Former world number two and 2010 U.S. WOMEN’s OPEN CHAMPION, Paula Creamer, visited the United Arab Emirates for the first time at the Abu Dhabi HSBC GOLF Championship last month. The Solheim Cup stalwart is an Ambassador for HSBC and was happy to offer tips to aspiring golfers and share some of her stories. Worldwide Golf met up with the 29 year old on the driving range to gain an insight into her career aspirations, highlights and lifelong obsession with the colour pink.
WWG: Being such a golfing icon in the ladies game, it must have been exciting to finally come to the UAE?
Paula Creamer: I’ve always wanted to visit the UAE because I thought it would be interesting to see the different culture and the way of life for myself. I wish I could go out and play some golf rounds but I don’t think I’ll have enough time. Next time I come, I’m definitely going to play some of the amazing courses out here.
WWG: What do your friends think about the golf scene in the UAE?
Paula Creamer: All the girls who come over for the OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters on the Ladies European Tour absolute love it. They say nothing but good things. It unfortunately doesn’t work out for my schedule to play in the tournament.
WWG: If you had a choice, would you prefer to win an Olympic gold or a Major this year?
Paula Creamer: If I could get a Gold Medal, that would be incredible and an unforgettable honour. The highlights of my career have been all the times I have represented my country. Winning the U.S Open was mind-blowing. I can’t even put it into words how that felt. However, the chance to compete for a Gold Medal – that only comes around once every four years so that’s why I would prefer Olympic Gold.
WWG: You’ve had so much experience playing in the Solheim Cup, can you describe what it feels like to play in a team event like that?
Paula Creamer: I have played in six Solheim Cups now and I have loved every one of them. It’s a surreal feeling playing with 12 girls who you are usually competing against. You are not just playing for yourself, you are competing for your country. The tournament is always tense and stressful but so rewarding if you come away as the winning nation like we did in the last one in Germany. I’ve had so many fond memories from these events.
WWG: Why is your nickname ‘The Pink Panther’?
Paula Creamer: I was given this nickname because I love the colour of pink and always have something pink on, whether it’s a ribbon in my hair or the colour of my shoes. I was given the nickname when I was 16. I was walking around a driving range and my friend Casey Wittenburg said: “What are you – The Pink Panther or something?” It has stuck ever since and now he is on my golf balls and is my head cover. It’s a good nickname to have, so I’ll take it.
WWG: Is the Pink Panther head cover your lucky charm?
Paula Creamer: I have to go through a lot of them because they often start to fade from pink to white and aren’t pink anymore. I don’t want to say it’s lucky because I’m not really superstitious but he will never not be on my golf bag.
The top three TaylorMade clubs in my bag
My putter – TaylorMade Ghost Tour – It’s the most important club that I carry. I put three lines on this one so it helps me with the alignment a bit more. I also added the SuperStroke grip a year ago, which is a massive help.
My 7 wood – TaylorMade R7 – It’s quite old now but I still love it. I actually own about five of them that I bought off Ebay because they don’t make them as much anymore!
My three wood – TaylorMade AeroBurner – It’s so good off the tee and I can control the flight in most conditions. I can definitely work the ball with it. It’s an important club for par fives or narrow fairways.
PINK MANIA
WWG: What’s the craziest pink item that you own? Paula Creamer: I have a pink pool table, pink ping-pong balls and a pink golf cart. Also, my treadmill is black and pink so these are all unique items in my favourite colour.
WWG: If you could have anything pink, what would it be? Paula Creamer: It has to be a pink car. I have always wanted a pink car!
WWG: Dream fourball?
- My dad because I’ve never beaten him before.
- Shaquille O’Neal because it would be amazing to watch him play golf.
- My grandpa.
