Model of excellence
Creamer comfortable with being ambassador, role model
BY NEAL REID
Unlike Charles Barkley, Paula Creamer doesn’t mind being asked to be a role model.
The nine-time LPGA champion has been both an ambassador for the game and a positive example for young girls since joining the Tour as a teenager. The extra attention is considered a burden by some, but Creamer welcomes the focus being on her on a constant basis.
“The fact that I’m considered a role model – it’s incredible,” Creamer said. “Ten years ago when I was 15 years old, I don’t know if I ever thought I was going to be where I am today, that’s for sure. It is exciting, and I embrace it all. I just want to advance women’s golf and junior golf and get them headed in the right direction and be a part of that movement.”
Creamer was named co-chair of The First Tee’s Young Ambassador Council in 2009 and hosts an annual tournament “Paula 4 Kids” that benefits The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee (Fla.).
One of the most marketable and popular players on Tour, Creamer has become accustomed to being pulled in a number of different directions at once. Whether it’s media or sponsor obligations, special requests from the Tour, fans or the golf industry in general, Creamer has shouldered the load of being one of the faces of women’s golf.
“It’s not easy, that’s for sure,” she said. “I’ve embraced it, and I’m glad it’s this way. The day it’s not there, you have to ask yourself, ‘What am I doing?’ I love it. I love the game and being an ambassador for it. I’m able to do something I love every week, and there are not many people who can say they have that.”
Creamer’s impressive endorsement list includes TaylorMade, adidas, Crystal Light, Bridgestone and EA Sports, and she has been one of the Tour’s most visible and publicized players.
Her ever-hectic schedule has not detracted from Creamer’s game. She earned more than $1 million in each of her first five seasons and still banked $883,870 last season despite playing in just 14 tournaments due to a thumb injury.
Along the way, Creamer has been able to acquire some experiences that most people can only dream about. She’s flown in an F-16, had her own billboard in New York City’s Times Square and played in a pro-am with actor Hugh Grant, just to name a few perks.
“It’s been fun,” she said. “To get to do something you love and then to get to do the other things are just bonuses. Flying in an F-16 was just incredible, and I’d always wanted to do it. It’s really special when I look back at all the wonderful things I’ve been able to do because of the game of golf.”
Creamer considers herself lucky to have the support of her family, veteran caddie Colin Cann and knowledgeable agent Jay Burton of IMG in her corner.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for that,” Creamer said of her support staff. “Having a support system is huge, and I don’t think people realize how big it really is. Yes, I hit the golf ball and am out there in the front, but there are a lot of people who work behind the scenes to get me where I am.”
Most importantly, Creamer is happy with her life and golf career.
“I’m very happy,” she said. “I
Full Article: LPGA.com News & Entertainment
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