We are so excited to introduce the first episode of our new content series, Monterey Pro v Pro, where we pair two pros from two different worlds together in Monterey County, California.
In anticipation of the U.S. Women’s Open coming to Pebble Beach this summer on July 5-9, 2023, the first time in history that the U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played in Monterey County, we have created a content series featuring women on top of their game, matching a female golf pro with a female who is an expert in another field here in Monterey County. In our first episode, we pair female golf pro, Andrea Lee with local baking legend, Reba Wilson, head baker and owner of Sweet Reba’s in Carmel Valley.
ABOUT THE PROS
Andrea Lee is a highly ranked female professional golfer, currently holding the 32nd spot in the world rankings. She is slated to participate in the U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links this July. Growing up in Hermosa Beach, CA, Andrea began her golf career at the early age of 8 and went on to qualify for her first U.S. Women's Open at just 15 and finished that year as the number one ranked player in the American Junior Golf Association. Andrea attended Stanford University from 2016 to 2019 and made a name for herself as the most accomplished female golfer in the school's history, amassing nine collegiate victories. Following graduation, she turned pro in 2019 and joined the LPGA Tour, where she secured her spot for the 2020 season by finishing T30 in the LPGA Q-series. Andrea clinched her first professional title at the 2022 Casino Del Sol Golf Classic on the Epson Tour and in September of the same year, won her first LPGA Tour championship at the Portland Classic. A fun fact about Andrea is that she has a great love for food and is particularly fond of baked goods. We thought she would be the perfect counterpart for local Monterey County baking legend, Reba Wilson, owner of Sweet Reba’s Bakery in Carmel Valley.
Reba Wilson owns Sweet Reba's, a renowned bakery in Carmel Valley, famous for their delectable cakes and cookies. As a child, Reba’s grandmother instilled in her a love for cooking and baking, which led to her passion for creating delicious treats. Through the years, Reba has had the good fortune to bake with and learn from local chefs and bakers around Monterey County, honing her baking skills. In 2004, Reba designed her first “custom R2D2 cake” for her son’s 7th birthday and since then, she has been steadily building her business from her home in Carmel.
Reba went on to earn high praise from judge Ron Ben Israel on Food Network’s Cake Wars when she was a contestant on the show, he noted that Reba’s cake was “One of the best cakes I’ve ever tasted in my life.” A fun fact about Reba is that she has a sweet spot for the classic chocolate chip cookie and she has spent a considerable amount of time perfecting and mastering her own recipe for it.
GOLF PRO V LOCAL BAKING LEGEND
During the Monterey Pro v Pro shoot, Andrea and Reba - both professionals - pushed each other out of their comfort zones. They started their day in Reba’s kitchen, snacking on Reba’s famous cinnamon donut muffins and making cupcakes. Later in the day, they took the fun over to the beautiful golf course at Carmel Valley Ranch where Andrea taught Reba some inside tips and hit a few rounds. While riding in the golf cart, Reba asked Andrea about her aspirations in golf. "If you could win any tournament, which one would it be?" Andrea's response was, "It would definitely be the U.S. Women's Open Championship in Pebble Beach. That would be an absolute dream come true for me." This exciting conversation took place as they were hitting a few balls at Carmel Valley Ranch, which was a first-time experience for both pros. They also took the opportunity to swap stories, share tips and talk about their favorite places in the Monterey County area!
Cupcakes and golf, what a sweet combo. The day ends with a budding friendship and mutual respect and admiration between Reba and Andrea. Before leaving, Reba makes a heartwarming promise to Andrea - to make Andrea a championship cake when she returns to compete in the U.S. Women's Open, July 5-9, 2023. Watch the Monterey Pro v Pro episode one, HERE!