GULUGIAN TALKS RELATIONSHIP WITH JESSICA KORDA AND MORE

Ani Gulugian (Irvine, Calif.) first met now 4-time LPGA Tour winner, Jessica Korda, at an AJGA event called the Kathy Whitworth Invitational in Texas. They got paired together during one round.

“She was this adorable, yet annoying little girl,” recalled Gulugian today while recording a video for EpsonTour.com. “She would play mental games with me like saying ‘wow, that’s a really good shot, now you have to make this birdie putt’, but she doesn’t admit to it. I got to know her all throughout junior golf and AJGA. Then, we were on the Junior Solheim Cup team together and we got really, really close. It has been a neat relationship, she is one of my best friends.”

Korda is the No. 23 ranked player in the world according to the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and is one of the most popular players on Tour. The two try to see each other as often as their schedules allow. Gulugian stayed with Korda during the Sara Bay Classic in Sarasota.

Gulugian started dreaming of one day playing on the LPGA when she was just ten years old when her dad, John, started to bring her to the course.

“It has been my dream to play on the LPGA and work up to being the best in the world,” said Gulugian. “When you’re grinding out here, you need something to inspire you. Watching Annika (Sorenstam) and Lorena (Ochoa) growing up, I always thought if they can do it why can’t I.”

Gulugian is also the first Armenian professional golfer and that it is something she takes a great deal of pride in. Gulugian went to Armenian school from pre-school through the fifth grade.

“I learned the history, culture and language,” explained Gulugian. “It’s such a small nation and to be the first Armenian professional women’s golfer is really neat. It’s cool to meet people everywhere I travel and see that they are starting to recognize my name. I love seeing kids in Armenia now playing golf and I want to eventually go back when I have had some more success to give back to them.”

#1 ANNE-CATHERINE TANGUAY ON IMPORTANCE OF FITNESS

Anne-Catherine went to the local Bethlehem YMCA on Thursday afternoon to workout and EpsonTour.com was on hand to capture her workout and discuss the importance of fitness for her golf game.

Tanguay currently leads the Volvik Race for the Card money list with nearly $40,000 earned over six starts. She has five top 10 finishes.

“I just did my regen workout today, it is a light workout to get me prepped up for the week,” explained Tanguay. “I like to get my body moving which is really, really good for my swing. This workout really focuses on my glutes and core strength.”

Tanguay, who has worked out since she was 13 years old, spent an hour doing different strength and flexibility exercises that target success on the course.

“Working out really helps to keep my energy levels high,” said Tanguay. “It keeps me explosive and I can hit the ball a little bit longer. It is really important during a three or four week stretch to be fit and perform on Saturday and Sunday and that can definitely give you the edge.”

Fuccillo Kia Classic of NY Notes from Thursday

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