(Nov. 27, 2013)–Debra Arnita Adell is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, where she reminisces on the delicious soul food and splendid Southern hospitality. In 2004, Debra along with her husband Alvin and their daughter Asia, relocated to Fresno, California. Little did she know at the time, this would be her entry into the wonderful world of golf.
“I was first introduced to golf when my daughter started playing and competing at the age of 10,” says Debra, who, after shuttling little Asia back-and-forth for practice, began to wonder if she herself could find an interest in the game.
Today, Debra carries a handicap of 36 and is a member of several Fresno area clubs including the Copper River Golf and Country Club and the Women’s Golf Organization (WGO). Her daughter, Asia is now a 21-year-old senior at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo—and, she got there on a golf scholarship. The tenacious student is playing division one golf and, has led the team with lowest scoring average during both her sophomore and junior year.
Golf has become a family affair for Debra and her household plays rounds whenever Asia comes back on school breaks.
Debra graduated in 2002 from Troy State University in Montgomery, Alabama with a Masters of Science in Nursing. She also earned a Family Nurse Practitioner National Certification. She’s been employed by the VA Department of Veterans Affairs since 1993 and on staff at the VA Hospital in Fresno as a Cardiology Nurse Practitioner since 2004. This past September the hospital began participating with the VA Central California Health Care System in VetLink, a state-of-the art technology intended to improve patient experience, safety and access to information.
Even with her hectic schedule, Debra manages to get out on the course. “I usually play 3 times a week at my home course, Copper River Golf and Country Club,” says this sophisticated mid-50’s lady who has a zeal for working out, exercise classes, swimming and shopping.
Copper River features an 18 hole par 72 championship golf course designed by architect, David Pfaff. The course, set up on the undulating terrain of the Sierra Nevada base, features water on 9 of the 18 holes with spectacular views of the mountains and the clubhouse.
Debra knows her game and plays her own ball. Thus far, the persistence is paying off. She has won first place twice in the Ladies WGO tournament at Copper River and came in as runner up once.
“It’s my passion and there’s no place I’d rather be than on the golf course. If I’m not playing, I’m watching my husband play, or watching my daughter compete, and then watching the PGA and LPGA on television.”
Debra has received golf instruction from PGA teaching Pro Raul Quezada, the Head Teaching Pro at Copper River. She admits to the benefits of having done so: “It helped me tremendously with the mechanics of my swing.” Quezada engages his students through clinics and private lessons in a fun, non-intimidating atmosphere.
As all golfers can attest to, there is always something that we’re working towards. So, what is Debra’s biggest challenge? “I would have to say my biggest challenge is in hitting my fairway woods off the ground—I am getting better, but it’s still a work in progress.”
“I truly love this game!” she says, “It doesn’t take much to keep me inspired. It’s my passion, and we have such a beautiful country club. Getting to play with friends keeps me motivated, and winning helps.”
