December 21, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
Vernell Williams is a proud, self-taught golfer. Her love for the game surpasses its many challenges on the field because she plays for enjoyment and lets the rest, let’s say, take care of itself.
Born in the small country town of Madison, Fla., Williams grew up without access to golf and knew little about the game. The divorcee with two adult sons (Everett Williams and Linton Williams) was finally introduced to golf in 1992, by friends of the Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Knickerbocker Golf Club. She has shared her passion for playing with friends at Stonecreek Golf Course (Valdosta, Ga) on a day she’ll always remember, where her ball came within a mere one-half inch from dropping in the hole for a hole-in-one.
“Currently my golfing handicap is 17,” says the 67-year old who earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from North Florida Junior College. Playing for the love of the game, Williams admits to not having a membership or affiliation with any golfing organizations on a “formal basis.”
During her professional career, Williams worked for Florida Power Co. and Progress Energy (Duke Energy) as a Customer Services Representative for 33 years. The company is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States, providing electricity to 7.7 million retail customers in six states.
While there, Williams’ work was recognized numerous times with awards for excellence, certificates of achievement, outstanding performance, and more, for assisting customers with service needs, outage problems, billing, and payment issues, among other duties. After retiring (2012) she relocated from Clearwater, Fla., back to her beloved hometown of Madison.
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Over the years, Williams is most proud to have played golf in all 50 states. One such memorable escapade she recalls: “I, with four sisters, embarked on an ‘Inter-State, Out-of-Country Road Trip,’ leaving Madison, Fla., for Toronto, Canada on June 20, 2019, we traveled on the Canada-Alaska highway to Fairbanks (Alaska) played golf, visited special attractions, celebrated Canadian Independence Day (Canada), played rounds on July 4th at a golf course known to be the furthest in the Northeast (receiving a verification certificate from the Club Pro!)
Continuing their journey to Wyoming, the fivesome witnessed “Old Faithful” erecting in Yellowstone National Park, enjoyed seafood in Montana, partook in the Dodge City tour (Kansas), ending their wonderful adventure back in Florida on July 15, 2019.
Among her travels, she treasures photographs of herself with golfing legends such as Lee Elder, Calvin Peete and billionaire hotelier Sheila Johnson. Williams’ collection of autographed photos also includes golfing greats Arnold Palmer, V.J. Singh, John Daly, Chi Chi Rodriguez and David Duval. Williams also relishes the fond memories and special moments of golfing with her sister (and golfing buddy) Jessie Parker.
Challenges with the Game of Golf
Williams admits, “My biggest challenges in the game are the chip- shots around the green and proper alignment from fairway to the green.” In being self-taught, and having started playing with all men, Williams credits her ‘fast learning’ ability for helping her play and win cash, trophies, prizes, certificates, and household items in many tournaments across the country.
Tournaments Previously Played
…the list is a long one:
- Jim Dent, Augusta, Georgia, Second Annual Tournament 2002, 2nd Place Winner;
- Al Cobb, ASU-VSU Tournament, 2001, 1st & 2nd place Winners;
- 1st Annual Nate Harris Tournament 2000, 1st Place Winner with a 2 day score of 26;
- LPGA International, L.O.V.E. GOLFTECH Tournament, 2011;
- Jim Clyburn’s Scholarship Tournament, 2009;
- Port City Golf Association Tournament, 2008;
- Bull City Golf Tournament;
- Northeast Golf Classic, 2002;
- Stamford Alumni Tournament 2015;
- Knickerbocker Golf Tournament, 2004;
- Amelia Island God’s Active People Tournament 2003.
STAYING INSPIRED FOR GOLF:
Williams hopes to pass on her knowledge to empower youth of all ages. She mentors three granddaughters and has been involved in mentoring golf at McFarlene Park School and The First Tee. “I stay inspired by contributing/donating funds and support, doing outreach, and encouraging youth of all ages to excel for higher education.”
