Blair O'Neal: Pretty and Powerful

I recently had a blast talking with Blair O'Neal, one of the stars of the upcoming Big Break: Prince Edward Island. The show airs April 20, giving us all something to look forward to after the Masters. I posted a sneak peek of my interview awhile back, and now I bring you my entire interview with Blair.

Blair O’Neal: Pretty and Powerful

Blair O’Neal is a serious multi-tasker who elegantly juggles a dual career as a professional golfer and model. But underneath all the glamour and fashion, Blair is a golfer through and through. She is driven to be on the LPGA tour. Blair hopes her modeling career will help her make the tour by paying for the entry fees and traveling costs of her golfing endeavors.

At age 11, Blair O'Neal knew her passion was golf. During college she had a highly successful career playing for the Arizona State University Sun Devils. Blair cracked the ASU lineup as a true freshman. She competed in every golf event held during her four-year college career and maintained a 3.8 GPA. Blair was one of the longest hitters in college golf and won two out of three NCAA long drive contests.

Blair became a professional golfer in January 2004, and since then has competed in the West Coast Ladies Golf Tour, the Futures Tour and two events with the Orient Masters in China. Her next golfing endeavor is the Cactus Tour which is currently underway in Arizona.

Besides being a tough competitive golfer, Blair has a stellar modeling career. Last year she was named by Sports Illustrated, "One of the Hottest 50 Athletes of All-Time." She also made the final four in the "World's Hottest Athlete" contest by InGameNow.com, and Sports Illustrated. Blair can be found modeling on runways, print ads, catalogs, magazine covers, websites and commercial advertisements all over the U.S. and Asia.

Blair sparkles on her newly updated website. The photo portfolio on her site is as diverse as she is, ranging from action shots on the course, to high fashion editorial photos. Blair also has a blog on the site so fans can follow her golfing and modeling adventures.

But Blair won’t be hard to find this spring. She will be on television screens across America as she competes on the Big Break: Prince Edward Island. Blair is sure to give both the men and women of the show a run for their money.

Here’s more from Blair.

Where can we expect to see Blair O’Neal in the coming year?
I am currently training for the Cactus Tour that starts in February and runs through May. The tournaments are all in Arizona. June, July and August are the off-season here because it is so hot. There is a tour in California I might play, but I may take this time to work on my game and train for the LPGA Q-school. That is my ultimate goal.

I’m updating my blog too. It is a great tool so people can follow along and see what I’m doing. I also finished taping the Big Break a few months ago. It will air in April.

So tell me about being on Big Break?
It was on Prince Edward Island and it was an awesome experience, one of the best of my career. I have a new respect for the show. Lots of pressure. A very good test of nerves.

Did you break the glass? Did you make it over the huge wall and land on the green?
You’ll have to stay tuned.



How did you become involved in modeling?
My first modeling job was right after I graduated. It was a Golf Digest calendar. I liked it and was able to make some money to pay for my entry fees and travel expenses of golf….It didn’t start out as something I was doing to promote myself even though I guess it developed into that. I was doing it so I could make some money and play more golf.

Tell me about your long drive wins, any secrets?
Well, one was 302 yards and the other was 306. Length is definitely a strength in my game. I’ve got distance off the tee, but at the same time the short game has to match that in order to score…The secret to that is timing and a lot of practice. But I’ve always been able to naturally hit the ball.

Since you are such a long hitter, do you think women should play on the PGA tour?
I don’t necessarily think so. I think there is a women’s tour and men’s tour for a reason.

What advice would you give to young girls learning the game?
Lots of practice. Hit lots of golf balls. You have to put in the time and effort. It all comes down to loving the game and loving to practice.

Who is your favorite golf designer?
I don’t have one favorite designer, I think you can piece your style together. I’m pretty good at mixing and matching. I want to look appropriate on the course, but feel cute off the course too. After I get done at the golf course, I like to run around and still feel cute and fashionable.

What do you like about current golf fashions for women?
There has definitely been lots of progress, for sure. My uniform in college had the long, boxy golf shorts. I like to look classy on the course, but there is so much you can do to cut corners and make outfits more fashion-oriented…Down the road, I would love to design a golf line.

On men’s fashion, do you think the players on Tour should be allowed to wear shorts like the gals?
I think the guys look good in pants. Let us [girls] have our fashion.

What is your favorite golf accessory?
Hats. Hats with rhinestones, cute hats. I have a suede hat that I love right now. I like fun, funky hats. If it’s cold out and you are wearing pants, just add a good hat and you can throw some style into it.

Beyond golf equipment, what do you always carry in your golf bag?
Lots of lip gloss. Definitely snacks. Almonds, Cheez-Its, Gatorade, water and bananas. And you have to throw in a couple of energy bars.

Instead of asking what’s on your iPod, I want to know if you practice with an iPod?
I have a wide range on my iPod, but it’s not in my golf bag. I have never really been the type to listen to music while I play. I’m in my own world. I’m very focused. I’d probably start singing if I had my music on. It doesn’t work for me.

Skirts or shorts?
Skirts

Visors or hats?
Hats

Sergio or Camilo?
Camilo [But her dream round would be with Tiger]

Beach or moutains?
Beach

Martini or beer?
Martini. Leechey Martini.

Top Model or Project Runway?
Top Model

Belly putter or standard?
Standard. I did use a belly putter for a while. I think they are a great practice tool, but I am back to the standard putter.

ProV1 or Callaway?
ProV1

Heels or flip-flops?
[slight hesitation here] Heels

Knickers on the course?
Yes. I don’t own any, but I think it would be fun. If I had a cute pair I’d wear them.

Pubs or night clubs?
Night clubs

Argyle or plaid?
Argyle

Photo: Mark Susan Photography