I got one of the best phone calls I could imagine, last night...
My first golf job was at Newnan Country Club in Newnan, GA. I was the Assistant Golf Pro, and I was in charge of the junior program. This was from 1993 to 1996. One of the phenoms in the class was a tiny little girl with a beautiful motion. She was certainly a natural.
Many of the ideas that would take the kids a week to get, she could get in minutes. She had the mind and the confidence of a 20 year old, seemingly trapped in a 9 year old body. We all knew that she was capable of doing great things.
She called me last night with a noticeable excitement. She started with some small talk, but then asked, "Guess what?" I asked what was up. She said, "Nothing much. I just made it into the U.S. Open!"
I was so excited for her, I couldn't stand it. She was so happy to be able to call me, and I was certainly happy to hear the news.
She wants me to make the trip to Minnesota this week, so I can refresh her memory on the technique for putting lightning fast greens. I've got to juggle a bunch of lessons and get a last minute ticket. But, it will all be worth it.
It's a teacher's dream to have some influence in a child’s life and have them accomplish great things. I guess you can tell that I'm very proud of her.
One of the phenoms in the class was a tiny little girl with a beautiful motion. She was certainly a natural.
Wonderful news, Ted. Please . . .
Tell us her name!
Then, fill us in on the details twixt then and now. How old is she? Is she still an amateur? If so, is she on a college team? Does she have professional ambitions? What is her timetable? If she has turned pro, is she playing on any of the tours?
I'm flying out early morning Wednesday then returning early morning Thursday. I'm spending all day with her tomorrow. Her practice round is early tomorrow, then she's practicing the rest of the day.
I had to move a bunch of lessons on Wednesday. I found out too late to plan for more days.
Then, fill us in on the details twixt then and now. How old is she? Is she still an amateur? If so, is she on a college team? Does she have professional ambitions? What is her timetable? If she has turned pro, is she playing on any of the tours?
Tell us more, Ted. We want to root for her!
She's been playing on the Futures Tour. She went to UGA. Here's her bio on that site:
She had many amateur accomplishments before turning pro. We try to play together as often as we can.
Don't see a "Jean Reynolds" on the official Women's US Open player list or Thursday/Friday tee times??? Are you sure she is playing in the US Open or is Jean on the list of alternates???
Don't see a "Jean Reynolds" on the official Women's US Open player list or Thursday/Friday tee times??? Are you sure she is playing in the US Open or is Jean on the list of alternates???