Welcome to our series Golfers We Love. Where we interview women who love the game of golf. Whether they play professionally, work in the industry or just love to play occasionally, we want to share their stories with you!
This week, we’d like to introduce you to our good friend Klea Armstrong!
First, thank you so much for answering some questions with us! To start off, when did you start playing golf and how did you get into it?
I started playing golf about 6 years ago. It’s actually kind of odd that I didn’t start when I was younger seeing as most of my family plays – grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents. But I chose soccer, lacrosse, and swimming when I was a kid. It wasn’t until I started dating someone who played that I decided to pick it up. And while the relationship with him didn’t last, my love affair with golf was only just beginning.
Golf is definitely a lifetime love! What’s something that golf does for you?
It does many things for me – physically, mentally, emotionally – but the most important thing it does is allow me to work on my weaknesses as a human being. I think the things that challenge us most as individuals can all be seen out on the course – patience, persistence, accountability, etc. Golf puts it right in your face. And you have an opportunity every time you pick up a club to cultivate those things that help you become a better person, and golfer.
We love that! Do you have anything you’d like to accomplish with your golf?
I would like to take my game to the next level and start competing in tournaments in the upcoming year. So far, I’ve played mostly recreationally, but I’ve too much of a competitive spirit to only play casually.
We’d love to see you out there competing! We also see that you just played in the Planet Hope Celebrity Golf Tournament and got to play El Carmaleón Golf Club weeks after the PGA Tour had their event there. How was it and what was your favorite hole?
The Planet Hope outing was a truly special experience. It was my first time ever being involved in such an event and I cannot say enough about the foundation, the location and the course. El Camaleon was one of the nicest facilities I’ve had the pleasure to play. From the staff, to the range, to the clubhouse, to the course – it was all top-notch. I would have to say my favorite hole was the Par 3 Hole-in-One challenge. The views were spectacular and it was quite challenging with the ocean headwinds turning what should be a relatively manageable Par 3 into a hole where some might be inclined to pull driver. And of course, there is the signature Cenote hole #1. The course designer decided to leave this natural element smack in the middle of the fairway – and I decided to land smack in the middle of it on both days.
That all sounds so amazing. What an incredible experience! If you were talking with someone who was thinking about playing golf, what would you tell him or her to convince them they should play?
I cannot say enough about this game. It has taught me so much as a person, it has taken me places I never thought I would go, and has brought people into my life I never dreamed I would meet, all of which I will be forever grateful. There is something that brings golfers together – an understanding and acknowledgment of the type of character it takes to not only pick up the game but to continue to pursue it even after the worst day on the course. There is a bond that exists amongst all of us and it is truly special. But the most important thing I would say is that you have to come to the game and play on your own terms. If you’re lucky enough to have parents or someone who introduces you at a very young age, that is amazing. I could only be so lucky to have a lifelong relationship with golf. But for those of us who didn’t pick up a club at 3yrs old I would just say don’t force it. The love for playing must develop on its own. And it is different for everyone.
Okay…now for some off-topic questions! Let’s get to know you a little more. You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
Something bright and bold but that goes with everything. I like to stand out, but I also appreciate harmony.
If you could only choose one song to play every time you walk into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oooh, this is a tough one. My musical tastes are all over the place. I don’t think I can settle on just one. Lol.
You’re lounging on Football Sunday, which team are you cheering for and why?
I’m a Philly girl, and die-hard everything Philadelphia fan. So, you better believe I’m losing my voice cheering for my Eagles any time they’re playing. Fly Eagles Fly!!
If you could have any guilty-pleasure food right now, what would it be?
Funnel Cake. Lol.