Alena Sharp Blog: "Tour Perks" - May 2008 Entry

(May, 2008) - Being on the LPGA has some great fringe benefits. As schedules get more and more demanding each year, tournament organizers get very creative to try and lure players to play in their event. We would all love to play in every single event but you have to take weeks off and you have other committments with sponsors and family.

The Safeway tournaments usually have little grocery stores every three holes. It's really cool to see the things they have on the tables for you to bring back to your hotel room or house that you are staying in. One year there was a 10 pound jar of salsa one of my friends stuck in her bag and made her caddy lug around during the practice round. I have a feeling that salsa jar lasted the entire season.

The Kingsmill tournament is sponsored by Busch Gardens so they open the park for us to ride the roller coasters after everyone has left for the day. For someone that loves rides, this might make the difference in you coming to play in the event. Last year we were able to ride the new coaster before it was opened to the public. Guess you can say they were past the potato sacks and crash test dummies for testing and needed some live bait to make sure the ride was safe and fun.

A few years back The Shoprite tournament had a night where they did the "Taste of the LPGA." This was an event where there were about 30 stations set up to try food from every country a player represented. Also the dessert room was pretty fun to visit.

We visit Hawaii to start the season. As you can imagine they don't need to do much to get girls to come over. Its Hawaii for goodness sakes and we are all pumped to start the season. They do have a very cool luau every year for a pro-am party to kick off the season.

Some tournaments are close to major attractions or sports teams and the tournaments work on tickets for the players and their families. I have taken in baseball games while playing in New Jersey (since it is 12 miles from Manhattan) and I have also seen games played in Baltimore.

Last year in Tulsa and again this year there have been concerts held. LeAnn Rimes performed last year and Vince Gill performed this year. Every once in awhile Gavin DeGraw will perform at pro-am parties. For the girls that love country music, this is a HUGE hit.

I like to explore and see things when I have been at a tournament before since I feel comfortable with the golf course and it is not new to me. I also like to venture out when we are overseas and see all the best tourist attractions.

Life on the road can be hectic and stressful, but I enjoy finding time for myself and doing something I enjoy besides golf.

Till next time,
Alena

**Alena currently sits in 52nd position on the LPGA Tour Money List with $88, 936 in earnings through 10 events**