Alex Gennicks: from junior to collegiate golfer
Alex’s dad first taught her the game of golf at age 7. Since then, golf has become a passion of hers, having played in the Junior League, on her high school varsity team and for Western Kentucky University. Wear to Win talked to Alex about her love of the game and how it has enhanced her life.
When did you first start playing?
I first started playing golf at the age of 7. My father, who is an avid golfer, is the one who got me started with the game. Although he is not very good, the sheer enjoyment he got from his weekly outings inspired me to play. The time I spent with him on the course became our father-daughter bonding time. I truly cherish that time.
What major accomplishments have you enjoyed as a golfer?
I was named athlete of the week my junior year of high school. My high school team and I won the state championship my senior year. I shot a school record low of a three-day total of one under par my senior year of college. I was named All Conference Academic Scholar all four years of college. I was named Senior Athletic Scholar for Academic Excellence during my college studies.
What is your favorite golf memory?
There is a tie for favorite memory:
1) Making my first hole in one at the age of 13 with my father present.
2) Having my father caddy for me and shooting my first tournament round under par.
What’s the best piece of golf advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of golf advice that I have ever received was to love what I do. If you cannot get enjoyment out of something you spend so much time doing, then why do it? The game should be played because you are passionate about it.
What is one unique or interesting thing you carry in your golf bag?
I carry my school mascot, Big Red, as my four wood club head cover. I also carry foreign coins for ball markers
Why would you recommend someone play golf?
I would recommend golf because it teaches life lessons. If you can play 18 holes of golf without getting angry, you can handle anything.
Looking to the future, what golf aspirations do you have for yourself?
I hope that I can take time from work to continue to play competitively every so often. Although I get much pleasure from recreational play, there is just something about tournament play that is so exciting. I also hope that one day as a parent, I can pass this much-cherished game on to my children to enjoy as much as I do.
Thanks, Alex, for sharing your story and your favorite memories. To read more golfer profiles, visit http://www.weartowin.com/profiles.php. Now we want to hear from you. What are your favorite golf memories?