Laura Crawford: former Wake Forest Demon Deacon!

Laura has gone from playing on her high school boys’ golf team to having her sights set on the LPGA. She has had a lot of fun and has learned many lessons along the way. Wear to Win talked with her about some of those experiences.

When did you first start playing?

When I was 11, my family took me to play a par three at the beach. I loved it, and I still just enjoy playing. It’s fun to get out there and get away even though it can be a frustrating game.

What sorts of teams have you played with?

I have played in the American Junior Golf Association, for Wake Forest University and on my high school boys’ golf team. Now I am trying to play pro through the Futures Golf Tour and am hoping that will lead to the LPGA.

That must’ve been interesting playing on a boys’ team.

Yeah, I was the only girl on any of our local teams. My school didn’t have a girls’ team. It was different playing with the boys. I could beat most of them, which I don’t think they appreciated. But it was fun, and they treated me like one of the guys. They respected me.

Have you won any special awards or tournaments?

Last summer I won the Women’s Eastern Amateur Golf Tournament. I was also a quarter finalist in the Women’s Western Amateur Golf Tournament. I had the honor to play in South Africa on the U.S. team for the World University Golf Championship. That was really awesome.

How do you think golf has added to your life?

It has been a great experience. I have met a lot of people and have created a lot of friendships because of it. It seems like you just develop camaraderie with those you play with, and you keep in touch.

How do you handle bad rounds and frustrations?

I am much better at it now than I used to be. You just have to accept bad holes and move on to the next one. You can’t worry about it. It’s frustrating, but you have to look to the future and know that next time you will work harder and do better.

What’s the best advice you can give a new golfer?

Have fun with the game. It’s not all about the competition. Golf will teach you a lot of life lessons. Don’t make it feel like a job. Enjoy it.

Why would you recommend someone play golf?

It’s a fun sport, you will make a lot of friendships and it’s something you can do all your life. Sure, you may have some injuries but not long lasting ones. I am impressed by 80-year-old women who are still out there on the course and shooting their age. I hope that can be me some day.

Danah Ford: once a junior, now a professional

Coming from a links-oriented family, professional golfer, Danah Ford started playing when she was quite young. Over the years she has played for Indiana University and has won several awards (too many to list!). Wear to Win talked to her about her accomplishments and thoughts about the game.

When did you first start playing?

I was very young, maybe I was in diapers (ha, ha!). I grew up going to a small club in Indianapolis and my only reason for playing in the junior league was to get to go to the pool for the rest of the day.

What drew you to the game?

My late grandfather, Henry Ford; my father, Denny Ford, who has been a PGA professional for 30+ years; my mother, Bonnie Ford; and last, but not least, my brother, Ryan, who is also a PGA professional. (No matter how hard we all try, we still can't beat my mom!)

Why do you continue to play?

I am fortunate to have a career in something I love. Being able to seize great moments on and off the golf course has become a passion of mine. There are many uncertainties in life, but one thing that is certain is my love for the game.

What are a few of your favorite golf memories?

Besides winning my first of two Alice O'Neal Dye Awards, my first US Open at Cherry Hills is my most memorable moment as a professional golfer. I also remember getting my first birdie with my grandfather when I was only 11, and my favorite times on the course are with my family.

How do you handle bad rounds and frustrations?

Anyone that knows me well knows that I say, “Everything happens for a reason.” Controlling your emotions on the course can be a difficult task only if you choose to look to your past. You must learn from your past mistakes, while looking forward with confidence. For me, it's all about fairways and greens!

Do you think you will continue to play golf?

Golf is everywhere around me. I truly cannot get away from it. Not only are my dad and brother in the business, but I am getting ready to marry a PGA professional! It's truly not a good walk spoiled!

What future aspirations do you have for yourself?

My dream is to have exempt status on the LPGA Tour. I strive for it every day! I also continue to influence others toward a game that has already given me a lifetime of wonderful experiences and life lessons.

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 for 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 my 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.