Larinda Atkerson

Larinda Atkerson

Age: 20

Hometown: Amarillo, TX

College: Oral Roberts University

Major/Focus: Bachelor's in Nursing and possibly a Master's
Degree with a focus in Oncology and Pediatrics

Favorite Course: Oaks Country Club (Tulsa, OK)

What do you like about golf?

It is a mixture of so many different concepts in one game: hand-eye coordination, focus, strategy and patience. Mostly for me, it offers an escape from the clutter in a hectic schedule, and it is a calming activity for me. When on the course, you don't have to focus on anything besides you, the ball and getting to the green.

Who is your favorite golfer?

I would have to say Cristie Kerr who has played for a while on the LPGA tour and was the number one ranked golfer three times (in 2010). She turned professional when she was 18 and right out of high school. She has such a passion for finding a cure for breast cancer that she started a foundation for it. She is very talented and has so much drive and I find it inspiring. She shows that no matter what age you are, or what difficulties are in front of you, you can strive to overcome them like she has shown in her life many times.

Who has influenced you the most in golf?

My grandmother. It was our "getaway" from things when I was little. My grandmother was so smart and kind, and she always seemed to have the best advice on and off the course. Most little girls' grandmas put them in tutus and high heels, but mine handed me a club and a pair of new white sneakers along with the great gift of learning patience and strategy and enjoying the serenity on a golf course.

What has golf taught you?

The biggest thing I think I have taken from golf is diligence. Golf requires practice and focus in order to follow through. This is something that has helped me through my growing up years and in my career choice as well. Becoming a registered nurse requires diligence, patience, and planning. Playing golf has helped me recovnize my strenghts as a person and expose areas where I need to work to improve. For example, if a round isn't going how I hoped, I have to choose to focus on the goal and keep moving forward on the course, in school and in life.

Rules and Regulations

Are you a female, between the ages of 16-22 who loves to golf and who could benefit from a college scholarship?

Just submit a golf related photo of yourself, and answer the following:

  • Who has influenced you the most in golf?
  • What do you like most about golf?
  • Who is your favorite golfer & why?
  • What have you learned about yourself through golf?
  • Education goals & major
  • The school you attend or plan to attend
  • Where you were born
  • A short summary about yourself

Please submit your entry to:

Golf Illustrated Girls on Par Scholarship, Golf Illustrated
10026-A S. Mingo Road, Suite #322, Tulsa, OK 74133

Entries must be submitted by June 1st, 2012 for summer entry contestants, August 1st, 2012 for fall contestants, and November 1st, 2012 for winter contestants. Only 1 entry per person during each calendar year. Multiple entries will disqualify the participant. Fraudulent or false information will also disqualify the entry. Photos must be tasteful and may reflect but not promote a trademarked company or brand. Golf Illustrated reserves the right to reject any photo or entry that goes against its strict policies. Any photo submitted becomes the property of Golf Illustrated and all rights are reserved. Winner will be notified via certified mail of their approval within 30 days of scholarship entry deadline.