Golf and Lifestyle Survey for AJ Eathorne
by Whirlpool Canada Inc.

  1. Why did you start playing golf? What about the game has made it such a lifelong passion?
    My father was getting my brother, Steve, into golf and I was the little sister tagging along. I took to the game right away when I started winning little prizes in junior tournaments, as well as, making lots of friends in the game.

  2. Where is your favorite golf course and why is it your favorite?
    It is hard to say my very favorite. I love courses with good scenery, whether there are lots of trees, or some nice ocean views, or even some neat little cactus around.

  3. What was your most exciting moment as a golfer and why?
    My most exciting moment as a golfer was when I placed 3rd at the Longs Drugs Challenge during my first year on tour. I made a putt on the last hole to stay in that position and I was so nervous that I thought I had almost missed the ball. The excitement and joy I felt when that putt rolled over the edge of the cup was one I won't forget.

  4. What was your worst moment on the golf course? How did you cope?
    My worst moment on the golf course was when I injured my back and shoulder and tried to play in the 1999 Du Maurier Classic. It hurt like nothing I had ever felt and I couldn't manage to breathe while I swung. When I saw my mother on the sidelines upset I knew I had to quit. I recovered with lots of massage therapy and physiotherapy, as well as some positive thinking. Now I exercise and do things to prevent further injuries like that.

  5. How do you mentally prepare for a match?
    I just try and treat every game like the one before and the one to come. Be positive and believe in myself and do my best. If I do all that, I am happy for putting in all I can.

  6. Who is your female role model? Why?
    My mother is my female role model. She is the most positive and loving person I know. She has taught me a great deal about dealing with people and also dealing with loving ones self. I love her very much. I thank her for helping me to become who I am- a successful professional.

  7. What is the most challenging aspect of balancing your career and your personal life?
    The most challenging aspect of balancing career and personal life is having enough time to visit and see all of my friends and family. I am close to so many people that it is hard to see them all when I am on the road for so many weeks a year. It is a good thing I have lots of friends on the tour and a great family that comes and visits lots.

  8. How do you stay grounded in absence of family while on tour?
    I talk to my family almost every day on the phone. Thank goodness for cell phones! My parents also attend a few events per year as they are my number one fans. I try to make it home as often as I can so that I can see my home, family, and friends in a relaxed atmosphere.

  9. How do you keep fit during your busy tour season? What type of exercise do you do off-season?
    I exercise on tour about 2 or 3 times per week in the Health South fitness trailer that is provided for us. I go for about an hour or more work out with half cardio and half weights. In my off season, I try to work out 4-5 times per week. It is a bit more weights orientated to build up the muscles for the season. As well a lot of cardio work to train for the amount of walking for the season.

  10. How important is a proper diet to you? What do you eat/drink to keep your energy up when on tour?
    Eating proper is quite important on the road. It is easy to over eat when you are in restaurants everyday. I try to stay away from heavy fatty foods and make sure to eat some veges with every meal. On the course I eat some sort of health bars that provide good quick energy that lasts. Also I drink plenty of water as that is the most important thing to keep you hydrated and energized.

  11. What is your one food weakness? Do you indulge or avoid?
    I love cheese. Yes I indulge but in moderation.

  12. Do you use massages or other natural, spa services will on tour? Why? What is your favorite treatment and why?
    I love massages. My favorites are Swedish massage and reflexology massage (feet). I use them for relaxation and to feel rejuvenated after spending so much time on my feet.

  13. As a newcomer to the professional golf circuit, what personal traits helped you reach your goal? What advice do you have for other women on achieving their goals?
    My advice for other women is to set goals that push you a little but that are also attainable. Keep working and setting new goals often so that your focus is fresh. By being positive and having my family behind me, I felt that I could do anything that I set my mind to. Getting to the LPGA tour was my biggest goal growing up, once I got there I had many new goals to make and achieve. The process of goal setting never stops until you want to stop achieving.