In the latest "Meet the Ambassador" feature, we are happy to introduce you to Heather Jones or "realwomengolf" as many of you know her. Heather is "a former competitive figure skater turned golf-obsessed mom." She is also fellow golf-blogger writing of her exploits on the course at realwomengolf.blogspot.com. Enjoy our profile on "realwomengolf"!
At what age did you start playing golf? My current age minus about 6 years. So about 23. :) Who introduced you to the game? My friend Danelle bought me a 7-iron over 20 years ago and dragged me to the range. I hated it. My ex also tried to get me to play for over a decade. Still hated it. Then a few years ago I found my way to an indoor range in an effort to escape a gray Ohio March. No one was there so I wasn't intimidated. I started hitting balls and somehow fell in love. I had to find the game for myself. What's your best score and where was it? I shot a 76 last summer to beat my friend "Wilbur" by one stroke at New Albany Country Club. Haven't beat her since. Favorite golf memory? Playing Whistling Straits this year. Such an amazing experience. Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. Since I haven't been to Ireland (yet) this is the closest I have felt to the roots of the game. What's your "specialty" on the golf course (driving, approach, short game, putting, etc)?
Wasting a great drive. Seriously, I'm pretty solid off the tee and can knock a nice ball out there from the red tees, but it's my putting that can save my sorry butt. What are you working on? A confident, full shot with my 56* wedge. What golf-related product can you not live without? One? Seriously? Everyone already knows how much I love MyJoys (even if I need a new name put on them). I have to have a fun ballmark and pom-pom socks--or as my golfing gal pals and I call them-"dingleball socks." I always have a bow or scarf wrapped around my ponytail. In the fall I need my winter and rain gloves. My finger tips are always the first thing to get cold on the course. Tell us about your most memorable round of golf. That's a tough one. Most memorable I would have to say was playing Scioto for my first team match. I was a 14-index playing a 3. I was thrilled to play the course, but scared to death. I got on the tee and they actually announced my name over the loud speaker. I'll never forget it, "On the tee, Heather Jones from New Albany Country Club." This was the closed moment I ever had to being a professional golfer. I was sure I was going to puke, but I manage to hit my drive into fairway. I was totally numb.
What are your interests outside of golf? I was a competitive figure skater in my younger life. I recently decided to buy a new pair of skates to help me get through the winter months. I like to sew--golf skirts. Almost anything outdoors. I think that's one of the reasons I first fell in love with golf. It's such an incredible way to enjoy a beautiful day outside. Obviously I have my blog and a new voice over/commercial career that I'm working hard on. I have a passion for Broadway and I love spending time with my kids...especially when they say, "Mom, want to hit the course?"How did you learn about the FJ Community? I stumbled upon it when I was ordering/designing a new pair of MyJoys. Dream Foursome ? If I don't say Bruce Holley, I'll have hell to pay. Adam Scott, Freddie Couples, Greg Norman and me.Can I have a Hollywood group too? Jack Wagner, David Feherty, Bruce Holley & me. Perfect! Hold on, could Alice Cooper join for the front nine, and Bruce for the back? Wait, I think I need Bruce and Alice together. NO, I need Bruce and Feherty together. Top 5 Bucket list courses? Bucket list? Can I have a Barrel list instead? Torrey Pines, St. Andrews Old Course, Ballybunion, Cabo del Sol, Kiawah Island. Medinah comes of the list this fall, thanks to FJ. And Whistling Straits recently fell off this list thanks to another golf trip I was lucky enough to be included on. How many pair’s of FJ’s do you currently have? MyJoys in royal blue, light blue, white, pink, silver, black, and brown. Then I own a pair of vintage FJ's that are a bluish green and deep maroon. I love them. I don't have much to wear them with, but I get a ton of compliments whenever I take them out for a spin. Found them on eBay as part of an estate sale. They had never been worn. So I guess I only own 8. Not nearly enough. And a little bit about your blog? The blog has been great fun, but it's a labor of love. I haven't had the time I'd like to dedicate to it lately, but I hope that will change in the near future. It's been amazing to see the response from readers. I've made lots of friends through the blog & the FJ community. I'm looking forward to meeting some of them this Oct. at Medinah. My ultimate goal is to write a book based on the the best of the blog. Well, my REAL ultimate goal is finding a way to get paid and play golf all the time. I'd also love to write a nontraditional golf travel book. One with real reviews that folks can relate too, along with travel tips. I think my review of Whistling Straits gives a flavor of what I'd like to see out there. (http://realwomengolf.blogspot.com/2011/08/kohler-dream-whistling-straits.htm
Very interesting, glad you are on Team DryJoys for the outing!
Great interview, have been to Whistling but not played it, yet!
Well done, Devin. Great choice for an Ambassador to profile. Would love to be able to be at Medinah to meet all the wonderful FJAs who will be there. Perhaps next year, sigh.
Heather, I checked out your blog and found it fun and interesting. You've got a good handle on descriptions and keep it at a level all of us can appreciate and enjoy. Keep up the good work!
Great interview. Very cool blogs Heather!
Great interview! I am happy to see you came over from Figure Skating to Golf!! Those ice skates can get pretty expensive, unlike golf equipment!! LOL
Great interview. I have the same best golf memory - Whistling Straits ........
Heather... The gloves are coming off on October 8th! Golf Chick and I are going to take you down! : )
So it's really great to have you as this months feature, because you've been "away" for a while. We have missed you a ton girl! Love how you got into golf and how passionate you are now to the game. Well done.
Tar Heel...
Cool interview. The competitive figure skating part is cool. I feel like this means I have seen you on NBC (or ABC) a long time ago during the skating season, hah.
A good look inside one of our Ambassadors. Wish I could have been able to go to Medinah and meet her, but there is always another time and place. Keep the comments you make coming as many are very interesting.
Heather great pick for the dream foursome. I almost feel bad about leaving you off mine but you know how jealous Nicole gets especially after I took out the restraining order on her.
Everyone's gotta find the game themselves. Good read
Great reading Heather...looking forward to meeting you in Chicago
Very nice profile Heather! Best of luck in the future and with your book!
I hope you get to play St. Andrews soon Heather. It's one of my favourites. I played it with my Dad together with Glen Eagles. The road hole holds some very happy memories. I think you should play two rounds with the Hollywood stars, so you can try both the Bruce / Alice and Bruce / Feherty combination. On reflection a third round with the preferred combination may also be wise.