Lissa Bradford
When did you start playing golf?
I was 8 when my mom asked if I wanted to take a junior golf clinic. She played since she was 8 and i used to follow her around sometimes.
How old were you when you played in your first competative tournament?
I was 13 when I played my first TN Girl's Junior Amateur at Rolling Hills CC in Cleveland, TN - we had fog delays each morning.
What clubs were in your bag when you started?
My mom brought home some used cut down clubs. There was a three wood, 5-iron, 7-iron, 9-iron and a putter.
Did you play on a junior golf tour and if so what tour did you play on?
There really were no "tours" when I was growing up. The only events for girls in TN were the State Junior, the Maxfli (which is now the Westfield PGA Junior) and the TN Women's Amateur. We had the Big I, but only boys were allowed to play. I was allowed to play in my ladies club events and the Nashville Women's Golf Association events.
Did you play high school golf?
I played for Harpeth hall in high school. We barely had two players each year. My senior year, I had to convince my younger sister to play so we would have a team - we went to state!
Did you play college golf and if so where?
I walked on at the University of Alabama. I had a wrist injury and 4 surgeries between my junior year in HS and my sophmore year in college, so I was not recruited by anyone. By the time I finished college, I had almost earned a full scholarship.
Who would be in your fantasy foursome?
Bobby Jones, Babe Zaharias and Annika Sorenstam
What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite old book is "Golf is My Game" by Bobby Jones. My favorite new book is "Every Shot Must Have A Purpose" by Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson.
What is your favorite color?
I really don't know that I have a favorite, although I wear a lot of blue and red. After working with the blind, I just feel so blessed that I can see colors.
How long have you been working at The Golf House?
I was hired the year that Golf House was openned in 1995, so I am going on my 13th year.
What is your lowest score on 18 holes?
The lowest score I have ever had is 69 from the ladies tees, but I consider my best score as 78 from the very back of the tees at Belle Meade CC.
Why are you a part of the Tennessee Girls Golf Network?
When I was growing up, there were very few girls my age that played golf and we all lived far apart. If I was not playing with the ladies or my mom, I would play with the boys. Luckily, they let me play with them. I know jow frustrating it can be to be the only girl. I want golf to be fun for girls so they will learn to play at an early age. It is something they can do for the rest of their lives. Golf has blessed me in so many ways, I want to provide that opportunity for anyone who wants to pursue the game.
