"I absolutely nailed it," says Crosby as she recalls one of the most difficult shots she’s had to make in her 16 seasons on the LPGA Tour. She went on to win the Lady Keystone, and it reaffirmed her belief that confidence is everything. "You have to have confidence in every shot," notes Crosby, "It’s very important, often more so than the technique of hitting it."

Crosby first picked up a club and took the game seriously at the age of 20. An avid tennis player and skier, Crosby knew she wanted to be a professional athlete, but she wasn’t sure of the sport to pursue. "When I started playing golf," she says, "there was the potential to make a career out of it." Inspired by golfer Larry Nelson, who also started late and had success, Crosby worked on her game, lettering in golf at the University of Michigan and eventually winning the Michigan State Amateur in 1981. In 1985, she qualified for the LPGA Tour, later winning the 1989 Mazda Japan Classic, placing 3^rd in an LPGA Championship and posting numerous 2^nd place finishes and other top 10’s.

Throughout her Tour career, Crosby has given countless clinics and exhibitions, as well as played in many a Pro-Am. She is most often asked about equipment, for instance "which shafts are the best?" and "what brand clubs should I use?" and so forth. "They know we (pro golfers) try it all," says Crosby. "So they want to know what we think." Many people have also asked Crosby where they can find a good golf lesson. They ask her to recommend a pro in their home city. Recently, Crosby founded a web site called FINDaLESSON.com that will help people do just that.

Golfers who take lessons from Crosby appreciate her ability to keep it simple. Crosby offers just a few suggestions during one lesson and encourages her students to write down key points for future reference. 

"It’s very rewarding to show someone something that didn’t occur to them and to see them get excited about improvement," says Crosby. With beginners, Crosby focuses on the basics and urges these pupils to practice a lot between lessons, spending more time on the range than the course. More experienced players should work on refining their swing and learn to play golf by understanding the rules and getting out on the course often. Advanced players should concentrate on scoring. "Your swing is your swing," says Crosby of the advanced player, "Your short game becomes very important in helping you score. Focus on shots around the green and your pre-shot routine."

Crosby’s practice routine reflects her commitment to keeping things simple. When playing well, Crosby dedicates the same amount of practice time to all aspects of her game – wedges, irons, woods, chips, putts and bunker shots. When something needs work, she’ll grant it more time. Prior to her Lady Keystone victory, Crosby worked with Teaching Professional Jim Flick for two years on bunker play. "I used to be fearful of going into the sand," recalls Crosby, "Now I get it, and I have no fear of being in there." Crosby won’t "over-practice" her swing when it’s working; she turns her attention to chipping and putting, placing the ball in impossible areas around the green and trying to make the shot.

A 38-year resident of Jackson, Michigan, Crosby’s favorite course to play is the Country Club of Jackson. Even as she continues her Tour season, you can catch her there hitting balls or giving a lesson on the range with her 2-year-old Beagle mix, Puck, relaxing in the shade nearby. Though not terribly superstitious, Crosby typically wears bright colors when she plays golf and always marks her ball with one dot in the same place. "I feel luckier when I use my U of M ball marker on the greens," she adds. If she could hop on a plane tomorrow for a leisurely round of golf, she’d head for Pebble Beach, her favorite golf travel destination.

Crosby has golfed with two friends over the years who have made progress with her subtle guidance. "I never tried to change their swings," says Crosby, "I made suggestions that would keep them on track and help them lower their scores." This teaching method emerged from Crosby’s own experience with the game. Like Crosby says, confidence is everything…you can e-mail questions for Elaine Crosby to sfracker@aol.com. Thanks for sharing, Elaine!