We sat down with Amy Fruhwirth, former LPGA professional and AZ GOLF's Championships Manager, to ask her five questions about her golf journey and what the sport means to her.
Who Introduced You To The Game Of Golf?
My mom and dad introduced me to the game. We would practice at Heartwell Golf Course, a par 3 golf course with a lighted range and course. I would go with my dad every Saturday and Sunday and eat breakfast at the restaurant and then we would practice for hours chipping, putting and then hitting golf balls on the range. Heartwell had a junior program – every Saturday at 2pm we would play 18 holes. The course pro would hit a ball on the 1st hole and if we got closer than him, we would earn a sleeve of golf balls and bragging rights! It was an amazing way to learn the game and I loved it!
What is Your Favorite Memory On The LPGA Tour?
My life on tour was amazing. There are so many memories but my favorite memory are those that stand as the “firsts”. The first US Women’s Open I qualified for, The Broadmoor. The first Wednesday ProAm I played in because it meant I was high enough on the money list to play. Finishing tied for 3rd at the Nabisco Dinah Shore, one of the majors on tour. Winning the JC Penney Mixed Team event with Clarence Rose – having to make a 5 foot downhill putt for us to win the event. My tour win at the Friendly’s Classic.
What Advice Do You Have For Beginners To The Game?
I would suggest taking lessons whether individual or group lessons. Learning the fundamentals of the game is so important; grip, posture, alignment are the starting points. And begin with the short game – chipping and putting then work to the full swing. Stay patient.
What Lessons Have You Learned From Golf?
Adversity – learning to pick yourself up and move forward and to never ever give up. A strong work ethic – give 100% no matter what it is. Golf for me is more than just a game and it’s given me so much more than what I can give back to it.
If You Could Play One Course For The Rest Of Your Life, What Would It Be And Why?
The Dinah Shore course at Mission Hills. The Colgate-Dinah Shore was the first LPGA tour event my parents took me to and that’s when I thought it would be so cool to play on the LPGA tour. It’s sweet and a full circle moment that so many years later, I was actually one of the pros playing in that event.