Interview with HSBC Women’s Champions 2014 winner, Paula Creamer

Golf enthusiasts should be sitting up right about now because even with Singapore’s limited land space, we still have room for golfing tournaments. This time as the country gears up for yet another gripping golfing competition at the 8th edition of HSBC Women’s Champions this week, we caught up with defending champion, Paula Creamer.

Now Paula is one strong force to be reckoned with. Her winning 75-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole play-off putt at last year’s HSBC Women’s Champions was voted ‘Putt of the Year’ by LPGA golf fans around the world. Nicknamed the ‘Pink Panther’, due to her preference for wearing pink, Paula is definitely determined to hold on to the trophy this year as well and we’re guessing no one’s going to steal her thunder.

So just before the sporting event kicks off at Sentosa Golf Course, we spoke to Paula who shared with us her take on female athletes, balancing her golfing career with personal life and her favourite things about Singapore.

Marie France Asia: As a female golfer, what advice would you give to other female athletes in typically male dominated sports?

Paula Creamer: Why, I would say to be true to yourself. I mean, most females that go into sports, male dominant sports, feel they’re very confident and competitive. There’s nothing wrong with being female and being athletic while being feminine and whether it comes down to your dress code or the way you act, I feel like it’s incredibly important to stay true to yourself. You know, respect is given to her at the same time but, I truly feel that there’s a reason why you’re there, there’s a reason why you got into that sport being in that situation and say “I’ll do it”. It’s to be strong.

MFA: How do you balance your personal and professional life?

P.C.: I think that is the billion-dollar question right there. Being able to live your life outside the ropes as we call it, is very difficult. There’s a balance, that my husband and I have had to work on and we will continue to work on this, especially with him being in the military, it’s definitely not easy. But you have communicate, you have to be true to yourself, you have to be true to the ones that are close to you – let them know your goals, and let them realise that this is what I want to do or this is what I want to do to help me get to that point. Being able to realise that this is what I want, I think is the big part. Not just you saying “here’s one thing that I want to do”. I think there’s an ultimatum at some point that you have to realise that you don’t have to give them the same sum at the same time.

MFA: What are your favourite hangouts in Singapore and what do you like most about the country?

P.C.: Oh my goodness, the food is amazing. Shopping; how could you not talk about shopping in Singapore?

MFA: What’s your favourite food?

P.C.: Food? Anything. I have gone to so many countless restaurants, I can’t even tell you. Spicy, non-spicy. American, Chinese. Just everything. I love food. I love culture. I think that’s the best part about travelling. I’m hoping when we’re there, there’s some really good Broadway shows that I can go and see but the whole week will be so exciting. I love the culture of Singapore and I love being able to just be around that. It’s so fun.

MFA: What would you be looking forward to most this year, beyond the tournament itself?

P.C.: Well, just being around the fans. I can’t even tell you how many times I came back to Singapore and every time I go it just gets better and better and seeing all the juniors come out, that just truly shows that Singapore really invests in the junior golf program and that’s what golf is all about – enjoying the game and Singapore seems to be doing an amazing job at that.

Tarandip Kaur

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Thursday, 5 March – Sunday, 8 March 2015

Time: Commencing 8am daily

Venue: Serapong Course, Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore

Tickets: Available from Sistic, from SGD20

Win VIP passes to the HSBC Women’s Champions here.