Athlete of the Week: Janis Bumgarner

Since moving to Florida 10 years ago, Waterlefe resident Janis Bumgarner has spent ample time working on her golf game. Bumgarner’s focus certainly paid off this week when she recorded her first hole-in-one on the 125-yard No. 9 of Waterlefe Golf and River Club July 10. Here is an in-depth look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

How long have you been golfing?
I have been golfing for 15 years now.

What made you take up golfing?
We moved to a house that was on a golf course, and it was just an opportunity to learn something new.

What has been your best moment in golf up to this point?
The hole-in-one I recently had, as well as the time when I got my first eagle, which was about two years ago. That was really fun.

How often do you golf?
I golf about four times a week.

What was your initial reaction to getting the hole-in-one?
Well, I didn’t see it go in the hole. We got in our carts and drove to the green, and I had thought my ball had rolled off the green; but I went and looked in the hole and there it was. It was a nice surprise.

Do have any children?
I have one daughter, Kelly, who has two children: Kira, 7, and Keegan, 9. We all golf, so it has been very fun golfing together as a family.

Do you have any other hobbies besides golf?
I used to play tennis. I really like to read; and I am also very involved in clubs and fundraisers for breast cancer research.

Do you have a favorite restaurant?
I love Ophelia’s on the Bay.

How does it feel to be nominated as the Athlete of the Week?
I was very surprised, first of all. My grandson, Keegan, was so excited; and I think it is good for him to recognize that women can be good athletes as well.