The Observer’s latest Golfer of the Week is Carlyle resident Bertha Isleifson.
Isleifson is a member of the Carlyle Golf Course board of directors, where she serves on the clubhouse committee and helps to organize the weekly ladies’ night on Tuesday evenings.
Isleifson has been golfing since she was a teenager, when she got her start playing on a small sand green golf course in her hometown of Montmartre.
Although she said work prevents her from golfing as much as she would like, Isleifson said she still manages to hit the course at least two to three nights a week during the warmer months.
“I love being outside. I love our course ... it's so well maintained. It's just beautiful out there. You get to [see] the birds in the nature and it's just I don't know, it really feels good to be out there,” she said.
Golf is a family affair for Isleifson. Her husband and children are all avid golfers and her parents, aged 87 and 92, still play occasionally as well.
“My kids love to golf … that's one of the first things we do when the kids come home. Yeah, it's a big family sport for us for sure,” Isleifson said.
For those who are interested in learning to golf but don’t know where to start, Isleifson said her best advice is to keep a positive attitude and find someone to help you learn the basics.
“Just … give it a try,” Isleifson said. “Don't expect to be the best at it when you start, but just keep working at it.”
