Rosales shot a Sunday 65 to win her first LPGA event (and $240,000) at the Chick-fil-A in early May, two days before we shot these photos. Though low on sleep -- everyone was calling, including family, friends, reporters from her hometown of Manila at 4 a.m. -- she still managed several "Oh my Gods!" when talking about golf's cute guys (calling Aaron Baddeley) and shopping.
Born: Manila, Philippines Lives: Rowland Heights, California Career highlights: Philippine Ladies Amateur Champion from 1994 - 98; NCAA individual champion as a freshman at USC Driving average: 263.6 yards Stats: 25th in driving distance; T33 in scoring average:; T38 in rounds under par Age: 25 Height: 5'5" Turned Pro: 2000 Career earnings: $1,244,419 Wins: 2004 Chick-fil-A Charity Championship
David Eustace |
"I like men who are confident enough to be different, like Jesper Parnevik. He wears pink, but he's secure in his masculinity, and that's what matters…. A compliment from a guy on my appearance means more than what he thinks about my swing!"
What's a great golf gift for a woman? It's all about having nice shoes… shoes matter.
What can most guys learn from LPGA players? They should pay attention to our tempo and our routines. But tempo is the main thing. If you watch us, we take a nice, one-two swing that's so fluid. Guys just try to rip it.
How often do guys try to compete with you in pro ams? They usually don't want compete against me–they just want to win so bad that they put pressure on me. I feel bad for the team if I miss a putt for birdie. We're human, not robots!
What should a guy never say to a woman on the course? Play faster, speed up! Because guys think girls play slow, that we take our time, and it's not true. It's a major turn off.
Do men and women learn the game differently? When guys pick up the sport they just want to hit far, while most women think of tempo. We aren't as strong, so we go by our instinct and tempo, and that's why girls are better putters. They want to hit hard and for us it's all about touch-especially around the green. They can learn from us if they watch us.
What's your best tip for the average mid- to high-handicapper? Amateurs like to hit balls all day, but the short game is most important. That's what counts. Practice your short game–putting, chipping, all of it.
Who are your favorite PGA Tour players? Who looks good? I like guys who aren't too stiff. I want them to let their hair down. I like Aaron Baddeley because he has style. I like guys who have their own style, something different.
What are some of your fashion dos and don'ts for guys? I like when they wear nice flowing pants, not thick khakis. I like guys whose sense of style stands out, guys who are secure enough to wear different things, like Jesper Parnevik, I love the way he dresses. The guys make fun of him because he wears pink but he's secure in his masculinity, That's all that matters.
By TARA GRAVEL Senior Editor, GOLF MAGAZINE |