Junior Golf Activities

  NO one in my family played much golf.  A family friend took me out to Ridgewood Golf Club in Athens, TN for the first time when I was 13.  From there I just took interest and started playing in school.  Thanks Coach Haynie!

When did you start playing in tournaments?

The first tournament I remember playing in would have been a Northern Telecom event (or what most know now as the TGA Junior Tour).  I couldn’t tell you how I placed or what I scored at the time, I was still learning the game.

Did you play in High School?

 I played at McMinn County High School in Athens, TN.  As a freshman I was the only girl on the team and there were not many surrounding schools with girls teams, so I played matches against boys during my first year.  More girls eventually came along and we had a good team during my later high school years.  We competed in district and regions against competitive teams such as Baylor, Cleveland High School, and Bradley County.

Were you ever injured while playing golf?

I have had some shoulder and neck problems through most of my golf career, but not so serious as to keep me from competing for any length of time.

Did you play in college?
I played four years at Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN - GO PIONEERS!  I was actually the first girl to sign to play at Tusculum in 1997, which was the inaugural year for the women's team. 

What was your major in college and how has it helped you in the real world?
I majored in Biology at Tusculum with a minor in Environmental Science.  Going away to college has helped in many ways; it taught me how to survive on my own, deal with many different situations, as well as, meet so many diverse people from all over the country and the world. Being involved with the golf team allowed me to travel and experience a lot of cool new places.  For me college was about broadening my horizons and discovering what else is outside of the small town that I grew up in.  it helped me gain independence and confidence in myself.  I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.   

Did you ever consider turning professional?

I have not had any desire to be a golf professional in any capacity.

What is your position at Golf House Tennessee?

I have been at Golf House since graduating in 2001.  I started as a USGA Boatwright Intern and now five years later I am Director of Administration and Women’s Competitions for the Tennessee Golf Association. 

Do you have any other responsibilities?

I am involved with a few junior programs here at Golf House that I really enjoy, such as the Bonnie Blackburn Girls Golf Fest.

How have you seen girls golf change in TN?

Girls golf has changed so much since I started in the early 1990’s, and even more so in the last five years.  Of course Tiger Woods has brought about many changes for junior golfers.  However, I think more of the growing popularity is attributed to the programs and scholarships that are now available for girls.  Golf can surprise you and take you to many places.  My career started by chance thanks to a family friend, then a few years later to obtaining a college scholarship, all from enjoying a sport.  It really blows me away to think about how much golf has impacted my life.  I think a lot of junior girls are now starting to realize this as well.  Golf is a competition sport and you can go to the highest level if you choose, but you can also take so much more away from it.  It is a sport you can play for a lifetime, therefore you can play with friends and family for a lifetime and pass the same values, traditions, and opportunities that golf provides to your own children.

Why are you involved in the TN Girls Golf Network?

I guess my answer from the last question runs into this one.  So I’ll leave it at that.