JoeCascio.net

If you’re a golfer like me, or familiar at all with the sport, you’ve probably heard of Natalie Gulbis. She’s the leggy, blond golf pro who not only looks good, but has the game to have won on the LPGA tour, which is no mean feat. Most professional golfers struggle for years and never come close to winning a tournament. She also was a standout in the Solheim Cup in 2005, helping the US to a win in the team matches with Europe.

This week, I discovered that she’s now on Twitter as @Natalie_Gulbis. She is, as far as I know, the first top-tier professional golfer of any tour to be on Twitter. Yay, Natalie!! That she would be the first is totally in keeping with her accessible, outgoing and friendly personality.

At this writing (Dec 29. 2008), she only follows 4 people and is followed by only 234. But I give her and her agent major props for realizing Twitter is a good place to be. Like anyone new to Twitter, it may take a little time to discover how it works. I’m hoping that unlike many celebrities, she will really get in and talk with people.

Of course, someone like Natalie Gulbis needs to be careful with the public. I can imagine she has more than her share of unwanted attention. But at least on Twitter, you don’t have to hear from anyone you don’t want to. And there is so much to be gained from engaging with people and making new acquaintances and friends, not to mention drawing non-golfers into the sport.

If I may make a suggestion, it will be the same as to anyone new to Twitter. Listen first, follow first. If you hear something interesting chime in. Make an observation, a joke, ask a question or state your opinion. Most importantly, be a person, not an inaccessible celebrity. Twitter is a conversational medium, a means for introducing and connecting people, not just another broadcast channel. Let that sunny personality of yours show through. You’ll find we’re a friendly lot and you’re more than welcome to join the conversation.

Tags: golf, Natalie Gulbis, twitter