Name: Julianna O'Hara 

Hometown: originally from Columbia, South Carolina and I now live near Monterey, California 

Favorite golf ball model (and any personalization!): Titleist ProV1 - numbered 8 and "JULIANNA" in pink - for my provisional ball, I draw a flower to distinguish it from the original ball.  Unfortunately, I seem to need a provisional ball more than I would like to admit so the delineation is important. I used to also have a perfect black line on my golf balls but found that "lining up perfectly" did not present better results.  The flower helps me to remember to relax, enjoy and smell the flowers.  So, when I look at that provisional ball with that flower drawn on it, I usually smile instead of get more tense.

How long have you been playing golf? I have been playing golf for about 8 years now.  I have never played sports in my life, my husband does not play, nor has he ever seen me play - I am a clumsy, artistic, pigeon-toed woman!  My family is still trying to get used to me in pants and collared shirts and golf clothes.

Who introduced you to the game? I was first introduced to the game of golf by my cousin Alton who lives in Charleston, South Carolina. I always admired his love and passion for the game and he invited me as a spectator guest many times to golf tournaments in Charleston and Hilton Head.  I loved the social aspects of golf but never could imagine myself trying to play, much less even swing a club.  Alton had great connections so the golf tournaments I was able to attend were glamorous and exciting.  He has survived two very serious bouts of cancer and months of debilitating treatments but he always got out and putted if he could stand, the passion for golf has saved his life.  He showed me passion, love, excitement for the beautiful game of golf. 

As far as really having the nerve to play, to swing a club and to try to play the fantastic game of golf, I have my dear friend Ruthie to thank for that gift.  I met Ruthie when my husband and I moved to California and she was so fun and lovely. She has played golf her whole life, is very involved with different women's groups and is a seasoned golf enthusiast.  She coaxed and coaxed me to play with her, she mentioned her wonderful golf groups and is a member of Silver Creek Country Club in San Jose which has a ladies group that is second to none.  Ruthie made it fun, her country club and those ladies could not have been more friendly, loving, kind and generous that I loved it immediately.  I now know how important that initial company was to my further involvement and love of the game.  I find myself taken aback when I encounter negative, driving, competitive and unhappy people playing golf.  Ruthie and her friends flowered my life beautifully by guiding me and encouraging me to play the game of golf, it has literally changed my life.

What is your golf goal for 2017? Well, I hate to have this goal again this year but I would really like to be a single digit handicap - this has been my goal the past two years and the best I have been able to muster is a 13 handicap - I'm closer to a 15 at the moment so I obviously need to go in the other direction to accomplish this feat.  It is not for a want of trying or passion, I just cannot seem to break through the 13 barrier.  I shot 78 twice in the past year so really got full of myself and my accomplishments and thought that breakthroughs were happening, only to go through a phase this summer where I was lucky to break 90 on any given round.  I know I have it in me, I will continue to practice and play and try my best but the most important things for me are to savor and enjoy the ability to play this magnificent game.  Single digit or no, I'll still enjoy my time on the course.

Favorite golf memory?  Oh my goodness, I have two.  I practice a lot, I play a lot and it is not unusual for me to go out in the afternoon and practice/play golf and instead of practicing on the range, I'd rather play on the course so I'll go play 9 or 18 holes - especially when I see the course is not busy.  A few years ago, the course was wide open, I asked the pro shop if I could play the back nine (very difficult nine) and they obliged, not a soul in sight other than grounds crews. On the 3rd hole, (you know what's coming) - I teed the Titleist Pro V1, #1 on the 120-yard par-3 and because the flag was on the bottom tier of the green, it was the most glorious slow-motion experience seeing my ball almost land on the top tier and slowly, very slowly, painfully slowly roll closer and closer down and towards the pin and thump! into the hole it disappeared. 

Those seconds were an eternity and I was so overjoyed until a second after that ball was no longer in sight and then, it hit me, there was no one around, not one single person, I looked desperately and then my heart sank.  The hole before, there were four groundskeepers around the green, they couldn't see me where I was now though.  I went from exhilaration to complete and utter heartbreak in a matter of 10 seconds.

This spring, I was in Palm Desert playing golf with a dear friend's husband and two other gentlemen and I had a miraculous hole-in-one that they all witnessed.  I cried again, but this time it was tears of joy and utter disbelief.  I thought it would never happen again and it was like a dream. That was also a Titleist Pro V1, #1 so I should probably re-think my numbering my golf balls #8.  I keep those two Titleist Pro V1 #1's in one of my trophy vases.  People can say that my first didn't count, but it did to me.

Golf course(s) on your bucket list:  As close as I live to Pebble Beach, it is a shame that I have never played it.  Pebble Beach is definitely on my bucket list. 

What's in your bag? I have a beautiful pink Titleist golf bag, use all Titleist gloves and only Pro V1 golf balls. I have about 20 pair of FootJoy shoes and about 30 Titleist golf hats. I hope to be able to be fitted one day for golf clubs, perhaps then, I could reach my single digit handicap goal!

Favorite 19th hole meal (or drink!):   I am lucky to live in a great wine producing area of California and one of the local wineries is featured at my golf course so the answer is definitely DeRose Winery Negrette -  it is divine.  Negrette is a variety I had never heard of before moving to this area - it is velvet in a glass.  I never drink when I play or practice, that glass of Negrette is my little cherry on top at the end of each golf day.

What do you enjoy most about Team Titleist and why did you join?  I love the tons of sweepstakes that Team Titleist offers, I love the hole-in-one stories, I really appreciate the advice, tips, updates and the many times that I was chosen to get prototype golf balls was great fun!  I actually came about an inch from getting a hole-in-one with one of the prototypes I was testing and a golf partner said that I better be glad it didn't drop because that would be another hole-in-one that wouldn't count because the ball may not be considered "official".  Now, that would have been another great memory! Team Titleist has such wonderful members and I also appreciate the efforts to monitor the site to keep it civil and positive and supportive.  Thank you!  

Thank you, Julianna, and we look forward to seeing you accomplish your goals and on the discussion boards! 

Abby

Team Titleist Staff