Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesYani Tseng says she was honored to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a recent Mets game.I had not even had an opportunity to think about what had happened at the Kraft Nabisco Championship when I started a very busy and productive two weeks. Back in Orlando, I have had some time to reflect. Although I was a bit sad and disappointed, I also gained some valuable experience that made me feel better. When I did not win in 2011, I burst out crying to the degree I almost collapsed. But this year, although I did not win, I kept my composure, always smiled and maintained the best attitude to complete the tournament. Although the outcome was not what I wanted, it seemed with a bit more luck and more trust of myself, the outcome could be different.
Trying to be too perfect -- was I too hard on myself? In golf, it's almost impossible to be perfect on each shot; that's the fun and challenge of golf. Although I have won many times now, each time when I have a lead, I start to think about winning. It's very difficult not to think about winning. Every time, there are new challenges. Every time, there are new issues to overcome. I did learn many valuable lessons! I look very much forward to playing again next year at Kraft.
Scott Halleran/Getty ImagesYani Tseng picked up the 2011 Female Player of the Year award during the GWAA awards dinner held in conjunction with the Masters.I was very happy that I could go to the Masters again this year. This was the second consecutive year that I came to Augusta for the Golf Writers Association of America awards dinner. I'm very excited every time I'm at Augusta National. It's such a beautiful and fabulous golf course. I hope one day I will have the opportunity to play a round here. It's quite an honor to be listed with such great players and legends on the GWAA award-winners list. These winners were selected in various categories by members of the GWAA. I am really thankful for your validation!
Speaking of the Masters, I trust every one of you watched the Masters tournament. There was always great excitement during the tournament. Although I was ready to go to practice, I was often glued to the tube -- until I saw Phil Mickelson's beautiful and unbelievable flop shot on the 15th hole on Saturday. Then I went immediately to the practice range because I was very eager to try to execute this kind of shot. In reality, I may think about executing this shot only if it is not a bare lie and there is not much water around. It's just amazing that Phil pulled off that shot.
Also, Bubba's 40-yard hook shot -- just spectacular! Wow! That's all I can say. If I have the opportunity to meet Bubba, I will definitely ask him how he did it. Congratulations, Bubba. You deserve the win. After watching the Masters tournament, I always learn and remember many magical shots executed by these great players. I always put these into a list of my practice goals!
Upon returning to Orlando after the GWAA awards dinner, I had a couple of video and photo shoots and interviews for the U.S. Women's Open and Swedish TV. That Sunday, I flew to New York because I was invited by the Mets to be their VIP and throw out the ceremonial first pitch. I love sports, enjoy watching various sports and love to play various sports. I was so excited when I first learned that I was invited to the Mets game. This was the first time I was on the pitcher's mound. I threw a bit to the right of home plate. I was surprised that I threw sideways despite my numerous practices before I stepped on the mound. Haha! It's really fun and a very special experience.
The other important appointment I had in New York was to be interviewed by Charlie Rose. Wow! So cool! Especially when I saw the 20-year-old table -- so many people had sat there to be interviewed by Charlie. I felt very special! I had watched many of his interviews and know he interviews many great people and successful people. I am honored to be one of those people to share my stories with Charlie and all the viewers. After the interview, we promised to play a round of golf next time.
Most recently, I learned another hobby: baking. It's so much fun to mix all the ingredients and to see the cake come out nice. It's so rewarding when the cake comes out great and tastes great. This time, I made chocolate cake, the kind of cake that melts inside. Together with vanilla ice cream, life is good. Well, a baking hobby may not be good for an athlete. Although my trainer should start to worry about all these high calories I may take, my manager and my team will have all these wonderful sweets to enjoy. Oops! Haha. ... Stay tuned. The LPGA is coming back to Hawaii.
