The LPGA's rising young phenom, Paula Creamer discusses golf, accessorizing, and more. Paula, who is currently one of the top five women golfers in the world, is notorious for wearing pink on the golf course.  We like her so much, we broke our color palate to use pink for the first & last time on RizzoSports.com.

1. How did you start in golf, and what made you decide to be a professional?

My dad got me first involved in the game.  He played often and it was a good way for me to tag along to spend time with him.  Since we lived right on a golf course, it was easy to play a few holes here and there.  I pretty much fell in love with the game early on, since my teacher made it fun for me. As I got better at it, I started to think about it as a career.  It wasn’t until I started having success in national junior events and a few LPGA events (playing under sponsor exemptions) that I realized I wanted to make this my profession.

 
2. It seems like you’re having a good 2008 season, are you happy with how you’ve golfed so far this season?

I’m happy with the way 2008 is going generally speaking.  I feel I should have won a few more events but with 2 events still left on my schedule, I’m hoping for a strong finish! I think 2008 was a solid stepping stone towards accomplishing some of my long term goals.

3. You travel a lot, do you have a favorite place to visit or a favorite course?

I always say that any course I’ve won on, is my favorite!!  I mean, how can it not be??  That said, my home course in Pleasanton, California (Castlewood CC) is probably my favorite, as that is where it all started, and I have so many memories of playing there as a young girl. As far as favorite places to visit (outside golf), I really like NYC and Tokyo.  They are two of my favorite cities.

4. Is there one golf tournament that you want to win the most?

Solheim Cup means a lot to me, as anytime I have a chance to not only represent, but WIN for my country, it’s a great feeling.  I have always wanted to win an event in my hometown area.  Fortunately I was able to do that this year when I won Samsung World Championship at Half Moon Bay.  Other than that, I guess I would say I want to win them all.

5. How do you celebrate a victory?

It all depends on when and where it is.  Often it’s done on an airplane as I travel to my next event.  There are no victory parties, as come Monday morning, it’s all square again.  That said, I do sometimes try to buy myself something to remember a particular win by. It might be a ring, a bracelet or a purse. It is usually something that will bring special meaning to me long after.

6. Don’t all those people watching you golf make you nervous?

Oh, quite the contrary.  I really like playing in front of big galleries.  When I was younger, I had to choose between cheerleading or golf, as the practice schedules conflicted.  My dad wisely asked me, “do you want to cheer for others or do you want others to cheer for you?”  Probably the best question he could have asked as it immediately put it in perspective.  Of course, I want people to cheer for me!!  The bigger the gallery I have, the more I like it!

7. A lot has been made about the amount of pink you wear, but you also have a lot of accessories with your outfit.  Since you’re into fashion, what’s your ideal golf outfit consist of?

As you commented, it’s all about accessories with me.  Accessories include rings, earrings, my Citizen Watches, hair ribbons, bracelets and things like that.  Nothing over the top, but I think it’s important to accessorize when choosing what to wear.  On the golf course, I like to look good and feel good about how I present myself.  At the same time, I am not interested in sacrificing the performance side.  Something that might look nice and stylish, might hinder me from a performance point of view.  That’s one of the reasons I wear Adidas. I like the look and styles of their golf apparel, yet since they are a performance-oriented company, they somehow blend the fashion and performance together. 

8. Since more young ladies are taking up golf, is ok to ask a girl on golf date?  If so, any advice or tips for being on the golf course with attractive female?  

Golf is a great way to spend time together, be it being on a date, or simply being with friends and family.  The only advice I can give is to keep it all fun.  I see too many amateurs taking the game way too seriously.  We all have this idea that we can be scratch players, but in reality, it’s just not going to happen. Enjoy the game for what it is and what it offers, regardless of whether you shoot in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s or even higher!  Being with others enjoying the day is usually going to be remembered much longer than what everyone’s scores were.

9. While we’re talking about it, what do chicks really dig, a good short game, or the long ball?  

Huh??

** Wait her answer is "huh??" This was the single most important question in the interview.  Every guy golfer wants to know what impresses Paula the most, a 300 yard drive or sinking a 25ft. putt.  I have look at the archives, but possibly the best answer in RSW history…Do chicks dig the long ball…“huh??”…classic.  Adidas/Taylormade - I've just given you a  marketing campaign.

10. What is one thing people don’t know about you? 

Hard to say, since I really have nothing to hide about myself, but if you don’t think I’m competitive in every aspect (not just golf), then think again!!  

11.  Ok, Final Question, - You’re 22, one of the top golfers in the world, the world, already have earned a few million, you got the looks, and I’m sure a few other things going for you.  How do you feel about where you are, and where you’re going?

I have improved some this year so I am happy about that.  It has been a bitter sweet year in that even with my four wins this season thus far, I feel I should have had seven or eight.  My goals are very lofty and I hopefully will achieve them.  I do feel I’m on the right path.  I have terrific blue-chip sponsor partnerships along with a tremendous support team surrounding me. Hopefully, it’s just a matter of time!!

Good luck, we hope to see you as #1 in the world, God bless.  Thank You!!!

Thanks for having me.

**Images used with permission from: Fish of Sea (images 1&3) & Harry Limey (#2)

Follow up:  Paula is first class all the way. She's second on the all important 2008 money list, and has a chance to finish the year on top of it. Even more impressive when you consider she's only 22.  Also Paula has designed her fashion accessories now.  Hopefully she'll win her first major this year, of course we'll take some credit for the good karma.  Also if you're an Adidas rep, I just gave you an advertising campaign. It might be tough to top this one.  By the way if anyone involved in advertising from Adidas is really reading this, how about sponsoring my blog.