Meet the specialist treating the LPGA’s top stars
Adam Olarenshaw enjoys rubbing shoulders with LPGA and Ladies European Tour members.
No, the Australian is no pretentious golf fan or groupie. Instead, Dr. Olarenshaw, as an osteopath specialist, attends to the physical needs of professional golfers. Early Friday morning during U.S. Women’s Open second-round action at Trump National GC, Olarenshaw met Danielle Kang for a 5:30 taping then found Sandra Gal on the putting green as the German completed her rain-shortened first round.
“And with just a little break in between the rounds, Sandra needed a little more flexibility. She had a shorter warm up. We worked on thoracic rotation, spinal rotation and a little bit of upper body trapezoid release motion,” Olarenshaw explained.
“We treat players then check them out on the range. Once they’re out playing, everything is fine. And then we check with them again after the round in case they need more treatment.”
Olarenshaw said he never dreamed this life.
“But Tiger (Woods) came along. He was fitness-based and had great success. Everyone kind of joined in from there. Golf has become about fitness and players being more aware of their bodies, motion, how they work. Players want to be in their best physical condition in order to optimize their game,” Olarenshaw noted.
Olarenshaw worked for four years on the Ladies European Tour before his migration into LPGA play.
His clients include fellow Aussie Karrie Webb, Seo Yeon Ryu, Gal, Kang, Inbee Park, and Mariajo Uribe.
“I think women understand their bodies more nowadays. They are very self aware,” Olarenshaw said.
“Most players have developed a team that consists of a trainer, someone like myself, therapist, and psychologist. And they all have their swing coach and putting coach.”
“It’s a great life,” he added. “I’m traveling the world with some of the greatest professional golfers.” ***
Some professional golfers have no problem with giving autographs, especially during practice rounds while others prefer not to be bothered.
U.S. star Paula Creamer looked iffy and golf fans debated whether to approach the 2010 U.S. Open champion.
Jennifer Carter finally made the commitment and her move. Creamer obliged as Carter, a teacher at The Learning Path in Chatham, asked nicely.
Carter then requested a photo and Creamer acquiesced although she seemed ready for putting practice.
Carter’s boyfriend, Travis Kemp, a general manager at Golf Galaxy in East Hanover, prepared to take the shot.
Creamer walked away then returned to hand Carter an autographed golf ball. Freeze frame.
“I didn’t even ask her for the ball. It was just so great,” Carter blushed.
Creamer failed to make the cut but she made a fantastic memory for an adoring fan. ***
Congratulations to New Jersey’s Marina Alex for a T-11 finish in the U.S. Women’s Open.
Alex posted a 4-under 284 (71-70-73-70).
A quick autopsy of her tournament underscores Alex’s mental and emotional toughness. The Wayne native started her round at 3-underpar but a double-bogey six at No. 3, bogey-four at No. 4 and double-bogey six at No. 6, moved her to 2-over par.
Alex saved her round with four birdies over the next ten holes and two more birdies during a final-round 70. She never scored worse than par for her final 30 holes.
Alex won $114,631 which moved her career earnings to $1,044,358 since joining the LPGA Tour in 2013.
News accounts noted that Alex had the best performance by a U.S. player but she craves an LPGA victory.