My family and I went to the Navistar LPGA Classic Presented by Monaco RV this past weekend in Prattville, Alabama. We watch the tournaments on TV, but this was our first time to actually watch in person. I cannot express how pleased we were with our first LPGA Tour experience. My wife and I have two daughters, ages 12 and 9. Every player they came in contact with made an effort to either speak to them or smile at them. Morgan Pressell, Jamie Hullett, and Lorena Ochoa made a special effort to speak with them, and actually thanked them for coming out to watch them. You can imagine how that made them feel...they were on cloud 9. I just wanted to let someone at the LPGA office know they can be proud of the way the Tour players are representing the LPGA.

Sincerely,
Todd Frederick

Recently, at the age of 62, I attended my first professional golf tournament - the Women's British Open at Lytham St Anns. I took two mature lady friends with me and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day, despite copious amounts of rain! I follow golf and was able to keep the ladies in touch with who all the players are. I am writing to thank Jiyai Shin, who kindly and good-humouredly posed for a photograph with the two ladies, Anne and Jean. We are now Jiyai Shin fans! The other golfer who stood out because of her enthusiasm, zest and excellent sportsmanship was Christina Kim. Good luck to you both on the tour!

Derek Agar, Sheffield, UK

Hi,

The inaugural story for The Love of The Fans was the thank you story I submitted about the wonderful experience my wife Carol had when she met Lorie Kane. I note that the story is still posted and that is greatly appreciated.

I wish to provide you with a very positive update. As you may recall form the story, Carol had been stricken with breast cancer. She was in the very early stages of recovery when Lorie responded to my request and provided Carol with an inspiring life moment in 2007. Since that time, Carol and Lorie have managed to touch base once a year when the LPGA was in Phoenix, and after each meeting Carol comes away even more determined to stay well and play well.

First, I am pleased to report that Carol has stayed well. She remains cancer free (as do the other 63 women in her special protocol group) and despite some severe joint pain from her post-treatment meds, she continues to play golf. Indeed she is playing well!

So well that I am also pleased to inform you that today Carol recorded a "hole in one" at Lake St. George, our home course in Orillia, Ontario Canada. More>>

Dear LPGA:

Just a quick note of thanks to all the players who participated in the 2009 CN Canadian Women's Open at Priddis Greens in Calgary this week. They played some amazing golf and were wonderful with the fans.

A special note of thanks to Morgan Pressel who went out of her way to thank every volunteer she passed, and who really went the extra mile with the fans throughout the week. For the first time in this tournament's history, none of the Canadians in the field made the cut. It was very disappointing, since the CN is our national championship and (currently) our only LPGA stop. After the cut on Friday, Morgan Pressel stepped up and volunteered to be our honorary Canadian on course for the weekend so that all the flag waving fans had someone waving our flag back at them from inside the ropes. It was great. She switched out her ball marker and wore a Canadian flag marker on her hat for the weekend and she put a Canadian flag sticker on her bag. It was a small gesture, but a significant one for the thousands of fans and volunteers, and we thank her for it. We're glad that being an honorary Canadian seemed to suit her too, posting back-to-back 66s on the weekend to jump up the leaderboard for a share of 2nd place.

Congrats also to Suzann Pettersen on the win - we're very proud to have you as our new champion! We can't wait to see everyone next year inWinnipeg.

Sincerely, Laurie Livingstone
Volunteer, 2009 Canadian Women's Open

For a few years, I have been gently encouraging my two daughters, Samantha and Ashleigh (10 & 7 years old, respectively) to become as enthusiastic about golf as I am. Last year they attended a golf camp at a local course. They stayed motivated until winter. Living in Illinois and near Sugar Grove, seeing the ladies at the 2009 Solheim Cup practice round today, may make that possible. The picturesque grounds, the friendly staff, and above all the players were more than I could ever expect. Special thanks to the ladies for being so kind to my daughters (especially Christina Kim and Brittany Lang who even signed their hats twice at my daughters request; and Morgan Pressel for smiling and waving to them on the way to the #10 tee… I could go on and and on - all of the ladies were exceptionally approachable). To make a long story short, they both want to take lessons, ASAP….

Thank You

Scott A. McCallum

Dear Kristy (McPherson),

I just want to thank you for your tremendous kindness to my three-year-old daughter, Olivia. As a PGA Golf Professional and someone who promotes the game of golf daily, your thoughtfulness and wonderful attitude were refreshing reminders to all who play, promote, and teach this great game of golf. My daughter has worn the bracelet you gave her constantly and she refers to you as Miss Kristy. I think she may be hooked on golf and meeting "the girls." (Of course I am thrilled with her "new" passion for the game.) I also must applaud Juli Inkster, Paula Creamer, Nicole Castrale, and Brittany Lincicome for their commitment to the fans as well. I am sure your other teammates carry the passion; we simply did not see them.

Good luck this week and have a wonderful career!

Brett J. Packee, PGA

My brother and I had the opportunity to attend the first round of the U.S. Women's Open at Saucon Valley CC in Bethlehem, PA. We walked around the course to watch the players on different holes, but then ended up positioning ourselves at the tenth tee. The groups that where part of the afternoon wave were getting their rounds started. We had a great spot up against the rope and within a few feet of the players as they waited to tee off. It was a special experience seeing these professionals from such a great vantage point. As we watched group after group tee off, we watched the women interact with the individuals who where assigned to walk with their group on the course. From officials to score keepers to the kids who carried the scoreboard and the fans surrounding the tee, watching how each player addressed them was interesting.

There was one player, though, that stood out among the rest to both my brother and myself, and that player was Mikaela Parmlid. More>>

I have had the pleasure of being a walking scorer at the Jamie Farr Classic both last year and this year. I have worked the Wed. Pro-Am. both years. Last year I walked with Kim Hall and her group of businessmen, and this year with Katherine Hull. Both ladies impressed me with the way they interacted with their groups. If a stranger had watched, not knowing anything about a pro-am, I'm sure they would have concluded that they were observing a group of friends out for a round of golf. I have no doubt that the men who were Kim and Katherine's playing partners left with strong positive feelings about their experience.

Besides the great interaction they fostered with the amateur players, both ladies took the time to thank the two sign carriers and me for volunteering to help. In addition, they not only took the time to say thank you, but after only a quick introduction on the first tee, remembered to thank me by name. More>>

Every year I always look forward to one week that is always the best for me. That would be the Wegmans LPGA week at Locust Hill CC in Pittsford, New York! The reason why it is so special for me is because the person I admire most in my life is in Rochester for one full week! That person is Natalie Gulbis!

I've been a fan of Natalie's for six years now and it seems like this year was the best yet. My uncle came with me this year. I followed Natalie every day with my uncle and this other guy named Steve who drove up from Corning!! More>>

Hello!

I had the luxury of playing in the Pro-Am at the State Farm Classic this year with Wendy Ward. At first, playing with a group of people who I was unfamiliar with and a professional to boot, I was nervous. However, Wendy made me feel right at home. We bantered back and forth thru the round about college experiences with athletics and animals. After our round, Wendy was nice enough to grant my request to see the Sports Medicine trailer. She did look curious when I asked if I could have a tour, but when I told her I am a physical therapist, she quickly understood! I was able to meet Allison Fouch and Suzann Pettersen in the trailer. I followed her on Thursday and Friday…unfortunately she did not make the cut. I look forward to her quest to qualify for the Solheim Cup, as I did win tickets so I will be attending in August! More>>

Kristy (McPherson),

Thank you for making my daughter Ashley's experience at the 2009 McDonalds' LPGA Championship at Bulle Rock one to remember. It was during the rain delay under the clubhouse portico, when you came out looking for your caddy. You stopped and took the time to greet my daughter, signed her hat, and even gave her your glove which you autographed. You are certainly her favorite player on the tour. She is hoping that she can one day tee it up with you for a round of golf. I would also like to share with you her golf swing which she practices very hard to be a better golfer.

Binh & Ashley
South Riding, VA

Hi Kristy (McPherson),

We so enjoyed meeting your father and having him introduce you to our little girl, Summer, at Bulle Rock. You are such an inspiration for her. We realize you meet so many people at each tournament and it's hard to remember each and every person, but know that Summer will always remember meeting you and the kindness you showed her. She couldn't wait to show her signed glove and hat to her golf coach the next morning. We wish you much success in your upcoming tournaments and hope to show our faces at a few of them to cheer you on! Thanks again for being such an inspiration to future young golfers.

Rick, Lisa, and Summer Ryan
Columbia, MD

Hey Kristy (McPherson), just wanted to say thank you for making this week so enjoyable. You truly made the long hours well worth it. Thank you for being so receptive to us as fans and appriciative to us as maintenance employees. You should know that you now have four fans for life. Thanks again, and good luck in the future. We will be rooting for you.

--Andrew Redding, PCCC grounds crew

I had never attended any professional Golf tournaments before and was not familiar with many of the players, who they were, or how they rated. I am recovering and on disability from depression and Borderline Personality Disorder. Although I really couldn't afford to go, I decided that getting an autograph or two for my niece may be nice. So off I went.

I think the BEST part of the tourny is the autograph booth. After an 18-hole round, good or bad, these ladies, or should I say most of them, took the time to meet and sign autographs for their fans. No greater PR for the LPGA could you ever do. This opportunity afforded me to see and meet up close the ladies who are the LPGA. Having a background in counseling, I am able to pretty well read the attitude of a player. The one Lady that stood out to me was Kathrine Hull. Her demeanor, smile, and inter communication with the fans was nothing short of excellent. I came away deciding to go back on Sunday to follow K Hull around.

Again, although she did not have one of her greater games, her attitude was utmost. No putters slamed in the green or clubs thrown or words uttered when a shot went array. Thank you, Katherine Hull....You are a lady I would suggest to any young woman to emulate, to look up to, and to follow.

PS. I'm pulling for you Kansas...and you can keep your putter - it seems to be doing a good job in the Mac tourny.

C R Renchel

One of the sports I love is golf, but it looked impossible for me to do since you have to be under the sun for so many hours. I have been watching golf for a very long time, and in 2008 when Annika Sorenstam decided to step away from the game to fulfill other personal dreams, I went to watch her at the Sybase Classic in N.J. I was nervous because I was going to be out in the sun for hours, but decided that I would be brave and I researched sunblocks and found one that works for a super-sensitive person like myself, covered myself from head to toe, and headed out to see Annika. More>>

We are a Mexican family that recently got involved with golf. My youngest son, Axel, was born without his right hand. He is a terrific boy with excellent notes at school. He is very good at sports, and he and his team have won a lot of soccer football tournaments. He won a special recognition for being the best defender in a national tournament.

In 2007, we went to see the LPGA Samsung World Championship in Palm Desert, CA. Axel was very excited to see Lorena Ochoa in person. By the end of the tournament, Lorena had shipped a flag with her dedication to Axel directly to our house.

Since that moment, Axel began his golf preparation. For us and for the professionals at our club, this was not easy because it seemed as though the lack of the right hand was going to be a large impediment for Axel who is currently 12. He put a lot of his time and effort into learning how to hit the ball. More>>

On Tuesday, May 20, I took my 13-year-old daughter Emily to the practice round of the LPGA Corning Classic. Her girl's golf program in Scranton, PA, ran a bus trip. What started out to be a great excuse to get out of school for the day turned into one of those days she will remember for the rest of her life.

We arrived around noon, ate a quick lunch, and then stated to walk around the clubhouse. Emily made a beeline for the empty grandstand. Sarah Kemp was walking up to the 18th green. We know this because after they finished putting, her caddie tossed Emily a signed ball. She fist pumped a big, yessssss! More>>

I am writing this at the end of a very long week as a volunteer at the LPGA Corning Classic. Needless to say, it is with a heavy heart that we say good-bye (at least for now) to the LPGA. Working on Transportation, I have had the pleasure of meeting several of the wonderful young ladies of the tour. I want to take this time to give special thanks to several who have made it a pleasure to volunteer over these past years. Katherine Hull, Amy Hung, Jeanne Cho-Hunicke, Natalie Gulbis, Paula Creamer, and many others go out of their way to make each volunteer feel like we are noticed and appreciated. I can't thank these ladies enough for what they have done for our event, our charities, our community, and for us as volunteers. You will all be missed.

Steve Huber, Corning NY

Hi. My name is Mark Reynolds, and for the last nine years, I have watched Laura Diaz at the LPGA Corning Classic. I remember as if it were clear as day in 2002 when I first met Laura and her mom. She is one of the nicest people I have ever met. She is very caring, outgoing, and gracious to her fans. It is sad to see the LPGA Corning Classic not returning next year, since it has been an honor and a pleasure to watch Laura and root her on all of these years. I will always be a fan of yours (part of Laura's Legion). WE love you, Laura, for all that you do, and for all that you have brought to Corning!

Good luck in the future and god bless you!
Mark and the Corning community

My eight-year-old daughter and I attended the Sybase Classic at Upper Montclair last week. My daughter (also named Kristina) had a number of occasions (on different days) to interact with Christina Kim. Christina was unbelievably friendly in reaching out to my daughter in such a personal manner that all my daughter talks about is what a nice lady Christina is and she can't wait until the next Sybase Classic to see her again. After her final round was over, Christina went above and beyond: signing and giving Kristina her glove, ball, etc. More importantly, she called Kristina her "friend" a number of times which really meant a lot to my eight-year-old. What a breath of fresh air and positive influence in this day and age!

If possible, would you please extend our thanks to Christina for her hospitality last weekend and good luck in '09 from both Kristina and me. We are Christina Kim fans for life!! I am going to get Kristina a Christina hat for her next round - Lime Green - similar to Christina's hat on Saturday!

Best Regards, Mark Kalafsky

I had the great pleasure of playing in the COX-Charity LPGA Pro-Am on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Woods Golf Course in Williamsburg, Va.

My LPGA player was Amy Hung, and it was without a doubt one of most pleasurable rounds of golf anyone could ever play, and as I'm 69 and have played this game for over 45 years, I have played a few rounds..

Amy was not only a fine player as she proved this day, but by placing 8th the next week, she was entertaining and willing to answer all the questions both us old and young players had about not only the game and any shot, but also about her life on tour.

You can bet I will be looking for her from now on wherever the LPGA plays. Keep up the good play, Amy, and may you win soon.

THANKS,
Charles W. Miller

Here's one story that shows what neat ladies are on the tour. I was fortunate to be invited to play in the KNC this year. I am a disabled vet, and can only play golf in knee braces. I don't mean little rubber sleeves - I mean the kind that are usually reserved for interior lineman on teams in the NFL (grin). I was walking across the practice ground, getting ready to warm up, and Katherine Hull came up to me, looked at my knee braces and asked, "Are you alright?" She wasn't trying to be funny, she was genuinely concerned. I told her that I was fine, and my girlfriend chimed in that the only thing wrong with me was between my ears. Katherine laughed and said, "Good, play well today, " and went on about her business. More>>

I took my two little girls to the Sybase Classic Presented by ShopRite on Friday, and they had such a good time that my wife and I took them back again on Sunday. It is great to have such a great women's golf tournament in this area. My girls are only four and five, and will probably remember this for a lifetime. The women of the LPGA were very gracious with my children, and I applaud them for that. For my children to see such great roll models up close and personal is priceless. Thank you.

My 10 year old Grandson "CJ" attended the Michelob Pro-Am at Kingsmill yesterday (unfortunately I had to work), and when I talked to him last night, he was literally beaming over the phone. He could not contain himself about how he was treated by Christina Kim and Lorena Ochoa. They both took the time to stop practice-putting and come over to him, talk to him, and give him their autographs. They have created a fan for life for the LPGA. I hope we don't loose the tournament here in Williamsburg. It will be sorely missed. Thanks, Christina and Lorena. You also made my day!

Ron Matheny

I had the chance to go to the 2008 U.S. Open at Interlachen Country in Edina, MN. I had a wonderful time watching these women play golf. All of them are so beautiful, and I tell you, they are the nicest people out there. For all the LPGA players, I just want you all to know that God made you all beautiful, and he also gave you the gift of talent to play golf for a living. I am pretty sure that even though you all are very talented, you still work very hard to make it to where you are. Stay beautiful and keep smiling. On behalf of all the fans, I would like to thank all the players for being so nice to all the people.

Lenny

I wanted to share with you an experience we had with our LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program and the Tour Players at the Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill.

I took a total of 47 people to the event on Wednesday for the Pro-Am day. We rented a big Tour bus and drove 3 1/2 hours from Chapel Hill, NC. The girls were from 5-16 years old.

The folks at Kingsmill were wonderful to us. Tournament Director Wayne Nooe allowed me to have the kids dropped off at the resort entrance right by the putting green so they got to see players almost from the moment they arrived. More>>

Hi Christina (Kim),

Just a note to let you know how much I appreciate you. You're a star in my book no matter what your score. Your style and enthusiasm have captured for you a large and appreciative audience.

May your days be filled with success and your nights be filled with joy. If you ever need a place to stay in the desert, we have an extra room.

Jean

P.S. You fulfilled my dream (not of a lifetime, but of several years) to walk with you inside the ropes. Thanks.

I was watching the final round today while working out at the gym on the elipitical machine.What a thrill it was to see Brittany Linciome's reaction to her fantastic fairway shot on 18 that set up the winning putt. She was so happy - the joy on her face, her body language. Then she kept her composure to sink the putt! I was pumping my fist, yelling, just having a good time experiencing the moment, fighting back tears! Then, I waited for the trophy presentation and winner's jump in the pond. More>>

I just had a wonderful experience attending the Kraft Nabisco
Championship in Palm Springs. I was so impressed with Christina Kim and her personality. She has a true appreciation for the volunteers and fans. I wish more of the players could display such enthusiasm and love for the game. Thanks, Christina.

Kimmer

Just a short e-mail to tell you what an experience it was meeting Katherine Hull in London, Ontario a few years ago…

I was asked to MC an event for customers of Ash City clothing company out of Toronto, Canada and meet with some of the LPGA Professionals competing in the Canadian Open for Ladies at the London Hunt Golf and Country Club in London, Ontario. Katherine was simply a classy, neat Christian Lady with personality, great style, and a warm personality. All of us in the London area wish her complete success on the LPGA tour around the world and may God continue to Bless her and her family and friends with great health, prosperity, and some fun along the way.

Sincerely,
Bob Martin
London, Ontario, Canada

My daughter, Natalya, volunteered for the Longs Drug Challenge in 2008 to be a youth standard bearer in hopes of walking side by side with her hero Paula Creamer. So she pushed me to come early in the morning and we lucked out (she had the honor of being Paula's standard bearer). We all know that Paula is a great player, but my daugther also noticed why. She told me that Paula is meticulous in preparing for every shot. She takes nothing for granted. If ever she took anything from her experience, it's copying Paula's pre-shot routine. What can I say - it works!

This weekend I played in an event where Natalie Gulbis attended. The LPGA needs more players like Natalie out there to promote the LPGA tour. It was a very windy day - on the cold side - here in Las Vegas. She did a Meet and Greet for the first hour, where she took pictures with everyone who asked her and signed as many autographs as they wanted (and no signing fee). She then spent the rest of her day out sitting on a PAR 3, meeting every foursome with a smile and answering every question she could. She made every player feel special. This was not an event where we all had to pay $1,000.00 to be there - it was one that cost just $60.00 - it was a public course. Did I mention how cold and windy it was?

If you are not a Natalie Fan yet, you are missing a very special young lady. She is a breath of FRESH AIR.

To you, Natalie, Thank You very much for being who you are.

Dennis Holden - Las Vegas, NV