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Chat Reel: Leta Lindley

LPGA player looking for first tour win

Leta Lindley played her way into the top 30 on the money list this year without winning a tournament. Harry How/Allsport

CNNSI Host: Welcome to CNNSI.com's chat with LPGA player Leta Lindley. Welcome Leta!
Leta Lindley: Great to be here.

From Tom Duffy in Rochester, N.Y.: Now that you have reached your goal for 2000 as far as finishing in the Top 30 on the money list, what are your goals going into 2001?
Leta Lindley: Obviously to win. That was my goal for 2000 and I have one tournament left to achieve that. If I don't do it with this tournament that will be my goal for 2001.

From lpgafan: How do you decide on your yearly schedule?
Leta Lindley: I guess I always like to return to my favorite golf courses and places where I have good housing families and tournaments where I have good memories. And to return to tournaments where I haven't played in a while, like Corning, NY. After a three year absence I returned this year. And I also try and only play four weeks in a row. It isn't always possible, but if you go down the list and count four tournaments and then a week off.

From Yvonne Passarelli in Delran, N.J.: Both you and Matt are very warm, loving and compassionate individuals with lots of patience. When do you plan to start a family, and how many children would you like to have? Many of the players take their children, when young, on the road with them. Once you have a child, do you plan to continue on the tour or stay at home for a while? You two are going to make great parents!! By the way, congratulations on finishing in the top 30.
Leta Lindley: Well if you ask my husband. he would like to start a family tomorrow. I guess I would like to win first. If I don't win in two years, I think we will go ahead and start a family. And then I would like to have two children. I say that because I am an only child and I think a kid should have siblings. And then there is juggling being a wife and a mother. I plan to travel with my kids right now, because my husband travels with me, and I'd have an easier time than most mothers out here on the tour.

From lpgafan: Would you ever consider a fan to caddie for you at a tour stop?
Leta Lindley: I guess it seems at this point, probably not. It seems like every dollar at least this year has meant so much. This year I only made the Top 30 by $4,000 and I would be more willing to have a fan caddie during a pro-am.

From a guest: What are the biggest challenges facing the LPGA Tour (and women's golf in general) and what are the LPGA Tour players doing to address these challenges?
Leta Lindley: I guess getting our faces and product out there. Everyone who has come in contact with our tour has said 'wow you ladies are so great.' So it is really making people aware. And I know the ladies and the tour are working to get that word out. TV is so expensive... but it is getting better with the Golf Channel. I'd like to see us on the network a little more but it is tough.

From Jennifer in Anderson, Ind.: What advice would you give to a woman just taking up the game of golf?
Leta Lindley: I think my best advice, my father taught me, is that you don't necessarily have to hit it far to be a good player. I would focus on chipping and putting and the short game. And that is what has kept me out here and successful on the tour. It isn't brute strength that gets the job done. At 115 lbs I average 234 yards off the tee and I hit it plenty far enough to compete out here.

From Jon in Wilmington, Del.: I noticed that you carry six woods in your bag, including a nine and 11 (ely) wood. Do you think more amateur golfers (male and female) would score better if they gave up trying to hit long irons and replaced them with lofted woods?
Leta Lindley: I think that is a great observation and I definitely feel that way. I was a little reluctant to put in an 11 wood to replace my 5 iron. After hitting my first shot with the 11 wood I realized how much easier it was to hit a fairway wood than a long iron. A fairway wood goes higher and lands softer versus a long iron that comes in low and hot and won't stop on the green. I'd have to say I am the player I am today because of the fairway woods -- the 11, 9, and 7 woods. I have Callaway Golf to thank for that.

From Jeff in New Mexico: Karrie Webb had a great year. Do you think she can maintain this level of play for a long time?
Leta Lindley: Absolutely. She has just set a new standard for all of us to follow. She is just strong in every area of her game. not only does she hit it long, but she hits it straight and she is a good putter.

From Susan in Dix Hills, N.Y.: If you could play a round of golf with anyone, who would it be?
Leta Lindley: I probably wish I could play with my dad again. He passed away when I was a sophomore in college and I wish I could play with him one more time to show him how far I've come.

From Roy in Phoenix, Ariz.: What young players should fans keep an eye on?
Leta Lindley: Well, obviously Grace Park who came in as a rookie this year. She's awesome. She just hits it so far and has so much talent. Jenna Daniels from the University of Arizona will be a rookie next year. And watch out for Beth Bauer. She did not earn her card for the 2001 season but I would still watch for her. I think she will be a really good player.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Leta Lindley. Thank you very much for joining us and good luck this weekend!
Leta Lindley: My pleasure!

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