I Want to be a Golf Pro:
An interview with Ann Boston

By: Beka Hubbard

My name is Beka Hubbard, and I would like to be a golf pro when I grow up. I am 10 years old and have been playing golf for two years. I have played golf through Wilmington Christian Academy’s Intramural League, and this year I won an award for the Most Consistent Player. This summer I participated in the girls’ camp at The First Tee of Wilmington at Echo Farms.

Through summer camp I met a wonderful coach that I decided would be the best person to talk to [about pursuing my dream]. Ann Boston is one of the coaches at The First Tee. These are the questions I asked her about golf and being a coach:

Beka Hubbard: At what age did you start playing golf?
Ann Boston: I started playing golf around the age of 6, but around the age of 10 I started taking golf seriously.

BH: What drives your passion for golf?
AB: I like being outside. I like to walk, and the golf course is a beautiful walk. I love to see the nature that is all around. Golf courses are beautiful and calming places.

BH: In your opinion, do girls or boys learn faster?
AB: Girls. I think boys are not afraid to get out here and hit the ball. They want to hit it hard and far, and they are not afraid of hitting the ground or missing the ball. But I feel that girls listen better and take smoother swings. We girls cannot hit the ball as far, but I think girls listen more to details.

BH: What do you like about golf?
AB: Meeting people. A lot of times when you play golf alone, you go to the course and you will get paired with other people to make a team. I find it fun to walk and talk, or even ride in the cart with new people and learn about them. Some of these people turn into really good friends.

BH: Why do you coach golf?
AB: I like working and coaching young people. I like to see them develop their honesty, perseverance, respect and integrity. I really like to see young people having fun.

BH: Have you played in any championships?
AB: Yes, I have. But I have to stay very focused. If I don’t I will not play good.

BH: Who is your favorite LPGA player?
AB: Annika Sorenstam. She has the smoothest swing and the best attitude, and she is a very good role model for younger children and new golf players.

BH: Are you very competitive?
AB: Yes, I am, but I am not competitive with others. I am competitive with myself. I cannot control how others play, but I can play my very best.

BH: What other sports do you like?
AB: I like tennis and college basketball, boys and girls. I am partial to the University of Connecticut.

BH: What suggestions do you have for someone my age who wants to be a golf pro when she grows up?
AB: To practice lots and play consistently. To play on the golf course and try to make golf your passion.

BH: Do you like driving or putting better?
AB: I like driving better. I like to see the ball flying the distance.

BH: What do you prefer: the first or last hole?
AB: I usually like the first hole better.

BH: What is your favorite golf course?
AB: The Point in Arizona. It is a fun yet difficult course. The scenery is beautiful with cacti and desert features all around.
At Oyster Bay in South Carolina, I like playing around the marsh and seeing the sea life all around me. It is one of my favorite courses to walk.

BH: Do you like easy or challenging holes?
AB: Challenging; it feels good when you work hard and win! You do not always win, but then you have the satisfaction of your hard work at a challenging hole.

BH: What is your handicap?
AB: My handicap is 19.

BH: When you play golf, does your score go up, down or stay consistent?
AB: It’s kind of up and down for me. Some days are better than others; I could have an 88 one day and a 98 the next. It can be like a rollercoaster.