3 minute read
Tee it Up With the Queen of the Green
www.DanvilleLivingCA.com @DanvilleLivingCA #DanvilleLivingCA
By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008
Are you waiting for the sun to shine to tee it up? Ashley Kettman, Queen of the Green, doesn’t. There is no better time to get outside and get ready for the golf season than right now. Ashley Kettman, a former Golf Professional, is a mom of 7-year-old Hadley, 6-year-old Clark, and 2 ½ year old twins Dolly and Presley. Golf is Ashley’s passion when she has time for herself. It is important to her, so she makes time for it and wants her kids to love it as she does. She isn’t the mom that forces it from the sidelines, but brings them along, side by side, so they all practice together. She allows them to hit the ball and have fun. She models her love of the game with positive self-talk, enjoying the game, and excelling in what she does. When she brings all 4 of her children to the driving range, lessons about taking turns, safety, etiquette, appreciation for being healthy and enjoying a sport because it is fun are part of the experience.
The whole family lines up for a drive!
Not only should you get outside to practice, but get yourself ready with stretching and strengthening exercises. Ashley recommends stretching your hips, quads, and hamstrings prior to hitting the ball. She also suggests that you practice your hip turn on your upswing to give your swing more power as you pull through to hit the ball. Ashley says, “Hip turn tip…At your set up, pay attention to your right hip and feel that your belly button has a laser beam attached to it. When you get to the top of your backswing, the laser beam should now be pointing OVER where your right hip was at your initial set up. After you have hit the ball, the laser beam should be pointed at the target where you want the ball to go. A correct and big hip turn will help you add more distance to your shots.”
Winter, rain or shine, is the best time to get your game on. Head out to the Pleasanton Golf Center and work on your drives, chipping, and putting. Located on the corner of Valley Avenue and Bernal (right near the Pleasanton Fairgrounds and Horse Racetrack), this is an expansive and easy-to-get-to driving range! Now is the perfect time to head over to the range because they are open all day with big stadium lights that keep the day glow going until 9pm! There are about 50 driving bays on the grass and there are also covered spots on turf. There is an automated golf ball vending machine so you can slide your card and go. There is an extensive area for chipping on the side of the Clubhouse at the range and a putting green on the other side. You will find people there from morning until dark. The Clubhouse at the range has outside seating, TVs with your favorite sport of the season, and they sell snacks and refreshments.
Pleasanton Golf Center is the place to find clinics, golf instructors, children and teen clinics and summer camps. They also have a 9-hole golf course located in the center of the horse racing track.
Ashley does this great hip stretch while she watches her son practice driving the ball.
Tee it Up with the Queen of the Green! Ashley Kettmann atley23@hotmail.com Follow my crazy kids and sports life @_queenofthegreen_ on Instagram https://www.pleasantongolfcenter.com
Lynne Harrosh is an avid golfer and traveler. Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @TeeItUpTravel to get connected to the best places to golf, golf technology, golf equipment, discounts on green fees, stay & plays, and golf travel - lynneharrosh@me.com
