“After performing in circuses in the flying trapeze act for a year, I realized I did not want that for a career,” says Patterson. “I had just been introduced to golf, so I decided to concentrate on that and turn pro, which I did.” See? Just concentrate and make it so. Patterson may make it look easy, but her accomplishments in the game of golf were hard-earned and nothing short of amazing, considering she didn’t start until age 24.

A tennis standout in high school and junior college, Patterson switched gears to golf and competed full-time on the LPGA tour for nine years, beginning in 1971. She averaged 26 events a year and played in 11 U.S. Opens, making the cut in six of them. Her best finishes included 5th at the 1975 LPGA Burdine's Classic and 15th at the 1975 Women's U.S. Open. Patterson suffered a hand injury and was out for three years, admittedly a little “burnt out” on golf. She then returned to compete on mini-tours and earned four wins in four years. In 1986, Patterson joined the European LPGA Tour and played for 10 years there, with a best finish of 12th. Her professional playing career was stalled once more by a car wreck in 1996. Patterson injured her back – and turned her attention to teaching the game full-time.

“Helping people to hit the ball, relatively easily, with consistency, is very gratifying,” smiles Patterson, who’s been teaching off an on, and now mostly on, for over 30 years. “I enjoy working with people and seeing their improvement and increased enjoyment of the game with what they have learned,” she adds. Patterson begins her lessons by jokingly telling her students that they are guaranteed to feel uncomfortable. “Anyone who does something differently than he or she is familiar with doing, feels uncomfortable or awkward at first,” says Patterson. “Even slight changes take some 'getting use to’, but if they continue, they will see the results and be delighted!”

Patterson knows practice makes perfect; she tells her students that good habits can be acquired with repetition. For any level golfer Patterson works with, routine practice is definitely encouraged. “Beginners should have good lessons to start, practice often, and continue to get instruction as they progress,” says Patterson. Intermediate level players need to perfect the basics of the golf swing and also learn to chip and putt properly. Patterson’s advanced students first get a review of the basics to make sure all the fundamentals are in place and correct. Patterson then turns their attention to the importance of a reliable routine. “A consistent routines helps better the concentration and confidence level of all golfers, in particular the advanced player,” notes Patterson.

Patterson values her own practice routine, which properly prepares her for the rounds to come. Directly before playing, Patterson likes to stretch, then hit balls on the range, then putt and chip. While playing, if Patterson has a golf cart, she will continue to stretch in between shots by holding onto the cart. “Like most people, I hit balls on the range more than I practice my short game,” admits Patterson. “But I am making an effort to switch that around, since the 'short game' is about 65% of the game.” Hitting balls on the range has had its payoff, too, as Patterson’s biggest strength in her game is off the tee. She loves to hit the driver – blasting out of the sand is also a thrill.

“My drives are pretty accurate,” says Patterson. “And I’m pretty good at getting out of trouble.” Whenever Patterson finds herself in the woods, she meets the challenge with enthusiasm. “Did you ever hear that expression, ‘A bad day of golf is better than a good day at work?’” asks Patterson. “Playing golf is not something that someone else 'forces' us to do. Bearing down and focusing better will help your game. With practice, good concentration is something we are all capable of. So believing you can play well is the key, especially in difficult times.” Patterson also brings this positive attitude and passion for the game to the lesson tee. Her students love the encouragement and feel empowered by Patterson’s coaching.

“My students enjoy the improvements I’ve helped them make,” says Patterson, “but they also like that they have learned why things happen the way they do and what they can do to better help themselves.” New golfers come to Patterson to learn to hit the ball; they are typically open- minded and eager to learn. More experienced golfers will ask Patterson what “style” she teaches, indicating they have studied the game a lot and have seen all that The Golf Channel has to offer. Patterson informs these players that she teaches as Ben Hogan would - explaining how each 'pointer' effects proper results. Whatever the level golfer, Patterson adjusts her approach to suit their needs, stays true to the fundamentals of the game and commits to helping them see results.

Having played all over the world, it’s difficult for Patterson to pick a favorite golf course, but she would like to return to Hawaii or Spain in the future for a round or several. Once there, she’d happily substitute her 7-wood for a 2-iron, recalling only once when she’s been able to flush a 2-iron. She carried it about 175 yards, over a greenside bunker and cozied it up to the pin. “Who uses a 2-iron anymore, anyway?” wonders Patterson. Perhaps some of her Tour favorites still tote it around. Patterson enjoys watching Annika Sorenstam putt, Laura Davies drive and Phil Mickelson work his magic with the wedges. Like most, Patterson holds Tiger Woods in high regard – maybe because he has a handle on that 2-iron.

Patterson is pretty busy teaching at the Par-Fection Professional Golf Learning Center in Brownstown, Michigan, but she manages to spend her winters in Naples, Florida and enjoys a variety of sports and activities, including softball, football, basketball, volleyball, tennis and swimming, once as an avid participant, now as more of a spectator. “I have given up my many sports and am more likely to 'swing a hammer',” says Patterson. “I buy 'fixer-uppers' for investment.” Born in Texas, Patterson has lived in Florida and traveled to Michigan during the summers for over 20 years. She takes her cat, Black Beauty (BB), north with her each year. You can e-mail Patterson for more information on lessons at PROPARTEE@aol.com. Thanks for sharing, Diane!