My name is Nicki Henry and I LOVE to golf. I truly love all aspects of the game and it has taught me some of my largest life lessons. I would rather be on the golf course than anywhere else, but my mother said I have to go to school; therefore, school is first on my list of priorities and golf is second.
When I was younger I played multiple sports, I have tried them all, except ballet and gymnastics…I wasn’t much for leotards and fluffy tutus (and still am not). After years of playing other sports, I chose golf and put all my time and effort into it.
When I was 11, I went to my first golf camp. It was at The Ohio State University and I had a blast while learning so much about the game. Since that time, I have attended multiple golf camps along with hundreds of golf tournaments and I practice as much as possible to continue improving my game.
In March, 2008 I read an article in Golf for Women magazine about the LPGA tournament player, Cristie Kerr and her “Birdies for Breast Cancer” foundation. Kerr counts her birdies and donates a specific amount for each, to finding the cure for breast cancer. I was immediately inspired and started my own birdies program to donate to Kerr’s foundation. I approached my family and friends to ask for their sponsorship, and in total I made 37 birdies for my 2008 golf season and was able to donate over $1,000 to her foundation.
In February, 2009 my grandmother, Carol Dovishaw, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is an incurable, fatal, neuromuscular disease. The cause of ALS remains unclear and no cure exists. When I found out about my grandma’s diagnosis I knew I wanted to make finding the cure to ALS my permanent birdie charity. After some research I discovered the Bright Side of the Road Foundation, which was founded to support scientific research targeted at finding a cure for ALS. I am working with the Bright Side Foundation which assists in funding research for The Cleveland Clinic. All proceeds I earn from my 2010, Birdies Fore ALS, will go directly to The Cleveland Clinic. Unfortunately, on June 11, 2010 my grandma lost her fight to ALS. This fatal disease needs to be stopped, and I am more committed than ever. So I ask for your support, please consider making a donation. My season will conclude at the Ohio State High School Golf Tournament on October 22-23.
You can find out more about the Bright Side of the Road by going to their home page.