Lessons the game has taught her

Twenty-five years ago, Lynne Beaudry tried golf for the first time. She went with friends and family and played nine holes.

Beaudry’s introduction to the sport was rough. She finished the round by shooting 100 — it would have been easy to quit on the spot.

But the humbling experience didn’t dim her competitive spirit. In fact, it ignited a fire that has been burning brightly ever since.

“I hated the sport the first time I played,” Beaudry said. “I wasn’t happy with myself and I didn’t like the score. I had to get out and play again.

“As soon as I played more and started getting better, my hate for golf turned into love.”

Beaudry’s desire to become a better golfer has turned into a quarter-century-long passion with no signs of slowing down. She golfs as much as she can during the season and doesn’t even blink at the thought of playing 27 holes in one day.

In 2000, for a charity tournament, she played 100 holes in a single day.

“I don’t think twice about golfing twice in one day,” Beaudry said.

Her dedication is undeniable. Her passion is pure. There is no doubt Beaudry, 52, is still trying to become a better golfer every time she steps on a course. This is her competitive nature.

This approach to golf has made her one of the more notable golfers in Greater Sudbury.

Dedicating her wins to her parents, Jean and Ernie Beaudry, who always encouraged her interest in sports, Beaudry played her first tournament in 1998 and has gone on to be a 10-time Pine Grove Golf Course women’s champion. She just won the 2014 championship this month, counting it among other victories and top finishes around Northern Ontario.

“I book my holidays from work to accommodate tournaments,” she said.

There was a time when earning a better score consumed Beaudry. Her best is a 72 at Cedar Green. When she plays ladies night at Pine Grove, a score over 38 just isn't good enough. She has two holes-in-one to her credit — one at Chelmsford in 2001 and one at Val Caron in 1997.

But the game is no longer just about getting low scores for her. Now, the game is about the experience.

“I use to beat myself up over a bad score. I use to lose sleep over a bad round of golf,” she said. “Now, I’m getting older and it’s about being on the course and sharing the experience and fun with friends and having a lot of laughs. I have made countless friends through golf.”

After 25 years playing and competing, the game has definitely taught Beaudry a lot about herself and about life. Those lessons she takes to heart.

“I’ve learned to accept defeat … to some degree,“ Beaudry said with a hearty laugh. “The game has taught me discipline and to control my emotions. The game has also taught me to never give up.”