| Lebo: mad for minigolf |
| On our next stop we find ourselves in the American state of Pennsylvania with Brad Lebo. When not busy practicing dentistry you can usually find Lebo competing and winning on minigolf courses around the country. Having played the sport for about 20 years Lebo has accumulated many wins in both National and State competitions playing for the PPA and USMGA |
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(12/12/06)
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| Brad Lebo during a competition in the U.S. |
One cool summer evening in the mid 1980’s American Brad Lebo, from Shippensburg Pennsylvania, decided to enjoy a round of minigolf with some friends after finishing a demanding day of classes at dental school. It was this fateful day that Lebo discovered minigolf was more than just a pastime because late that afternoon Lebo and friends happened upon the weekly local putting tournament. «I observed the tournament –recounts Lebo- and with my background as a varsity golf team member in high school and college I was very intrigued with the competition». This one-time golfer returned to the course the next week to participate in the tournament and immediately became addicted to the sport. After a brief time Lebo befriended some professional players who gave him some tips and all-around help with his game, and soon enough he began playing amateur with the Professional Putters Association (PPA). Only two short years later,
in 1991, Lebo turned professional and has been playing in national and state competitions ever since. «I enjoy the intense competition in minigolf tournaments and thrive on being tested under pressure –describes Lebo- it is gratifying to reap the rewards of extensive pre-tournament practice and preparation when winning or performing well in a tournament».
Sixteen years have passed since Lebo first turned professional and he is still at the height of his career having recently won the 2006 U.S. ProMiniGolfAssociation’s (USPMGA) U.S. Open and finishing third in the 2006 USPMGA Masters tournament. More importantly he just achieved the biggest win of his proffesional career, the 2006 PPA National Championships, which is also the most prestigious title to be won in American professional putting. However, these are merely Lebo’s most recent wins, as he has 48 professional titles in the PPA it is not possible
to list them all, however it is easy to understand that this dentist’s dedication to the sport has brought him to be one of the leading players in his league. And what is Lebo’s secret to staying on top? «To be competitive in a tournament it is critical for me to practice extensively –explains Lebo- which includes analyzing and evaluating all the various possible shots on each hole. Once in a tournament I try to maintain a “prepare, then don’t care” philosophy. Which means if I have prepared properly for a tournament I can relax and keep a clear and open mind since all the work has already been done in practice». Together with his philosophy, Carbite B-One putter and talent, Lebo’s devotion and commitment to minigolf has led him down a long and successful road, however it has never brought him to the World Championships- could this be the year he participates in the WC? We will just have to wait and see.
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