Janet Louise Johnson
(February 7, 2012)–Janet Louise Johnson was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and raised 46-miles away in nearby Malvern. Malvern is a place where she loves the southern hospitality, the way children are reared to respect adults, and the peaceful surroundings. When she has the opportunity—which is often—she visits her old hometown and loves playing golf in Hot Springs Village, Ark.
Johnson currently resides in Richmond, Calif. She got introduced to golf by an ex-boyfriend and got so involved with the sport that, in 2008 she started Sistas on the Links Golf Club (SOTL). She serves as president and founder of the three-and-a-half year old organization that is also a member of the Western States Golf Association. SOTL attracts members who are new and experienced players. Today, the bachelorette has a handicap of 27.6.
“I lost my only child to Lupus in 2007 and started Sistas on the Links out of my grief. The group now has 59 members,” she says.. “The game, and love of so many supportive Sistas, is very healing. I got my joy and focus back!” Johnson’s son, Edward, was just 29-years old when he passed. He played golf, football and baseball.
Johnson attended Golden Gate University in San Francisco and earned a B.A. Degree in Accounting.
For the last 12 years she has worked as a Senior Business Assistance Officer, Commercial Loan Officer and Project Manager for the City of Richmond, Calif..
In her role she provides small business assistance and commercial lending services to small businesses and commercial district and downtown revitalization projects. Most recently Johnson honored as a Downtown Champion by the City of Richmond Main Street Initiative, Inc. for her successful efforts to revitalize the 52-block historic commercial district of Richmond.
“I love the outdoors—just seeing the woods, trees, grass, and animals, it feeds my soul,” she says. “Golf also helps me focus, and keeps my stress level low. I am loving playing golf with my Sistas,” she states. Johnson, age 56, gets out to play golf about 5-6 times a month and enjoys rounds at her home course in Oakland.
“It feels like Christmas morning when we play tournaments. As I sit in my car and watch our beautiful Sistas get out of their cars, with their golf equipment, and take their “sisterly” walk to the club house. It just warms my heart and soul!”
Johnson participates regularly in corporate and charity golf tournaments through her job. She also often plays in tournaments to support her sister WSGA Bay Area golf clubs.
Johnson also helped to start a golf tournament for her church, Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Calif., in 1998, and has served as the Tournament Chair for the past 6 years. Most recently she worked with the Richmond community to start a Youth on Course NCGA Jr. Golf Program that proudly serves 23 inner-city youth.
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And Johnson knows the importance of having a professional golf trainer assist her. Golf pro Gene Bakkum gave her lessons in the spring of 2011 and Lynda Donahue and Lesley Stewart (SOTL resident golf instructors) helped her quarterly during all of 2011.
“The lessons help with slowing down my swing, keeping my head down and my short game. Keeping my head down is the most difficult for me. But, all in all, I shaved 4 points off my handicap in 2011,” she says.
“I also enjoy playing solo golf. It’s always the best walk in the park with me and nature!”
