Golf with Natalie Gulbis at TPC Sawgrass (with photos)

bigdaddytim

New member
Just got back yesterday from our "Golf with Natalie Gulbis at TPC Sawgrass" trip from Michelob Ultra. It was an awesome trip, and Michelob really did an amazing job!

First, the airfare was paid for...round trip for 2 from Cleveland to Jacksonville. Even though the rental car was not included in the prize, because we were flying Continental, the sponser's travel agent was able to get us a rental car and we only had to pay $30 in taxes for it. BONUS! :)

Goodbye snow!
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Our flight got in early, and we were able to spend a few hours with relatives who live in the area. Got to find some shark teeth on the beach.
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We arrived at the Sawgrass Marriot that afternoon, a beautiful hotel. Got to spend 2 nights (Thurs & Friday) at the resort.
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At 7, Michelob held a special reception for the winners at the Aqua Grill nearby. Natalie Gulbis was there. All I could think of was the song Fins by Jimmy Buffett....men were surrounding her like sharks the entire time. (can't say I blame them - but don't tell my wife I said that!)
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We met a father and son who also won and ended up partying with them that night. So much fun!
 
The next day, we had a golf day. Here is the itinerary:
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We were first treated to breakfast at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse, which is absolutely beautiful.
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After breakfast, we went to get our carts. The wife and I requested to rent golf clubs through the sponser. We were expecting them to be $75 each, but we figured by the time we bought travel bags and paid the baggage fee, it would be worth it. BONUS - Michelob ended up paying for them...what a nice surprise! The carts were stocked with beer, lunches and even golf balls. We spent about an hour on the driving range and then a golf clinic with Ms. Gulbis.

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After the clinic, we went back to our carts and were shocked to find out we had a caddy! I have never, ever had a caddy before. It was so nice not having to chase after all the golf balls I tend to hit out of bounds. :)
 
The course itself was spectacular. I golf every so often, but usually at the $15 municiple course...nothing like this! We had a shotgun start and started on hole #2. Natalie Gulbis stayed on hole 17 so all the winners could shoot with her once. My game...oh boy do I suck. Not sure how many balls I lost, but it was alot. Luckily the 2 other people in our 4some were very good, and since it was a scramble, the best shot counts. :)

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GATORS!
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We got to the Famous hole #17, which is basically an island with a pathway to get on it. The was the hole Natalie shot with us on.
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Now up to this time, I totally sucked...bad. Well, I finally got a good shot off, landed on the green. I had the best shot and we used my ball for the next shot. My wife thinks I did good to impress Natalie...she may be right. :)
 
Michelob took a photo of us on the 17th hole and we were given it later at the awards cermemony. My wife and I are on the right.
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We had dinner later back in the clubhouse and I won a signed LPGA flag in a raffle. The night we had a few drinks back at the hotel and I went to bed early. We had decided to stay an extra day so we could drive down to our 2nd home for the day (Disney World).
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The entire trip was beyond belief! The freebies we got from Michelob was endless...beer, golf balls, beer, golf shirts and hats, beer.... :)

Thanks Natalie, Michelob and of course, SA for making this all possible!
 
Hi, my paper carrier won also...George Lucas. Great pics, and looks like a great time. Congrats! :wave:
 
The trip sounded wonderful! Looks like you had a wonderful time! Congratulations!
 
:cheers: Oh Tim, I so enjoy hearing and seeing the tales of your winning trips! You really do a great job of laying it out for us. Thanks for sharing that wonderful trip with all of us! Will be looking forword to you winning another trip!!
 
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