Athlete of the Week: Jean Richardson

Palm-Aire resident Jean Richardson used her driver to record an ace Oct. 25, on the 133-yard No. 9 of the Champions Course. The ace was Richardson's sixth career hole-in-one and her first since she began playing at Palm-Aire 10 years ago.

What was your reaction when you hit your hole-in-one?
It was funny because I was just telling one of my (friends) how I hadn’t hit one in the 10 years that I had been here and maybe I was just getting too old. Two days later I made one. One of the groundskeepers came rushing onto the green while the third gal was getting ready to tee off. He said, “I think it went in.” Usually they come completely unexpected.

How often do you play?
I play every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

How long have you been playing golf?
I started playing when my eighth child was 2 years old, so about 48 years. A friend of mine had a 2-year-old daughter, so the two of us would go out there with the kids. It wasn’t considered really playing golf then.

What do you enjoy the most about golf?
Playing well. I like having a good day when the putts go in.

Are you from Florida originally?
I grew up in Milwaukee and my husband is from Madison, Wis. We eventually moved to Missouri where he practiced (medicine) for about 50 years.

How did you and your husband, George, meet?
We were high school sweethearts. We got married while he was going through pre-medicine and medical school at the University of Wisconsin.

Do you have any children?
I have eight children, 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Our immediate family is about 65 people.

Did you play sports growing up?
I played basketball and volleyball and did horseback riding. I wouldn’t call myself athletic.

Do you like to read?
Yes, I’m an avid reader. I like everything from Nora Roberts to (Robert) Ludlam to (James) Patterson.