Meet LPGA Tournament of Champions: Dana Finkelstein
At Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, we are privileged to have several professional golfers practice on our award-winning Jack Nicklaus design course throughout the year. Our membership roster includes several LPGA players, four of which are teeing up for this year’s Bank of Hope Founders Cup tournament. We sat down with LPGA champion, Dana Finkelstein, to talk shop and learn how she prepares for big tournaments.
What about the upcoming Founder’s Cup tournament are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to playing my hometown LPGA event because I was born and raised in Arizona. I love the fact that all my family and friends get to come out and watch me play.
Anything about the course or the tournament that you think will be challenging?
Wildfire produces a very low tournament-winning score every year so I think the most challenging thing will be to stay patient and let the birdies come.
Any specific strategies in mind going into the tournament?
I don’t have any specific strategies in mind right now. It will depend on how the course is playing and how the tournament staff sets up the course. I will put together a game plan for the week with my caddie during the practice rounds.
What have you been doing to practice/get ready for the tournament?
To get ready for Founders Cup, I have been working with my team every week. I have been working with my swing coach Matt Trimble on my swing. I have been getting strong and fast in the gym with my trainer, Zach Gully, and I have been trying to keep my body healthy by working with my physical therapist Austin Fair. Both are based at Superstition Mountain.
What is your connection with Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club?
My connection with Superstition Mountain dates back to junior golf days. I used to watch the LPGA tour play the Safeway Open at Superstition Mountain and I played local junior events at the course when I was younger. I have always loved the courses and feel so blessed to be a member and have the ability to use the club to prepare for my LPGA season.
How would you describe the club and/or its courses? And/or what do you love about it?
Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club is one of a kind and is the best facility for me to practice and get ready for my season. Having 36 holes to play on and an elite practice facility provides me with everything I could ever need to prepare. I love how friendly all the staff and members are and that they make me feel at home. I also love that the course sits under the Superstition Mountains! It is a beautiful setting! If you can’t make it out to watch Dana hit the greens in person, stop by Superstition Mountain’s 19th hole and join us in cheering her on.
How would you describe the club and/or its courses? And/or what do you love about it?
Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club is one of a kind and is the best facility for me to practice and get ready for my season. Having 36 holes to play on and an elite practice facility provides me with everything I could ever need to prepare. I love how friendly all the staff and members are and that they make me feel at home. I also love that the course sits under the Superstition Mountains! It is a beautiful setting!
If you can’t make it out to watch Dana hit the greens in person, stop by Superstition Mountain’s 19th hole and join us in cheering her on.
