Well into adulthood, Sheri Auld had chosen a sporting path, and it was on the tennis court. A nudge from her significant other put her on a different path—the cart path, if you will. “I was a dedicated tennis player until my husband, Michael, encouraged me to try golf,” she says. “That was in 1997. I never looked back.”

Taking up such a challenging game later in life is no small task. A successful player must master a complex combination of muscle memory and hand-eye coordination. The ball isn’t moving when you hit it, but the slightest tic in a swing can produce a wide range of undesirable outcomes.

For anyone picking up clubs for the first time, Auld suggests patience and professional help, in a manner of speaking. “Take some clinics and lessons,” she advises. “Start out with no expectations and be willing to take suggestions.” Auld followed her own advice to a happy life on the links. “I have had many interactions with golf professionals,” she says. “Each one brought a new perspective to my game, and I value all of them.”

Now a seasoned duffer, Auld has racked up rounds around the country, having played in Arizona, the Carolinas, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. She has served on committees for and played in “The Babe” Tournament held at various golf clubs in the Columbus area and benefiting The American Cancer Society, the Southwest Florida Interclub tournament and various Ladies Golf Association tournaments at Muirfield Village. 

Ask Auld what she enjoys most about golf and she doesn’t hesitate to answer. “Of course, it has to be the fellow golfers, no matter the level of skill!” she says. “Spending hours together and getting to know each other makes it all worthwhile.” Auld especially cherishes the relationship she has built with golf’s first couple. “I have had the privilege to get to know Jack and Barbara Nicklaus through my involvement with the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village,” she says.

Auld’s involvement goes beyond the greens. She has served as president, vice president, treasurer and past president of the Muirfield Ladies Golf Association Board. Whether she’s in the board room or on the tee, Auld relishes the opportunity for new relationships. Her favorite thing about golf has always been meeting and playing with new people.

Sheri Auld never thought she’d trade her tennis racket for a set of golf clubs. Now nearly 30 years after switching sports, she wouldn’t change a thing.