About one week ago, Playboy.com (Yes, playboy.com) posted an article (article) calling Benavides a “genie wish” and then a few days later Golfchannel.com’s blog “Grill Room” named Benavides the #WomanCrushWednesday (photos). The headline of the article was “Bolivian beauty Susana Benavides”. She didn’t sneak this attention, but instead was found through social media.
"When I saw that Playboy and Golf Channel featured me I felt really happy and surprised,” said Benavides, who will enter her third year on the Epson Tour in 2016. "It is an honor for me and I am very thankful to read and hear all the nice things people have to say about me.”
Modeling is something Benavides has done since she was kid growing up in Bolivia. She has done everything from runway modeling to pictures and videos. She’s modeled jewelry, dresses, shoes and golf. But don’t get it twisted. Priority number one has and will always be golf.
"My modeling career has helped me lose fear of the cameras and it has made it easier for me to be more outgoing, which made it easier to build my brand,” said the former Ohio State golfer. "Modeling is my hobby so I don't take it to seriously which is why I have such a great time while shooting and I love it."
“However, I only model occasionally, my career and priority is golf and I dedicate almost all of my time to golf.”
For Benavides, social media has become her main source of brand building. She has perfected the art of showcasing both of her careers to her growing following.
"Social media has helped a lot and I am very thankful to all the people that follow me and have good things to say,” said Benavides. "All the good things that people say helps my confidence and encourages me to work harder towards my goals, it's like a support team in a way.”
Sometimes it might appear through her social channels that she spends more time modeling, but that’s not the case. She says that her entire offseason was devoted to improving her game. She made eight cuts in 21 starts in 2015 with her best finish a T13 at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic. She expects more.
"Before coming home to Bolivia, I met up with my coach to make sure all the things I was working on with my swing were correct and to get some new drills,” Benavides explained. "I worked on getting my lower body more active through impact and shortening my back swing while keeping my left arm straighter.
Benvavides spent practically the entire off season in Bolivia. Now, it’s back to the United States to prepare for the season opening IOA Championship in Beaumont, Calif. and although it may look like she is striking a pose on her follow through, it’s strictly business on the golf course. But don’t worry, she’ll still showcase both careers on her social channels.
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