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Host Peter McCully chats with Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, one of four inductees into the 2023 class of the BC Golf Hall of Fame, alongside Brian DeBiazio of Qualicum Beach.
Golf was not an integral part of her upbringing in Prince Rupert. It was only when her parents retired to Fairwinds and while she attended Vancouver Island University that she wholeheartedly embraced the game.
Shelly took a bold step in the fall of 1997 when she decided to turn professional. Her career led her to play in Asia and on mini tours in the United States, including the Futures Tour and the Players West Tour. Although she continued as a pro until 2004, Shelly put her dreams on hold to have a family. She eventually reclaimed her amateur status in 2011.
One of the most remarkable moments in Shelly’s golfing career was her victory at the 60th United States Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in Alaska, making her the first British Columbian and only the fourth Canadian to achieve the feat.
“A lot of people stuck around and watched the whole thing,” said Stouffer. “It was great. I had champagne sprayed on me. After I finished playing, I had to go do some stuff in the clubhouse, and then I came out. And they were singing, ‘O Canada’. It was very cool.”
Stouffer credits her success to training. Her background in human kinetics and physical education led her to design a golf-specific fitness regimen that enhances her game. She emphasizes the importance of staying flexible and strong, even as one gets older.
Brett Stouffer, Shelley’s son, has been her caddy on numerous occasions. She describes their shared adventures on the golf circuit, including trips to California and Oregon. Mom proudly reveals he recently broke par for the first time, at the age of 16.
Stouffer shares insights into how the competition schedule, combined with frequent travel, impacts her life and rhythm as a golfer and reveals her strategic approach to playing on courses like Bel Air with different sides – the shiny side and the dark side.
Her advice for youngsters pursuing an athletic career?
“If you have a dream and you want to do anything, just keep going at it. Just believe in yourself and go do it.”
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