Linda is a member of the Loch Nairn Ladies Golf Association and the Delaware Women's Golf Association. She had
her first Hole-In-One on October 23, 2013. Below is a golf article from the Chester County Women's Journal.

Chester County Women's Journal, July 12, 2012

The Story of Annie, A New Golfer

I’VE OWNED A PERSONAL TRAINING BUSINESS for years and recently added something new . . . teaching the game of golf to women. Golf is more than hitting a little white ball into a cup. And taking a lesson is not the same as being on the golf course. At any level of expertise, the game offers players something new to learn or experience. It can teach patience and strategy. Afternoons on the course can provide opportunities for competition or business networking. The game takes months to learn and years to perfect. Just when you think you’ve mastered golf, it can humble you.

Annie is a 56-year-old, long-time client of my personal training business. She’s always up for a challenge. I encourage her to try different sports and to stretch her limits. So one day, I suggested that she try golfing and we tested her hand-eye coordination with golf club and wiffle—practice—golf balls in her back yard.

“Never having golfed, I had no idea if I would like it or have any potential to play the game well,” said Annie. “I asked myself why, at this age, would I take up a sport known for its challenges.”

Over the next several months, she learned more about the sport and figured out why the game and its challenges were great for her. In 2011, Annie and I ventured out to a course and she played her first nine holes of golf. Whiffs—swinging and missing the ball, and curses over frustration and anger were part of the experience. And then, suddenly she hit a ball straight down the fairway and smiled. She repeated the cycle many times while we were there.

Annie and I played nine holes of golf and then decided to enter an 18-hole tournament. We ramped up practice to include 18 holes and to develop stamina. I taught her about nutritional needs to endure a four-hour game—what to eat and drink before, during and after. We also paid special attention to a variety of aspects of the game so that Annie would not hurt her wrists. All the while, we made sure there was fun involved—Annie even named a pink golf ball Pinky!

Another important element of lessons was helping Annie build confidence. Golf is a mental game, as well as a physical one, and confidence is key to any player’s success.

Annie told me that when she played with new people, she lost some of her confidence, and that it took several holes to “settle in” with her game. Part of my role as personal trainer was to help her with strategies and tactics to build her esteem on the course.

Once or twice a week, Annie now practices her swing and follow-through with the golf club in her back yard. Recently, she golfed with her brother in Maryland. She has lots of possibilities for playing the game in the future—trying a variety of courses in different seasons and weather conditions, and perhaps joining a women’s golf league to elevate her skills to the next level. Her initial trepidation gone, Annie is hooked on golf.

“It’s a sport I can play forever,” Annie asserts. “The best part is the feeling of connecting with the ball and making an awesome shot. I plan to persevere and continue to improve my game.”

If you are interested in learning to play golf, please call me. I will help you learn the rules, determine which club to use and why, how to dress, where to drive the cart and more. I will also ensure that you have one or more lessons with a professional golfer.

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