How is 2016 Epson Tour Graduate Dana Finkelstein Getting Ready for the LPGA?
Dana Finkelstein (Chandler, Ariz.) is headed to the LPGA Tour in 2017 after finishing seventh on the Volvik Race for the Card money list in 2016. She posted seven top 10 finishes as a rookie on the Epson Tour after a tremendous career at UNLV. Finkelstein won the Garden City Charity Classic at Buffalo Dunes for her first victory and made the cut in 18 of 19 starts.
Now, Finkelstein has to prepare to be a rookie once again. This time, she’ll compete against the best in the world on the LPGA.
We asked about her offseason goals, conditioning, agents and biggest fears.
EpsonTour.com: What is your main offseason goal heading into the 2017 season?
Dana: My main goal this offseason is to increase my swing speed from 80 miles-per-hour to 90-miles-per-hour with the goal of adding 20-30 yards off the tee. I will be working with Brain Chandler at Anthem Fitness and we will be doing lots of strength training, mobility work, and speed work. We will have about two months of training before the season kicks off in January so I will be training 4-5 times per week as well.
EpsonTour.com: How will you ramp up your conditioning?
Dana: My conditioning work will be built into my workout routines and will consist of sprints, sled pulls and pushes, rowing (my favorite, it’s a really good cardio workout as it works legs and upper body) and running.
EpsonTour.com: What have you been up to since the end of the season and have you thought about the off-course stuff?
Dana: After the season ended, I gave myself two weeks of absolutely nothing. No planning, no golf, no nothing. It gave me a break as it was a very long season. Yesterday, I started to send out feelers on who needs a new player to caddie for (still looking for a caddie) and started to send some emails to potential sponsors. No agent yet so I am trying to do everything myself but I am actively seeking any sponsorship opportunities. As for travel, I have looked into my flight to the Bahamas but nothing else as the schedule isn't out yet.
EpsonTour.com: What are your biggest concerns heading into your first season on the LPGA?
Dana: My biggest concern is not knowing the golf courses, finding sponsors and being a rookie again. It took awhile to feel comfortable and make friends on the Epson Tour so I am just hoping the transition to the LPGA goes smoothly.
EpsonTour.com: Will you consult with any current or former players for advice?
Dana: I haven't consulted anyone on advice yet but I know someone on the LPGA and once her season is over hopefully I can ask her a bunch of questions.
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