More questions about Paula Creamer
It was painful to watch Paula Creamer’s Sunday meltdown at the Women's Open, the latest disappointment in major championships for this talented player. Creamer appears to have all the tools to win majors but I'm detecting a lack of belief.
On the 9th hole she took an eternity to size up a tough chip from behind the green, as if she were afraid to pull the trigger. Her indecision was evident when she then knocked her ball all the way off the front of the green, leading to a fatal double bogey. (Her playing partner Stacy Lewis, from nearly the same spot, showed tremendous imagination and execution by killing her ball in the rough and letting it trickle toward the hole.)
At another point during the final round Creamer's caddie held a putter against the bill of her cap as she made practice swings. It’s a simple drill designed to help Creamer get the feel for keeping her head still through her swing. Isn’t that something a good player does on the range, not when she is in the final pairing on Sunday at the U.S. Open? If she has to do a drill with her caddie when the heat is on, how much does Creamer really believe in her swing? Makes you wonder.
(Photo: Fred Vuich/SI)
Posted by: Tom | Jul 2, 2008 12:35:46 PM
Paula is only 21 and has 6 tour victories. When Lorena and Annika were 21, they had ZERO tour victories. The best is yet to come for her, but agree, she puts too much pressure on herself. She'll learn...
Posted by: Tom | Jul 2, 2008 12:35:05 PM
Paula is only 21 and has 6 tour victories. When Lorena and Annika were 21, they had ZERO tour victories. The best is yet to come for her, but agree, she puts too much pressure on herself. She'll learn...
Posted by: Doug | Jul 1, 2008 5:42:41 PM
On a positive note, did you watch the composure and execution of 19-yr old winner Inbee Park? She was completely in control, no wasted motions or emotions. A fan may wish for more charisma from these young Koreans (hopefully that will evolve over time) but from the standpoint of quality golf under pressure, it was pretty impressive. The commentators, e.g. Johnny Miller, definitely noticed.
Posted by: Terry | Jul 1, 2008 12:33:39 PM
Paula needs to grow up. I was at Interlachen for the tournament and I think she showed just how immature and not ready to win a major she is. After missing numerous shots and putts, she stands and pouts for a minute to let the crowd see her disgust and then goes on to the next shot. It just reminded of a pouting child. Every good player will tell you and their sports Psychologists to forget what happened and focus on the next shot. In her case she does need to do this. It is over, start figuring out what you have to do on the next shot to make birdie. It kind of reminded me of how Eldrick's knee only hurt when he hit a bad a shot, but could run around the green doing deep knee bends and fist pumps on a good one. Grow up Paula, I realize you are only 20, but you are an adult in an adult world, find yourself a good mental coach like the rest of the soft heads out their or starting acting like Woody Austin and deal with reality and learn from your mistakes and move on to the next shot.
Posted by: LPGA fan | Jul 1, 2008 10:35:31 AM
Creamer just wants it too badly and loses focus. She appears to be a wonderful, balanced young woman and experience will help her get through these things in the future.
Did anyone notice that her close "friend" Casey Wittenberg was also leading the Nationwide tour event? That could have created a bit of added pressure as well.
Posted by: Chuck | Jul 1, 2008 2:21:14 AM
LPGA will have a tough time equaling the PGA as long as their caddies help them with their alingment on full shots.Come on. Your suppossed to be pro's,you shouldn't need help with something this basic.