Myrtle Beach resident Desiree M. Walker wears her signature ponytail hair style while out on the course looking for birdies. The Washington D.C. transplant got involved in golf when a good friend invited her out to play. They spent the entire day there and Desiree has never been the same. Even her little cocker spaniel dogs: “Nino” and “Caesar”, both know what’s in store when they see her gearing up, getting dressed for a round…they have gotten used to being “pet widows”.
Desiree plays many of her rounds with classmates and she carries a +24 handicap. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Leo University and holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Maryland College. As a full-time student in Golf Corse Management at the Golf Academy of America, nothing got in her way in achieving a 3.0 GPA. In addition to her academics with the academy she has also become Titliest Performance Institute Level 1 certified, which helps golfers achieve the most in their body swing connection through golf fitness.
Working at Wild Wing Plantation Golf Course, as a Pro Shop Attendant, Desiree enjoys learning about the golf industry and interacting with fellow golfers who come in for their tee-times, or just to browse around and see what’s new. A great communicator with an upbeat personality, Desiree puts in her time at the pro shop and most certainly, takes advantage of her employee benefits, getting out on the course about 13-17 times a month.
(Photo above) Malibu GC, Malibu, CA, August 2014
“Golf originally became a great source of exercise for me, and a way to bring down my stress levels. Those are both still key factors in why I enjoy playing,” says the 32-year old bachelorette. “…but, as I progress in my knowledge of the game, golf has also become a way for me to challenge myself, and grow as a person.”
Desiree craves competition and participated in the 5th Annual Augusta GolfFest tournament that was hosted in April 2015, in Augusta, Georgia, by the African American Golfer’s Digest during the excitement of Masters Week. Golfers came from all around to mix-n-mingle and experience the wonders of Masters Week.
She has also played in the GolfWeek Amateur Tour, Wilmington, DE and Myrtle Beach, VA.
(Photo) East Potomac GC, Washington, DC, September 2014
“I admire all golfers—professionals and amateurs. While golf can be a relaxing sport, it is also very difficult. Every golfer out there who pushes through the bad shots, and does not give up, deserves admiration.”
(Above) Desiree Walker with LPGA Professional Erika Larkin following a lesson in August 2014.
Her first lesson with a pro was with Erika Larkin at Stonewall Golf Course (Gainesville, and she followed that up with lessons from several PGA members at the Golf Academy.
“Lessons with professional instructors benefitted me tremendously….I received valuable feedback, and learned how I can improve on my fundamentals,” says the 5’ 4” ball striker who admits that SHE is her biggest challenge. “Changing my life, to make golf an integral part of my life, was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make; but I wouldn’t do anything different.”
When Desiree is not out on the golf course, she enjoys riding her motorcycle and dining on Pho, Vietnamese soup. “Every day that I tee it up is a day that I have another opportunity to work on my ‘”Road2Par ®’”
