This begins a new series of interviews we'll be conducting with our FJ Ambassadors on a regular basis. You probably know them by their screen names so this gives us an opportunity to go behind the screen name and find out more about these passionate golfers who contribute unparalleled time and resources to the Community.
This month we introduce you to Eric Kelly, or EMKelly0106 as most of you know him.
1. At what age did you start playing golf? Who introduced you to the game?
No one in my family golf's or has much of an interest in golf (other than my Mom who watches occasionally to see Tiger win), so I am one of the few who started late in life. I first touched a club my sophomore year of high school, about the age 16. I had a used set that a friend of mine won at a tournament and I would periodically use them until the end of junior year. During senior year, about 17 years old, "the bug" bit me and I have been hooked since.
From there, I took some of my graduation money and bought my first set of sticks, Titleist 804.OS irons with a Taylormade r7 driver, two Vokey wedges and an Odyssey putter. My next move was to start taking lessons, which turns out to be the best choice I've made in my golf "career". Since then, I have steadily grown as a player and have upgraded all my clubs to my current set.
I would say that the friend of mine who gave me my first set of clubs first introduced me to the game and then my golf instructor perpetuated it.
2. What's your best score and where was it?
My best score is a 61. It was at the Pioneers Golf Course in Lincoln, NE. Did I mention it was a 2-person scramble?!
3. Favorite golf moment?
I have many favorite moments in golf, but I think Tiger winning the US Open with 'one leg' is at the top of the list. That was such an incredible show of determination, strength, and skill that I would be surprised if we ever see anything quite like it again. To be at less than 100% and still able to win a golf tournament (let alone a major), is something to be remembered.
4. What's your "specialty" on the golf course (driving, approach, short game, putting, etc)?
My specialty would be my short game because that is the part of my game I focus on the most and am most confident with. I am not the most consistent putter in the world so I rely on my short game to get the ball within my comfort zone.
5. What are you working on?
Most of my time in the last few months has been spent on the putting green. I feel that is one area where I need to become better and in my opinion, if you can't putt, you are going to have a hard time going low and making it to the next level in your golf game. Unfortunately though, I think putting is the hardest thing to work on because it can be very monotonous and nothing is more fun than bombing drives off the back of the range.
6. What golf-related product can you not live without?
The golf-related product I could not live without (excluding clubs) would have to be my shoes. Women have high heels; I have golf shoes. There was a time when I would buy golf shoes over tennis shoes, even though I NEEDED the tennis shoes. I really like new styles and colors because they keep everything fresh and exciting. Also, without a solid fitting shoe, your golf will suffer because of the lack of comfort and stability you have. Your feet play a very active role in the game and it's the one piece of equipment that you always use and should always be there to help you.
7. Tell us about your most memorable round of golf (why this round, with whom, where, when, score, etc).
My most memorable round of golf would be the first time I played Firethorn Golf Club in Lincoln, NE with my girlfriend Sasha's dad, his brother and my best friend. I don't remember the score of the round but at the time, it wasn't important. It was something I looked forward to for a long time and the overall experience was great. We (at least I did) had a great time, had a few drinks and just relaxed. It was one of those times when the experience was more than what you had anticipated or wished for. I certainly look forward to the next time we are all able to play together.
8. What are your interests outside of golf?
Outside of golf, my interests would include spending time with my girlfriend Sasha and family/friends, the television program South Park, playing XBOX, fishing and finance. Something I am interested in, but have not been able to do is go SCUBA diving, I think that looks like a great time and look forward to trying that soon. I am also a movie buff.
9. How did you learn about the FJ Community?
I learned about the FJC when I visited http://www.FootJoy.com and saw a banner for the community and ambassador program. I was intrigued by the thought of becoming an ambassador for a company that I already respected and was interested in so the next logical step was to sign up. I read the forums, wrote some comments and really enjoyed my time in the FJC. I already liked talking about golf and related subjects and this gave me a good opportunity to not only get a inside look at the company and upcoming releases of FJ products but also communicate with other golf enthusiasts from around the world with similar interests.