Introducing Alena Sharp and her First Monthly Column for the Canadian PGA

Greetings,

I just want to introduce myself. My name is Alena Sharp. I was born and raised in Hamilton, ON. Growing up, I knew I had passion for sports. I played hockey, soccer and golf. I realized as I got older, I was becoming better at golf and there was also a future in that sport. I won at the Junior level which allowed me to get a scholarship to New Mexico State University. I chose NMSU for the warmer climate and availability to play golf year round. Something most Canadians do not do unless they sneak to Florida.

I won at the collegiate level and at the Amateur level. I decided that my passion for golf was what I wanted to pursue as my career. I turned professional in late summer 2003. It took me two tries at LPGA Q-school before I received any kind of status and three times to gain full status. From 2004-2006 I played on mini-tours. This allowed me a place to play and a place to learn how to win at the professional level.

My first year on tour, 2006, was a huge learning curve. I had some successful weeks but I missed more cuts then I would like to recall. I focused too much on missing the cuts and where I was on the money list instead of playing golf and letting the end results add up. I lost my full exempt card by a mere $700 when all was said and done.

In 2007 I had one year under my belt. I was non-exempt, but got into every tournament I would have if I had my exempt card. I also connected with Lynn Marriott and Pia Nielsson from Vision 54. My attitude and outlook on golf did a 180 from the year before and when the year ended I saw the results. I finished 57th on the Money List, leaving me as the highest Canadian on the money list. I had my first first Top 10 at the CN Canadian Women's Open followed up a few months later with another Top 10. I was the Captain of the Canadian Womens World Cup team and my world ranking went up by 121 spots leaving me at the beginning of 2008 as the highest ranked Canadian in World Rankings.

I am really looking forward to seeing what this year has to offer. I know many of you may not know me. I am hoping this year I become more of a target on the radar for women’s golf in Canada. This off-season I have taken some time off and played some hockey. It was great competing on a team and playing hockey brought out my dominate personality I would like to see more of on the golf course. I also hit the gym 3-4 times a week. In the gym I do cardio and weight training. I met with Vision 54 a handful of times to keep my focus going in the right direction for 2008.

When I was not playing hockey, in the gym, or at the course I must say I spent a lot of time playing the Nintendo Wii. I even played Tiger Woods Golf 2008 left handed. My goal for the 2008 season is to have at least one win. I believe last year was a stepping stone to some many great things and a win is right around the corner. I also have goals to continue making steps up the ladder in the World Rankings. I know if I go play golf my goals will be reached. The outcome will all play itself out. Since I was a young kid I saw improvement each year at each level. I know steadiness but improvement is still on my side. Hope you all are ready to cheer and enjoy the ride.

Thanks for listening and learning a little more about me. Thanks also for your support and until next time,

Alena

**Alena Sharp will be writing a monthly column for the Canadian PGA website detailing her experiences traveling the world throughout her third year on the LPGA Tour. Look for her next entry in early March**

For more information contact:

Jeff Dykeman
Manager of Business Development
Canadian PGA
jeff@cpga.com
(519) 853 5450 ext 232

Erica Bury
Communications Coordinator
Canadian PGA
erica@cpga.com
(519) 853 5450 ext 234