Tina Miller's Online Journal

Website coming...

2006-12-18T21:18:00.000-05:00

Hey,

Just wanted to let you know the new website should launch the end of the week!!! www.tinamillergolf.com I am so excited. It is such a nice page and the people at AWS (Athlete Web Services) are amazing!!! They did the website just how I wanted it and took my idea and ran with it. You will be able to see some pictures, read my journal, and also listen to my new podcasts...

I also did a segment for the www.floridagolfconnection.com It is a weekly show on SunSports (our Fox Sports Network here in FL). It should air soon and if it doesnt it will definitely be on their website for you to view. I had a lot of fun filming the show and the golf tips that will run throughout the season.

Till next time...keep on swingin'

Flori-DUH!

2006-10-21T08:54:00.000-05:00

Hi,

I am back in the warm part of the earth, Florida. Ahhh, so nice to sweat!
I have, now, a PT job at a golf course in Central FL and will continue to work hard on my game throughout the next 40 days (till Qschool). I am working mornings so I have the afternoon to golf and nights to workout.

I just want to say thank you to all those who have supported me throughout the year: Birdie Girl (www.birdiegirl.ca), LIJA clothing company (www.lijastyle.com), Taylor Made and Adidas (www.taylormade.com), American Thermoplastics and the Silberman Family (www.binders.com), Heavy Putter (www.heavyputter.com), Titleist and Footjoy (www.titleist.com), and Swing Juice (www.swingjuice.com).

I would also like to thank my representation, Chris Murray with IMANI Sports,Shaun Goodsell with the Mental Edge and Barry Goldstein for all their support along the way. As well as the support from Mr. Morse for believing in my dreams. Last but not least Charlie DeLucca, who is my mentor and truly knows I have what it takes to make the LPGA. I cannot forget my mom and dad, who always knew I had a knack for this game :)

I would be rude in not thanking all the famalies that I stayed with throughout the year on the Duramed FUTURES tour along with the staff of the tour for making my rookie year a memorable one. I hope next year to be a rookie on the LPGA and I believe that with the support I had this year, I can definitely do it...

Thanks for a great rookie year!!! Keep coming back to my website- the new one should launch relatively soon...it is going to be amazing. I am not going to say too much about the design, because I haven't seen it yet, but think Miami Vice meets Golf Girl :)

Thats all for now...till next time, keep on swingin'

Qschool Recap and the off-season

2006-10-03T21:59:00.000-05:00

HEY!

Just wanted to put up a quick post because I have been lacking in keeping this blog up-to-date! I finished T13th at LPGA Qualifying Tournament Sectionals out in Rancho Mirage, CA at the beautiful Mission Hills golf courses (Dinah and Palmer) a little over a week ago. The final day, the Desert winds blew and the pins were tucked which resulted in higher scores on the final day. I was very pleased to make it out of California because now I have 2 entire months to prepare for the Finals which is Nov 30-Dec 4th at LPGA International. I am much more confident in my game this year and I feel that I can make it out on the LPGA for 2007!

This off season I will be in the Orlando Area again. I will probably get a part-time job and be working hard on my game. I am currently taking Yoga and Pilates classes and plan on following through with those during the off season as well. I also plan on doing a Pilates for golf clinic in the Orlando area, check out Pilatesforgolf.com to see if there is one near you!

My foot is still the same but it seems the cortizone shot is working pretty good, so hopefully we can just continue this way and maybe postpone surgery for awhile!!!

I had a great time in California, I would LOVE to move there... Thanks to Geo at Taylormade for showing me around the Kingdom ;)

Many great things are lining up...a new website and some other great announcements, but can't count your chicks before they've hatched, so until then I am going to keep it all on the downlow....

Till next time...keep on swingin'
The pic to the right is on the #14 hole on the Dinah Shore Tournament course.

Latest and Greatest

2006-08-17T08:45:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Sorry it has been so long since my last update. Many great things have been happening in my life since my last post. I have been playing, all things considered, good golf, adding more miles to my car, and working out again. My foot still hurts a lot, but the season is almost over and after first stage of Qschool, I am going to rest it for a couple weeks.

I was leading our Tour Championship with a first round of 66, I have been in the final group- more than once- and getting more and more used to the pressure of that final pairing.

I played in the Best Buy Charity Classic out in Minneapolis with some great people from Nintendo. I have had more top 20s, and I plan on making some Top 10s to end out the season. I am currently top 50 on the Money list, but I want to be top 20 at the end of the season. I have been working real hard on my game the past week out here in Maryland and plan on only great things!

I was able to visit with my grandparents in MA and took a week vacation ( a month ago ) out on the Westbrook shore in CT.

I have 3 more events out here on the Futures tour, and then it is out to LPGA Qualifying school. From Sept 14-23 I will be in Palm Springs, CA. trying to get past first stage and out to finals in December, down in Daytona.

Please keep on checking back to my website. I am in the process of having Athlete Web Services do my website and I have a feeling it will be awesome!

Thanks again for supporting my career, Keep on Swingin'

Tina

Lake Geneva Recap

2006-06-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

Hey all!
Thanks for continuing to follow my progress and for all your support. I played well last week- hurt foot and all!!! I finished T4th and shot 69, 76, 73. It was great to finally play to my capabilities. I had a strong (Heavy...haha) putter the first day that helped me secure only 28 putts. I was nervous my second day, playing in the lead group for the first time since being a pro. I need to get used to playing in the lead group and hopefully this will become a weekly thing for me :) The tournament was amazing. Lake Geneva, WI is a great city. The course was absolutely PURE. The greens rolled true and you had to know what part of the green to be on in order for an easy putt. The volunteers and fans were also great. We had a ton of people watching us every day and it really made you feel like a pro. It was a first class event and Ihad an amazing time...I want to go back to Geneva soon :) Maybe for a summer vacation- oh wait- I don't have that anymore :( Darn!
Next up is my US Women's Open Sectionals. They are in Baltimore, MD. I am excited and head over there tomorrow. Thanks for checking up on me and Keep on Swingin'

Update

2006-05-13T07:31:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Sorry it has been awhile since my last update. I am currently out of commission for the next couple weeks. I did not play El Paso or Tucson because I have a hurt R
foot that needed rest. I had been playing with it since the 3rd event, Lafayette, and on Doc's orders was told to rest it for a month and try to finish out the sesaon before any further diagnosis can be made. It really kills me to be at home watching the girls playing out there, and my ranking towards the Top 10 slipping away, but I need to rest it because I need my feet for the rest of my life.

I had a great time though so far, on the road, with my travel buddy Beth Irwin. If you check out the Scrapbook portion in the photos section you will see I have added some pics from the road. I hope to get some streaming video on there and figure out podcasts...sorry! Maybe now that I am resting I will have some more time on my hands to do all that. Well that is all for now. Thanks for the emails and great comments about myself, women's golf, my site, and much more! I love getting the emails so please continue to send :) Take care and Keep on Swingin'

Lafayette Recap

2006-04-15T08:51:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Greetings from Memphis, TN. Last week I played in the FUTURES event in Lafayette, LA. I had many exciting and memorable things happen to me that week. I arrived on Tuesday night and played a practice round Wednesday. That evening we had a "Meet the Pros" Party. It was great. It was setup just off the golf course. There was live music and ALOT of food. From there I went and stuffed my face some more at my host family's house. Beth and I stayed with this amazing family that was just so kind to us. We had a great time staying with them.

The first round I got off to a rough start. I was 3 over after 6 holes and looking to almost goto 4. I pulled myself together and ended up only 1 over at the turn. I shot 1 over on the back nine for a total of 74. The following day I got off to a much better start however turned at 2 over. I ended up making many birdies on the back nine, and had it to 3 under on that side (1 under total) until a double on the par 3 8th. It plays about 195 straight to the center but with the wind I HAD TO HIT DRIVER!!! I hit the ball fairly long, about 245-250 avg off the tee and hit driver pin high in the bunker. Hit a horrible out and then had my lone 3 putt of the day :( The final day was a day full of bogies. I was not happy with my short game at all. It failed me this tournament. I have been working on it real hard this week, our week off, so I can make up for it the next few events. I ended with a final round 77 and finished T28. All in all I was not too disappointed. The main reason I was not disappointed was our conditions. I tried real hard to not allow the winds to control my game and for me to be in complete control of everything that happened on the course. I learned alot about myself and that I do not give up. I learned that on a windy day, you cannot let the wind get the best of you or get you down. I learned a lot from this event and I am going to carry that on into the next 3 events in TX which I hear are windy as well....so bring it on!

Other than the golf, we went on an art walk through downtown historic Lafayette, and that was fun to see a lot of the local art. Many of the artists have migrated to Lafayette from New Orleans, since Hurricane Katrina. That evening I tried my very first Crawfish. I feel if you have to work that hard (breaking the shells) for that small piece of meat, might as well order lobster! haha :) I had more seafood last week than I have had my whole life, and I live next to the Atlantic ocean!

Now I am at my friend and travel partner's home in Memphis, TN. We have been able to play some real nice courses, including Spring Creek, where they might have the FedEX St. Jude PGA event next year. Tomorrow is Easter and I wish all of you the best and God Bless.

Till next time...keep on swingin'

Can you pack your life into a suitcase?

2006-04-03T22:16:00.000-05:00

This is how I feel right now. Lots of clothes and one little suitcase sits on my bed. I am preparing to pack for pretty much the entire season of golf, on the FUTURES tour, so that means for the rest of the year. I have to pack for all conditions: Cold, Hot, and Pro-Am parties, workout clothes, shampoo conditioner, straightener, blowdryer, golf clothes, regular clothes... it sounds like not that much, but it is going to be hella hard to zip up my case. Before I start updating you on some things, I just want to say thank you to all the people in the Clermont/W. Orlando area who allowed me to practice at their facilities. Without them, I would have no where to play golf. They include: Roger and the staff at Stoneybrook West, Jim and the staff of Legends GC, and finally Adam and the staff of Kings Ridge. Thank you SO much!

Ok. Now for the updates. Last week I finally got a car! I got a 2003 Saturn VUE. That is going to be my home away from home once May rolls around. I bought it down at Esserman Nissan, in Miami. The process was vitrually painless and very easy! Thanks to the guys at Esserman for all their help with the purchase :)

I also spent a day with my brother at Disney. He is at school in Gainesville, FL and we went to Magic Kingdom and MGM Studios. I absolutely love the Aerosmith Rockin' RollerCoaster :) I LOVE rollercoasters!!! My favorite is probably still Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, but Rockin Roller Coaster is REALLY a close 2nd. Other than that I have been just relaxing, working out moderately and of course practicing, but not over-doing it. It will be a long time out on the road and I do not need to burnout before the season even begins.

I love to watch that show Deal or No Deal. I think I am now addicted to that, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Houswives and Big Break V. I can't wait for the new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm to start then I will have pretty much every day covered!

Ok well that is it for now. Keep your eyes out for the GOLF CHANNEL everyday....starting tomorrow...I will be in a HEAVY PUTTER infomercial :) I am real excited about that!!! It is a great putter and I completely believe in it! Off to Louisiana tomorrow evening for the event so till next time!

DURAMED FUTURES GREATER TAMPA Recap

2006-03-20T09:58:00.000-05:00

Hey,

This past weekend I played in the Greater Tampa Futures Tournament at Summerfield Golf Course in Riverview Fla (say that 10x fast, haha). I shot 70, 72, 73. The par was 71 so I finished 2 over for the event. I was pretty upset with my final round just because I doubled my 17th hole and missed an easy birdie opportunity on the 18th. I pulled my tee shot on 17 and was left behind a small tree. I tried to pull it around the tree, trying to make a miracle "Tiger Woods" shot and hit the tree. Then I played smart and chipped out, hit it to 5 ft, and lipped the bogey putt... I can't complain too much because I made another cut, which means another paycheck. I also moved up from 54 to 37 on the money list and top 5 in the Rookie of the Year race. I am also happy because I hit more greens this week and my putting, with the Heavy Putter, has continued to improve. I had two 3-putts all week...which I should have none, but it is better than last year! Also I feel more confident in my swing coming down the final stretch of holes. I look forward to the rest of the season out on the Duramed FUTURES Tour and hope to keep on moving on up!

I now have about 2 weeks off before I fly up to Lafayette, LA. I will definitely be working hard on some fine tuning before I leave FL for a long time. I also want to check out Islands of Adventure or Busch Gardens because I need some thrill rides!!!

Well thats all for now. Till next time :)

Oh and I auditioned for the next Big Break (VI)....so maybe I will be on who knows!

FUTURES TOUR: LAKELAND Recap

2006-03-13T09:56:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

This past week I played in my first Duramed FUTURES Tour event and the first event of the season. It was played at Cleveland Heights in Lakeland, FL. They had our qualifying tournament, for FUTURES Tour, there in November- so I was pretty familiar with it. First off, the FUTURES tour puts on an excellent tournament. You have many expectations heading into a mini-tour, but the tournament was ran real smooth and like a real professional tournament.

Before the tournament began there was a junior clinic that I helped assist with. It was at the First Tee of Lakeland. It was alot of fun helping out the young children. I love doing those things. Also, we had a Meet the Pros party held at the clubhouse and that was fun as well. I hope that I can move up the money list and play in some Pro-Ams because they seem like alot of fun as well.

The tournament for me, to say the least, was a true ROLLERCOASTER...in fact I had a dream about a rollercoaster last night and I think that was a sign that the scary ride is over! haha. I shot 71, 72, 79. I went from T11 the first 2 days to T54...OUCH! My first round I birdied my first 4 holes! It was awesome. I had it to 5 under and then had a real bad 3 putt from about 15 feet. I should've walked away on my 2nd putt but I hit it and suffered the consequences....ya live ya learn! From there the bogies came in bunches but I held on to shoot in red numbers. The next day was just steady pars, a bogey and a birdie, to shoot even and keep it in red numbers. The final day I wasn't nervous, I was actually pumped to go low. I didn't want to be too relaxed just because I made the cut, I actually wanted to make a charge at the leaderboard. I started out with a bogey on my 2nd hole and then a birdie on my 6th hole to get it back to 1 under for the event. I then bogied my 8th and 9th hole and made the turn at 1 over. I bogied my 10th hole and was then at 2 over. I was real upset but realized, OK I have played this side in red numbers both days, lets change this tournament around and get off this bogey train. I went par, par, bogey, bogey....I bogied the easiest par 5 on the course!!! I was then burning up inside, from there I made a good par putt and a good par on the next hole. Then on my 17th hole, par 3 167 yards, I flew the green into the pond behind and failed to get up and down. I ended my round with a good birdie attempt but came away with par.

Overall I was upset with my performance the last day and how I blew an opportunity to start the year off top on the money list. It is not about the money, because I know I will not be able to make alot, it is rather about getting top 5, getting my tour card. It is a long season and the mentally strong will survive. I plan on getting it no matter how hard it is for me, I will do it!!!

FYI: If you live in Florida the event will be on SunSports April 20th-ish. They did an interview with me and plan on using it on their show so keep your eyes out!

Till next time.

02.23.06

2006-02-23T08:42:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Just got back from another trip to Miami. This time I went down for a University of Miami Hurricane Club benefit tournament. The UM Hurricane Club raises funds for the UM Student Athlete Scholarship fund...so we can recruit only the top athletes in all sports! It was held at Deering Bay Golf & Yacht Club this past Monday. It was a beautiful day in Miami! It was nice to see some familiar faces from UM. My team shot 16 under and I think we finished top 5, but no trophy! Oh well. We had a great time though.

Also, I worked hard on my game at Inverrary Golf Course with Barry Goldstein again. We are working on getting my backswing more on plane and my downswing a little less stuck behind. Although I am not anywhere near being on plane, I am striking the ball real solid. We also check the basics, grip-aim-stance-and posture. These are things that if you do not pay attention to them all the time, they can get sloppy. I am so excited for the FUTURES season to get underway. I have been training so hard and I am so excited to get back into steady competition again.

I am using the new R7 425 cc. I love it! I am hitting it awesome. I also switched to the Taylor OS long irons, 3-5. I am hitting them much better because they are alot more forgiving. I also switched to the Taylor wedges, a 60* and 54*. Thanks to the guys at Taylor Made for making me such great clubs. Of course, my HEAVY PUTTER is working so well for me! My lag puttng is getting better and with some new drills I learned yesterday I am going to become a more consistent putter.

Till next time...keep on swingin'

Still workin'

2006-02-14T22:34:00.000-05:00

HEY!
I am just back from a short trip to Miami. I went back home to Miami to visit with my family but also to work on my swing and do some minor tweaking before the season starts up in March. I went to a lesson today with Barry Goldstein at Inverrary Country Club in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He is a top 50 teacher and a super guy! His daughter, Carly, is awesome too! I am working on getting my swing on a more upright plane. I have always taken the club way inside and this has hindered my ability to be a consistent player. When I was on with my old swing, I was unstoppable, but when I was off- I WAS OFF...ie. this year's US Women's Open. haha I can laugh about it now. Also I am working on having correct posture throughout my swing. These sound like easy changes, but for me they really are difficult because when you have done something for 15 years, everyday, about 300-400 balls each day....it gets ingrained in your muscle memory. These are changes I knew I needed to make and I am ready to work real hard for the next two weeks!

Till next time :)

Baby Steps to my Big Goals!

2006-02-06T17:52:00.000-05:00

HEY!

Just wanted to update everyone about my upcoming events. I'm going to play in the Florida Women's Open February 28-March 2, 2006 at Rio Pinar here in Orlando, FL. I think it will be a good tune-up for the first FUTURES event the following week in Lakeland, FL.

I spent the weekend in St. Petersburg with my friend who will be traveling with me, Beth Irwin. I mentioned her in the last post- we will be traveling with one another on the FUTURES tour. We had an awesome weekend. First we started out "trying" to play a practice round at the 2nd FUTURES tour site, Summerfield Crossings, in Tampa, FL...except the course closed because it was raining soooo bad! So what do you do if you can't play golf? Ya go shopping! We hit up some mall in Brandon, FL and then drove over to her place in St. Pete. It was awesome...right on the bay, beautiful view. I love the water...water and golf courses, those would have to be where I will live when I get my own place- but enough day dreaming!...So the next day we scheduled a tee time at the same course- BUT of course, it was raining again and only 9 holes were open...so we just chilled, went to ihop, then went on a scavenger hunt to find a course that was open- and there was a First Tee facility open in St. Pete, so we hit there just to keep the swing in gear. The following morning...we FINALLY played Summerfield Crossings! It was a rough day for Beth and I, but at least we were able to see the layout and play! The people at the course were super friendly, I hope all the FUTURES sites have friendly people like there :)

So I have had this headache for the past 3 days now and I am getting worried...I hate doctors and medicine but I think I might have to give in because it is affecting my practice! Well till next time...hopefully my head will be OK by then ;)

First CUT...PGA SHOW!

2006-01-29T09:15:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

If you have been following my scrolling updates you saw that I made the cut in my first professional event. I had a rough final day. I was too cold the first 5 holes and had absolutely no feel. I don't know why I was so cold because I had about 10 layers on, but I couldn't warm up until the back nine. Also, I need to learn how to play just as hard the last day, as the first day!

I had a LOT of putts too and I am finally going to give in and switch putters. That was the last straw! I am now happy to say that I have SWITCHED putters. I met a company at the PGA show, HEAVY PUTTER. I absolutely love their putter. I am so excited to have it in the bag. The people at the company are the nicest people I have met in this industry! The putter really is heavy, but it allows your arms to just move through the putt and eliminates using your smaller muscles.

PGA show was a blast. I saw my good friends Cristie Kerr and Christina Kim. Also got to see my friends that will be on the new Big Break V, Ashley Prange, and Jeanne Cho. I also got to meet with my new clothing company, LIJA. I am absolutely sooooo excited about their new Fall 2006 line. Some super cute, hip, and sexy clothes :) My friend Beth, who is traveling with me this year on the FUTURES tour, is staying with me for the weekend. We had a blast at the show and were absolutely exhausted yesterday from talking to everyone!

Also, I visited with my 2 little friends, Carly Ray and Julie :) The future of the LPGA tour!

I had such a good time this week and Andy, Beth and I are going to the course for a match today and to try out our new Sky Caddies!

Till next time:)

HOOTS

2006-01-18T23:10:00.000-05:00

I played my first tournament of the New Year and would like to quickly forget about it. I shot 83, 79. The conditions were not ideal. The winds both days were blowing pretty steady around 20 mph. Todays conditions, wind-wise, were somewhat esaier, but the temperature dropped quite a bit and made it real cold. Yes, the wind...the cold...they both were huge factors for my poor scoring, however, that is no excuse for some of the stupid mistakes I made. This is what upsets me the most. I practice a TON and don't see the results. I guess it will come to me and I will soon be atop the leaderboard like I was in college, but for right now it just sucks. I will wake up tomorrow and not tee it up in the event because I missed the cut by 3 shots. Yea I am pissed. It was a good field, but not spectacular. It is the same girls that I beat in college and at Futures Qschool and LPGA Qschool. So to miss a cut in a Hooters event, yea I am really fired up right now. I am going to let my anger out at the gym tomorrow morning, re-evaluate my practice routine and start over. I am going to act as if I did not waste money to enter that event and MOVE ON!

Enough venting for now and back to the drawing boards! The new John Daly show is hillarious...ya'll have to watch it! I hope you guys like the changes to the website. I am slowly learning more about Podcasts so hopefully I can have all that up before the FUTURES sesason starts. I also wanted to take the time and say that I am real thankful for those people in my life that have been there for me during this process. It is a fun/difficult process and more of a learning experience for me. I learn something new each day. It is nice to have things handed to you in life, but I enjoy the process and working for these things but I couldn't have done many of the things without these certain people in my life such as my agent Chris, who is doing so much and more for me right now and who believes in me...Shaun, my sports psychologist, who is going to help me achieve my goals this year...Andy, for knowing who I am as a person...my dad for loving me no matter what I shoot :) These people help make the hard times, like today, seem not so tough.

Well, off to bed and time for me to write down some immediate goals before I hit some sleep!

Till next time...

New Year, New Goals

2006-01-14T19:56:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I am back here in Clermont, FL. I was sick this past week and took it somewhat easy. I practiced alot the past couple days and have been working out, of course, everyday. I am playing in the next 2 ladies hooters events. The one next week is in Eustis, FL about an hour North of where I am at. I am playing a practice round there tomorrow. I am real excited for 3 things, first to be in competition again, 2nd the PGA show coming up ( I have never been before) and finally my birthday is coming up!!! I love birthdays because I love cake! mmmmm :p

I recently signed a one-year deal with a clothing company based out of Canada. It is called LIJA. Their clothes are so cool! It suits my style completely! It is stylish, comfortable and you can actually wear all the pieces off the golf course and not look like you just came off the course! I don't mind being a golfer and looking like one, but it is nice to have fashion on the course and off and LIJA's clothes do that for me! Check out their website, it is under construction right now but should be up and running pretty soon...www.lijastyle.com

This year I have some pretty lofty goals. I am not going to mention them until they become a reality and I have achieved them. Somewhat like you shouldn't tell people what you've wished for... I am going to be a silent one this year... let things workout for themselves. I believe that hard work pays off and I have been working hard both physically (in the gym) and on the course. I will start working with my sports psychologist, Shaun, again this week as well and work on achieving some of those goals!

I will be traveling on the Futures Tour with my friend Beth. Her and I are going to drive everywhere!!! It is going to be INSANE, but a learning experience we will never forget. I promise to keep you updated from the road and hopefully via podcasting. I am obsessed with Apple and my iPod, so I might as well use technology to my advantage. So, until next time....hopefully I will have cashed my first professional check, we will see ;)

Tina

Happy Holidays

2005-12-16T12:48:00.000-05:00

Today I am leaving Clermont and traveling to Miami. I have not been back to Miami since October, so it will probably be upsetting to see all of the damage that was done by Hurricane Wilma. I will be helping out with the Doral Publix Jr. Golf Classic Dec.21-23rd. Each year I help volunteer at the event, hosted at Doral Golf and Spa. I usually get stuck doing the driving range...handing out golf balls at 6 am...OUCH! Oh well, but I do love to watch all the younger kids warm up and see how great their games are! It is so amazing to me how far some of the 6 year olds can hit it these days, watch out Tiger and Annika...haha :) Then I will celebrate Christmas with my family and friends then back up to Clermont where I will be working hard on my game before the FUTURES season kicks off in March. I might play in a couple of the Ladies Hooters Events in my area, but I still have not decided. I am excited to be going back to Miami because I miss the beach and I want to go by my alma mater, UM, and see all the faculty at the athletic center.

I took the plunge and dyed my hair a little darker. I couldn't go all the way back to my natural because thats just way too dark, so I chose a medium-blonde and I absolutely love it. It brings out my green eyes and makes my tan look even more deep. I have just been working out and going easy on the golf. This past Sunday I played 18 holes at the Palm Course on Disney. It was in nice shape and that was the first time I had touched a club since Qschool (which was 1 week to be exact and felt like forever!). I wanted to give myself a break and the break actually helped me. I was a little rough on the first few holes but then loosened up and on the back nine finally knocked in some birdies. It is a nice course and was in great shape, but what do you expect at Disney, everything there is happy and perfect!

My friend Jessica drove up from Miami on her way back to NC and stayed with me for a few nights. We had a little match on Wednesday afternoon, one in which I won...haha (I have to rub it in Jess just because the prize was soo worth winning). The prize was the drink of my choice that evening. We went to Disney Boardwalk and ate at the ESPN resturant which was very tasty especially my MULLIGAN drink that I had there....mmmmmm! Then we hit up Goofy's Candy Store and absolutely splurged on sugar coated peach rings, gummi bears, snow caps...and Jessica got a foot-long pixy stick just full of pure sour sugar...needless to say she ate the whole thing. Then yesterday we went to Magic Kingdom, MGM, and Epcot. I must say that my favorite ride is the Aerosmith Rockin' Rollercoaster, I just LOVE rollercoasters! We then went to Planet Hollywood at Downtown Disney and hung out at an Irish Pub with this awesome Irish band and Irish dancer. It was so much fun and we had a blast! Especially when they played the fast song from Napolean Dynamtie, FLIPPIN SWEET!

It has already started to be a great holiday break for me and I wish the same for you and your families as well! Take care and talk to you during the New Year!

Not the end of the world...

2005-12-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

Hey all!

I am back here in Clermont, just getting ready to hit the bed, but I just wanted to give you a post LPGA Qschool update. Some of you may have been following the scores on LPGA.com, but for those who haven't here's the scores I shot while at Qschool last week. 78-79-72-71....ROUGH start, but I never gave up. Conditions were pretty cold in the mornings, but ABSOLUTELY gorgeous in the afternoons. The first 3 rounds were real windy and the last day was perfect with almost no wind gusts. I missed the final day cut by just 3 shots and considering I shot so poorly my first two rounds, it somewhat got under my skin. The first two days wasn't my short game, driving, irons...it was mental. I didn't trust the swing I had coming into the event and this is something I tend to do often and something my sports psychologist, Shaun, and I will be working on in the off season. I did have some bad breaks, but who doesn't in golf? In 36 holes I had no birdies, and about 14 lipped out putts. I am not going to blame anyone but myself...BUT when you have that many putts come so close, it really DRAINS you out mentally, especially when you are making great chips, pitches and bunker shots, or even great shots from the fairway and are unable to make the putts. I knew I had to shoot about 68 the last day to have a chance at making the cut. I did leave quite a few putts out there as well. Thanks to Chris, my agent, for coming out to support me and also my dad's cousin, Lee, for watching me play as well...
On a brighter note, I will be playing the FUTURES tour next year. If I would have garnered conditional status on the LPGA, it wouldn't have guaranteed me playing in events on the tour. This way I can focus my entire year at getting my card, and getting back in the spotlight of winning, which to me is super important because if you know how to handle yourself in those pressure situations of holding a lead coming down the stretch- you will be able to do it out on the tour when it truly counts. Also like Vince Lombardi said, "Winning is a habit". To me, once you win...it does become a habit, it becomes addicting and it is something to work toward.
I am taking this week off to rest and hit the gym. I am going to train real hard this off season and add more plyometrics to my workout regimine. I hope to make it up to Minneapolis this winter and work with my sports psychologist at the Mental Edge and also to get a golf specific workout at the Griggs Sports Institute @ the Imani Sports offices. Well till next time, keep on swinging and never ever ever ever (as Tyra Banks would say haha...but seriously she does say ever ever ever alot!) never give up on your dreams!

...time goes by...

2005-11-16T16:59:00.000-05:00

Hey!

I have that new Madonna song, Hung Up, in my head so I thought I would title this entry time goes by because that line is in the song. SO! Played in the FUTURES tour qualifier last week and didnt play well at all. I made the cut and will have status next year on their tour, however, the big kahuna, LPGA is coming up soon and that is what I am really pumped up for.

Last week at the qualifying tournament I started to get heart palipitations...I have a mild condition of mitrovalve prolapse and a heart murmur, which is very common, byt combine that with asthma and a resting HR of like 55bpm and you get issues, haha. I think my heart went up to probably 190 bpm. I then went back to the hotel and I just layed in bed the rest of the night. I was actually scared because I felt like I had to goto the hospital, but luckily it wasn't too severe and I am feeling much better now.

About a month ago, I joined Gold's Gym, so that we can keep in shape and get ready before the season. Today I had my first personal training session with Vicky a personal trainer at Gold's. I had been working out 4-5 times a week and sometimes 2x a day and then she absolutely kills me today! Those standing squats on the ball against the wall had me shaking!!! But in the end it was VERY good and I am very motivated to get in the best shape I can before the qualifier and the 2006 season. I hope to get my workout schedule and routine posted soon I will also post the supplements I am currently taking in addition to my workouts. I am planning on taking a day long course on Spinning so that I can be Certified to teach it because I have taken it for so long that I think it would be so much fun to be able to be a substitue spinning instructor during the off-season!

Well thats all for now. I was thinking of trading in my blonde locks for golden brown (back to my au natural!)...let me know what you think- email me your comments...tina@tinamillergolf.com

Take care and keep on swingin'

Aftermath of Wilma

2005-10-29T21:42:00.000-05:00

Hey All!

Well, as you know, Hurricane Wilma ripped through S. Fla this past week. My family, who is in Miami, was not injured, however, our home was severly damaged and they are still without power. My thoughts and prayers are not only with my family, but with all other families that may be experiencing even worse conditions.

Wilma through off my schedule for the week. I was supposed to go down to Miami for Homecoming/Alumni Weekend, but the hurricane made the University cancel the homecoming activities which really sucks! I am back in Orlando now, Clermont to be exact, and ready to practice some more. I was able to play a couple practice rounds while I was in Lakeland this week. I got down my yardages and game plans for each hole for the FUTURES event about a week from now and I am real excited to get back to the competition again because I havent played in an event since QSchool in California.

I am probably going to sign up for Series 3 of the Ladies Hooter Tour events, so that I can stay competitive and the payout is pretty decent...thats all for now, till next time, keep on swinging!!!

Updates :)

2005-10-19T09:06:00.000-05:00

Hey all! Since my last post many great and exciting events have taken place in my life. First, I made it through first stage of Qualifying School out in California with a four round total of 1 under par. I was real proud of myself, because I knew I had to shoot a good number the last day and I went out and did it! I shot 68 the last day and only needed a 70 to get in (1 over par was the cut). I am now just practicing each day for my next event which is FUTURES tour Qschool November 6-8 in Lakeland, FL. I am playing in Cristie Kerr's Birdies for Breast Cancer charity event at Reunion resort this weekend, if Hurricane Wilma doesnt make landfall!!! AHHHH These hurricanes I tell ya are getting to be like the norm here in Florida. Also, a random thing happened to me the other day. I was at Starbucks by my house in Miami...and who walks in? Anna Kournikova! It was neat and I went up to her and she was SUPER SUPER nice. She was going to workout, to keep her amazing body in shape of course...and she drove off in her fire engine red Porsche...that was the highlight of my week so far! haha. Well that is all for now. I will keep you posted and maybe upload some photos from Cristies Event this weekend. Till then keep on swinging!!!

USA! USA! USA!

2005-09-10T14:51:00.000-05:00

Ah! To hear those words must be such a thrill for the 2005 Solheim Cup team. It is my goal to be on the team in 2 years, a goal in which I will achieve! It would be nice if Team USA can get the cup back and keep the record streak of no EURO wins in the STATES!!!

Not much else going on here from Michigan. Just practice, practice, practice. I will be leaving on next Saturday for Palm Springs. The first round of Qschool will be on the 20th. You can check scores daily on LPGA.com

A deep warmth of sympathy comes out from the bottom of my heart for those dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. After being in Hurricane Andrew in 1992, when I was only nine years old, I can definitely understand how those people must feel. They are in my thoughts and in my prayers. God Bless.

GO USA!
Tina

Wendys Wrap Up

2005-09-04T23:02:00.000-05:00

Sorry it has been a couple weeks since my last update. I am up here in Michigan, preparing for LPGA First Stage of Qualifying School...but since the last time I wrote, I was able to play as a Sponsor's Exemption into the Wendy's Championship for Children. It was a BLAST. I played in the Monday morning Pro-Am, at Tartan Fields (the tournament site) with a 610 AM Radio Talk Show host from Dublin. I played with him and 3 other people that were winners from a contest he had on his radio show, which was pretty neat. We had a blast and they all had a dry sense of humor...it was GREAT. I also had a great caddy for the event, Miles, he was Birdie Kim's caddy this year at the US Open (if you don't know who she is, she is the girl who hit in from the greenside bunker on 18 to win the US Womens Open). Tuesday was a practice round.My caddy and I were able to put together a gameplan that was safe yet agressive on some holes. We got my yardages down to the half yard which to me was awesome bc I didn't know my exact yardages until then. That afternoon I did a Clinic for young girls with my friend and LPGA star, Catherine Cartwright. It was great because we both grew up playing Jr. golf together...Then I went to a FCA meeting at Ohio Sports Complex. It was a neat way to get away from the tournament site and interact with the players outside the golf world. I had never been to an FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) meeting, but this one was great, full of skits and yummy food ;P Wednesday was just a practice day. My instructor, Charlie, flew up and we worked on grooving my swing, which luckily, did not need much tunning. Talked with my sports psychologist on the phone that evening to get over any uneasy feelings I had headed into the first round. I must admit, I woke up a few times in the middle of the night...just bc I was so anxious! That first tee shot was amazing, I feltlike I was going to faint or something but right before they called my name, I was OK and hit a great drive about 255 down the middle and was like ok WHEEW!The first nine holes were a little shaky, but overall Iwas pleased with my demeanor on the course and my ability to stay in the present,however, on the 18th hole(my 9th) I had some bad luck...I hit it into the right fairway bunker. I had 170 to the front of the green. I blasted or I should say, NUKED, a 4iron clear over the green. I thought it was in the grandstands, but unfortunately it was in the water.(had it been in the grandstands, I couldve received a free drop). So, I took my drop and then proceeded to chip up and 3putt (ok, so that wasn't bad luck but that 4ir was so PURE...) SO I made the turn at 6 over and then shot 2 over on the other side. That evening there was a player BBQ for players, family, friends and caddies...it was nice, just off of the 1st fairway and the chocolate covered strawberries were delicious! The next day, on the course, I felt normal again just like I had in college events. I made the turn at 2 under and then became hesitant on the backside and shot 40 and ended up with a 74. SO I missed the cut. The cut was at -3, which is pretty low but the conditions were perfect and it was definately scorable. I actually received a manicure the next day for free in the locker room so there was a bright side to missing the cut, haha. Overall though I had a great time and learned a LOT from this exeperience. With each tournament I play in, I inch myself closer and closer to the LPGA. At this event I was so greatful for the people I met. I stayed with an AWESOME family. Many of the pros were super-friendly and I was able to see my friend, Cristie Kerr again. I look forward to getting out on tour bc I now know that I belong out there, it is just a matter of time. Till the next time, thanks for keeping updated and visiting my website. My new website should be up and running within the next few months but I will try and keep this blog updated. Take care!!!

Greetings from Sunny Miami

2005-08-04T19:00:00.000-05:00

HELLO!

As most of you already know, I am Tina Miller. I recently just got back from the US Womens Amateur in Atlanta, GA at Ansley Golf Club. What most of you do not probably know is that I withdrew from the tournament. No, I wasn't injured. No, I wasn't sick. Yes, I did run out of golf balls! Well, it might be funny to me now, but it definitley was not at the time. Hours upon hours of practice thrown down the tubes I thought to myself so I did what I needed to do, came home. Yesterday morning I was out on the range with my instructor. I have not had a swing lesson in over 2 months and the main reason to my swing flaws are because my ankle injury that I sustained while playing golf the day before my team (the Miami Hurricanes) were leaving for the NCAA East Regional tournament. I continued to play and rehab it, but my swing was suffering because I was favoring my left side.

Since then I have competed in the Women's Open, Public Links and the amateur. I don't even know if you could say, competed because of the scores I shot, but I am still holding my head WAY high because I have fixed the errors in my swing. I received a sponsor's exemption to play in the LPGA Wendy's Championship for Children and I am REALLY excited about that. That is on August 25-28th and you can visit LPGA.com for more information and live scoring. I will be playing in 2 pro-am events which I am also very excited about because all of this is new to me. I have some good friends out on tour though that can help me along the way. After the Wendy's I have some Women's Hooters Tour events that I would like to enter to stay competitive before Q-School, which is Sept 20-24th in Rancho Mirage CA.

My website should be up and running probably late September so until next time, keep updated through my blog :)

Tina