Over the past few weeks the news has been saturated with examples of young woman who no respectable parent would want his or her daughter to idolize. The stories of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Britney Spears make one wonder if the current generation of young girls have anyone that they can look up to. After spending a weekend at the Pine Needles Golf Course, watching girls like Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Brittany Lincicome and the other young superstars of the LPGA, I’d say that parents should start flocking to these tournaments in droves. If parents are looking for role models for their young girls, they have to look no further than the LPGA.
I’ve been to a number of golf tournaments, from lower level tournaments like what used to be called the “Canon Greater Hartford Open” in Connecticut, to upper level tournaments like the Wachovia Champsionship in Charlotte, and even major tournaments like the US Open at Pinehurst a few years back. Through all the experience, however, I would say the atmosphere at the US Women’s Open at Pine Needles was the best I’ve witnessed. Though the people involved with putting on the tournament play a role in that, what really set this tournament apart was the attitude of the players. Whether it was the smiles to young children in the crowds, the acknowledgment of the gallery when the gallery showered them with congratulations, or stopping on the way from putting green to first tee to sign autographs, the ladies really went out of their way to show their appreciation.
Though their demeanor and attitude would be enough reason for young girls to have the ladies of the LPGA as role models, it cannot be emphasized enough that these girls are immensely talented athletes. Whether it’s the raw power of Britney Lincicome, the athleticism of Natalie Gulbis, or the finesse and talent of Paula Creamer, these girls are famous not because of some fluke movie or some inheritance they are due, instead they’ve worked hard, developed their skills and now exhibit their talent, skill and athleticism on a weekly basis. They are living embodiments of practice, hard work, and dedication and are prime examples of what a young girl should aspire to.
If I were to take a survey of my friends, or even males 18-35 in general, the number that would be enthusiastic about attending an LPGA golf event for a weekend would not be particularly high, regardless of the fact that young women like Paula Creamer are in fact, magnificently stunning in person. Though that particular demographic might not be drawn to the course, young girls and their parents should be. In an age when it’s hard to point our young people in the direction of good role models, for one weekend at the end of June, the Pine Needles Golf Course was bursting with them.
