Spring Golf

While the change of seasons can mark new beginnings, it also reminds us of the past. Spring takes me back to my collegiate days at the University of Minnesota where I spent my time studying and playing Division I Golf. College golf was tough in a northern climate as most of our practices were spent in cold, wet weather. The upshot was traveling to warm destinations to compete against nationally ranked teams. As a four-year starter on the Women’s Golf Team, I had the great fortune of being coached by Ann Zahn. She held numerous state titles and inspired all of us to achieve our potential with her wit, wisdom, and competitive spirit. One of my fondest memories at the University was developing an acquaintance with the late Les Bolstad, men’s golf coach at the University from 1947–1976. He was a pioneer in golf instruction and mentored many top players including Patty Berg and Babe Didrickson. Every time I step onto the first tee at the golf course named in his honor, I think of “the Babe” and how he once told me she could carry the hill—that’s a drive of 260 yards! Not bad for a lady in a skirt with a metal shafted driver! While The Babe was my idol, Patty Berg was my favorite. While playing in the U.S. Women’s Public Links Championship in 1986, I participated in a clinic that Ms. Berg gave on the short game. She delivered the most awe-inspiring display of bunker play I have ever seen, and her ability to entertain the crowd was pure joy to witness. Afterwards, I introduced myself as a fellow Minnesotan and those eyes of hers lit up and she fell into a keen discussion of state politics!

For many of us golf isn’t just a sport but a lifestyle. My way of life has always been dictated around the next tee-time. Many of those times have been across the U.S. and even abroad, where I played on the Women’s European Golf Tour. My playing partners have included U.S. Open Champions, State Champions, and memorable club golfers. Lady fortune is really smiling on athletics for women right now. The stars of the LPGA travel to tournaments in style, land lucrative endorsement contracts, and are displayed prominently in the media. What a change from 50 years ago where the ladies caravanned to the next event and relied on the generosity of host families for lodging. How exciting this upcoming year will be with the Women’s U.S. Open being played at Interlachen! I anticipate that this years Open will be a remarkable contest between Ochoa, Sorenstam, and a few other young women who have been enthralling us with their prowess.

In the spring we look forward to walking the fairways in the company of old friends and new acquaintances. As the season progresses, Gerald McCullagh and I look forward to discussing all things golf with you. We will give you a unique perspective of golf based on our different journeys that led us to our shared profession as golf professionals.

- Dee Forsberg

Comments

[Will (on behalf of Sam and Jack)]

Great to see your web article today! Thanks for letting us run into your golf shop early Sunday morning!

Sam and Jack (ages 5 and 3).