How old were you when you started playing golf?

I started playing golf when I was 30.

Why did you start at that age?

I was previously pursuing a career in tennis and had numerous injuries, which forced me to quit playing tennis.  Having played tennis competitively, I missed being so involved in a sport. I went to the driving range with my husband and I just picked up a club and started hitting balls.

What made you continue playing?

I am a natural athlete and golf was relaxing and fun.  I also enjoyed competing with myself, to see if I could beat my best score.  I enjoy the many facets of golf, how you can be powerful, creative and also have finesse.  I especially enjoyed the mental challenges, deciding how to play a course, choosing shots, etc.

What made you decide on golf as a career?

It was actually my husband’s recommendation.  He thought that if I was going to work, I should work at something I enjoyed doing.  It’s great to be paid to do something that I enjoy.

How did your career develop?

My third year playing, I won our women’s club championship.  I also played on the Jacksonville Women’s Golf Association tournaments and enjoyed the competition.  There just were not many women’s tournaments so I turned pro.  I played on the Player’s West Tour (which no longer exists) in 1997 and 1998.  I played on the Future’s Tour in 1999 and 2000.

What made you stop touring?

My husband had cancer and then died.  My son was 12 years old at the time and so I needed to be home with him.

What did you do after you stopped touring?

I had always enjoyed teaching and decided to pursue teaching golf as a career.  I worked at a public course for a year and then went to work for The First Tee of St. Johns County.  It was at The First Tee that I obtained my LPGA certification and achieved recognition as a “Recognized First Tee Coach”.

What is your position at Golf House Tennessee?

I am the Program Director for The First Tee of Nashville.

Why are you involved in the TN Girls Golf Network?

I would like to get more girls involved in The First Tee and inform them of the many opportunities it provides locally, nationally and scholastically.  I would also like to provide information on the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf program, which TFT Nashville should have in place in 2007.