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Chat Reel: Beth Bauer
Former Blue Devil looking forward to Q School
Latest: Tuesday August 29, 2000 07:11 PM
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If she doesn't earn her LPGA Tour card in October, Beth Bauer may be headed for the Futures Tour instead. Phil Cole/Allsport |
Beth Bauer chatted with CNNSI.com users on Tuesday, August 29, 2000. As a member of the Duke University Women's Golf Team, Bauer was the 1998 and 1999 ACC Player of the Year. The week before, she made it through the first stage of LPGA Tour Qualifying School, finishing second, and will compete for a spot on the LPGA Tour at the LPGA Final Qualifying School in October.
CNNSI Host: Welcome to our chat with the Beth Bauer. Welcome Beth!
Beth Bauer: Yes, thank you for having me!
From wishicouldplaybettergolf: Hey Beth, good luck in the LPGA Final Qualifying. What is your take on the tournament purse differential between the PGA tour and the LPGA tour? How are we going to fix it in the future?
Beth Bauer: Well, I don't know if the LPGA will ever be on the same level as the PGA just because of the attraction of the crowds. It seems that the public prefers to watch the men's golf instead of the ladies’ golf. But it will be nice to see some change in the future.
From Derek Russell in Houston, Texas: Also, I know that there are not any LPGA tournaments in Houston but there are in Austin. Are you going to be playing in that tournament? I think it would be awesome to watch you play in person.
Beth Bauer: Well I hope to come to Austin to play, but I have to get my LPGA tour card in October.
CNNSI Host: From Sarah G. in Irmo, S.C.: Whose year was more impressive: Tiger or Karrie Webb?
Beth Bauer: That is a tough question. I am going to say Tiger Woods but I think that Karrie doesn't get the publicity that she should. But I don’t think there will ever be another Tiger and the records that he has set, especially in the last year. But Karrie seems to dominate on the LPGA as well.
From Susan W. in Durham, N.C.: What are you fondest memories of your days as a Blue Devil?
Beth Bauer: My college years were a great experience for me. I made a lot of really good friends especially on the golf team. I had fun traveling around, and trying to make up schoolwork I missed during the year. So I have a lot of good memories.
From Renee in Jacksonville, Fla.: What are your thoughts on the futures tour?
Beth Bauer: I hope to make it to the LPGA because it was a dream of mine. But if I did not make it I would definitely want to play on the Futures tour. I don't think the competition is as strong on the Futures tour as on the LPGA but it might be a good stop to go there first, and then on to the LPGA.
From David in Greensboro, N.C.: What is it that makes Duke's women's program so strong?
Beth Bauer: Well, I think we really had a team the last couple of years that was compatible ... we had a lot of fun and loved to practice together, and I think that is what made us really good and helped us win the Nationals two years ago.
From William in San Jose, Calif.: What do you consider the best and worst parts of your game?
Beth Bauer: I think the best part of my game is consistency... I am usually a pretty consistent scorer and ball striker. I think the part that needs the most improvement is my short game but it has been really good to me lately so I am not going to complain about it.
From wishicouldplaybettergolf: Who was your favorite golfer growing up?
Beth Bauer: My favorite golfer was Davis Love III because we had similar life styles. Growing up, our fathers were both PGA pros that died at early ages. So his has been an inspirational story for my life.
From Derek Russell in Houston, Texas: After work, I teach young kids for free since their families do not have much money, and I love it. I would like to ask you if you have some pointers aimed at teaching young girls. Their ages range from 8 to 14. Do you know of any drills or exercises aimed specifically toward young girls?
Beth Bauer: I think the most important thing is to let the girls get a feel of playing on their own, swinging the club with their own body weight, for instance, but nothing too technical ‘till the early teens, and then see a PGA/LPGA professional for instruction at that time.
From Donald: What do you think of the 13-year old twins who seem to be able to compete on the LPGA tour?
Beth Bauer: They are pretty amazing young girls. I haven’t gotten to play with them but from what I've seen they have what it takes to play already even at that age. So I think they will bring a lot to the game in the next few years.
Question from wishicouldplaybettergolf: Have you signed any endorsements yet? With who?
Beth Bauer: I haven't signed any endorsements yet.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Beth Bauer. Thanks for joining us Beth and good luck in Q school!
Beth Bauer: Thanks!
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