Novice Robin ready for her first tournament
When Bubba Watson, who bludgeons the ball further up the fairway than almost any other Tour pro, and TV glamour girl Robin Meade get together this morning it might be a case of beauty and the beast.It’s certainly a partnership that might woo the crowds although the CNN Headline News anchor is a novice about to play in her first tournament.As such, she was the first on the Port Royal driving range yesterday morning.But with well known LPGA professional Suzy Whaley giving the lessons, Meade looked anything but a beginner, her swing smoother than most who have been playing the game for years.“I’ve had a whole six lessons,” she laughed.“Standing here today with Suzy . . . she’s giving me my seventh lesson. But already I’m highly addicted to this game.”Her introduction to golf came purely by chance.“It was a (news) story that brought me into this game,” she explained. “I anchor CNN News in the States and one of our sister companies is TNT. They run PGA.com. This as a partnership and they wanted to do a story about golf and women, so I was kind of the guinea pig. I said ‘ yes I’ll do it’. As a result of that, I love it.“They brought me in and now they can’t take me away.”However, she admits she’ll be nervous teeing off in today’s Pro-Am.“I’ve had a headache all weekend because of the stress. My husband keeps saying ‘have fun’.“And I said, that’s fine for you but you’ve been golfing for years. I’ve had six lessons.“But listen, I did make sure that Suzy will be in my group. I have a heads up I’ll be with Bubba Watson and he’s pretty relaxed.“I’ll be giving his run for his money . . . he’ll be driving miles up the fairway and I’ll be driving the cart! Although I don’t think they allow us a cart, do they?Aside for the golf, Meade is eager to explore the Island and has already made plans to stay until Saturday.“This is my first time to Bermuda. As the plane landed I said to Tim, my husband, ‘look at how beautiful it is with all these white roofs, look at that water’.“From the airport to the hotel and to where we’re staying, it’s just impeccable. The beauty is outstanding and I love the British influence, the accents.“Everyone from the driver to the folks at the hotel, I have been so impressed.“I want to make sure this is not my last time.“I wanted to make this not only for a story and a golf experience but a vacation so we’re going to stay a few more days until Saturday“If the local have some good advice on where to hear some great live music, I’ll meet them there.“I didn’t realise how many viewers we had in Bermuda, there’s been lot of Twitter action.”