The start of the week was spent gearing up for the Toronto Golf and Travel Show.  I hit balls under heated stalls at an outdoor driving range in Calgary to groove the swing.  It is feeling good considering it is early in the season.

I also of course had girl appointments to gussy up for the show like getting my hair done.  Although I am an athlete I must admit I am such a girl when it comes to getting my hair and nails done!   I love it!  You feel pampered!

Thursday early morning it was off to Toronto.  After landing I checked into my hotel and then went for a long run.  I was so happy it was warm enough that I had to take advantage of it (warm enough meaning 36 degrees F, above freezing).  I ran all along the water on the board walk to the Molson Amphitheatre where I saw my first outdoor concert ever, Dave Mathews.  Sighhhh…. I love running near water! So peaceful.

I had run along that route on the September long weekend after National Championships and it was packed!  It was 90 degrees F and people where everywhere.  On Thursday you could have shot a canon down the path and not hit a soul.  Though the runners I did see were very friendly.  I do very much like the runner camaraderie.  How you wave or nod to fellow joggers who also have music cranked in their ears and are pounding the pavement.  I could get into this running thing!

The next day is was the start of the show.  One of the only 3 day golf shows in Canada.  People had been lining up since 6 am to capitalize on the deal of free golf that the show was offering.  The place was packed when the doors opened at noon.

I was part of the Score Golf Booth featuring the Links for Women program.  It is a program focused on getting more women into the game and offers leagues and instructional days for ladies who want to tee it up with the softer sex.  Many women came by and were thrilled to get more information on ladies programs.  I was impressed with the number of women at the show!

Lisa in the Score golf booth with Junior golfers at the Torotno Golf Show

I shared the stage that day with golf instructor Michael Breed.  He referred to me as his long lost cousin since we both get teased for our high energy!  Lots of giggles were had and the crowds were fantastic.  People were very keen to take in swing techniques and tips to help play better golf.

Lisa with Golf Channel’s Michael Breed

The next day was equally packed with a tremendous buzz and excitement going through the show.  Guests were thrilled to get a 15 minute lesson for $10 by PGA of Ontario instructors, to test some of the new equipment goodies offered such as Nike’s Covert line and to check out all of the travel deals.  There were courses represented all throughout the United States and Canada as well as Punta Cana, Mexico, Bermuda and more!

I was honored to share the stage this day with 2-Time World Long Drive Champion Jamie Sadlowski.  He is 5 foot 10, a buck 70 and hits it over 4 bills!  Thank goodness he is not in the ladies division!  He put on great shows and I think we both had a good mix to help the crowd learn how to hit it further and understand the wild sport of long drive!

The final day was exciting as well.  I thought it may be a bit slower with it being a Sunday but there were still big audiences.  I think people were very excited to see and meet Sean Foley, Tiger Woods, Hunter Mahan, Justin Rose and Stephen Ames’ swing coach to name a few.  It was the first time I met him and was blown away by him.  He is very cerebral in his teaching and focuses on the kinetic link.  He was absolutely fascinating.  He was down to earth, humorous and humble.  I was beyond flattered when he said he had seen my swing and knew who I was.  You know you have made it when… ha ha!

Lisa with Sean Foley coach to several PGA Tour Players including Tiger Woods

I must say he was a tough act to follow!  My stage shows went really well that day and I was honored when people took the time to come over and say hello!  I find so many people share when they are disappointed or disgruntled in life but it is such a rush when they come and share positive things with you!

I flew back right after the show to get some family time and I am off again next week to the Ottawa Golf Show.  Should be fun!

Until next week, go long!