Ronald Franklin Branch
(May 9, 2011)–Sometimes all we need is just that extra little push to get us started on the pathway towards good, healthy habits.
This was exactly the case for Ronald Franklin Branch who says that he has always had an interest in golf, but it wasn’t until his family gave him a set of golf clubs as a Father’s Day gift (5yrs. ago) that sealed his fate. “I’ve been hooked ever since,” he admits.
Born in Albany, New York, Branch now lives in Malta (NY) and regularly enjoys golfing with some of his physician co-workers, his stepsons and
friends.
“I play golf maybe three times a week, when I can,” says the 23 handicapper.”
“As a married father of 2 children and 3 step children, I like playing golf for the exercise, challenge, camaraderie, fun, and love for the game.”
It’s a known fact that you can walk up to 7 miles on the golf course and it is a sport that can be played for a lifetime.
Branch attended the Community College of Baltimore and holds an Associates of Occupational Studies degree from Bryant & Stratton College. He is a (AAMA) Certified Medical Assistant and an Advanced Gastroenterology Technical Specialist (SGNA).
For the last nine years Branch has been employed as an SR. Gastroenterology Technician/ Certified Medical Assistant at St. Peter’s Surgery and Endoscopy Center in Albany, New York.
The specialty science requires a tremendous amount of focus and concentration and each day brings new challenges– just like 18-holes of golf, staminina and fortitude is a mandate.
Branch’s home course is the Saratoga Lake Golf Club in Stillwater (NY). The heavily-wooded, 110 year-old, family owned property is beautiful but challenging and the 52-year-old confesses, “I find that I still struggle with chipping and at times driving the ball. But with more and more practice, I hope it gets better!”
What are some of Branch’s favorite reasons for playing the game?
“I like meeting new people and I love to get pointers from friends along with taking golf lessons.”
“I love traveling and playing other nice golf courses. I hope to one day meet some more Black golfers as myself and to share some great experiences. I love the game and when I get to play with others, its fun; learning from other experienced golfers makes learning fun. It also helps my game get better.”
“I’ve often–from time to time–get the chance to play golf at two of the most prestigious private courses here in the area where I live and where the physicians that I work with are members,” says Branch.
Albany Country Club and Colonie Country Club are both located in Voorheesville (NY) and Branch enjoys meeting interesting people and networking there. “It’s a great thing that has opened a lot of doors for me, playing at those Clubs. I’ve also had the chance to play in a few small tournaments and best ball and scramble games. Some times I also attend the course when the US Open amateurs qualifying rounds are played. It great!”
Branch has had some golf lessons from PGA instructors at the Northway 8 Golf Center located in Clifton Park, NY and says that it helped his game immensely.
“In my region and golf courses near me, I wish there were more Black golfers, but most of the time, it seems I am the only one out on the golf courses, but that’s alright,” he says. “As long as the respect level is there, because there have been Black Americans that have paved the way for ‘Us’ to play. And, I love the documentary “Uneven Fairways” and watch it every time it comes on. I thank those players for doing it for me and others like me. It is my right to golf wherever I want to at any public golf course.”
