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A Lifelong Golfer
Becky grew up in the golf industry. She was raised in Allyn, Wash., home of Lake Land Village Golf Course, and started golfing at age 6. By age 8, she was already competing in the Washington Junior Golf Association (WJGA).
 | | Becky as a high school senior in 1988 |
Becky graduated with honors from North Mason High School in Belfair, Wash., in 1988, placing in the Top 10 of her class with a 3.89 GPA. She played on the North Mason High golf team, and individually qualified to State as the only girl.
She took a two-year break from golf to attend Lutheran Bible Institute in Issaquah, Wash., graduating in 1990 with an associate degree in Biblical Studies.
Becky then enrolled at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., on a full ride golf scholarship, and played on the varsity golf team as the No. 1 or No. 2 player.
She turned Golf Professional in 1993 before graduating from WSU in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. In 1999, she joined the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional (T&CP) Membership.
Most recently, Becky made it to the U.S. Women's Open Sectional Finals and the Golf Channels Big Break III "Ladies Only" audition sectional finals.
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In April 2005, Becky was featured on the cover of Golf NW Magazine. In August 2006, Becky played in the LPGA Tour's Safeway Classic (in Portland, Ore.).
Becky has worked at LakeLand Village, McCormick Woods, Meadowmeer Golf Course, Tacoma Firs and Madrona Links.
Becky started her own golf business and is teaching full time all year long, summers at Canterwood Golf & Country Club (Gig Harbor, Wash.) and winters at Indian Ridge CC (Palm Desert, Calif.). Her mission and passion is to teach all ages and bring all students "to the next level and reach their golf goals."
 | | Becky in 2008 |
Becky has taught: Junior Golf Camps, YMCA Camp, Girl Scouts, Curtis High School PE Program, Pierce College, Options Golf (disabled adults), Ladies Nights (Wed.), and Tuesday Night Ladies League. In addition, she has taught more than 9,000 private adult lessons and several private company group lessons.
Students of Becky's include CEO's, business owners, doctors, lawyers, moms and juniors. Becky specializes in teaching ladies and junior golfers, but teaches all golfers.
You'll love the upbeat and positive attitude that you'll get from Becky's instruction.
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Personal and Family Info
The youngest of three siblings, Becky is the daugher of Don and Carol Fossum. Her father (shown with Becky, at right) is a retired Lutheran pastor. Becky's mother, Carol, is a retired school nurse and piano teacher. Both of her parents enjoyed watching all three of their children play golf (junior golf, high school, and college level).
Becky was married to Christian Willard for 14 years, until they divorced in 2007. Becky has lived in Washington all her life until September 2007, moving to California half-time.
Becky's older brother, Randy, was a PGA Golf Professional for 15 years until battling a serious medical illness since 2001. Randy is married to Karen, a high school teacher.
Becky's older sister, Sonja, is a registered nurse. Her husband, Kevin, is a high school girl's golf coach.
Becky loves her two nephews, Eric and Gabe, and one niece, Jessica. Her parents and siblings currently live in Western Washington.
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Becky's hobbies include gardening, photography, working out, interior design and crafts.
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Accomplishments, Awards and Honors
- Attended North Mason High School, Belfair, Wash., 1984-1988. Graduated with Honors in Top 10 of her class (3.89 GPA). NMHS Yearbook editor, 1988.
- Attended Lutheran Bible Institute, Issaquah, Wash., 1988-1990. Graduated with Associate in Arts degree in Biblical Studies. Yearbook editor, 1990.
- Attended Washington State University (1990-1994), Pullman, Wash., on full ride golf scholarship. Graduated with Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities (Major: Fine Arts, Graphic Design). Earned 3.0 GPA. Three years Varsity Letter Winner. Competed in NCAA Regional's as an individual (1993).
- Women Athlete of the Decade Team (PAC 10 Award, given in 1997).
- Joined Ladies Professional Golf Association (Teaching & Club Professional Membership) in February 2000. Current Status: Class A Member (T&CP Membership), August 2004.
- More LPGA Accomplishments:
- National Education Program (NEP) - NEP I (Nov. 2001)
- National Education Program (NEP) - NEP II (March 2002)
- National Education Program (NEP) – NEP III (Jan. 2004)
- Attended: LPGA Player Development Program I (April 2000)
- Attended: LPGA Callaway Clinic – Golf Technology (Aug. 2002)
- Organized & Host of Player Test Evaluation Workshop "PTE" (June 2002)
- LPGA Continuing Education Points (1999 to present): More than 250 points
- Golf Industry Accomplishments:
- Titleist Certified Club Fitter (2000-present)
- Redbird Club Fitter (2000-present)
- Video & Special Equipment: A-Star Video & Achiever Launch Monitor trained
- Dartfish Golf Video Equipment : trained & currently using
- Attended: PGA / USGA Rules Workshop - Santa Barbara, Calif. (Feb. 2005)
- Contributions (Junior, Senior, Women's, Men's & Special Population, Students of Prominence):
- All golfers
- Taught 950 private lessons in 2002-2003
- Junior Golf:
- Organized & Taught Junior Camps 2000 to present (5 weeks of 3-day camps)
- Little Firs Junior Golf Club Coordinator & Instructor (250 Juniors-active)
- Weekly Lessons, Rules & Etiquette (now 3 times a week and advanced class)
- Coordinate and Help Teach Special Jr. Golf Events:
- Club for Kids (100 juniors, 1-day intro event)
- Curtis High School PE Program (270 TL ... 30 HS per PE Class, 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
- YMCA Jr. Golf Camp & Day Camp (30 - 100 juniors)
- LPGA Girl Golf Site Leader (2001-2002), more than 200 girls for clinics
- Women's Golf:
- Ladies Night (Appetizers & Lesson) each Wednesday
- Women's Thursday Night Beginning Golf League
- Pierce College Beginning Golf lessons (5-week class)
- Special Population:
- Options / Metro Parks Golf Group (mentally disabled adults), 2001-present
- Bi-monthly lessons (28 guys & gals + 10-volunteer staff)
- On-course golfing (summers)
- Developed and wrote the USGA Golf Grant for this program (awarded 1st-ever golf grant in the West Coast!)
- Head Golf Instructor for Options / Metro Parks Golf that went to Washington Special Olympics (16 golfers) first time in 2005 for this group
- Students of Prominence:
- Edmond B. (junior): Third in U.S. Kids Worlds, 82-shot average
- Jenny S. (junior): Curtis H.S. Golf, medalist in several H.S. matches
- Elizabeth C. (junior): Bellermine H.S. Golf, started teaching her in 1999 scoring 120. Now in 2005, 82 average
- Jennifer M. (adult): Former University of Puget Sound Golf, medalist in several college matches, now H.S. Golf Coach in Seattle
- Chris R. (adult): Now loves golf. We started at 25 handicap ... now 15 handicap. Low gross in several Vashon Island Ladies Club Events.
- Don J. (President, Simpson Paper Co., Tacoma, Wash.) started 32 handicap ... now 16 handicap.
- John W. (adult): Started at 12 handicap ... now at 5 handicap.
- Leonard (Options Golf – mentally disabled adults): Played 6 holes 2 times in 2003 for fist time in his life (average 6-8 per hole!). Now up to 9 holes (average 5-7).
- Teaching Experience:
- Have been working in the Golf Business since 1986.
- Pro shop staff and Junior Golf Camp staff
- Teaching Golf Full Time (1999-current):
- Owner, Becky Willard Golf, Teaching Professional, since 2004. Renamed Becky Fossum Golf in 2008.
- I specialize in teaching junior golfers & beginning golfers
- Duties include: teaching Jr. Golf, Private Lesson, Group Lessons, Playing Lessons, daily duties as business owner and golf instructor.
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Service, Leadership & Management Experience
- LPGA T&CP Membership Service:
- Organized and hosted Player Test Evaluation Workshop "PTE" (June 2002)
- First ever LPGA T&CP Div. event in the Northwest
- LPGA Girls Golf Club Instructor & Site Director (2002, 2003)
- LPGA Clinic for Women Instructors, Seattle (June 2003)
- Attended LPGA Clinic at PGA Show, Orlando, Fla. (Jan. 2004)
- Teaching:
- Head Instructor, Coordinator & marketed: Junior Golf, Junior Camp and group events at Tacoma Firs (1999-2004)
- Created, helped teach and oversee the following group lesson:
- Options / Metro Parks (special recreation and Special Olympics)
- Pierce College
- Girl Scouts
- YMCA Camp & Day Campers
- Developed & help organize the web site www.tacomafirsgolf.com
- Main brainchild of: WJGA Alumni Events Coordinator (2001), 25th Anniversary Golf Tournament
- Some said it couldn't be done - I helped oversee the large event unfold
- Raised more than $15,000 for the tournament in sponsorship ($6,000 in prizes)
- 120 alumni in attendance for the Tournament, plus more at the Alumni Dinner Banquet
- Over 1,000 alumni contacted and now in updated data base
- Started my own golf business, "Becky Willard Golf" in Oct. 2004 (renamed "Becky Fossum Golf" in 2008)
- Independent Contract: Two local golf courses, private groups and companies
- Developing my own web site, www.beckyfossumgolf.com
- Developed: Brand & Logo, Business Plan, Marketing and Advertising Plan
- Developed an network of students & events
- Developed a Junior Golf Program (Junior Golf Zone) (2004-2006)
- Junior weekly lessons & monthly junior playing
- Developed, created and sold out: Junior Golf Camp (July & August)
- Developed, created & marketed all my lesson programs:
- Golf 101, Ladies Night, Private Lessons, Playing Lessons, H.S. Program
- Continue to maintain a high teaching standard
- Purchased my own video: Dartfish Golf (laptop, golf software & camcorder)
- Duties include: teaching, time management, programming, marketing, promotions, customer service, bookkeeping, taxes, e-mail, web, mailers, literature creation (brochure, ads, business cards, promotional pieces, gift certificates)
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Special Skills & Areas of Expertise
- Excellent communication, time management & accountable to others.
- Member customer service "Five Star" in details & friendliness.
- Positive attitude, highly self motivated, multi-tasked & goal oriented.
- Creative at problem solving, editing & close attention to details.
- Have been working in the Golf Business since 1986.
- Creating, marketing & promoting special golf events / programs.
- Marketing & Merchandising Pro Shops since 1986.
- Leadership, planning, networking & organizational ability.
- Computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PageMaker, Access, Corel Draw, PowerPoint, Quick Books, e-mail & web site.
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Community Service Involvement
- Volunteer Work (Summers 1989 to present):
- Univ. of Washington Edean Ihlandfeldt Invitational
- Tacoma, Wash. – Scoreboard (2002)
- Sahalee, Wash. – Rules Official (2005 - current)
- WIAA High School South Puget Sound League – Rules Official (2002 - current)
- Gold Mountain GC, Gorst, WA – Scoreboard Chairman (2005 - current)
- Donated lessons or services to several charity tournaments each year
- YMCA – Healthy Kids Fair – Free Golf Clinic Instructor (2001)
- Washington Junior Golf Association (WJGA):
- WJGA 8-11 year old walking scorer.
- WJGA Rules Volunteer every year for local & State Tournaments.
- WJGA State Scoreboard Chairman (1996).
- WJGA State Volunteer for media / publications (1997).
- WJGA Alumni Events Coordinator (2001), 25th Anniversary Golf Tournament
- Raised over $15,000 for the tournament in sponsorship ($6,000 in prizes)
- Other community service:
- Awesome Fossum Golf Tournament (Co-Chair), April 2005
- My brother, Randy Fossum was needing a second brain tumor surgery. In two weeks, we (PGA & co-workers, family and friends) produced a field of 288 players and raised more than $38,000 for my brother.
- Peggy Lou Roberts Invitational (Co-Chair) (May 2005)
- Annie Wright Middle School's 1st Invitational Golf Tournament with over 12 other Middle Schools attending.
- Scoreboards & Awards
- Gig Harbor 'Gig Festival' – Free Junior Clinic (June 2005 & 2006)
- Over 600 kids attended this festival. I hosted chipping & putting stations.
- Explore the Point – Free Golf Clinic (Sept. 2005)
- Fundraiser for the Point Defiance Park Trails in Tacoma.
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Memberships
- LPGA Teaching & Club Professional – Class A Member
- United States Golf Association (USGA)
- Washington Junior Golf Association (WJGA - Alumni)
- Gig Harbor – Chamber of Commerce
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Tournaments
- Junior Golf & Amateur Golf (1977 -1993)
- Washington Junior Golf Association Member (1977 - 1988)
- Girls District winner for 10 years
- Chosen to be on Girls U.S. vs. B.C., Canada Team (1987)
- North Mason High School Varsity Golf Team, Belfair, WA (1984 -1988)
- H.S. State Individual Competitor, Spokane, Wash. (1988) - all men competitors
- Hugh Sharp Open, Bremerton, Wash. (Champion 1988)
- Tacoma Women's Amateur, Tacoma, Wash. (Champion 1991), (Runner-up, 1992)
- Washington State Women's Open, Bremerton, Wash. (Amateur Champion 1991)
- PNGA Women's Amateur, Oregon (3rd Place, 1991)
- Washington State University Varsity Golf Team (1990 - 1993)
- Competed in every match from a freshman to senior (scoring average 78)
- Number 1 or 2 position every year
- Numerous top 20 individual finishes in PAC 10 Tournaments
- Edean Ihlandfeldt Invitational, Redmond, WA (1993) – Indiv. 12th place
- Utah Dixie Classic, St. George, Utah (1993) – Indiv. tied for 2nd place
- Chosen for the PAC-10 All-Star Team (1992)
- Top girls travel to the Orient to compete against the top teams in Japan, Taiwan, and Korea.
- Played in tournaments with key businessmen in the various countries.
- Professional Golf Tournaments (1994 - present):
- U.S. Women's Open
- Played in LPGA Tour - Monday Qualifier
- Local Qualifier: Pumpkin Ridge, Ore. (1997), Everett, Wash. (1999), Portland, Ore. (2003 - 2007), Bellingham, Wash. (2008)
- Qualified to Sectionals, San Francisco, Calif. (2003)
- Thriftway Washington State Women's Open
- 1997 – Tied 4th (73-76), played 2001 - present
- 2004 – Took 3rd (78-72)
- 2005 – Didn't play (Randy's brain tumor surgery)
- Vashon Island Ladies Pro-Am & Horse Race
- 2002 - Low Gross 2nd place 78 - horserace 2nd
- 2003 - Low Gross Tied 1st 78 - horserace 2nd
- 2004 - Low Gross 1st 76 - horserace 1st
- 2005 - Low Gross 1st 78 - horserace 1st
- 2006 - Low Gross 1st 76 - horserace 2nd
- 2007 - Low Gross 1st 77 - horserace 3rd
- LPGA T&CP Division Western Section Championship
- Auburn, Calif. (2001), Reno, Nev. (2002), Sacramento, Calif. (2007), Idaho (2008)
- Safeway (Columbia Edgewater GC, Portland, Ore., Sept 2003 – current)
- Safeway – Monday low qualifier (72) – Played in event (Columbia Edgewater GC, Portland, Ore., Aug. 2006)
- Selected for the Golf Channel's Big Break – National Audition Search
- "The Big Break III- Ladies Only" (Simi Valley, Calif., July 2004, Regional Auditions)
- Local Pro Am's & Charity Golf Tournaments:
- LPGA's "Golf for Women" clinics – instructor (Seattle, Wash., 2004), (Portland, Ore., 2006)
- Thriftway Susan G. Komen Charity Pro Am (2004)
- Organized over 12 LPGA T&CP Members for clinic & Pro Am
- BMO Women's Charity Pro Am (Canada, 2004 and 2005)
- Gig Harbor Chamber Invitational (2004 - present)
- Women's Resource Directory, Business Tour - Golf Day (2005)
- Taught Free Clinic & Guest Speaker
- Heart & Soles Breast Cancer Foundation Golf Tournament
- Player & sponsor (2005)
- Network of Tacoma Golf Tournament (2005)
- Taught Free Clinic & helped organize event
- Forgotten Children's Fund Golf & Auction (2006-2007)
- Committee & helped organize event
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Becky Fossum in the News
- On Cover of Golf Northwest Magazine (April 2005) – first-ever golfer on cover
- Gateway (Gig Harbor) Newspaper - Editorial Article (May 4, 2005)
- Golf Editorial Articles – (Executive Women's Golf Association, Seattle Chapter) (April and July 2005)
- Speaker, Seattle Golf Show (www.seattlegolfshow.com) in April 2005, "Golf 101", and April 2006, "Golf Travel"
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