Six Questions with Head Pro Marge Jones
April 30, 2016
At the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers, we’re proud of our Head Pro Marjorie Jones. During the course of her golfing career, she’s accomplished an enormous amount. “Marge” was named one of Golf Digest’s 50 Best Women Teachers in America. She has been recognized as the LPGA T&CP's Northeast Section Teacher of the Year and Player of the Year. Marjorie also won the PGA Women's Stroke Play Championship and the LPGA T&CP National Team Championship twice. A golf professional for 30 years, she has played professional golf in Europe, Asia, Australia and in the United States on the LPGA and Legends Tours. She played in eight British Opens, five United States Opens, and has won numerous events. Needless to say, winning competitions across the country and gathering handfuls of golf accolades along the way requires hard work and a lot of practice! We found some time amidst the busy schedule to sit down with Marge and ask her about golfers, young and old, the Olympics, and more!
Q: Young golfers, like Rickie Fowler, have a sort of polarizing effect on golf aficionados. Critics think his loud and unusual style of dress is an affront to the ancient and beloved traditions of the game of golf. Proponents think his attitude and approach to golf represents a breath of fresh air- a shake-up that could help usher in a whole new generation of fans. Where do you stand on the issue?
A: The old saying…”Don’t judge a book by its cover” applies here. Ricky Fowler is a serious golf professional who is an elite athlete and steely competitor. On and off the course he is an exceptional role model- he is focused, disciplined, controlled and demonstrates the highest level of integrity while showing great respect for the traditions of the game. His clothes are loud and fun but on the course his demeanor is professional. He has increased the fan base not just through winning but also through his look. Many young fans now think it is cool to play golf. Nothing demonstrates this better than the number of kids in our golf camps who are sporting the RF look- whether it’s the hat, clothes, bag or clubs. How can this be anything but good for the game of golf? When he was here practicing at CP not too long ago, I had a chance to meet him. I found him to be very approachable and accommodating. I’m a fan too.
Q: It’s been estimated that 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf. Most of these executives believe that golf is an important business development tool. Would you agree that golf is a great way for professionals to advance and enrich their careers?
A: It is a known fact that deals are made on the golf course. Golf provides an opportunity to spend quality time to bond with a co-worker, manager and/or client. It also gives you the opportunity to get to know someone and to create stronger relationships. It is hard to hide who you really are on the golf course. Do they have integrity, how is their temperament, is this a person you want as a client, partner, co-worker or manager?
Q: Knowing how useful golf can be when it comes to making professional connections, how important do you think it is for young girls to try their hand at golfing?
A: I believe all children should be involved in sport. It teaches them discipline and how to follow rules. It helps to develop skills, and teaches them how to get along with others while getting exercise and having fun.
Golf is a great game for both boys and girls to learn. It helps to build character. It’s a social game and, in golf, you have to learn how to get along with others. Learning etiquette and rules is essential, just as it is in society.
It is your game and you can learn to make it whatever you want it to be within a framework. It’s a lifetime game that can be played competitively long after competing in other sports is no longer possible. It’s a game that can carry you through adulthood, so not only can it be fun to do with friends, but as mentioned earlier, it can be used as a business tool.
Q: If you could play a round of golf with any golfer, past or present, who would it be? And why?
A: There are many golfers who I would have liked to play a round of golf with. I’ll [narrow it down to one.]
Babe Zaharias – She was one of the greatest women athletes of all time: won two Olympic Gold and a Silver medal in Track and Field, All-American college (?)basketball player, expert diver, roller skater and bowler and one of the greatest woman golfers of all time.
I would love to see how she prepared, to watch her preparation and then witness the execution. Then, while we were walking to our shots, I’d love to have that opportunity to ask her questions. What drove her to become a winner? How does she practice? What did she want her legacy to be? What is the most important thing to know about the golf swing? About playing golf in general?
Q: So, there have been plenty of movies made about golf- proving that more happens on the course than what you see might see on the Golf Channel! Do you have a favorite story? What’s the most exciting moment / interesting thing to ever happen to you on the links?
A: One of the most heartwarming stories that I’ve heard happened during an LPGA Event, when player Mary Bea Porter interrupted her round of golf to save a three year old boy from drowning. She saw the boy lying face down in a pool right next to the golf course. The boy’s father jumped in and pulled him out. With the help of her caddy, she climbed over a six-foot fence and without any prior experience in CPR, was able to resuscitate the boy after several tries. She then went on to complete her round and fortunately the boy survived.
One of the most memorable things that ever happened to me on a golf course was when I had to call a penalty on myself at the Hennessy French Open. My ball went into the rough. Nobody was around me and when I went to address my ball I thought I saw it move. I ended up finishing 2nd because of the penalty I called on myself, and instead of getting the French Open Trophy, I ended up with a 50 year old bottle of cognac presented to me by Monsieur Hennessey himself. I still have and enjoy my cognac on special occasions. I would have rather won the Trophy, but I have a clear conscience.
The site won’t be live before the Olympics so we’ll have to change this answer to reflect post-Olympics
Q: The Olympics are coming up, and golf is back! Which countries do you think will be taking home Olympic gold?
A: It should be really exciting. I believe either the Korean or US Woman will take the Gold and on the Men’s side, either Australia or the US. But it’s the Olympics […] athletes dig deep and the most unlikely things happen. Should be fun to watch!
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