Alissa Dobbin’s journey to becoming an aspiring LPGA Professional is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. Her interesting background, motivations, challenges faced, and her aspirations for a brighter future kept her going.
Alissa’s exposure to the world of golf came in 2013, after her husband died, a time when she sought solace and says, “I needed a sport I could play by myself and golf came to mind.” So she took an Introduction To Golf course at the Community College where she was living at the time.
With a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Administration, Alissa’s professional journey has taken diverse turns. Currently a Sales Associate at Golf Galaxy, Alissa is on the cusp of a significant transition. She is set to become an LPGA Instructor at Golf Galaxy in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, and is already serving as a Program Manager with A Perfect Swing. This is stupendous for someone who did not grow up around golf or play golf prior to age 40.
Alissa’s decision to pursue a career as an LPGA Professional was inspired by her growing love for golf and conversations with Ashaunta Epps, an experienced LPGA Teaching Professional. She decided to challenge herself and aims to become one of the few (under 25) African American LPGA Class A Teaching Professionals.
Despite being a relative newcomer to golf, this 56-year-old has achieved notable milestones, with passing the Playing Ability Test (PAT) being a particularly memorable moment. Overcoming challenges stemming from her late entry into the sport, she has diligently practiced and sought knowledge to enhance her understanding of the game.
Alissa shares her perspective, saying, “The nervousness you experience when you stand on the first tee, knowing you have to shoot a certain score, from a certain yardage, and having someone watch every shot is incredible. It took me two tries to pass the PAT, but the ecstasy of success was worth it.”
Alissa finds teaching beginner golfers, especially youth, immensely rewarding. “Witnessing the excitement in their eyes when they make progress in hitting the ball or have a great shot is so fulfilling. If I can help grow the game and get our youth playing it is a great feeling….I would like to be able to teach youth who are able to play in a D1 college.”
Ashaunta Epps and LPGA Tour Player Charlie Hull have significantly influenced Alissa’s coaching style. She admires Epps’ simple yet effective teaching methods and Hull’s decisive approach to the game.
For aspiring golfers eyeing a similar path, Alissa emphasizes a dual focus on personal improvement and teaching. She advises creating and following practice plans and cautions against overwhelming students with too much information in a single lesson.
Alissa offers her advice, saying, “Work on your game as well as teach. Write a practice plan for a golfer who wants to break 80 but currently shoots in the high 90s. Then follow that plan and see if it works. The other advice would be to try not to ‘fix’ everything in the first lesson.”
To stay abreast of developments in golf instruction, Alissa follows various LPGA teaching professionals and plans to attend a lesson by her mentor, Nicole Weller, in the spring of 2024. Her short-term goal involves building her brand and reputation, paving the way for a long-term vision of working independently as a contractor and contributing to the growth of the game.
Alissa Dobbin’s journey from Sales Associate to aspiring LPGA Professional is a testament to the transformative power of passion and determination. Her commitment to personal growth, teaching, and the promotion of golf, especially among the youth, paints a promising picture for the future of the game and her career. As Alissa continues to evolve in her LPGA capacity, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring golfers and showcases the diverse paths one can take in the world of golf.
