Maria Stackhouse (photo by Al Cobb, circa 2006)
BY AAGD STAFF
January 12, 2020 — Certified golf coach Addie Cobb is well-known in her Valdosta, Georgia community for her years of experience and success in providing youth golf instruction. Among the youth who benefited from Addie’s instruction is Maria Stackhouse. Today, Maria, age 25, is a professional golfer on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour. But, back then, when Maria was only 12-years old, little did the future graduate of Stanford University know that she would become a four-year All-American who would major in communications and help the Cardinals to achieve an NCAA title in 2015.
“It all comes down to having strong basic instruction and giving youth confidence in themselves,” says Addie who conducted a golf clinic in Atlanta. It was on Brown Mills Golf Course on a bright Saturday morning when Maria and her brother John participated. John went on to select football as his sport of choice, but Maria stayed the course and golf became her appendage.
Addie Cobb
“I was an invited instructor that Saturday morning and I was scheduled to demonstrate some of my golf skills and assist with teaching the members of the Browns Mills Women’s Golf Association (BMWGA),” says Addie. “By popular demand, Golf Teaching Pro, Joe Holmond, a level 3 and honorary member of the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) organized and held regular clinics there. Joe’s clinics were held especially for the BMWGA organization and the cost to participate was $35 per lady.”
That particular day, Addie recalls that Mariah and her brother were in attendance along with their parents, Ken and Sharon Stackhouse. They were joined by 35-40 other participants and 2-4 instructors. “The clinics focused on all aspects of the game, but when I participated our focus was on the short game, such as grip, posture, putting, chipping, pitching, and alignment,” recalls Addie.
During the clinic, Addie noticed that “Not only did Mariah Stackhouse stand out from the others with her early skills, but she and her brother, John, stole the show!” Shortly afterward, John was featured in a US Kids Golf TV commercial. “I saw John’s remarkable commercial several times.”
Maria Stackhouse (photo by Al Cobb, circa 2006)
Army Lieutenant Colonel, Joe Holmond (Retired), had a long militarily and successful golf teaching careers. He was nominated for the African American Golfers Hall of Fame, but circumstances would not allow him to participate. If you need additional information about his clinics, he is the person to speak with. His contact information is 404-966-8077 cell or 770-471-8594. He said feel free to contact him.
Maria Stackhouse (photo by LPGA 2020)
