It’s easy to see why Ralph Sanzeri was selected by The Golf Channel for their Natural Golf Make-Over Challenge series. You may remember about a year ago The Golf Channel ran a series of eight reality golf shows focused on making better golfers out of five individuals by providing them with instruction of the Natural Golf teaching methodology. Ralph’s a kind-hearted guy, very competitive, loves a challenge and was the perfect candidate for the show.

PLGM: You've remained friends with a handful of the folks you met during the show, right?

Ralph: Yes, the other Show participants and I catch up regularly, and my instructor, Mr. Bob Epperly, a Natural Golf instructor out of Antelope Greens, not only deserves a tremendous "Thank you," but we too have become friends on a personal basis as well. You may remember "Wild Bill" -the biker from LA. Well, Bill and I have played golf occasionally since the completion of the series and have become very good friends.

PLGM: Ralph, you also look a little different physically after the show as well. What gives?

Ralph: One of the Gurus from the show, Ms. Kelly Blackburn, the Fitness Specialist, left a strong impression with me. I've been following her recommendations for stretching and exercise and have lost forty pounds! I've kept in touch with Kelly these last twelve months or so and I'd like to lose about another 40 pounds. If I were able to share anything with your readers, it would be to not neglect your stretching and flexibility as it relates to golf. This alone has been one of the most important take-aways from the experience.

PLGM: How, after all this time, has your game changed?

Ralph: I'm now understanding and playing to my tendencies. Bob was terrific at helping me to get to a point where I realized what is going on during my swing, so that if my ball-flight starts going right, or I just get too quick with my swing, I can make the correct adjustments to get back on track for my round.

PLGM: And your Handicap Index? How's that changed?

Ralph: I've shaved a few strokes off my handicap, and Natural Golf has allowed me to continue to play with less pain (from a previous back injury). In fact, I've even scored a hole-in-one!

PLGM: Your involvement in the local community with golf-related activities has also stepped up a bit as well.

Ralph: That’s right. I'm on the Board at my local Club and I've assisted with Kids Fest at my home course.

PLGM: Any downside to the experience?

Ralph: Are you kidding? New clubs, great courses and experiences, terrific people – no downside there! In fact, a couple of the folks around the series really went above and beyond – Not just Kelly and Bob, but my wife Suzi, (the boss), and Ashley Tomasso, an Assistant Producer. They were really in my corner for the entire series. What a great team and I'm glad I had the chance to meet them!

PLGM: Ralph, again thanks for your time, and in case I didn't mention it before, Thanks for the drink after your hole-in one! (I happened to be two groups behind Ralph when he scored his ace!)

Ralph: My pleasure and glad you were there, that was a special day! Keep up the good work, the Magazine looks great – one of my favorites!