It's a big week ahead for me. My golfguy and I have a bet going on right now and I'm looking to cash in on his weakness for the better things in life.
A lover of really expensive scotch, my golfguy was recently delighted to receive a surprise birthday gift from a dear friend. She picked it up from the "locked vault" in our local liquor store (yup, it's so expensive, you can't buy it off the shelf). It still boggles my mind how something that tastes so bad could cost so much.
When he opened the gift and discovered the liquid gold I could see by his expression as he sniffed the aroma that wafted from the bottle, that this treat was going to last about as long as my last birdie run. So I decided to exploit his unabashed joy by making him a bet that the bottle would be empty before the next full moon.
IF he wins, he wants another bottle of scotch. HA!
But WHEN I win, I haven't got a clue what to get. Obviously it will be golf related. But my golf wish list is huge and it's impossible for me to choose just one thing. If expensive scotch is his addiction, shopping for golf stuff is mine.
Now, I'm not a complete "B", so I'll look for deals and use this TGW coupon to save him some dough. And I'll try to get free shipping to save him even more, but still...how can I buy just one thing? For me, golf clothes, shoes and equipment are like peanuts -- you can't just have one.
We golfers are a strange breed, don't you think? I truly believe that those of us who really have a passion for the game have an addictive personality. I recently read this definition of addiction:
"The condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or
involved in something. A habitual or compulsive involvement in an
activity."
Yup...that's me and golf!
But beyond golf, I love to shop, travel and drink fine red wine - three things I do habitually. Hmm...when does habit become an addition? I guess it's when you crave the habit so much, you sacrifice other important things in order to fulfill your craving.
So let's take a look at my habits and score them on a scale of 1 to 5 (where 5 is totally addicted).
Red wine: I will sacrifice dessert and even chocolate so I can have another glass of wine at dinner (counting calories and all that crap!) Addiction Score: 5
Travel: I often book my next trip before the trip I'm on is finished. This gets pretty expensive when I get home and realize that my spontaneity wasn't well thought out -- Say hello to change fees and lost deposits! Addiction Score:5
Golf: I am embarrassed to admit that I have often sacrificed time with non-golfing friends so I can sneak away to the golf course. Shhh...don't tell them. Thankfully they don't read this blog ;) Addiction Score: 5
Online shopping: No one loves to click here more than I do. Sure, I enjoy wandering outlet malls with my friends, but there's nothing better than finding a great deal online and fulfilling that urgent need to have it - even when I don't need it. I have more golf shirts, shorts and shoes than I'll ever wear. But I have a solution to that - every 6 months I send most of them to the Sally Ann so I can buy more. Addiction Score: 5
WOW! What can I say? Not much actually...it's not really a surprise to me. But it's also not something I want to dwell on.
So I think I'll grab a glass of red wine, book a tee time for tomorrow, and then browse the web for a new pair of funky Ecco spikeless shoes or a new driver that my golfguy is going to buy me very soon :).
I'd look for a travel deal too, but that would be silly since I booked my August golf trip to Maui when I was last there in June ;)
WOW! That's all I can really say after watching Marcela Leon win the finale of Big Break Atlantis this week. WOW!
Not only did she have the game to take down one of the hottest players in the series, she did it calmly and patiently. Just like a Pro!
Made me think of Ernie Els last weekend who patiently waited to win his first major since 2002.
Marcela has been a pro for 10 years and has waited too long to lift her prized trophy. But when she did, she did it in style. 5 up with 4 to play...WOW!
And I'm sure the rest of the prizes will only help to make her a shoe-in next year as a full-time LPGA'er.
$50,000 in cash
Endorsement contract from Adams Golf, which includes another $10,000 in cash
$10,000 shopping spree from Dick’s Sporting Goods
$10,000 Avis car-rental credit courtesy of Avis Car Rental
Full exempt status and all entry fees waived for a Symetra Tour season
And to help her relax before the big season begins...an all-expense paid return trip for two to Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas -- which is only fair since she never got a chance to really enjoy it like the eliminated ladies did in their time off.
Marcela joined me this AM to close off the show with one final interview on her win, the reunion in Florida and where she's headed next...
My sincere thanks goes out to Marcela, Natalia and Anya for taking the time to chat with me each week.
Best of luck to all of you in following your dreams and an extra special wish for success at Kingsmill, Marcela - we'll be watching!
Of course this blog would not be complete without Blue Falcon's final commentary. Thank BF for all your input in the weekly posts!
Golfgal
Big Break Atlantis Episode 11: “X Marks the Spot” by: Blue Falcon
It’s the championship match, what I and other Big Break fans have been waiting for. Sadly, the match was a bit anti-climactic, as Marcela Leon dominated Selanee Henderson by a 5-4 final score. It wasn’t sad to see Marcela win; I would have been happy with either woman winning. But it was sad that Selanee wasn’t able to put up the kind of effort that we have seen from her previously.
Rather than go through a minute dissertation of what happened, here is a thumbnail analysis of the final match:
Selanee Henderson: No player fought as hard as Selanee did to reach the final match going through, and surviving, five elimination challenges. That, however, may have also been her downfall, as Selanee admitted that she simply lacked the energy to put up much of a fight in this episode. Selanee, however, has no reason to let her head drop. She represented herself well both on and off the course and hopefully will go on to a great career and life.
Marcela Leon: Probably the most deserving champion IMO since Bernadette Luse and Haymes Snedeker won Big Break X-Michigan. In addition to her strong play on the course, what I will remember most about Marcela was the way she presented herself. She was always gracious, win or lose, and she comported herself with class and grace, something we haven’t always seen from contestants on this show. Brava, Marcela! Brava!
P.S. Next week there is a reunion episode of “Big Break Atlantis” where hopefully we will have the ladies dish on what happened. I look forward to that.
For any golfgal who loves to have fun on the links and just happens to be in Vancouver September 22, 2012, you won't want to miss The Best Darn Ladies Golf Tournament EVER where the theme is Golf Fashions Throughout the Ages.
Come dressed from your favourite era from wool jackets and ties, to long skirts to polyester pants to mini skirts or even loudmouth shorts. Prizes will be given for the best costumes.
Your fun-packed day will include:
18 Holes of golf at Greenacres Golf Club in Richmond in a creative, fun format suitable for all golfing abilities
Snack lunch & 3 course dinner
Gift bags for everyone
Prizes, prizes and more prizes
Putting contest using BC Golf Museum vintage putters
Hole Sponsors and on-course contests
Silent auction with eye-popping goodies
On-course photographer
Book now to secure a spot for you or your foursome. Don’t miss out on all the goodies and great golf.
Register now: www.golfforegals.com
What a great 10th episode of Big Break Atlantis! I love it when the Golf Channel brings back contestants to try their luck again.
Of course, I was naturally excited to see Anya and Natalia back, but it was also fun to see many of the others who exited so quickly we hardly got to know them.
Shannon was one who I was particularly interested in seeing play again. And obviously Marcela thought she had game to pick her as the first member of her team.
Gloriana's team victory looked like the catalyst for some glory days ahead, but alas, that was not to be the case. Even with Marcela cheering her on, Gloriana couldn't put a dent in Selanee's solid performance and lucky break in the woods.
But she played well and should be proud of what she has accomplished on this Big Break. I wish her the very best in her quest for the LPGA. She's got game and the drive to make it. Gloriana, your glory days are still to come. Hang in there!
Marcela joined me again to talk about her excitement over seeing the ladies come back and how lonely it can get, especially when you're sitting at the top waiting to see what happens next. Nice to hear she put her time on the sidelines watching Gloriana and Selanee to good use...
Natalia joined me this week to share her thoughts about the past few shows and what it was like being brought back for another kick at some cash...
Selanee certainly seems to be on a roll, but with golf as in life, the dice are never predictable. Marcela has been steady throughout the series and seems to have a good handle on her emotions and attitude, which should sustain her and give her an advantage.
Can Selanee hold on through 18 holes? It remains to be seen, but whatever happens, I'll be glued to the TV hanging on to every shot!
Golfgal
Special thanks again to Blue Falcon for his analysis of this week's show and contestant ratings. Quite the complement for Marcela BF! :)
Big Break Atlantis Episode 10: “Daughters of Atlas” By: Blue Falcon
THEY’RE BACK!!!!!!!!!!! The eliminated 9 contestants from BBA are back-thankfully not to affect the outcome of the show. Instead, they have returned to play a special prize challenge courtesy of Dick’s Sporting Goods. (Got to get those plugs in!)
The challenge: The 3 remaining players, Marcela Leon, Selanee Henderson and Gloriana Soto, will act as team captains. They will each pick 3 players-well; technically Selanee only picks two as she gets the player left over after Gloriana makes her final pick-to participate in this prize challenge.
Each player will hit 2 shots from 4 locations to point circles on the green. In the first 3 rounds, points are singular. In the 4th and final round-and the hardest location-points are doubled. The team with the highest point total after all 4 locations will split $5,000 dollars broken down thusly:
The Winning Team Captain: $2,000.
The other 3 players: $1,000 each.
The Teams:
Team Marcela: Marcela Leon, Shannon Fish, Kelly Villareal, and Allison Micheletti.
Team Gloriana: Gloriana Soto, Christina Stockton, Zakiya Randall, and Aubrey McCormick.
Team Selanee: Selanee Henderson, Anya Alvarez, Natalia Ghilzon, and Meghan Hardin.
1st location: Team Marcela sent out Allison, who scored 5 points-and looks like she’s worked on her tan. Gloriana went out for her team and scored 5 points as well. Selanee batted leadoff for her team and scored 6 points to take an early lead for her team.
2nd location: Marcela went out for her team and picked up 6 points, bringing her team total to 11.
Gloriana sent out Zakiya who added 5 points to the till of Team Gloriana and brought their total to 10. P.S. Zakiya still looks like people should be waving dollar bills at her and shouting “Say My Name!”
Selanee sent out Natalia who struggled to score, gaining only 2 points and a little bit of controversy. Natalia claimed that the ground was wet and that was why she struggled. Selanee wasn’t buying what Natalia was selling and it caused some friction between the two. Unrelated side note: Natalia still has the best hair on this season of Big Break! Team Selanee’s score after 2nd round: 8 points.
3rd location: Team Selanee drafted in Meghan, who was PO’d about being picked last. Meghan, dear, you barely hit any good shots in your episode and you were the first eliminated. You’ve got no kick coming. BTW, LOVED the dress in the interview room! She scored 3 points, bringing Team Selanee’s total to 11.
Team Gloriana sent Aubrey out and Aubrey did well, scoring 5 points. Next up was Shannon for Team Marcela who didn’t do as well as she hoped, coming through with 3 points.
After 3rd stage of prize challenge, the scores were: Team Gloriana, 15 points. Team Marcela, 14 points and Team Selanee, 11 points.
4th and final stage: Double points but also the hardest shot. Anya for Team Selanee and Kelly for Team Marcela both drew the horse collar for their shots, but Christina came through for Team Gloriana with 6 points, earning Team Gloriana the victory and $5,000 cash.
Sadly, this was the high point of Gloriana’s day, because everything after that went pear-shaped.
Gloriana and Selanee faced off in the penultimate elimination challenge: 5 holes of stroke play. The player with the lowest score would face Marcela for the championship of Big Break Atlantis. The loser would join the peanut gallery for the match.
Both players split the first hole in pars, but then the match turned clearly in Selanee’s favor. Gloriana missed her par putt on the second hole, while Selanee made hers. That started the ball rolling downhill for Gloriana, and like Sisyphus and the boulder, she just couldn’t stop the downward spiral. Selanee won the match and moves on to the Championship match against Marcela. It will be a great match. Now, on to the grades:
Selanee Henderson: Was very good, but not great this week, although she really didn’t need to be great after Gloriana began scuffling in their match. Hit three of four fairways and made two birdies in match vs. Gloriana. Golf score: 8.
Fashion score: as always, Selanee knows how to dress her athletic body on and off the course. Score: 9.
Marcela Leon: Perfect on and off course this week. She made both of her shots in prize challenge.
That, however, is not the big news this week. When I saw Marcela in her interview, all I could say is WOW!!!!! That is the best I’ve seen her look. She looked like a cross between Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Audrey Hepburn. Rock the runway, girlfriend! Score: 10 for golf, 10+++++ for fashion!
Gloriana Soto: Started out strong, picking up 5 points in prize challenge to help her team win $5,000. Then…it all went to h-e-double hockey sticks. She looked great in interview, though. Score: 7 for golf, 9 for fashion.
Next week, it will be for all the marbles. Preview coming soon.
Big Break Atlantis is starting to come to a close, and although I'm saddened by that thought, I am also stoked to find out who takes home the cash, prizes and LPGA exemption.
Patience has never been one of my virtues, but it is one of the most critical skills when it comes to golf. I can't imagine what each day is like for these ladies where Hurry up and wait is the order of the day. It has got to start weighing on the players and their ability to play one shot at a time and do it like their playing a round of golf.
We heard Selanee say this week she felt deflated. Last week Anya played brilliantly all day, only to have her putter go cold on her in the end. And this week, Christina remarked on how Glorianna kept coming up short, only to find herself in exactly the same situation, resulting in her taking the walk of shame.
But even though all but one of these competitors will take that dreaded walk, there is little doubt in my mind that these women are good! IMHO they are some of the best players we've seen on any Big Break.
Speaking of being good....After watching Marcela for the past few shows I knew had to talk to her. I am so happy to report that she's here with me today to talk about her road to the Big Break and her journey to the final championship...
Thanks Marcela! I look forward to chatting with you next week. Hopefully my other two Chicks with Stix will be available as well.
Blue Falcon is back with his analysis of last week's show adding his Big Break Atlantis Fashion score card to his commentary, which I am sure you'll find very entertaining. But...do you agree with him? :)
See you next week!
Golfgal
Big Break Atlantis Episode 8: “Constant Bearing, Decreasing Range” (Also known as “Kitty’s Last Stand.”)
by Guest Blogger: BlueFalcon
On the week celebrating America’s independence, there were few fireworks on this episode of Big Break Atlantis.
It was also a sad episode, because Anya Sarai Alvarez became the 8th contestant eliminated from the competition.
At breakfast, the ladies were informed that 25 championship points were up for grabs in this episode, meaning that Marcela Leon, the championship points leader, could conceivably qualify for the BBA final this episode. The bottom 3 players in points after the Immunity Challenge would go to elimination.
The Immunity Challenge would take place in 3 stages. In the first stage, the ladies had a decision to make. They could try to hit a 65 yard shot within 12 feet, or Take a Chance to try to get a wider distance. The ladies would get two shots. A successful shot would be worth 3 points.
Points at start of episode:
Marcela: 82 points. Gloriana Soto: 66 points. Christina Stockton: 64 points. Selanee Henderson: 53 points. Anya Sarai Alvarez: 29 points.
With co-host Stephanie Sparks doing a very poor woman’s Vanna White, the ladies chose and hit their shots.
Gloriana made both shots-first from 24 feet, the second from 12 feet-to earn 6 championship points. The other ladies made their first shots but missed their second attempts and picked up 3 points each.
2nd stage: Players would hit shots from 4 locations to circle around green. Each successful shot worth 2 points. If the players missed, they could buy another shot, but it would cost them 1 point. The ladies could buy two mulligans each.
Christina: made 1st shot clean. Missed 2nd and 3rd shots, bought mulligans and made both on second chance shots. Missed 4th shot. 6 points. Anya: made all 4 shots with no mulligans used. 8points. Gloriana: made first 3 shots, missed 4th. Chose not to use mulligan. 6points. Marcela: made all 4 shots with no mulligans used. 8points. Selanee: ditto Christina’s performance. 6 points.
Caveat: if player missed fairway, they would lose any points gained.
Anya: 4 shots in fairway, 11 points. On to elimination challenge. Selanee: Missed first drive-0 points. On to elimination challenge. Gloriana: All four shots in fairway, 11 points. Gained immunity. Marcela: had chance to qualify for BBA final with 3 drives in fairway. She made first 2, missed 3rd. Not yet in final, but darned close. Immune.
Elimination Challenge:
Play out from 3 locations: green, fairway and tee. Highest shot total eliminated from competition.
First location: 15 foot putt.
Selanee and Christina: both made their putts. Anya missed her first but made second. Score after round 1:
Christina and Selanee: 1 shot. Anya: 2 shots.
Second location: 150 approach from fairway. Selanee completed location in 2 shots. Christina and Anya both needed 3 to finish location. Score after 2nd stage:
Selanee: 3. Christina: 4. Anya: 5.
3rd location: Play from tee 480 yard Par 5.
Selanee: birdies hole . Safe! Christina: pars hole. Anya: had eagle try. Missed that and birdie effort and was eliminated from BBA.
It’s hard not to root for Anya after all that she has gone through. However, I do believe that this experience will help her in the long run. We will just have to see how it all plays out.
Episode 8 notes: (Beginning this week, there will be two separate grades; One for their play on the course and the other for their fashion sense. )
Anya Sarai Alvarez: Played maybe her best episode, but sadly, it came too late. She knew from beginning of show that she was headed to elimination unless she came up with a superhuman effort, which didn’t happen. I imagine she’s kicking herself about her decision to cash out points to stay out of elimination in Episode 4, but some of the saddest words in the English language are “what if?” and “if only.”
Now, on to what really matters. I liked the collared shirt this week. Anya has wide shoulders with tattoos and short legs which don’t work well with ruffled skirts. Interview attire was adequate. Score: 8 for the golf, 5 for fashion.
Selanee Henderson: Not her best episode golf wise. She went1 for 2 in “Take a Chance.”; 2 of 5 in 2nd stage of IC and missed only drive to go to EC. Made up for it somewhat by winning EC with total of 7 shots.
However, where Selanee has always shined on this show is her look, and this week was no exception. Selanee has an athletic body, and she always dresses it well on course. Off course, she’s even better. LOVED the blue dress-blue is a great color for Selanee. Not as fond of the hairstyle; the poof in the middle of her head wasn’t so flattering. Headbands work very well for her. Other than that, exceptional as always. Score: 5 for golf, 9.9 for fashion.
Marcela Leon: At the beginning of this episode, Marcela had a chance to reach the 100 point mark, and for a while, it seemed that her arrival at 100 was inevitable. She was 1 for 2 in “Take a Chance.” Marcela then made all 4 of her chip shots to go into 3rd stage of IC with a chance to reach 100 if she made 3 drives in the fairway. She made two, but…missed the third! Oh, well.
Fashionsense: Marcela looked like she always does on course, dressing her tomboyish/athletic body in shirts/skirts and looks appropriate and smartly dressed all the time. Ironically, she never wears skirts in the interview room. Score: 9 for golf. 7 for fashion.
Gloriana Soto: Played very well this week. Glo was the only player to make both shots in “Take a Chance.” She made from first 3 locations in 2nd stage but missed 4th shot and chose not to spend point for 2nd chance. Made all 4drives in fairway. Gloriana is still the only player who has yet to participate in the elimination challenge. Gloriana has never been my favourite fashion wise. Looked a bit tired this week. Dresses okay on course. Score: 9 for golf. 5 for fashion.
Christina Stockton: inconsistent on course. 1 of 2 in TAC. Needed 2 mulligans in 2nd stage, and still didn’t score 4 points. Missed only drive in 3rd stage to punch ticket to EC. Christina survived EC, but that was due as much to Anya bollixing the final stage of EC as much as Christina’s own performance.
Christina is a part-time model, but to me, she doesn’t show great fashion sense on course. Dresses okay, but never special. Christina dresses much better in interviews. She has a long, thin body with a short upper torso and long legs, which can be difficult to dress correctly. Score: 5 for golf. 8 for fashion.
As Marcela is now feeling Gloriana’s hot breath on her shoulder, how will she respond? We’ll find out next week and I will be back to report on it.
When it comes to golf fashion, I'm typically on the "grey" side of the rule book. I love the bling banned by most golf clubs and have had my share of rants and raves over the archaic rules that govern many private clubs.
So while I've been watching Big Break Atlantis this season I pay special attention to what the latest set of lassies are sporting on the greens. I was pleased to see the athletic look combined with sexy skorts on many of the contestants.
And although Allison would be instantly escorted off most private courses with her workout-wear halter tanks, I thought she looked fabulous.
Blue Falcon wrote last week that Kelly looked much better off the course than on and I am having a hard time disagreeing with him. I wasn't keen on her attempts to stay warm on a chilly Bahama morning; Yani dressed like the champion she is.
Selanee's showed she can take a party skirt to the links; Kelly...not so much.
But Kelly wasn't the golfgal who gets the "You've got to be kidding" award for mis-style on Big Break Atlantis.
As try as I might to appreciate Zakiya's attempts to differentiate herself, IMHO she's overstepped even my very liberal line. Every time I watched her swing, I wanted to yell, "Tuck it in!"
And her bottoms were even shorter than her tops. I just couldn't enjoy the spectacle and when I asked my golfguy what he thought, he was quick to say that he appreciated much more the sporty and stylish look of Gerina. It was hard to argue with him.
Fashion is very personal and subjective and I applaud the work of LoudMouth Golf, Jamie Sadock and others who are pushing the limits of golf apparel. But that doesn't mean classic isn't classy too.
I recently received a sample of a golf shirt from a manufacturer that makes women's golf shirts, and on first glance looked rather ho hum to me. Buttons up the front, single color, collared, with short sleeves - a very "country club" conforming golf shirt.
But then I felt the fabric and tried it on. I wanted to hug myself. It was soft, very comfortable and cool at the same time. It fit like dream, accentuating all the positives, while underplaying the negatives. I've washed it many times and it looks as good as the day I got it. I wear it all the time.
I took a further look into Criquet Organic and discovered that the company is very much into sustainability. All their shirts are made with 100% organic cotton so they're extremely soft and comfortable. Plus, there are no pesticides or synthesized fertilizers used in growing the cotton, so it doesn't harm the soil or environment. Given how often we golfers are blasted for harming the birds and the bees, this was a nice surprise. And the price tag of only $55 fits most golfer's budgets.
So if you are looking for a vintage-inspired shirt, combining old-school preppy with a splash of hipster, check out Criquet Organic.
Anyway, back to the Big Break Atlantis...
It looks like an exciting week ahead with "Addicted to the Rush" Marcela getting the chance to jump straight into the championship match. Sounds like a good reason to talk to her, don't you think?
I'll do my best to connect with her next week and see if she'll join Anya and Natalia in my weekly interviews.
Meanwhile, to all my fellow Canucks, "Happy Canada Day!"
