Athlete of the Week: Barb Harrison

Palm-Aire resident Barb Harrison shot a 68 to set a new course record May 8, on the Lakes Course at Palm-Aire Country Club.

It was the second time Harrison had achieved the milestone; she shot a 67 to set a new course record Dec. 23, on the Champions Course.

Harrison, who typically plays golf four to five days a week, now holds the course records for both of Palm-Aire’s golf courses.

In addition, Harrison also plays in the Golf Coast League and the West Coast Women’s Golf Association.

"I didn’t really think about my score (May 8). I was playing with my Wednesday afternoon group, and we were playing a game. I was just concerned with our foursome score. I wasn’t paying attention to my score until about the last hole.

It was a typical Sunday afternoon when I set my first course record (Dec. 23). I was playing with my husband, Paul, and another couple. I had six birdies on the front nine and shot a 30. I was just in the zone. I just kept trying to swing. Everything was working. I didn’t have a bad swing.

I started playing golf as a teenager with my dad, but when you’re a teenager, you have better things to do. About 25 years ago, I started playing more. The best thing for my game has been my husband. We’re both single-digit handicaps, so it can get pretty competitive. He’s so competitive sometimes it hurts.

I enjoy the competition. I like playing with other people. I don’t care if the other person is a higher handicap. I’m still going to be competitive in that game.

I just played in the Florida State Golf Association Senior Tournament in Bonita Springs. It was my first time. That was great. It was the longest course I’d played. It was 5,800 yards. It was much different than what I’m used to, but I was pleased because it was my first time."