LPGA in The Handa Cup.  The Handa Cup is a Team Competition much like the Solheim Cup where Team USA took on the World at the Wentworth CC, this past September.  A fantastic venue and competition we Americans led by our Captain, the Legendary Kathy Whitworth was able to retain the Cup again to beat out Team World for the 2 day event on the windy vintage club in Portsmouth NH.  Teamed up with one of my Vice Captains Sherri Steinhauer, we were able to go undefeated as we were reminded of many situations that we will experience during next years Solheim Cup. 

 Golf in China!

Next on my Schedule was one of the many Perks of being The 2011 Solheim Cup Captain and that was an invitation to the Mission Hills Star Trophy event in Hainan China this past week.  In big company with Hollywood Stars and Golf Legends, I shared the Tee with many greats as we played for a whopping “Winner Take All $1.28 Million Purse”.  Lorena Ochoa won the Top Prize as I finished 4^th place after shooting a new course record 5 under in the 2^nd round of the event (Even Par- Total), playing with Greg Norman, Matthew McConaughey, and China star Michael Wong! 

Huge Golf event with Star studded field including Catherine Zeta Jones, Christian Slater, Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa, Hugh Grant, Michael Phelps, Greg Norman, Collin Montgomery and more as we played and stayed at beautiful the New Mission Hills Resort!  Red Carpet Venues and Events filled our days as the competition came down to the last couple of holes when Monty, Captain for the Men’s Europe Ryder Cup, made an unfortunate fraction of the rules to miss out on Play off with Lorena at after finishing -4 for the 2 days.

Until next time,  Keep it down the middle of the fairway!

 Go USA!  Relax but Attack!

 US Captain RoJo

               Rosie Jones

August 6, 2010
Solheim Cup Site Check at Killeen Castle, Ireland
By Rosie Jones, Captain of the 2011 US Solheim Cup Team!

June and July have been a Captain’s dream as two of the Major Championships this summer have been won by Americans.  Cristie Kerr blows away the field by 12 shots to win her 2nd major at the LPGA Championship in Rochester, NY.  And Paula Creamer comes back after hand surgery to win her first major at the Women’s US Open held at Oakmont, Pittsburg, PA.  Two gutsy performances by experienced Solheim Cup players racking up double points for the major wins.  Proving the depth of the Americans this year, we are averaging 6 American players each week making points toward the race to Ireland.   Excellent numbers given the international presence on the LPGA!

 
As a Tour Player on the LPGA, the importance of preparation was key to my success as a player and champion, and now as The Captain of the US Solheim Cup Team, I’m practicing those same values as we look forward to next September in Ireland.  Last week I arrived back home after spending 4 days in County Meath, Ireland checking out our Hotel and Golf facilities where the US Team will be staying and preparing for the competition.  This will be my only look at Killeen Castle besides a short practice session scheduled mid summer next year.

 
Joined by my Assistant Captains Juli Inkster and Sherri Steinhauer after their play at the British Open, we spent the next two days going over every detail of what we will need to make sure our team is ready to play when the bell rings September 23rd of O-11!  Where will the players stay, what will their rooms look like?  Where is their locker room, how big is it?  Where do they eat, what kind of food, snacks?  Players are professional athletes and their Physical Therapist is important, where is that space located?  Work out space and equipment?  Team room, Furniture needs?  Autograph room, TV’s, PC’s.  What is our Bus route, Security procedures, practice facility like and located?   Caddies, helpers, family accommodations!  You name it; we pondered the different options in front of us and together came up with a good plan for our team.  

 
Breaking out for some fresh Irish air the three of us were then off to see the golf course and check out the fairly new Nicholas designed, Killeen Castle.  Lucky for me I was able to play the course a week in advance, so I got a first hand look at it as we drove our carts around looking at the layout.

 
Not your typical links course, this parkland track looked very appealing and familiar to us as we drove the beautiful velvety plush fairways.  The Ladies’ European Tour (LET) was hosting the Women’s Irish Open, so we were able to view the course in tournament conditions.  I was happy to see 5 of our 2009 Solheim Cup players, (Christina Kim, Brittany Lincicome, Brittany Lang, Angela Stanford, and Kristy McPherson) were there to get their first look at Killeen Castle in their preparation to be back there in 2011 Solheim Cup!  They’re first response about the course was how much it reminded them of Rich Harvest Farms, site of the 2009 event in which they won with Captain Daniel.  Good vibes already!

 
Well the entire week wasn’t all work and no play!  USA star Christina Kim and I were able to team up against the European Captain Alison Nicholas and Sophie Gustafson for the Killeen Castle Fly Fishing Tournament.   After several minutes of casting and unraveling our lines by both teams, Sophie was able to land the only fish caught that afternoon to win a very nice glass vase with the Fly Fishing Tournament name etched on its side.  Lots of fun and both Sophie and Christina relished the experience of finding a new passion for the sport.  Being somewhat experienced at fly fishing, I Know how they feel,  but my competitive spirit was bruised just a little bit as we head back to the club house empty handed. 

Oh well, it’s just fishing and our spirits were lifting as CK and I remembered that it’s us, the U.S., who still hold on to the piece of glass that really counts.
The Solheim Cup!

 
Check out Pics and Video at LPGA.com

 
Keep down the middle                                        

Relax but Attack!

May and June have turned out to be very productive and exciting months as I start my work as Captain of the 2011 U.S. Solheim Cup Team.  Back from the Kraft Nabisco, I made a quick trip to the LPGA Headquarters in Daytona Beach to meet with all the key staff members there at the LPGA and Solheim Cup tournament office that will be helping with the organization and operation of the Solheim Cup.  Learning the amount of time and effort by so many dedicated people was overwhelming and I was thankful to have had the chance to meet everyone in person.  

 My next focus was to put my head around the task of picking my two Assistant Captains.  It seems like a simple task, but a lot of in-depth thought and experience has helped me pick the two key people who would be helping me throughout these next several months as well as during the competition over in Ireland. 

 Given a just a few guidelines as far as who I can pick the list became longer and longer as I looked at several players and past Captains who have made an impact on my Solheim Cup Experience.  Having played on 7 Solheim Cup Teams gave me the advantage of knowing first hand what is needed from an assistant and who would be fitting of that role.  And since I am awarded with two assistants, I had fun trying to figure out how we all will balance each other and bring our strengths to the forefront. 

 As I mentioned, the list began to grow with the abundance of great players, friends and characters who have played in The Solheim Cup , but the two people who filtered to the top were naturals when the decision was finally made.  With another quick trip to The Bell Micro LPGA Classic in Mobile, Alabama, the announcement was made to the Press, Fans and players, my two exciting choices.    

 Juli Inkster, 8 time Solheim Cup player, Top U.S. Point maker, Hall of Fame Member and longtime friend and competitor.  Sherri Steinhauer, 4 time Solheim Cup player, Top 20 Career money,  2 Time Major Champion, and also a long time friend and competitor on the LPGA. Both of these successful and talented women bring a wealth of experience, passion and team leadership to the table, and I look forward to working closely with them over the next several months as we plan our strategy to win the 2011 Solheim Cup in Ireland.

 The three of us would be the foundation of what will be a great 2011 Solheim Cup Team and it was with pride and honor to select these Gals as my partners going forward.   It will be our job to share that wealth of experience with our 2011 U.S. Players while leading them to victory.  

 My next task was to start the process of putting together the Players wardrobe for the Solheim Cup.  I know it seems a bit early, but this is a big deal when you realize how much effort goes into reaching the design and style to display the passion and excitement of this generation of players as they represent their Country at the Solheim Cup.

 My first trip on this project started with a trip up to Montreal, Canada to meet with Sunice our Official Rain Gear Company to be used in Ireland next year.  Rain gear alone could be one our most important pieces of equipment as we look where we are playing and what time of year.

  Sunice,  a very popular outer wear company known in Canada and Europe, but practically new to those of us in the U.S. was very exciting to meet as we were ushered into their display room full of life size mannequins wearing every style imaginable of their Rain suits.  Very impressive and it took only a couple of hours to come up with what will be some very stylish and effective rain suits for not only our Players, but Caddy’s, helpers and staff. 

 The beauty of being named Captain is I get to make all of these decisions, but then I too will take the heat if things don’t turn out well.  Such is the game of life and for all of us who play golf, we know that that’s what makes golf so great.  We live by our decisions and be grateful to have been given the opportunity to make them.  Bring it on!  I say! 

 As the LPGA gets going on their summer swing so do the U.S. Players.  Cristie Kerr widens the margin between herself and Angela Stanford at the #1 Spot on the U.S. Solheim Cup Points List for winning at the State Farm Classic.   Lots of players starting to put their summer game face on in anticipation of 2 upcoming majors, The LPGA Championship in Rochester, NY and The US Open at Oakmont CC, Pittsburg Penn. 

 Remember, Major Championships award double points to those U.S. players finishing on Sunday in the top 20! 

I’ll be there to catch the action at the LPGA Championship being played at Locust Hills, one of my favorite courses on tour, which happens to be home of two of my wins (The Wegmans International) as a non-major event.

 More to come as the summer heats up. 

Relax but Attack!  Go USA!

Captain RoJo!

Kraft Nabisco Championship!

My first duties as Captain of the 2011 Solheim Cup was to visit the Kraft Nabisco Championship out in Palm Springs, California.  I know, tough duty for me as I strolled around the lush flower and palm tree laden grounds of Mission Hills CC watching the U.S. Players qualified to be there for the first Major Championship of the year. 

Since my retirement in 2006 I haven't had the luxury of knowing all the players personally from a player's point of view, so it's important for me to get out there and reconnect with the ones I have played with and get to know those new American additions to the tour who I have not known.  Of course watching them on TV keeps me in tune with how they are playing, but watching them in person really allows you to see their personality and style of play which will be important for me to know in the next several months. 

While I was there I spent a lot of time on the course watching almost every U.S. born player at least for a few holes during the Pro-Am and then again in competition as the tournament got under way.  I felt like I was watching Brittany Lincicome and Michelle Wie play a different golf course from the one I played all those years as I watched their long tee shots on the par 4's and par 5's.  I also watched veterans Michelle Redman, Pat Hurst, and Sherri Steinhauer, who all made the cut, and Angela Stanford, Brittany Lang, Morgan Pressel, Kristie McPhearson and Cristie Kerr, who all had good finishes, Cristie leading the pack at Tied for 5th, each of them picking up double Solheim Cup points at the major.  Stacy Lewis, second year pro from Arkansas had a good showing making points and young pro Vicky Hurst shot her way into contention going into the weekend. 

Another great source of information for me on the course was the support group following these players including parents, spouses and teachers.  Getting to know them through those eyes are just as important to me as watching them play as I get figure out over the next several months just how we as a team will go into this competition.

Also out on the course were several former Solheim Cup Captains Judy Rankin, Beth Daniel, and Betsy King, whose information and experiences will be invaluable for me to tap into as I continue my adventure towards Ireland.  And while getting some Solheim stories from Judy Rankin's husband Yippy, Paul Azinger walked up (he was there commentating for CBS) and I was able to get into his head for a while to ask questions about his triumphs as Captain of the Ryder Cup. 

Later in the week, I met with the Ireland group hosting the 2011 Competition at Killeen Castle and was able to borrow the Waterford Solheim Cup Trophy for just a moment to take some Pictures with it in my hand.  Now that, I could get use to!

All in all it was a great week for me and I look forward to my next tour stop.  Stay tuned to May 13 -16 at the Bell Micro in Mobile Alabama where I will be announcing my two Assistant Solheim Cup Captains.

Untill then,  Relax but Attack!  Go USA! 

Captain Rojo!

OK, so it's been about one month since the initial call from the Mike Whan, Commissioner of the LPGA and two weeks since the official announcement of my role as Captain of the 2011 Solheim Cup Captain!  Wow!  That's exciting and a big change for what my life has been like the past couple of years.  Just when I was getting a little bit detached from the tour as a player and getting use to the idea of life off the tour, this comes knocking on my door like a big bunch of colorfull balloons.  Nice!

The day of the announcement, February 24th, the LPGA had orchestrated the sequence of several phone interviews that were scheduled through out the day.  I was up early and ready to go around 7:30 am as we were finalizing our RosieJones.com and Face Book announcements and Newsletter distribution.  I knew that the U.S. players over in Singapore were meeting for the tournament party where they would be the first to learn that I would be their 2011 Solheim Cup Captain. 

First to happen was another Call from Mike Whan telling me congratulations again, and that the official announcement would be happening with in the next hour since the players would be informed with in minutes of this call.  With that said, it was only moments later that I had my first Text message from Cristie Kerr saying Congrats partner, (I was her first partner at Interlochen, Minnesota 2002 where we beat L. Davies and P. Marti in Fourball) which started the barage of emails, facebook, text messages and phone calls from players, friends, family and almost every person I know, that lasted well over 2 days congratulating me for the appointment.  Whew!  That was maybe the most exciting and power charged couple of days I had ever experienced, and I loved every minute of it.  Thank God for computers, email, facebook, and cell phones. 

Where was all that social technology when I was playing the Tour those 25 years?  It sure makes winning tournaments much more fun for you and your friends, associates, family when they have easy access and are only a mere finger touch from the inner loop.  A lot of fun and I'm so very gratefull for all the attention and your well wishes. 

After that, my first order of business has been to get in touch with several potential U.S. Players saying Hello from their new Captain!  That and getting my feet wet by starting the process of picking my 2 Solheim Cup Assistant Captains.  Lots of people have asked me who those might be, but I know that this decision is going to take some time and there is a lot to consider as I go forward with the process.  Look at Corey Pavin, U.S. Captain for this year's Ryder Cup, just picked his four assistants last month, only 5-6 months away from the event.

My first personal contact with the U.S. players will be at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, (April 1 - 4)  where I will be there for my in the flesh Solheim Cup Captain announcement and press conference.  I plan to visit the LPGA tour several times this year which will give me the chance to touch base with most of the 2009 Solheim Cup team, as well as many other important U.S. players who are in the race to Ireland 2011.   I look forward to reconnecting with those players I played with during my day as well as many young Americans new to the tour since my retirement from the LPGA in 2006. 

I love the Kraft, aka The Dinah Shore and it's a great time to be in Palm Springs, CA. so this will be a very welcome trip as I get out and start my road to the Solheim Cup on my first official trip as the Captain.  Very proud, very excited! 

Until next time,  Relax but Attack!  Go USA!

Getting the Call for Captain!

It was turning out to be some what of a gloomy day, (we have had many of those this winter) as I was sitting in my office perched in the loft of my house, when my phone rang.  Not recognizing the number, I chose to ignore the call as I was reminiscing about my mother and how she would be turning 80 that day. 

A minute later I picked up the message, it was the new commissioner of the LPGA Mike Whan.  "If I could call him back he would love to talk to me."

I remember talking to Betsy King (2007 Solheim Cup Captain) last November on the range at our Legends Tour Championship and how her call to the Captainship came from out of the blue with out any forewarning.  And even knowing that, I had no idea that this would be his reason for calling me.

 Carrie my partner walked into my office, I mentioned who it was and she insisted I call him back.  She knew the ring of truth.  Me, I was oblivious, but she insisted again that I call him right back.   She was encouraging me to make myself available to the LPGA as I have the past couple of years.  Call him let him know you are there for the LPGA, want to be an ambassador, ready to help in any way.

So I did and when the conversation led to the Solheim Cup, I still was not thinking that he would be blurting out those words.  "We would like you to be the 2011 U.S. Solheim Cup Captain."  I was so flabbergasted; I asked him if he had just said what I thought he said.  And he said yes, you are the next U.S. Solheim Cup Captain!

Like a movie, It couldn't of been any more perfect as I sat there amongst all of my Solheim Cup memorabilia, bags, trophy's and photos.  All the reminders of previous Solheim's and the passion that goes with them surrounding me as my eye catches a picture of me and Patty Sheehan on our first match together at Lake Nona Fl.  The site of the First Solheim Cup in 1990.

Now, the magnitude of what he was saying overwhelmed me as I walked around the room, my voice escalating, my mind reeling, and yes a little nervous thinking about the next two years and what that means to me. 

Being the 2011 Captain marks a new dimension for me and I look forward to the experience with as much motivation, zest, and excitement as I did as a player."I couldn't be more proud to represent the United States and to lead the U.S. Team to Ireland next year to retain the Cup. 

The Call ended with a lot of thank yous, and I sat there for a minute just taking in the moment.  I had a lot to be thankful for.  This is going to be a great experience and great fun as I start to plot my course over the next 19 months.  I know there were several fantastic players out there that were in the running for the 2011 Solheim Cup Captain and I am honored and humbled by their belief and choice in me.

Until next time,

              Relax but Attack

Hey Everybody,  Just when you think golf can't get any more exciting than this years US Open, Blam!  Welcome to the 2009 Solheim Cup!  This year I was there wearing two different hats.  One, RosieJones Golf Getaways hosted The Dinner at The Captains Table, where we celebrated the history of The Solheim Cup with special guests The Past Solheim Cup Captains, and two I was asked by Sky TV to commentate on thier show giving an American point of view to all of Europe.  Both were very exciting and very rewarding as we capped the week off with a win from the Americans led by Captain Beth Daniel.

My week started off getting to know my work mates on the show.  All very distinguished commentators in their homeland including one of the Past Captains Mickey Walker.  It was really fun to ride around the course talking about different players as well as getting her point of view on how the underdog Europe was going to fare this Solheim Cup.  I remember several of my practice rounds as a player in my 7 Solheim Cups, and never remember this many people, but the crowds were huge as they were all trying to get an early peek at Michele Wie and stand out Christina Kim.   Both were hamming it up as I stormed the fairway with pictures to get signed for our Auction to be held during our dinner on Saturday night.  And they brought in some big money, Wow!

Commentating was fun when I wasn't being thrown under the bus by our lead talent asking questions like, I guess the squabble between Michele Wie and Morgan Pressel are ok this week since they are on the same team and staying in the same lodge?  Or, What is Kristy Kerr like, word is she doesn't get along with many girls on the team?  Stuff like that, which I handled I very well I thought.  Some warning would of been nice though!

Our Dinner at The Captains Table was a big hit, and alot of people who had attended thought it was the Highlight of the week.  Hearing that knowing all the fun to be had at Solheim gave us a big smile especially hearing it from one of our Special Guests; Acting Commissioner, US Navy Admiral Marty Evans who spoke during the event.  Also, in attendance was Alan and Joan Solheim; son of the late founder of Ping Karsten Solheim and founder of this competition. We had many others, a few former players like Judy Dickenson, Hollis Stacey, Val Skinner, and Golf Digest editor Stina Steinberg. 

But the main attraction was our past Solheim Cup Captains as they marched to the Bag Piper into the room full of 280 fully charged guests as they whooped and hollered for the Captains as they paraded past their table.  Later as I introduced each captain we threw in a twist to the show and played a special song picked out specifically for each personality.

We started with Betsy King and as she is known for her charitable contributions around the world, we played JOY TO THE WORLD!  Nancy Lopez, and you know Nancy SHE'S A LADY!  Patty Sheehan: always the show girl! GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN!  Dale Reid: I AM WOMAN!  Judy Rankin: World renowned commentator,  YOU SHOULD HEAR HOW SHE TALKS ABOUT YOU!   Pia Nielsen: From Sweden, MAMMA MIA!  JoAnne Carner: Known on Tour as Big Mamma!  YOUR MOMMA DON'T DANCE, Pat Bradley: Who's mother rang the cow bell after each win,  RING MY BELL!  Mickey Walker:  MICKEY, MICKEY YOUR SO FINE!   Alice Miller:YOUR A SHINING STAR!  and Kathy Whitworth:  Winner of the most tournaments ever (88) YOUR SIMPLY THE BEST!

And did they ever ham it up.  The had a blast and let it show as they danced their way up to the stage, clapping their hands and hugging each other in celebration of each other. It was really great to see them all up there on the same stage having fun and just being together again.  What a list of talent and maybe the most celebrated players ever to be in the same room together.  It was a great night and we finished off with some great questions and stories from the Captains about their experience at the helm. 

The best thing about the night was raising money for the Charities The LPGA * USGA Girls Golf and The 7th Annual Golf Channels Invitational for the First Tee.  We did really well at our Silent and Live auction bringing in just over $21,000.  What a night! 

I can't wait for the next one.  Take care,  Rj

Driving up to Saucon Valley, just outside of Bethlehem PA, site of the 2009 Women's US Open for the first time today gave me that good ol feeling I remember from US Opens past.  Of course I have a lot of those memories banked up as I counted last week 25 past US Opens for me.  But this one is special, being my first time to qualify for an Open 3 years after my retirement. 

As Carrie and I pulled up to the course, it was fun to see this beautiful country club and course layout with the players dotted around the course, the volunteers busy at their posts, and the Caddies tending to their players.  Of course I am already checking out how high the rough is, how narrow the fairways are and what do the approaches to the greens look like. 

It didn't take long for us to find out, for our first job of the week was to get out there and walk the course and check out the yardages and greens.  I always like to make a point to draw out each green so that I know exactly where the breaks are and how do I approach the green from the fairway in order to get the ball close.  Carrie and I set out late this afternoon with just 3 clubs in our hands and a lot of motivation. 

Soon enough I bumped into a lot of my old friends from tour, Meg Mellon, Julie Inkster, Terry McNamara (Annika's old caddy) Pat Hurst and several other players and caddies and after the initial excitement of being back and the questions of my qualifying, the topic turned to how long the course is playing.  Remember, these are people who don't usually complain about that part of the game, so if it's long for them, then it must be long.  Me, as we know haven't gotten any longer in the past three years, so we got some work to do. 

The course is beautiful, did I mention that.  That's what so great about playing in the Open, you will play or see some of the most wonderful golf courses in the country.  This, my first time to Saucon Valley, I haven't been disappointed in the tight tree lined fairways, with very undulated greens that will give even the best of golfers a hard time this week.  The fairways are like carpet with hardly a divot to see, and the greens are like  roller coasters  with out the safety bar down.  This will be fun, if not a little scary. 

I'll keep you posted.  Take care,  Rj

Check out more blogs from Carrie and I about the Women's US Open on www.thelegendstour.com

I'm not sure how I did it, but I did!  I qualified for The Women's US Open next month to be played in Bethlehem PA.   Wow! 

After 25 years on tour, and being qualified for the US Open from my status that entire time, this was my first US Open Qualifier since I was 22 years old just out of college!

I guess I wasn't sure if I still had it in me, but somehow all the things I needed came to me when I needed them yesterday.  All of us (40 other gals, a of college kids, a couple of older pro's like me, and high school players)  teed it up at Carolina Trace in NC.  I started out pretty shaky but hung in there with some putts for birdie and finished the morning round with the low round of 2 under 70.  Yippy, Ok, I'm thinking, this is good.  Now, if I can just keep it up on the afternoon round.  Walking 36 holes on the hilly course in 90 degree temps was difficult, made even worse when dealing with swing issues off the tee, but once I figured that out I started to hit more greens. 

In the end, I finished 3rd behind two young gals who were super excited to be playing in their first US Open!  Me, I'm wondering again,  What was I thinking!  After 2 1/2 years of retirement, I know what is ahead of me at the most grueling test of golf any player has ever seen.  I never did hit the ball very far, and after my retirement, I haven't gotten any longer.  But it's the open and I look forward to the event.  I guess that's what makes it so important. 

Anyways,  here we go, off to the Open for one more go for the Rosie!  I know it's not realistic for me to think of winning this major championship, but it will be a lot of fun to be out there and promote senior women's golf!   

Wish me luck again!  

Rosie

Hey every die hard golfer out there. 

What was I thinking when I decided, oh well, what the heck, let's sign up for the US Open Qualifier.  Yep, that's where I am in mid North Carolina some where at Carolina Trace, Sanford, NC teeing up with 4o other gals, most of them high school and college kids looking for a spot at the US Open.

It didn't take long for me to realize why I retired from the tour 3 years ago when I teed it up with a couple of great US home grown kids (Natalie Reeves & Haley Stephens & Margaret Shirley) in my practice round today.   Wow, not only did they hit the ball  really far, but they were very well mannered and handled themselves very well.  I was never a big ball hitter, no surprise to anyone, and I haven't gotten longer in my 3 years away from the tour.  so you can imagine what it is like for me, watching these young chicks hitting the ball harder than I could ever imagine. 

They were great kids and I heard my share of Yes Mam!  Now, I know Im old, but it was great and I enjoyed every minute. 

What a great way to see the new and upcoming talent that is on their way either to college or the LPGA Tour in the next couple of years.  But tomorrow is all business and I look forward to the challenge. 

There is no way to know what is in store for me as I get ready to go to bed and prepare for a Qualifying round.  It has been since 1983 that I had to last qualify for this particular event, and I wonder again,  What Was I Thinking? 

Wish me luck!

Rosie

The Final Curtain at the Corning Classic!

I was up in Corning last week to share the sweet sorrow feelings with other LPGA players and fans as the Corning Classic hosted it's last of 31 years of competition.

Given the opportunity to play in the Tuesday Shoot Out, it was fun to banter with my fellow past tour players and past Corning Classic Champions as we goofed around during the skills test with our high school super star partners.  Alex and I finished with a fantastic 2ndplace finish beating out (Princess of Corning) Laura Diaz in a chip off.

Wednesday I was invited to participate in the Bill Griffiths' Pro-Am where I enjoyed maybe my best pro-am ever in 25 years on tour.  I was able to grab a cart anddrive around as I pleased stopping to meet and greet various teams and favorite pro's as they played in what may be the last Corning Classic Pro Am in History.   Not to mention give a few helpful tips from the Queen.

We watched as Laura Davies come out of her shoes trying to hit the 6thhole dog leg par 4 on her drive, and not to brag, but I was able beat out Michele Wieat closest to the hole from 95 yards out on #13.  My favorite Number.  I told her she could leave that $1 in my locker forever stationed in the Locker Room labeled The Queen of Corning!

It was hard to pack up my clubs for the final time leaving Corning after all these years.  The tournament having been an icon on the LPGA tour was one of our favorites and true to their style they celebrated like no tomorrow the entire week.  It's hard to explain how much we players and the LPGA tour will miss this event and the loyalty of our fans from the Corning and upper NY area. 

Maybe someday, we will be back again.  Of course selfishly I think a Legends Tour event would be a great fit.  Bring us back Corning!

We love you Corning!

Well, it was another great trip back to New Mexico last week where Nancy Lopez and I were able to hold off the newcomer Alena Sharp and Christie Albers and defend our title at the New Mexico Shoot Out.  It was great fun for all of us players to get together at the Sierra Del Sol Golf Course at the Turtle Back Mountain Resort in Elephant Butte, NM. 

Once again, Nancy and I brought it down to the final hole where I was lucky enough to hit the 30 yard pitch a couple feet away from the hole.  Good enough to hold off the youngsters giving Nancy and I the opportunity to hoist the trophy one more time. 

Alena (Canada), the only player in the event who actually plays the LPGA full time is a New Mexico State Univ. Alumni, and Christie Albers was a NM University Grad who has recently retired from the LPGA tour to stay home with her family and started up a first tee program in El Paso where she lives. 

Nancy and I, both native New Mexicans had a great time teaming up for the second time in as many years, and we both were able to hit some good shots here and there to give Team Zia a run for the money.  All the proceeds went to the Local Charity's in the Elephant Butte area, but the thrill of competition still lurks in these ol gals eyes. 

LPGA Legend Kathy Whitworth also from New Mexico made a special appearance to give the morning clinic, where she showed off her talent that brought her home 88 wins over her career.  It was great to be around Kathy, as well as all the girls and play for our NM Fans.  In all the years (25) that I played on the LPGA, the tour never found a tour spot in New Mexico, so having the opportunity to play for those fans, friends and family was special. 

Scotland Getaway!

How do I explain to all of you what a great trip we had as we trudged happily up and down the wispy hills of Scotland playing one memorable golf course after another?  Our first part of our trip was based in Edinburgh where we played 2 Fantastic Golf courses, toured the town with our very own Scottish guide Kathryn Imrie and visited one of  the Mid Evil Castles of Scotland, The Tantallon.  Kathryn was with us for the first two days and gave our gals a first hand look at some of Scotland's history, food, Liquors and golf.

Our next stage of the trip was a 2 hour bus trip up the North East Coast to the small village of St. Andrews, The Home of Golf where our bus driver gallantly drove us onto and through the 18th and 1st holes of the Old Course as to announce our arrival.

For more of our Scotland Getaway please visit Rosie's Blog After a quick tour of the town we were dropped off at our accommodations The Russacks hotel where we all met in the bar overlooking those very same fairways we just crossed in the Bus. 

The next 4 days were fun and filled with great golf and memorable moments on and off  several of those famous courses we have all watched from TV.  We did give up one of our Mid Evil Castle Tours to have the opportunity to play the Old Course as we submitted our names to the Starters of the R & A for a ballot or lottery chance to play.  All 9 of us somehow got on the course that day and our Gals were both nervous and ecstatic to be playing on the sacred grounds of St. Andrews.

This trip wasn't just about playing golf but the experience of being in this uncorrupted piece of the earth where golf was founded including the history and folklore that shrouds the tiny village shops and Cathedral that dates back all the way to 1100.  The surprises kept coming while we enjoyed more golf including playing at the 2007's British Open course Carnoustie or (Carnastie as Lana described it), St, Andrews Jubilee (only 120 years old) and a very recently built course (10 years)  KingsBarn Golf Course where the views where unbelievable. 

This trip is a must and we here at RosieJones Golf Getaways are already in the process of planning next years return.

More to come about our Scotland Trip.  Stay Tuned. 

Take Care,  Rosie

A Great Week In Corning
I know you all are wondering how the week went for me up in beautiful town of Corning NY last week.  Yes, I went to Corning to help Celebrate their 30th Year Anniversary and it was an action packed week of social events, and oh yea I played a couple of rounds of golf with the girls too.  Not great, but we had a lot of fun as I teed it up with Meg Mallon and Sherri Steinhauer in the first two rounds of the LPGA Corning Classic!  Yes, that means I missed the cut with scores of 74 & 76.

No surprises, it rained the first 3 days we were there, but we managed to get in some what of a practice round, as well as a 2nd place finish in the skills test with my partner, a very niche young local golf star.  I also recieved a beautiful piece of Steuben Glass as The Queen of Corning Award at a special dinner for most popular player ever, and a quick 4 minute 45 second 6 hole relay against Meg Mallon's team, who happened to beat us by a mere 17 seconds.  Poo!  Next year, what? I mean, Next time, we will know the ropes and have all the cheating ways down.  Yikes! Cheat in golf!  Only in the relay.  Let me explain.

Abbreviated down to only 6 holes from the original 9, we placed as many girls as par on each hole to relay a ball from the first tee all the way to the final hole.  Yes, think about it, as Soo-Yun Kang tees it off the first hole while another player (even squinting I don't recognize her) is waiting in the fairway to receive the ball and send it up to the green.  Once there, another player is planted just in case to chip and yet another player to putt, drag, whatever the ball into the hole.  Heave Ho to the Tee Box and so on!

The Rules are anything goes except you have to tee it off and putt it in.  Drop a ball, foot wedge, throw it, whatever you have to do to get the ball around as fast as possible.  Of course, my team wasn't as experienced as Meg's as we played our 6 holes with a fraction  more honesty until we finally got the ball back to me, where I gave it a cricket smack from 10 yards off the green.  It looks as though I won the tournament in this picture here showing Soo-Yun pulling the flag just in time to see the ball go in.  Just a little Corning excitement that looked a little too familiar.  Ha Ha!   

Nice to know I can still jump when the mood strikes! 

Congratulations go to Leta Lindley and her husband/caddie Matt for their first LPGA Win on tour as Leta beat Joeng Jang in a Sudden Death Playoff to take the titile there at the 2008 Corning Classic.  Way to go Leta! 

All for now, take care,  Relax but Attack!

Rosie  (TQC)

The Queen of Corning

The Corning Classic is much like the 2 other longest running events on Tour, The LPGA State Farm in Springfield IL, and The Wegmans LPGA in Rochester NY.  All three of these events are super special to me.  My first win was in Springfield in 1987 when the tournament was called The Rail, and I have two wins each at both the Wegmans event and back to back wins in Corning.  Of course in all those years I played there at Corning I was able to rack up several Top 10's to go with those wins, making me the most celebrated player to ever play the event.  Which gives me the title Queen of Corning!

But, that's not why Corning is Special to me!

The Corning Classic we have always called it is one of those tournament set in a very small town in the Upper part of New York State.  It really is one of those Norman Rockwell towns with the old fashioned Market Street, with quaint shops and restaurants that invite you in for a bite of food or cold drink.  The town folk as well as the shop keepers get very excited for the LPGA to come to town and have fun with their window display competition using golf themes and decorations.  As a player, you are drawn to the excitement of the town with as much enthusiasm as you are to play the event.  You can even find an LPGA scoreboard in the Market St. Courtyard to keep the shoppers abreast to the action on the course.  But that's not why Corning is Special to me!

It was in 1986 while at the Corning Classic, I received one of those dreaded phone calls, back when our only thread to family and friends was the phone in the Hotel Room.  It was 4:00 am and I was informed that my youngest brother Jerry Lee Jones was killed in a car accident.  Devastated at loosing my closest sibling, I packed up my things to go home.  On the way to the very small airport in nearby Elmira, NY, I stopped at the tournament site to inform the LPGA Officials of my loss and that I would have to withdraw from the golf event.   I was catching a plane to Albuquerque, via Pittsburg, Dallas and then finally by night fall I would get home.  By the time I got myself to the Elmira Airport, the Tournament Director of The Corning Classic, Lee Robbins met me in the parking lot of the Rental Cars.   He told me that they had the Corning Jet ready to escort me to Cincinnati where I could then pick up my sister and fly home together on a much faster route.  There I was 5 minutes later on a Lear Jet flying to an airport close to my sister's house so we could comfort each other on the rest of the trip.

From that day forward I never missed another Corning Classic.  I will always cherish the kindness they shed on me that horrible day.  And from my love of Corning came many great memories, trophies and friends, whom I still hold close to my heart.  And that is why Corning is Special To Me! Thanks Corning!

Rosie Jones,  TQC

SINCE MY RETIREMENT FROM THE LPGA I have been asked several times if I miss playing the tour. To me that could be a loaded question since there are so many things that come in to consideration when you're talking about playing on the pro tour. Not only playing, but rather living a large portion of my life in a world that depended on the performance of hitting my golf ball where I wanted it to go. What's the big deal, Hugh?

What's to miss of those 25 years of travel schedules, including thousands of Airports, Car Rentals, Hotels, and Restaurants. Actually, those aspects I do not miss, nor those early mornings on the dewy range in cold tempetures getting ready for that early tee time, or late afternoons on the putting green looking for that groove that worked so well last week.

But, what I do miss about those moments were the camaraderie we players would have on those early mornings, telling jokes, singing, cutting up on each other. In some ways the tour was like a big family, a circus of talent and each week we were at a new venue. Lots of fun, and not always as glamorous as you might think.

Of course I miss that competitive drive I had to maintain to be one of the best women golfers in the world and to be out there in that competition playing with a passion that defined my character. I miss that. I miss having that satisfaction at the end of the day that I played my best, and that my hard work has paid off.

Now, I reminisce over shots I have hit over the years and I cherish those memories that are etched into my mind. My time on tour was special and for me, and I played my hardest every day that I teed it up. Now I'm done and I'm proud of those rounds I played, the people I played with, and the fans I played for.

Thanks for being my Fan!

Rosie

Hey Everyone and Welcome to my Blog here at RosieJones.com

This has been my first attempt at writing and now that Im finally writing I really don't know what to say!

We are getting ready around here to head out to Palm Springs later this month, so that means Im out there every day on the course trying to get this ol body of mine to cooperate with the schedule and hit those ball out there where I want them to go.

Yes, just like you, I have to start the whole Spring time regiment where I first start hitting balls, slowly (with a wedge) that is not to hurt anything, graduating to a 6 iron then a 7 wood and finally with a couple of oohs and ahs from my back, Im hittin my driver out there right where I always do.

The tricky part of laying off the game for a couple of months is getting that rythem back, and feeling some sort of consistancy with in your swing.  That and to sharpen up those inside  6 foot putts, and well, the rest of your short game.  Really, in no time it should all come together just as you left it.  Yea,  Right, and don't I know it.  Golf is a funny game and you have to just laugh when you pick it back up because just like Tiger says,  First day is great, second day a little off, third day is sensless, fouth day I feel like a beginner and by the end of the week, totally messed up and need a teacher.  It is hard for all of us so don't panick.  I'm telling myself not you.  But you too!

Anyways,  Golf is Great and keep plugging away at it.

Relax but attack,  Rj