We continue our series of interviews with the FJ Ambassadors by introducing you to Chris Chapman, or golfchick, who holds the unique distinction of being the first female Ambassador! As you'll discover, Chris is not only a solid player, but she also has a background in fashion and apparel and was kind enough to offer some advice on how to look your best on the course and what trends to expect in 2010.
1. At what age did you start playing golf? Who introduced you to the game?
My dad introduced me to golf when I was 10 or 11 -- he felt it was important for us to learn a lifetime sport. I took lessons for two years, but didn't do much with it -- junior high and its associated interests (boys, maybe?) took priority. I didn't play for 20 years except for an occasional round in a scramble. In 1995 I got into golf tournament management, and after a couple of years decided I needed to be able to walk the walk if I was going to talk the talk! So in 1997 I got a basic set (you know, the kind that comes with all the clubs and the bag in a big box). The basic swing from junior lessons turned out to be decent, and I worked up to getting fitted for clubs in 1998. Got my first hole-in-one that year, and another the next year, so you know I was hooked at that point! Now I play a couple of times a week during the season, and whenever it's at least 50 degrees during the off season.
2. What's your best score and where was it?
My best round is an 83, at a public course in Overland Park, Kansas that I play a couple times a month. My handicap is 23.
3. Favorite golf moment?
My favorite golf moment? The three aces! The first because, well, it was the first. The second and third because I was playing with good friends who loved sharing that special moment with me!
4. What's your "specialty" on the golf course (driving, approach, short game, putting, etc)?
I love hitting the driver! I know, I know...hitting the long ball is everyone's favorite part, but I do get more distance than most of the women I play with -- average around 170.
5. What are you working on?
I'm working on the worst part of my game -- the approach. I am not confident in my irons or in my decision as to which shot to use from about 80 yards in.
6. What golf-related product can you not live without?
My FootJoy LoPros would be the golf product I can't live without. I prefer to walk when I play, and the value of a comfortable, well-fitting shoe when you're walking can't be beat.
7. Tell us about your most memorable round of golf (why this round, with whom, where, when, score, etc).
My most memorable round of golf was at Doral. I was playing in the finals of the Executive Women's Golf Association's national championship. It was in 2000, my handicap was about a 32. Neither round was very good, and fortunately for my ego, I don't remember the exact scores, but the opportunity to play on that big a stage at that point in my golf career was pretty cool.
8. What are your interests outside of golf?
Interests outside of golf? I have a 21-year-old son, and as others parents know, that can take up a lot of your time! Working out is a big deal for me; I have a good group of friends and a fun aerobics/kickbox instructor, so we work out and hang out. But since I have several different part-time jobs in the golf industry, golf's pretty much my life! I still haven't figured out why I don't live somewhere warmer!
9. How did you learn about the FJ Community?
I learned about the FJ Community through the FJ website. I've been a FootJoy and Titleist fan forever, so I accessed the website many times before the community got started. I really enjoy it -- great fun to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions on such a wide variety of golf-related topics.
9a. Considering your background in fashion/merchandise, what are the three most important fashion tips you would like to share with the men on the FJ Community?
As for fashion tips for the guys -- I think the Ambassadors are all pretty savvy when it comes to clothing and footwear. Everyone's taste is different, but my platform is "Respect the Game." I hate seeing people in jeans, baggy pants, sideways hats, tank tops -- save that for the street! Even a 40 handicap looks like a good golfer in nice khakis, a nice polo that fits, and of course, FootJoys. Trends I'm seeing for 2010 -- grey is a big color, and so is turquoise. Performance tops will be a huge share of the market. Plaid pants and shorts continue their popularity among men and women -- and how awesome is it that we can all get custom FJs to go with them?