Hi everyone. I'm Erica Blasberg and thrilled to be asked to journal my experiences, in my rookie year, on the greatest women's sports organization in the world, the LPGA. I hope to shed some light on how it feels to be a rookie, but with the added uncertainty of not having full exempt status.

Perhaps Q-school is the place to start my journey. Played well there, but after shooting a second round 67, went 40 holes without a birdie, Ouch. I Par'd myself to death, or played myself to a tie for 31st place, one shot out of “exempt” status. Not the plan. Interestingly, I left the next day thinking the mandatory rookie orientation scheduled, was for the “exempt” players only. I was changing planes in Phoenix, to return home to Corona, Calif., when I was paged by the airline to take a urgent phone call. It was my father saying the LPGA was looking for you, since you weren't in orientation. Whoops. I took the next plane back to Orlando, what a day, both in time and expense.

I should mention I'm a fully “exempt” player on the Futures Tour, a good organization that I'm also proud to represent. Having this status adds many variables in scheduling for 2005. Either focus on the Futures Tour, shoot for “top-5” and automatic exempt status for 2006; play as many LPGA events and finish “top-90”, for the status; or blend the two and decide as the seasons progress.

Ok we are in April and so what has happened...I played in Hawaii and Mexico City. Made the cuts fairly easy in both and now smiling as I prepare to take on the challenge of Corona Morelia Championship. Perhaps I have to back-up a little before talking about what I'm doing to prepare for this weeks' tournament. Let's start with the SBS in Hawaii. First event as a professional on the LPGA, definitely exciting; a T-32nd this is fun; but the real story, do you like wind! I've played in moderate wind most of my life, but playing in Hawaii required all types of adjustments in ball flight and club selections and even the putting. The Mastercard in Mexico City was another wonderful experience. This event was my first sponsor exemption- can't thank them enough. Actually I did play well and had a “top-10 “well within my sights”, but really ineffective putting for three day's and two weird bounces in the last five holes, meant a disappointing T-45th. Let me explain.

A “top-10 “ has me playing in the Safeway the following week and with a good performance there, a possible Nabisco invite. Now if I hadn't played well all week a T-45 is another pay check towards “top-90” and Exempt status for 2006. This is a good thing, but I've played my entire golf life, believing when you are in a situation where you can win, in this case a “top-10”, you win.

I just finished a practice round on the Tres Marias Golf Club, getting ready for the Tournament and amazed how hilly it is. This is very similar to the course in the Mastercard at Mexico City, but maybe with even a few more hills thrown in. For some reason I always thought of Mexico as a flat desert. I believe conditioning will be a real factor, especially that this event is 72 holes. I think I should be a little extra nice to my caddy, Michael Stokes this week, considering he's the one with a 50 pound bag on his shoulder climbing these hills. This is a type of course that sets up well for me. I consider this style to be a second shot course; a premium in accuracy off the tee and very demanding shots to the green. Definitely my strengths. It certainly doesn't favor the boomers and the greens have quite a bit of undulation that might make for putting to be a little tricky this week.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my exciting adventure. Wish me luck. I'm going to do a little extra short game practice and get ready for what I expect will be a good week.....Erica Blasberg.

Yeah, been following her for a while. With her on tour everyone should be asking Natalie who??? She is with Oakley and Titleist as sponsors primarily and they expect great things of her on the course. I would love to sign her to a putter contract but I think she is already a SC money babe. She has game and is currently flying under the radar. Go to www.ericablasberg.com to check out her stats. Was a rookie in 05 and made 52k. Will be in Q this week.

this is her new site http://www.ericablasberg.com/

That was Erica? WOW she is a hottie!!

Why can't I get paired up with a golfer that looks like her when I show up as a single :)

Any know which clubs she uses? She is the sexiest one LPGA Tour.

Very pretty girl, I would like to see more on her on tour!!

She's still on staff with Cleveland, at least according to their website. She is also sponsored by Puma (golf.puma.com).

Has anyone seen the new Puma Golf commercials with Erica... OMG!

 

 

That was Erica? WOW she is a hottie!!

Why can't I get paired up with a golfer that looks like her when I show up as a single

I was surprised too...it's amazing what some makeup can do, because her other photos do not make her look NEARLY as good

VERY pretty girl... unfortunately, I think she's probably a little too young... and waaaaaaay out of my price range :)

one of my fav LPGA player......

I've followed Erica's career since college, where she was the #1 player in the US, as a Freshmen.. She clearly has the game and the experience to do some great things. Now that she's fully exempt I wouldn't be surprised if she wins, in 2007.

Needless to say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but if you go to her website (ericablasberg.com), you'll see why both Puma and Oakley have used as a model.

She is the hottest player on LPGA

check out her web site.....for pics and more

http://www.ericablasberg.com/?main

Erica should be given an automatic pass through Q-school and be given an automatic exemption for being in "the best interest of the LPGA tour"

You gonna switch "littlepingman"????

She died way to young.

Sad news. RIP!

RIP Erica! If there was foul play involved I hope they find the person(s). what a shame...

It's been a decade. I read that time heals. I'm not so sure. Bless her heart.