Christina Stockton: Road to the LPGA & Big Break Atlantis!

Christina Stockton is one of the contestants for the next Big Break Series 14 – Atlantis and has partial status on the Symetra Tour in 2012. The next Golf Channel’s “Big Break” series returns May 14, 2012 with an all-female cast looking to take the next step in their golf careers. Shot on location at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, the show will showcase a field of 12 women at different stages of their golf careers – several are playing on the Symetra Tour, while others turned professional for the series. In addition to other prizes, the winner will receive an exemption into an LPGA event this year.

Christina Stockton is the daughter of LPGA teaching professional Becky Herbert Stockton, golf was introduced to Christina at a young age. A four-time all conference player at the University of San Francisco and a part-time model, she turned professional in 2011.

Christina Stockton’s interview with Pink Diva Golf:

When did you start playing golf? Did you have any special mentors that have influenced your golf career? I started playing golf when I was 5 years old. My parents put a club in my hands since I could walk. We lived on the 14th hole of a country club so golf has been familiar to me for as long as I can remember. My mom, Jolene Stockton, played on the Japan LPGA and is a LPGA teaching instructor. My dad is an avid golfer as well. My mom has been a huge influence in my career as she taught me growing up, along with my instructor Dave Atchison, and is still a coach for me today. I am so blessed to have Mr. Bill Fobes as a current mentor for me. He became my mentor 7 months before I turned professional. I would not be where I am today without him. There have been so many people who have influenced my golf career. Some in smaller ways than others but nobody goes forgotten.

Tell us a little about yourself – hometown, where you live now, college, etc. What’s the strength of your game? And where do you feel you need to improve? I am from Rocklin, Ca and play out of Whitney Oaks Golf Course. (Pink Diva’s favorite Sacramento area course!) Not an easy one! I attended the University of San Francisco and graduated in 2010 with a business degree. I loved USF and the city of San Francisco! I was so happy there and had a successful college career. Playing at the Olympic Club every week was not so bad either! I am a great putter and have very good feel around the greens. I would love to hit my drives 10-15 yards further! Im not a short hitter for weighing 100lbs but I wouldn’t mind the extra yards!

What are your goals to be successful on the Symetra Tour in 2012?
I have partial status on the Symetra Tour this year so my goal is to get a win under my belt every time I tee it up. Im not sure how many events I will get into so a “W” would really help me secure a top 10 spot in the money at the end of season, which means my dreams will start to come true!

What do you like to do when you aren’t playing golf?
Off the golf course I enjoy being active, running or working out. I also enjoy modeling and the world of fashion. I am a foodie and wine lover! I like discovering new yummy restaurants, coffee shops, or wine bars. I enjoy cooking with my friends and family. On Sundays you will find me in church. I love my church! I am very close to my family so I spend a lot of time with them. My brother and my sister are two of my best friends. I am a social butterfly but also love to get lost in a good book or watch a movie.

Can you tell us something funny and/or interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I am willing to try anything once! When I sing to songs on the radio, I like to sing the lyric after it’s sung because I think it sounds better with an echo – I know some of you do this too, don’t lie!

Who would be in your dream foursome?
My answer to this question changes all the time. Can I have a dream eightsome please?! Ok I will settle with a fivesome… Right now I would say Tiger Woods because well you know, I don’t need to explain, Annika Sorenstam because she has changed the world of women’s golf, Will Ferrell because he is so hilarious and cracks me up every time! My forth would be Adam Scott because he is just so good looking, not a bad golfer either!;)

If you were in charge of “growing the game of golf for women” what would you suggest or change to get more women involved with the game?
That is a loaded question. I think golf needs to be introduced in schools at the elementary level, along with basketball, soccer, and track in P.E. If your parents or close family friends do not play then the chances of a young girl getting into golf is close to none. We need to make golf more accessible and affordable for young girls. I also think more courses need more women’s only golf activities and outings. I see this more at country clubs rather than public courses. Women are busy with their families and most do not have 5 hours to spare to go play golf so how about a late afternoon of six to nine holes, or an hour of group instruction with wine and cheese following? Im in!

What’s in your golf bag?
Driver: R11 Irons: TaylorMadeTP CB Wedges: TaylorMadeTP
Putter: The Ghost  Ball: TaylorMade Penta  Footwear: Adidas
Glove: TaylorMade Grips: Golf Pride Tour Wrap  Sponsors: TaylorMade/Adidas

The Golf Channel announced that you are one of the contestant’s on Big Break: Atlantis, which premieres May 14. Congratulations on being selected – do you think your experience on Big Break will help your game on the Symetra Tour this year?
Thank you! I am so excited to be on Big Break Atlantis! Being on the Big Break has been the best experience of my life. It is a great test of golf and nerves. Every shot is like your championship golf shot, you know what is at stake and you know millions of people will be watching, no pressure! Sometimes my hands would physically start shaking! The Big Break puts a unique constant pressure on you. I know that I can still perform under these conditions thanks to the Big Break. I transformed as a player and cannot wait to start this season with a newfound confidence. I hope everyone tunes in! It is going to be a fun season!

 

Best of luck Christina on the Symetra Tour in 2012 – and I hope you get your first “W” on Tour very soon!

Follow Christina on Twitter and check out her website, Christina Stockton Golf.

And tune in to the Golf Channel on Mondays starting May 14th, to watch Christina tee it up on the Big Break 14 – Atlantis!  #TeamStockton.

Support Women’s Golf – attend an upcoming tournament in 2012 on the LPGA and the Symetra Tour!