Morning at the Kia Classic

Alez367

Formerly Carlos C.
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yesterday morning I was fortunate enough to get time off to enjoy some time at the LPGA Kia Classic at Aviara Golf Course in Carlsbad, CA. If you're not familiar with the course, it was the host course the 2018 Ultimate testing with Titlest event (https://bit.ly/2TDCV67)

I spent about 3-3.5 hours at the course wandering around the driving range, putting green, 1st tee area. Didn't really talk to anyone in particular but the general interaction was very pleasant and enjoyable. I will say, the motto for the LPGA was "it's different out here" and they are 100% correct. I am a fan of what they are doing on that tour and the players/athletes are amazing.

So that the initial post isn't too long I will post all the swings in a separate post and the photos in another.

One thing to notice was the security and roping was very soft. What I mean by that was you were able to approach alot of people, some closer than others, and you were greeted with a soft voice and conversation as compared to the PGA tour event down the road at Torrey Pines where the security is tighter and significantly less fan friendly. Hell i was never asked to move or not photographs anything while I was there. I even got to say hello to Morgan Pressel as she exited the 9th green and get to know Jaye Marie Green's caddie Matt.
 
Here are the swing videos i took. Please note InBee Park was testing srixon/XXIO drivers off the first tees since she was going out solo and no one was waiting for the box to clear.

InBee Park - Srixon driver

youtu.be/sKMOVg95fbs

InBee Park - 2nd srixon driver

https://youtu.be/GqcQHmF7S-o

Inbee Park - XXIO driver

https://youtu.be/Z8OR6RavPUY

Brittany Marchand

https://youtu.be/yRtWTcqfcOU

Daniela Darquea

https://youtu.be/vgYCGh46UFg

Didn't get players bag

https://youtu.be/D86PAmZJhgg

Kris Tamulis

https://youtu.be/lCBoxr8KfoU

Maria Torres

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O0WDIn2cUM

Emma Talley on the putting green

https://youtu.be/ZkdqlkKd9Vo

InGee Chun

https://youtu.be/Iu1hBvdmO-A

https://youtu.be/qmdFoRCmD78

Didn't get player bag

https://youtu.be/GIdWftqmaTc
 
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Thanks!
 
Morning at the Kia Classic

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Lexi Thompson
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Messing with Evnroll putters
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Lydia Ko
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Jaye Marie Green

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Amy Yang and Mirim Lee video chatting
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Maria Torres bag
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Azahara Munoz and bag

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Lindsey W
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Captain Julie Inkster doing a promo photo shoot
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Great pictures, already bringing back the memories of being there last year
 
Were they hitting on the top/back of the range? Seems much different from when we were there.


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A good friend of mine's daughter is playing (i have known her since she was 10). Megan Khang.
 
Were they hitting on the top/back of the range? Seems much different from when we were there.


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pros were using the top range and some were on the lower range. When the wind kicked up, pros were 1 hopping into the hill the lower range sits on. It was hilarious to see the first couple bounce up and the caddies and players start yelling
 
Hey Alex,

Do me a favor and give Lexi my number. Thanks.


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Very cool. Thanks for sharing, Alex!!
 
Definitely some great smooth swings! Thanks for sharing Alex!!
 
@alez367 - what's up with all the layers and 1/4 zips? I thought you lived in sunny SoCal. :D Just kidding, thanks for posting the photos and videos.

Did you see any of the Zoo Crew at the course? Jeff N mentioned it was 11 minutes from Callaway during Monday's Ship Show.
 
@alez367 - what's up with all the layers and 1/4 zips? I thought you lived in sunny SoCal. :D Just kidding, thanks for posting the photos and videos.

Did you see any of the Zoo Crew at the course? Jeff N mentioned it was 11 minutes from Callaway during Monday's Ship Show.

It’s was cold that morning. Lexi and a couple others had skirts/shorts on while caddies and couple earlier golfers had pants/rain gear pants on. As the groups started going out and practice the laters started coming over.

As for the zoocrew, they were there doing some projects with a LPGA player but I didn’t get to see them in person while I was there. I did try and find Barry Lyda the tour rep but wasn’t able to as he was on the top range where I wasn’t allowed.
 
Nice review Alex. I concur with the relaxed atmosphere on the LPGA! It’s such an experience. The players are all super friendly and approachable. Barry is in constant motion, a very busy one man show. Although out there he probably had some help? Daniela Darqua can crush the ball.
Im looking forward to Seaview again this year. It’s always a highlight!! Only downside now is it is right after the US Womens open and the field is weaker than normal the last 2 years.


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That’s so cool Alex, thanks for sharing! The swings of the ladies are so smooth, something many of us should aspire to really. Love watching them!
 
Nice review Alex. I concur with the relaxed atmosphere on the LPGA! It’s such an experience. The players are all super friendly and approachable. Barry is in constant motion, a very busy one man show. Although out there he probably had some help? Daniela Darqua can crush the ball.
Im looking forward to Seaview again this year. It’s always a highlight!! Only downside now is it is right after the US Womens open and the field is weaker than normal the last 2 years.


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She can just bomb the ball. Very nice young lady that appears to have the talent to be on tour for a while. I believe last year was her rookie year if I remember correctly.

One interesting thing I saw was the amount of players carrying trackman monitors. At least 4 ha them.
 
That’s so cool Alex, thanks for sharing! The swings of the ladies are so smooth, something many of us should aspire to really. Love watching them!

TBH, I may enjoy watching LPGA events than most PGA, simply because their swings tend to be smooth and optimized. I'll never be able to rotate or post like any of the PGA guys, but I can aspire to a smoother tempo and transition.
 
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