Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/68546
COVER STORY A.J. Eathorne Is COMING HOME A.J. Eathorne Has Done It All In The Golf World: Top Amateur, LPGA Player, Multi-Tour Caddie. Now She Is Adding Teacher To That Resume... A.J. was involved in numerous sports including soccer, basketball, field hockey and volleyball. At the age of 12 her father Bevan introduced her to golf. Her older brother Steve was starting to get into the game and she tagged along with them to a little par 3 behind their home. Although Eathorne had maintained a sunny zip code versus a postal code for as many winters as she can remember, she still thinks of the Okanagan Valley as home. Her parents reside in Copying the boys in her family, Eathorne started swinging left handed. It felt quite awkward and she soon switched to right handed sticks and shortly after on her 13th birthday, won her first tournament at the Vernon G&CC. "I won $15 dollars and bought myself a little pink hard collared golf shirt. I was hooked! I thought, you win stuff at this game," chuckled Eathorne. the same house she was raised in, in Penticton. There are wonderful memories in the area for her and it was the birthplace of an outstanding golf career. Being an athlete at a young age, Eathorne went on to own the BC Ladies Amateur title from 1995- 97. She credits her involvement in team sports in her off-season from golf to giving her good balance athletically. Excelling at several sports, Eathorne was offered college scholarships in both volleyball and golf. Realizing volleyball can be hard on the body, and already starting to suffer from injuries, she chose golf for the longevity of the sport. Eathorne received numerous golf scholarship offers and narrowed it down with visits to New Mexico State and Oregon. On her 10 day road trip to Oregon it rained every day and she said "I don't think this is for me". She eventually chose New Mexico State. Eathorne loved the small town atmosphere reminding her of her Canadian roots, and she connected immediately with the coach. Eathorne had to work hard to get on the team. Initially ranked 6th or 7th she dedicated time to practice and playing to be top 5, to make the travel squad. Once on the squad she never looked back maintaining a top position every year. It was playing against the girls at neighbouring top ranked NCAA Continued On Next Page