Meet the ‘Pink Panther,’ Paula Creamer

Paula Creamer is just like any typical teenager. She loves the color pink (and was nicknamed the “Pink Panther” by Casey Wittenberg). She’s addicted to shopping, fashion, and the latest trends. But ask Paula what her biggest accomplishment is to date and she will tell you, “Getting my LPGA Tour card.”

Creamer has been playing golf for as long as she can remember. Since the tender age of ten, young Creamer has been working hard to achieve her goals, with her parents supporting her achievements. She has won a total of 11 American Junior Golf Association tournaments (named 2003 AJGA Player of the Year), was a semifinalist at both the 2003 and 2004 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships and has even represented the United States at the 2002-2003 PING Junior Solheim Cup.

Playing in ten LPGA events as an amateur, Creamer posted five top-20 finishes. As if that wasn’t enough game for an amateur, the young athlete almost won her first tournament before entering Q-School, finishing one shot behind veteran Cristie Kerr at the 2004 ShopRite LPGA Classic.

Last year, though, was a breakthrough year for the nineteen-year old rookie. She rallied at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament to win by five strokes earning her exemption into the 2005 Tour.

Competing against the likes of Annika Sorenstam and Rosie Jones has not quelled her ambition, but heightened it. With four starts this season, Creamer has already claimed her first top ten finish at the Mastercard Classic (T6). Two weeks later, Creamer followed up with a top 20 at the first major of 2005, the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Her 2005 stats reflect a newcomer on the rise, currently tied for 16th place in scoring average, tied for 21st place for rounds in the 60s and tied for 42nd place in driving accuracy. Those are pretty impressive statistics for someone who just came out of the gates to make a name for herself.

One of the most prestigious honors for an LPGA rookie is to be named the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year. To achieve this honor, points are awarded at all full-field domestic events and doubled at the LPGA’s four major championships. The point system awards 150 points for first, 80 points for second, 75 points for third, 70 points for fourth, and 65 points for fifth. After fifth place, points are awarded in decrements of three, beginning at sixth place with 62 points. Rookies who make the cut in an event and finish below 41st each receive five points. The trophy awarded is an original design by Steuben, the LPGA’s official crystal. Last year’s winner, Shi Hyun Ahn, also was awarded a specially engraved 18kt yellow gold Rolex Cellini, with an 18kt yellow gold deployable clasp on a chestnut ostrich strap, a watch that any trendy young teenager would also adore. Creamer already has 160 points after only four events, and is on track to secure this honor. Her nearest competitor, Young Jo, has accumulated 82 points.

With the Solheim Cup almost five months away, Creamer also has plenty of time to accumulate points to be a member of the American Dream Team. Although she has just begun her first season as a professional LPGA player and points have been accumulating since last season, Creamer is on track to earn her spot in this prestigious event. Currently tied for 37th place, she already has 33 points. The top qualifier, Cristie Kerr, already has a total of 493.5 points. Although only the top ten automatically qualify for the U.S. Team, captain Nancy Lopez selects the final two members. If Creamer can put together a winning season, she may still be selected for Team USA.

And now, between her estimated seven figure endorsement for her 2005 rookie season and top prospects watching and waiting to see what Paula does next, she dances and giggles like any other teenager. Life is fun, Paula, isn’t it?

Photo Credit: © LPGA.com.