TaylorMade Staffer Natalie Vivaldi Qualifies for Second Major Championship

Goat Hill Park in Oceanside, California is an institution unlike any other in Southern California. A challenging layout carved around hills, through canyons, and consisting mostly of par-threes and short par-fours, it's a local's favorite.

Upon arrival, you'll immediately notice a different kind of vibe. Golfers of all ages and walks of life occupy the areas around the modest clubhouse, dressed in T-shirts and casual streetwear, no pleated khakis or high-dollar getups here. Chances are you'll be greeted by of the furry four-legged friends that frequent the course as well.

You'll also likely find a group of ladies or junior gathered around Natalie Vivaldi, one of Goat Hill's PGA instructors, wearing her signature white TaylorMade visor, and her golden retriever, Bogey, close by. This is where Coach Nat spends most days; sharing her passion for the game of golf with those who are eager to learn.

But this week is a little different. For the second straight year, Coach Nat has qualified for the Ladies Professional Championship, to be played this year at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.

We were fortunate enough to sit down with Coach Nat and learn more about her journey and what qualifying for her second major championship means.

Q: How did you first get into the game of golf?

A: I grew up in Oceanside, California. My grandfather got me into golf when I was young, and I was very uninterested in the sport because I was busy playing a lot of other sports. . . I thought golf was just ridiculous and boring and I was never going to play. So here I am eating my words 20 yeas later.

I grew up playing the game at Goat Hill Park and Oceanside Municipal and my first two teachers were lifetime PGA members, Fred Wood and Dave Emerick who ran the North Country Junior Golf Association. I played junior golf all throughout Southern California, then in college at Colorado and San Diego State.

Q: What did golf look like after college for you?

A: After college I played a year on the Symetra Tour before I needed shoulder surgery and couldn't touch my clubs for nine months. For my whole life it had always been about me and my golf. . . It was at this point that I started to look around and realized I was ready for another chapter in my life and was kind of missing something. So, I decided to become a PGA member.

That's been the best decision I've ever made. I fell in love with teaching the game and being at the grassroots level. Being able to walk other people's golf journey with them is really special, especially with children and women. I also have the opportunity to scratch that competitive itch which is great. With that, I'm able to show people that "hey, I have to deal with all the same nerves and struggles in golf too." And now, coming back to Goat Hill, representing North County Junior Golf and all the ladies I work with feels like everything has come full-circle, which is incredible.

Q: Can you tell me a little about your Monday Minute instructional bit on social media?

A: Honestly, I just kind of started doing it for fun because I felt there was a segment of instruction, especially for women, that was missing. I thought why not share with a wider audience the things I'm teaching every day, and it's become this whole sort of thing I wasn't expecting.

Check out Coach Nat's Monday Minute below.

Q: What does qualifying for your second major championship mean to you?

A: It's a huge moment for me. You're not guaranteed a spot. And after having gone through the injury with my shoulder, just having the chance to tee it up against the world's best again is really cool. Last year was a dream come true, and being able to have the opportunity for a second year in a row is definitely not something I'm taking for granted; I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

I want to share this experience with as many people — students, family and friends — as I can and just be myself, Coach Nat. I have an amazing tribe, and having them be able to be part of the experience as well makes it extra special, especially at an iconic venue like Hazeltine National.

Q: What does a successful week look like for you?

A: I had some friends come up to me the other day and ask me if I was nervous. I was like "Yeah, dude! I can't even sleep right now, and it's still two weeks away! Of course I'm nervous!" Truthfully, I'd love to make the cut. I'd love to give it a run and see what I can do. But ultimately, my number one goal is my mental game. I'm very proud of the work I've put into my mental game. I have a breathing coach (I'm not even kidding) that helps me stay in my process and in the present. If I can do that, I know what I'm capable of.

In the clip below, Coach Nat makes her way around Hazeltine National in a practice round. Check out the 18 tee shots she'll face this week.

Q: With all the demands on your time, what has your preparation looked like?

A: I have an insanely unique relationship with my clients. They're my friends, they're like family. And they've been unbelievably supportive. So thankfully, I've been able to shut down my lesson book for the month of June and just play a lot of golf.

I also have to give my team a lot of credit. I've said it since the beginning, but I'm the sum of the people around me. Everyone involved has really been a big help navigating all the different obligations that are coming my direction. There's going to be 25 to 30 people flying with me to Minnesota to not only cheer me on, but also help with whatever I need; I couldn't be more thankful.

Q: What has your relationship with TaylorMade meant to you?

A: Ever since I became a PGA member, I've been a TaylorMade staffer. When I talk about my tribe, TaylorMade is right there at the top of the list. And now, being the first staffer to contracted under Sun Day Red is insane, the honor of a lifetime.

I've always been a TaylorMade kid, so the relationship has been beyond my wildest dreams. The people at TaylorMade I'm very close to. Earlier this week I was walking through headquarters and the support I felt was incredible.

I've been lucky to coach at The Kingdom and do the Women's Golf and Social Club. Starting that up with Taz Darian and Kathy Loberg has been really special. I really love what TaylorMade stands for with women's golf. I think I'm kind of an example of the support they give women, which isn't necessarily abundant in the industry.

Q: Are there any particular clubs in you're bag that you're especially excited about, or that you think will be crucial this week?

A: Believe it or not, four weeks ago my whole golf bag was stolen. And TaylorMade was able to get me into the Kingdom the very next day and replace everything and dial me back in with everything I need.

During that fitting, I got into the Qi4D driver and put in a Qi4D 7-wood. I didn't know I could love an inanimate object like I love my 7-wood. I also put in the new Spider Tour X which I love and got some fresh MG5 wedges. I definitely feel dialed and ready for the test at Hazeltine National.

Q: Can you talk a bit about Bogey, what he means to you, and the role he plays at Goat Hill?

A: There's a full dog pack at Goat Hill. Everybody who works there brings their dogs and they all run around off-leash. It took Bogey a little while to find his way into the dog pack, but he's definitely been accepted.

A typical day for Bogey consists of following me around. He gets really excited for my ladies clinics because he loves the ladies. Sometimes he'll go out to follow a group around for nine holes. And he's been known to eat golfers' hot dogs, so consider yourself warned.

The moment at home when I mention that I'm going to work or when I grab my white TaylorMade visor he runs to the door and cries. To say he's happy is an understatement. He's definitely got the greatest life of any dog.

From playing the public tracks of North San Diego Country as a junior to competing for a major championship trophy on the game's biggest stage isn't a story you come across every day. But it's one that Natalie Vivaldi, or Coach Nat as she prefers, is living out in real time, for the second year in a row.

We'll all be watching closely as she competes against the world's best this week, and we're wishing her the best of luck. And next time you swing by Goat Hill, be sure to stop by and say hi to Coach Nat, and Bogey too.