USF women’s golf head coach grew up playing in Town ‘N’ Country

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Most athletes usually learn how to play a sport from a coach or trainer, but not the head coach of the University of South Florida’s women’s golf team.

First-year head coach AJ Newell taught herself how to golf right here in Tampa Bay.

“If you asked me if I had one last round to play, say I’m going to Country Way with my dad,” Newell said.

She fell in love with the sport because it was something both she and her dad could do together right down the road in Town ‘N’ Country.

“Par three and four courses. That’s where I grew up playing,” she said.

“I still go out there quite a bit and hit balls around with my dad right here. I mean, how many sports are there as a young girl that you can go out and play with your dad? There’s not many of them,” Newell added.

Her practice led to a successful playing and coaching career. Newell is a former LPGA Tour Player and NCAA All-American at the University of Tennessee.

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