Junior Golf Activities

jenny deathrige

How old were you when you started playing golf?

I started playing golf when I was 19 years old.  My grandmother, “Nanny”, nearly played every day and introduced me to the game. 

Did you ever play in high school?

Playing tennis and volleyball took up all of my time while in high school. I had not even picked up my first club until college…….unless putt-putt counts : ) I can clean up in some putt-putt golf!

Were you ever seriously injured while playing golf?

Nothing serious, but when I was first introduced to golf I would stay out on the driving range and hit balls so long that my hand would blister and bleed---yuck!!!

What was your major in college and how has it helped you in the real world?

My undergrad major was Electronic Media Communication, which is a fancy name for saying I studied media.  There are valuable lesson in learning how the media (TV, Internet, Radio, Magazines, etc) influences our lives and shapes our world.  If the media broadcasts out a feel good story, then it makes the viewers hearts all warm and fuzzy and makes them feel good.  If the media puts out a depressing story, then it brings everybody down and takes away their cheerfulness.  The same principle can be applied to your life as well.  If you are happy it rubs off on those around you; the same effect if you are sad.  It’s pretty neat to think you can influence the world around you simply with how you look at things : )

What made you choose golf as a career path?

I loved sports media and after participating in a study on how NBC Sports did their media coverage for professional golf tournaments, I knew I wanted to be in golf.  There is no place like being on the green of a golf course for me.  It’s one of the most peaceful places I can be.  Choosing a career that includes being in one of your most peaceful places has made my job not feel like work, but a fun place to be everyday.

What’s your position at Golf House?

I graduated after completing my MBA on a Saturday and came to work for at Golf House two days later in August of 2008.  I am a USGA Boatwright Intern and have had one amazing time holding this position.  Nearly all of the other employees at Golf House started out as Boatwright Inters as well, and I am excited to see what opportunities this position will continue to bring.

Do you have any other responsibilities?

I am involved with the Tennessee Golf Association, Junior Golf Activities, the TN Section of the PGA and the Tennessee Golf Foundation.  Whether it be working with women’s competitions for the TGA, volunteering for a PGA event or promotion, working with the Bonnie Blackburn Girl’s Golf Fest or Vince Gill’s Pro-Celebrity Invitational, I love being as involved as possible.

Why are you involved in the Tennessee Girl’s Golf Network?

I love seeing how junior golf is more prevalent than ever!  The competition level for girl’s junior golf is increasing across the board and programs across the world are taking notice.  It’s important to keep to the excitement up and to reach out to more and more girls to grow our game.  Now more than ever junior golfers see that golf is not just for their grandpa’s and not just a sport, but something they can be involved with for their entire lives.  Golf will take you to some of the most gorgeous places in the world and put you with some fabulous company to create unique memories you will forever appreciate.