‘It’s No Secret’: 21 Years After Making Her Debut, Golf Legend and Paige Spiranac’s Mentor Delighted With LPGA Return

The LPGA Tour returns to LA this week, with the likes of Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko, and Minjee Lee gearing up to compete at the JM Eagle LA Championship. The event’s inaugural edition will take place at the Wilshire Country Club, which has previously hosted four editions of the LA Open.

Meanwhile, one of the most recognizable faces in the LPGA Tour will also compete on the familiar turf. It is none other than Team USA Solheim Cup assistant captain Natalie Gulbis who proclaimed her love for the game and the Tour ahead of the event.

Natalie Gulbis returns for the JM Eagle LA Championship

Earlier, the tournament officials had announced the names of the sponsor invites appearing in the JM Eagle LA Championship. One of them is Natalie Gulbis, who has been a part of three victorious U.S.  Solheim Cup teams.

Gulbis became a part of the Tour in 2002 and currently serves on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The 40-year-old LPGA star is an inspiration to many, including popular golfing influencer Paige Spiranac.

Gulbis has also voiced her excitement about participating in the 144-player field in LA this week. “I love golf, I love the LPGA,” she said. “It’s no secret that when I joined the tour in 2001 that I wouldn’t continue to play or request an invite if I didn’t absolutely love the game and love the tour.”

Also Read: 2023 JM Eagle LA Championship: Prize Money Breakdown and Winner’s Payout

Despite accomplishing amazing things off the course, the love Gulbis has for the game is unparalleled. “I’ve had a lot of incredible things that I’ve gotten to do away from the golf course and opportunities, but nothing gets me that anxious, excitement, frustration the way that playing professional golf does,” she confessed.

Gulbis is a huge inspiration for social media star Paige Spiranac

Golfers on the LPGA Tour are known for pulling off great looks while exhibiting their extraordinary golfing chops. 2007 Evian Masters winner Natalie Gulbis is, without a doubt, among the top dressers of all time. In the past, internet sensation Paige Spiranac has also commended Gulbis’ style.

She even said that Gulbis was like a “mentor” to her. “I remember seeing Natalie Gulbis for the first time, and she was wearing the cutest outfit,” said Spiranac. “I wanted to be like her.”  The golfing influencer even shared that Gulbis motivated her to be confident in her own skin.

Spiranac seeks her mentor’s advice occasionally, and they have also kept in touch. The former will definitely be happy to witness Gulbis back in action this week.

Watch This Story: Following Her Masters Week Wardrobe Confession, “Troll Master” Paige Spiranac Leaves Her Fans In Awe With Her Sense of Humor: “Beauty and Brains”

Who do you think will win at the LPGA event this week? Let us know in the comments!