Pink Diva Golf is starting a new series of golf interviews – we will be interviewing up-and-coming women golfers from the LPGA Futures Tour! The LPGA Futures Tour is known as “the Road to the LPGA” and since 1999, it has been designated as the LPGA’s developmental tour.
My first interview is with Jackie Barenborg! I was introduced to Jackie via the Golf Belles/Global Golf Sisterhood Facebook page (if your a woman golfer please join!). The Golf Belles announced a fundraiser back in March 2011 to help Jackie raise money for her upcoming year on tour. On the Futures Tour it costs $500 to enter each tournament plus travel, living, and equipment costs. “Last year, I couldn’t have played without this fundraiser – I know that every penny helps me reach my dream of playing on the LPGA,” said Jackie. Pink Diva donated some items to the fundraiser to support Jackie and she agreed to do an interview!
Photo courtesy of Jackie Barenborg. jackiebgolf.blogspot.com
Tell us a little about yourself – age, hometown, where you live now, college, etc.
I am 24 (turning 25 in July). I was born in Houston, Texas but moved to Vero Beach when I was 2 and have lived there ever since. I went to Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. I played golf for 4 years and earned my degree in Elementary Education and would absolutely love to teach but couldn’t imagine giving up competitive golf. In 2007, I helped my team win the D2 National Championship. I was also very involved with my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha while at FSC. I also played on a mini tour in Florida, the Suncoast Series when I first graduated in 2008 and then finished my first season on the Futures Tour in 2010.
How were you introduced to golf?
I started playing golf at the age of 4. Both of my parents played and brought me out to the course during the summers. My hometown, Vero Beach, FL, had a great summer junior golf program where we got to play a lot of the private and public courses. I started at age 5 playing 3 holes from the 100 marker all the way to age 18 playing with the boys on the blue tees. My mom was my high school coach which really made me work hard on my game.
Tell me something most people don’t know about you?
I can do a back handspring! (I learned in middle school in competitive cheerleading).
What year did you join the LPGA Future tour? What has been your biggest challenge so far playing on Tour?
Photo courtesy of Jackie Barenborg. jackiebgolf.blogspot.com
I joined in 2008 after I graduated college but didn’t start playing a full season until 2010. The biggest challenge was going weeks upon weeks in a row and learning to manage my time and practice schedules. I learned not to play 18 holes every practice day and to take days off and enjoy the cities I play in. I have been doing that so far this year and I feel that I have a lot more energy and enjoy being on the road more.
Do you have a favorite LPGA player?
I would say Annika – she has been so impactful in women’s golf.
What part of your game are you working the hardest on?
Putting…you can always make more putts! 
What’s in your bag?
Ping G15 driver and irons (5iron-PW), TaylorMade 3 wood and 3 hybrid, Titleist 4 hybrid, Cleveland wedges, and Rife putter.
Who would be in your dream foursome and why?
Fred Couples (my dad was his RA in school), Tiger Woods (being able to watch how he plays in real life would be amazing), and Rocco Mediate (he went to my college, Florida Southern College).
Is there anything you would like to add?
I am so lucky to be playing a professional sport and truly feel blessed to be able to do so. I hope my dream of playing on the LPGA is just around the corner!
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Jackie Barenborg took 2nd place on the Futures Tour's season opener: Florida’s Natural Charity Classic at the Lake Region Yacht and Country Club. Photo courtesy of Jackie Barenborg. jackiebgolf.blogspot.com
Jackie took 2nd place on the first 2011 Futures Tour tournament of year – Florida’s Natural Charity Classic. Congratulations Jackie! You can read her blog recap of the event, click here.
This week the Futures Tour is in Mason, Ohio and Jackie will be playing at the Teva Championship Presented by Time Warner Cable. (The fundraiser was such a huge success that Jackie will be able to play every tournament this season).
Good luck this year on the LPGA Futures Tour Jackie! We hope to see you on the LPGA very soon!
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Support the LPGA and the Futures Tour – attend an upcoming tournament! Bring a friend, and especially a young golfer girl – you never know after watching the LPGA ladies she may grow up to be an up-and-coming golf star!
View the LPGA Futures Tour schedule for the rest of the year, click here and join the Road to the LPGA Facebook page.
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Excellent interview and I look forward to following Jackie now that I know a little more about her. Keep up the great work – Sweet Spot is certainly a fan!
Thanks for your comment Brian! We need to bring more awareness and support to the LPGA Futures Tour – it’s not always an easy road to make it to the LPGA. The ladies on the Futures Tour all have amazing stories and I hope to highlight these up-and-coming women golfers!
Great interview girls. It is wonderful to see one of our own profiled in such a brilliant light. What an amazing dream. Keep up the great work Jackie and remember that all your Global Golf Sisters are with you every step of the way.
Lots of Love from the Golf Belles
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