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New Port Richey Has Its Own 'Pink Panther'

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: July 6, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - NEW PORT RICHEY - In 1996, 10-year-old Paula Creamer played golf for the first time. Seven years later, in 2003, she was selected the American Junior Golf Association's Player of the Year.

She won her first professional tour event in 2005 and became the LPGA's youngest female golfer to reach $1 million in career earnings. Known as "The Pink Panther" for her pink attire, golf bag and golf balls, Creamer has won eight professional events.
Sarah Grace Usewick, 10, has been playing golf for three years, and last summer she took first place at the "Take Your Daughter To The Golf Course" event at Summertree Golf Course. This year, she finished second at two U.S. Kids For Golf events, at Beacon Woods and Plantation Palms.

Usewick often can be seen practicing at The Links Golf Club in Hudson, and she is dressed in pink and carrying a pink golf bag.

"My family and I were watching Paula and the other lady golfers on TV," Usewick said. "My parents agreed to allow me to take lessons, and I've been working to improve my game ever since."

Her coach, Ray Cisbani, said Usewick has been steadily improving.

"She has much better direction and control of all her clubs," he said. "She is now consistently hitting the greens from 100 yards out. With her long arms and legs, Sarah's build is ideal for golf. In addition to her natural athletic ability, one of Sarah's strengths is her mental approach. She has a strong desire to improve, is a good listener, is very intelligent and is a quick learner."

As Cisbani demonstrates chipping and putting for a group of young students, Usewick's eyes are focused on his technique and his words.

"Coach Cisbani is patient and has improved all aspects of our game," Usewick said. "He also teaches us course etiquette and not to get discouraged if we hit a bad shot."

In addition to her playing skills, Usewick is an excellent student of the game. In October, 2006, she volunteered as a standard card holder at the Chrysler Open at Innisbrook. There, she walked inside the ropes with PGA professionals Stuart Appleby, J.B. Holmes and Jason Gore.

"I learned how they shut out all distractions and kept their emotions in check," she said. "They made a mental picture prior to hitting the ball, which I have tried to follow ever since."

Usewick is also a eager student in the classroom, as evidenced in her straight A report cards. A member of the gifted program at Deer Park Elementary, she tested in the 98th percentile in the FCAT math section and in the 93rd percentile in reading.

She also participates in the Student Council and Odyssey of the Mind, which encourages team creativity.

Her dedication to her craft and in the classroom has leaked into her view of the planet. As a member of Deer Park's Earth Patrol, Usewick volunteers to keep the campus clean by picking up litter on school grounds. She also collects batteries and computer ink cartridges for recycling.

"Picking up candy wrappers and recycling are good for the country and helps build pride in our school," she said.

Additionally, she assists in collecting box tops from General Mills cereals. Last year, almost $1,700 was raised, with the proceeds going to the school.

Next year, Usewick will be working with the school's media specialist, giving up her recess to help children learn to read.

"If everyone did just a little bit to help each other," she said, "the world would be a much better place."

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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