As the grip of winter loosens its hold, golfers eagerly emerge to hit the greens, yet months of inactivity can leave even seasoned players feeling rusty. Enter Petra Cole-Lempa, Pebble Beach Golf Academy’s newest golf instructor. Introduced to golf at age two by her PGA Member father, Petra has earned her PGA Membership and accolades, including the 2014 Southern California PGA Women’s Player of the Year award.
A San Diego native, Petra was mentored by her father, a PGA Member for half a century. She began playing golf at the age of two and excelled at the amateur level, winning multiple junior tournaments and lettering in both high school and college for four years.
While at San Diego State University, she earned her Master’s in Public Administration and was part of the All-Academic team for two seasons. Highlights of her career include winning the San Diego City Amateur and finishing as the runner-up in the California Women’s State Amateur at Quail Lodge.
Petra has also qualified for numerous USGA events, with a top thirty-two finish in the US Women’s Mid-Amateur.here to share tips to help golfers get their game back on track.
Here are Petra’s expert tips to help golfers knock off the rust and rediscover their swing:
Tip #1: Warming Up
Start with a series of stretches focusing on the legs, shoulders, and hips to prevent strain. Begin with wedges to build confidence before moving on to longer clubs.
Tip #2: Putting
Use a putting mirror or alignment rods to reinforce proper technique. Consider utilizing technology like PuttView at The Academy to refine your alignment and pace.
Tip #3: Short Game
Focus on tempo and rhythm with chips and pitches to regain feel. Emphasize repetition over perfection to ease back into the groove.
Tip #4: Driver
Start with half swings to find the sweet spot on the clubface. Use impact stickers for feedback and gradually increase speed and length.
Tip #5: Keep Expectations Low
Be kind to yourself after a hiatus from the game. Enjoy the process without the pressure of keeping score.
