Player Profile - Laura Baugh

By: Steve Gomen
Posted: May 15, 2007

Recently I had the privilege of sitting down with LPGA player and Golf Channel analyst Laura Baugh. During her professional golfing career from 1973 through 1997, Baugh earned 66 Top 10 finishes, including ten runner-ups. However, if asked what her greatest claim to fame might be, I would bet money that this energetic mother of seven, would smile and reply “motherhood!” However, seven children have not kept her from continuing to do what she loves-golfing, working out and helping others.

Golf Fitness Magazine: At what point in your career did you start training to improve your golf specific fitness?

Laura Baugh: When I turned professional in 1973, the idea on tour was if you get strong, you couldn’t play. Fortunately, I had been inspired by a TV program I used to watch about Yoga. At the early age of 14 I started doing Yoga, and I still do. I like to do yoga when I’m in the shower. It helps me remember to do it every day and the warm water enhances its benefits. I never had an injury and I attribute that to the flexibility I maintained with yoga. Then, when I started having children, I was determined to get my stomach back in shape after each child. I discovered the benefits of core strength back in a day when no one had ever heard the term “core”.

GFM: If you could say one thing to our women readers about golf specific fitness, what would it be?

LB: Flexibility is always important, even for women. But then I would say strength, upper body strength to hold a good position at the top of the back swing. Without good strength, you can’t “pause at the top”, which promotes good tempo.

GFM: What kind of food do you recommend to eat during a round of golf?

LB: Before a round, I stay away from fats, they don’t digest well. During the round, I like to make my own trail mix. I mix up my favorite nuts, raisins, some dried bananas and apples. When I was playing tournament golf, I would make them in separate baggies and each day throw one in my bag. When it comes to indulging however, I like the real stuff. When I want a bowl of ice cream, don’t give me that no fat kind. If you’re going to do it, do it good, your body needs that from time to time.

GFM: What is your advice about staying focused while playing a non-competitive round?

LB: Have a routine, make it creative and personal. Having a routine helps you slow down a little and takes away the pressure, which allows you to focus.

GFM: What about nerves on the first tee?

LB: Just take a golf ball and toss it up and down, it forces your mind to think about something else. Take some deep breaths. And have a sense of humor, that always helps calm the nerves.

GFM: What is your favorite golf course?

LB: Pebble Beach. It’s romantic, inspiring, and challenging. But only when it’s warm!

GFM: Who would be in your dream foursome?

LB: My Son, he’s my golfer and is playing competitive golf now in college. I enjoy watching his clutch play. Tiger, we don’t hardly know what we are witnessing yet with his accomplishments, its truly history in the making. And my Father, he is the one who gave me my passion…..

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