Stacey Keating Professional Golfer Interview

Stacey Keating Professional Golfer Interview

Stacey Keating was introduced to golf at age 12 through her grandmother Lorna. Growing up on a farm in western Victoria Stacey was able to practice her passion at home on the six hole golf course that her parents designed and built – it paid off!

Today Stacey's work ethic is admirable and unmatched by her peers. At age 20, Stacey won her first nationally ranked tournament, the Victorian Amateur Championship, a starting point to a more than impressive list of amateur wins.

Stacey's recent victories include back-to-back wins on the Ladies European Tour winning a sudden death playoff at the Tenerife Open in the Canary Islands and the French Open by one stroke.

Maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle is key to Stacey's success. Balance, flexibility and strength is crucial to professional golf- something Stacey ensures is built into her work-out.


Question: What originally inspired you to begin playing golf?

Stacey Keating: My grandparents got me into the game and, being an Aussie, clearly Karrie Webb was my idol.


Question: What do you enjoy most about the game?

Stacey Keating: I love the fact that the game will never be mastered. There is always something you can be doing better or different to get different results. And I love that one day you feel like you can't do anything wrong, and the next day feels like you are a beginner.


Question: Why should other young girls get involved in golf?

Stacey Keating: Golf is a great way to stay fit and build a social life all in one. You get to walk in a park with friends for four hours while you talk and hit. And you can take it a seriously as you like.


Question: What advice do you have for teenagers who hope to professionally play golf?

Stacey Keating: To work as hard as you can. You will have to make sacrifices. Sometimes that means missing parties or not going out. At times, it can be a very selfish sport.


Question: Can you talk about your training schedule, when, how often and what?

Stacey Keating: In my off weeks, as in when I'm not playing in a tournament, I do a lot more practicing than when I am at tournament. A general weekday could look like this
6:30am-7:30am: Gym
8am-9: Putting
9-10: Chipping/Bunker work
11-12: Full swings drills
12-1: Lunch
1-3:30: Playing holes with a lot of short game shots while on the course
3:30-5pm: Pitch shots and distance control work
5-6pm: Putting


Question: How crucial is fitness to the game?

Stacey Keating: For me it's very important. I love fitness and I feel it helps me when the conditions get tough.


Question: How does it feel to win an open?
Stacey Keating: It's an amazing feeling. Probably the most exciting feeling I have ever felt.


Question: How does the travel associated with golf affect you?

Stacey Keating: I do love the travel but it does take its toll on your body, and this is where the fitness side of the game again comes into it. On long flights I like to get up and walk around, stretch, and keep moving (along with sleep). It's important to rest also. Travel is tiring. I'm sure sick of airports, though!


Question: Could you talk about the team behind your golfing game?

Stacey Keating: I am very luck I have had the same team for quite some time. It started with me being involved with the Golf Australia national squad, which has led to me being in their rookie program, which is a huge help. I couldn't be doing what I'm doing without them. I have always used Callaway equipment and now as a professional, this is a huge factor, and they play a tremendous roll in my efforts ensuring that I have the most up-to-date equipment all the time.

I travel with my boyfriend, Darren, who is my caddy. I also have my coach, Steven Giuliano, who I see when I am home. I also see my fitness trainer, Scott Williams, and my mental coach, Jamie Glazier, when I am back in Australia. But I also have regular contact with them while I am away. I practice at Victoria Golf Club and Sanctuary Lakes while I am home in Australia, and it's so important to still have a base when I am back here.


Question: How important is what you eat, to your game?

Stacey Keating: For me, on a personal level, it's very important. If I eat well, I feel well! Some people I know don't see it like that, but that's me.


Question: What are your golf goals for 2013?
Stacey Keating: I would like to improve on my 2012 year. I know that's going to be tough, but I am always striving to be better. I would love to qualify for the major championships.


Interview by Brooke Hunter