Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/68546
Eathorne caddied for Fuhr at one other event in Palm Springs and then she was introduced late in 2009 to Fuhr's friend and PGA Tour player Kris Blanks. Eathorne joked with him if he ever needed a caddie to give her a call. That call came in mid 2nd stage of Q School. Blanks told Eathorne if he made it through he wanted her on the bag for the final phase. Sure enough he did and Eathorne hopped on a plane to Florida. The first day Blanks shot a 77. He was furious and was ready to give up and go back to the Nationwide Tour. Not taking no for an answer Eathorne responded that they weren't leaving yet. She said she saw some things she wanted him to try. They yelled at each other for another for 45 min and after settling down Blanks said he saw where Eathorne was coming from. The next day he let it go, shot 65 and was back in it. Eathorne commented, "We just hit it off. We are kind of like brother and sister which is why I liked working for him. You could yell at each other and then turn around and say let's go for a beer." They worked together for a year and a half until April 2010. They started drifting apart instead of working as a team. Blanks accused Eathorne of being too positive and she said he was too hard on himself; too negative. Instead of working it out they mutually decided to go their separate ways. They are still friends and Eathorne giggles about a wonderful moment they shared when Blanks nearly won in Puerto Rico. On the last hole Blanks hit one of the worst shots he has ever hit. He looked over at Eathorne and just laughed. She smiled and with self-deprecating humor said to him "Nice shot A.J." After they parted ways Eathorne posted a note on Facebook she was available to caddie. Within days LPGA Tour sensation Brittany Lincicome texted her and asked her to be on her bag. The first 18 holes they worked together they won at the Shop Rite event. Two months later they were in the victory circle again at the 2011 Canadian Women's Open where Lincicome outduelled the field in horrendous conditions. Eathorne fondly recalls the event, saying how great it was that they weren't watching the leader board and just focused on staying dry and playing great golf. They often would sing during rounds and people watch in the crowds to stay loose. Eathorne's proudest moment was taking the Canadian flag off the pin. However the caddie gig started to wear thin after Eathorne had THE MOVE BACK TO BC WILL NECESSITATE A NEW PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATE FOR A.J. been in 9 different countries from May 2011 to the end of that season. She loved working with Lincicome but realized she wanted to set down roots. She didn't just want a house; she wanted somewhere to call home. Eathorne is interested in meeting a great guy who loves sports, hockey, the outdoors and doesn't take life too seriously. She added, "I would like to find a guy to have a family with. That would be awesome. " After putting the feelers out for work, she was contacted by her former agent at IMG Brad Pelletier now involved with Predator Ridge (www.predatorridge.com). A.J. is well known and respected in the golf community for her Western Canadian Golf Icon Also Part Of Predator Team Joining Eathorne at Predator Ridge Golf Course is Richard Zokol, two-time PGA Tour Champion and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member (image left from his induction ceremony). As Executive Director, Golf Development, Zokol will be responsible for overseeing the resort's golf development, furthering the golf experience for guests and residents and expanding the presence of Predator Ridge's brand. and understands how to define and deliver a great golf experience," said Brad Pelletier, VP of Okanagan Region at Wesbild Holdings and Zokol's former manager. "As a PGA Tour professional, golf course founder, architect and CEO, Richard knows the game, the stakeholders "Predator Ridge has a significant vision for the next 20 years and it's an ideal golf facility for me to give back to the game," says Zokol, who played in the 1993 B.C. Open tournament at Predator. "I have watched Predator Ridge evolve to become an industry leader and look forward to joining their talented team during this exciting time." 36 passion and drive," says Pelletier. "She will be a great asset to Predator Ridge's golf team and the community as a whole." She is thrilled to be starting her new position as an instructor and golf ambassador at the resort. Eathorne is excited about the community atmosphere of Predator Ridge and the opportunity to give back. "It's exciting to work on something that is not just a one-or two-year plan, but it could be a 10-year plan and can work toward bigger programs, more of a consistent plan each year to bring more people to Predator Ridge and the area," continues Earthorne. "It's a beautiful place to get the opportunity to work. It offers me the chance to make a difference in the golf world. The Predator Ridge team is one of hard work and positive attitudes. I look forward to being a part of it." There is no question that Eathorne is one of the best female golf talents to come out of The Great White North and there is no question the game of golf in Western Canada has a brighter future because of A.J. coming back home. Lisa is the 7-Time Canadian Long Drive Champion and ranked #2 in the world. She can be reached through her website www.lisalongball.com. IMAGE CREDIT / COURTESY LISA VLOOSWYK