Orlando

Hi everyone, I just wanted to check in and touch base so you all knew I was still alive. I'm all settled in Orlando and have just been busy practicing and workout out. I'm making some significant swing changes as well as tweaking the putting stoke, giving me lots to fill my days with. Other than golf, fitness and some nice downtime with friends I've been keeping a pretty low profile. I did have the opportunity to go and see Rascall Flatts a few weekends ago with a friend in Tampa! It was a fantastic show-2 full hours of singing and crazy energy all night!! It was definately up there with Madonna and Kanye! A little variety is a must in everyone's life, keeps us all cultured- something that might be lacking these days!

Keep it real folks!

Shep

Off Season

In case anyone didn't follow the LPGA Q School results I'll fill you in- I failed to qualify for final stage and the opporunity to earn my 2008 LPGA card. So in short, my work and training for the 2008 Futures Tour will begin very soon! I regain my full 2008 Futures Tour card as a result of the season ending money list so I can now place my full attention on preparing to the best of my ability for next season. I will continue to work with Sean on both the physical and mental apects of my game and I begin working with Dr. Craig Davies in the gym next week!! The winter will be filled with lots of long cardio sessions, some intense and specific lifting and some serious hours on and around the green!! I am looking forward to this intense training and results I expect to see!

Stay tuned and I'll keep everyone up to date on my progress throughout the winter.

Shep

LPGA Q School

My first attempt did not go so well last week in Palm Springs so make sure you check out the LPGA's website this week for nightly results of the Venice, FL qualifier!!

LPGA Qualifying Process

For all of you that have asked me or are wondering how players qualify for the LPGA tour, the time has come. Besides the exempt cards that were awarded to the top 5 finishers on the Duramed Futures Tour money list for the 20067 season, there is an opportunity to compete at qualifying school. This process consists of 2 sectional qualifiers and a final stage, the first being in Palm Springs September 19th- September 22nd. The top 30 finishers in Palm Springs, CA combined with the top 30 finishers from Venice, FL in the beginning of October (2nd sectional qualifier) will join a larger group of players at final stage in Daytona Beach, FL at the beginning of December. These 60 players along with conditional card holding players, and those who have failed to remain in the top 90 on the LPGA year end money list will compete for a small number of exempt cards for the 2008 season. You can follow the daily results of all stages on www.lpga.com!!

Best of luck to everyone competing!!

The Ultimate Gift

A few weeks ago I was playing in a pro am in Gettysburg PA. Before I left, one of my playing partners handed me a book titled THE ULTIMATE GIFT by Jim Stovall and asked me to please take an hour out of my day and read it. Well unfortunately it got put on my to do list and I finally finished it a few minutes ago. I would like to ask everyone reading this blog to go out and purchase this short yet unbelievably valuable book. Once you've read it I ask that you pass it along to someone else you care about and give them the same instructions. I won't spoil any aspect of the book but I think everyone that opens the front cover and reads from start to finish will be very touched and inspired to re-evalute their life and how they are chosing to live it. Please feel free to tell me how great this easy read is and everyone else around you for that matter.

Good night!!

Violeta

I have another congradulations this week for my girl Violeta Retamoza who is officially the newest member of the LPGA tour as of this afternoon. Not only will V be competing with the best in women's golf next year but she left the Duramed Futures Tour with rookie of the year honors!! Way to go mama:)

Congrats

I want to wish Tai and Josh Clements a wonderful life together!! You both are beautiful people and I send you endless blessings and memories!!