May 31, 2010–Memorial Day is a day of rest for many, a nation getting the day off to do pretty much whatever it wants. And, in a way, by doing that we all honor the troops because they have given their lives so that the rest of us have the freedom to choose what to do. But one Las Vegas resident, LPGA Tour golf superstar Natalie Gulbis, is choosing to spend some of her Memorial Day weekend thinking and learning about the traditions of Memorial Day, while remembering those that have gone before us. All during a very busy schedule.–By Brian Hurlburt.
"Happy Memorial Day! A special day to remember those who selflessly fought for our freedom," was the second of three messages about the holiday released by Gulbis on her official Twitter page. "A national moment of remembrance at 3pm today. I am reading about the history and traditions of Memorial Day." Gulbis knows a bit about selfless service because her father worked in law enforcement in her hometown of Sacramento. That influence has served as an inspiration to Gulbis over the years.
Gulbis has lived at Lake Las Vegas Resort for several years, and also works with Las Vegas resident Butch Harmon at the Butch Harmon School of Golf at Las Vegas resort course Rio Secco Golf Club. Gulbis has also become a part of the Las Vegas community, giving time to area charities and attending other big golf events, including playing in the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge and hosting a Women's Day at the PGA Tour's Justin Timberlake Shriner's Hospitals for Children Open in 2009. Rio Secco Golf Club is one of many terrific Las Vegas golf courses, and is open for all to play. Click now to view the official website for this Rees Jones golf course and reserve your Las Vegas golf tee times.
Gulbis was recently featured on the cover of Golf Fitness Magazine where she talked about how important her stretching regimen is to her success. Gulbis, who says she was a gymnast until the age of 12, always starts her day with her G2 fitness mat. "I always stretch first!" Gulbis said in the article. "I use my G2 Fitness golf stretch mat to get through my routine. If I am competing, I always stretch first before starting my golf warm up. The G2 Fitness mat is essential in helping me loosen up to prevent injuries and help maintain my range of motion … I'm working right now to increase my driving distance. In order to do that, I need to increase my upper body flexibility and work on my core strength. Again, the G2 Fitness stretch mat helps me do that easily and without having to do much thinking!"
Gulbis also has spent several days in the Pittsburgh area playing Oakmont Country Club, the site for this year's U.S. Women's Open. She also appeared at an autograph signing for Dick's Sporting Goods. "Just finished third round at Oakmont CC," reported Gulbis a few days ago via Twitter. "It's going to be a great test of golf for the Womens U.S. Open in July." Gulbis also tweeted that she thought the course was beautiful but a tough challenge. Click now to view Gulbis' official Twitter page and become a follower.