Facility: FUNdaMental Golf & Oregon Golf Association
Hometown: Born in Missoula, Montana; has lived in Oregon since 1987
PGA Professional Since: In 1982 she became the first woman elected to membership in the PNW PGA
When she was 10 years old, Shanda played little league baseball with dreams of being in the major leagues. When the local golf professional, Jimmy Wallinder, heard about this girl playing baseball, he contacted her parents to see if she’d want to try golf.
“I took an interest to the point I would sit on a bucket on the range and watch Jimmy give lessons. At the age of 10 I started my journey because I couldn’t think of anything else I would rather do then be a PGA Golf Professional,” said Shanda.
Then in 1978, Shanda began her career as the Assistant PGA Professional at Missoula CC. She has also worked as the Head PGA Golf Professional at Larchmont GC in Missoula, as well as on the Professional staffs at Illahe Hills CC and The Oregon Golf Club.
She now co-owns FUNdaMental Golf in Oregon City, where she implemented several creative and successful programs for players of all abilities. Her favorite are:
- Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus and Golf is from Pluto– a 4-week clinic where she helps husbands and wives play golf together.
- Stress Management for Veterans Who Suffer from PTSD – where veterans work with FUNdaMental Golf’s Certified Resilience Coach Kaye Carlson utilizing Inner Balance Tools from HeartMath Institute.
- Leisure Hour Junior Golf – Prior to owning Fundamental Shanda volunteered her time teaching at risk juniors from this organization. As owner of Fundamental Golf she continued to donate range and instruction.
“I am very lucky to have two dream positions: co-owning my own facility, FUNdaMental Golf & Learning Center for 16 years and now, as Director of Junior Golf for the Oregon Golf Association,” said Shanda.
Her goals have always been to grow the game of golf, especially girls’ participation. Currently she aims to grow membership in the Oregon Golf Association by educating juniors that golf does not stop at age 18. Additionally, promoting benefits of the OGA’s Erling Jacobsen Initiative, including Youth On Course and the Erling Jacobsen Tour.
“Youth on Course” is a subsidy based program providing youth access to the game of golf for no more than a $5 green fee at participating courses. The “EJ Tour” encourages juniors ages 7-18 to play different golf courses; playing game in a fun, stress-free environment without competition and includes 9 holes of golf, lunch, raffle prizes, and education on Rules and Etiquette.
Shanda was awarded the 2017 PNW PGA Player Development Award. She is a true example of the passion and motivation that golf professionals should embody. Shanda is devoted to the continued creation and promoting new player development programs in the Pacific NW Section through her position as Director of Junior Golf with the Oregon Golf Association.