Born with the golf gene
ROBIN HILLS – Professional golfer, Melissa Eaton's hard work and dedication have won her a number of accolades.
A passion for a particular sport may be something you develop over time or it may be passed down from a family member.
For Melissa Eaton, her love of golf was passed down by her parents.
The Robin Hills resident and Parkview Golf Club assistant director said she started playing golf with her twin sister when she was 12 years old, after being inspired by both her parents, who are avid golfers. Her mother, Colleen used to be a golfer at Port Shepstone Country Club in KwaZulu-Natal and worked at the golf store there.
“I used to spend lots of time at the golf shop with my mother and was constantly around the golf course,” said Eaton. “Without my parents’ encouragement, I wouldn’t have taken up such an amazing sport.
“In 2001 I applied and was accepted to be a member of the Els Performance Golf Academy, which was a stepping stone to my future golfing career. The academy assisted us financially to compete, taught us life skills and golfing etiquette.”
Her hard work and dedication are evident in her long list of accolades since she became a professional golfer in 2009. Eton said with the support of her parents she applied for a full golf scholarship in America where she was accepted at the Louisiana State University in 2003 and graduated with a marketing degree in 2007.
“My first professional win was during the Florida Natural Charity Classic in Winter Haven, Florida, in 2013, on a score of 10 under par. I also finished 13th on the Symetra Tour year-end money list, just missing my full Ladies Professional Golf Association tour card and receiving full playing cards for the 2014 season,” said Eaton.
She added that in 2013 she was awarded the Heather Wilbur Spirit Award for the Symetra Tour, which goes to the player who most represents hard work, dedication, passion and overcoming adversity. This award is voted by other players and she describes it as one of her most honourableachievements.
“My advice to other female golfers is that hard work always pays off and it requires lots of dedication and practice,” concluded Eaton.
