Taking Her Game to the Next Level
McKinzie Walters Perry Becomes PGA Class A Pro
By Pamela Hall
The Ashland Beacon
Golf is a game that many people enjoy. Most people play just for the enjoyment of the game. Some people become good players while even fewer become great players. Very few golfers ever get to a professional or master level that would allow them to earn their living playing golf.
McKinzie Walters Perry, a 2018 graduate of Russell High School, is someone who has reached a level of professionalism that very few players ever reach. As a result, her mastery of the game has opened doors for her. McKinzie has recently received her Professional Golf Association (PGA) license as a Class A Golf Professional. She is currently the Assistant Golf Pro at Kenwood Country Club in Cincinnati.
McKinzie began playing golf when she was about eight years old. As she grew up, she began participating in junior golf events at various local golf courses, including Bellefonte Country Club. She spent those growing up years dedicating herself to the game of golf and working hard to improve and perfect her game. In high school, she competed at numerous events and state tournaments as a member of the golf team at Russell High School.
McKinzie went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Eastern Kentucky University, with a concentration in Professional Golf Management. Although she wasn’t a member of the college team, she did compete in various tournaments on her own.
As part of the work toward her degree, she completed internships at several golf courses and country clubs. This led to the job offer of her current position as the Assistant Golf Pro at Kenwood Country Club in Cincinnati.
“As the Assistant Golf Pro, I will be helping with ladies golf events, junior events and other tournaments and operations,” Perry said. “I will be giving private lessons as well.”
McKinzie’s affiliation with the PGA will also give her the opportunity to compete in Ladies PGA events (LPGA). As she competes, she will earn points toward an eligibility card that will allow her to play at future major LPGA events, including those that are televised.
“Right now I want to work and keep on teaching,” McKinzie explained. “As for competing, I will be participating in some tournaments as well. We’ll just see where it takes me.”
“My mission,” McKinzie stated on PGA.org, “is to grow the game of golf and develop a strong relationship with members and guests which helps me exceed their individual preferences.”
McKinzie’s years of hard work and dedication have certainly paid off! She is a part of that elite group of golfers who will be able to earn her living from the game of golf that she loves.
“We are extremely proud of McKinzie and all of her accomplishments,” Cindy Walters, McKinzie’s mother, stated.
Congratulations to McKinzie Perry on her position at Kenwood Country Club, as well as her Class A Professional PGA license. We wish her luck in all her future endeavors. Who knows, we may see her on TV some day playing in a LPGA tournament!