Sue Lansdell of the Golf Club of Amelia Island is the president of the Jacksonville Women’s Golf Association.
FAMILY
Amelia Island is where Lansdell hangs her hat. Her husband is a fishing charter captain who used to sport an 18 handicap. They have four daughters: Betsy, Barbara and a set of twins, Lanie and Terri.
WHY ACCEPT THE
NOMINATION?
“I played golf for a long time and thought it was time to give something back.”
WHAT ARE YOUR DUTIES AS PRESIDENT?
Hand-picking the board and overseeing their actions are her main charge. She prefers to take a laissez faire approach. Quarterly meetings involve agenda items such as organizing golf tournaments and scheduling meetings to prevent conflicts with other golf associations.
WHAT’S MOST REWARDING ABOUT THE POST?
“Meeting new people. I enjoy being out there and seeing things run according to the rules. There are so many nice courses all over the Jacksonville area. I like just being outside.”
CHALLENGING?
“Talking into a microphone, but I’m getting over it. It’s been a learning experience.”
WHO CAN JOIN THE ASSOCIATION?
“Our handicap restriction is under a 16.5 index but right now membership is closed.”
WHAT OTHER MEMBERSHIPS DO YOU HOLD?
Last year, Lansdell was on the board of the Nassau Sport Fishing Association but she relinquished her spot to head the JWGA.
HOMETOWN
Ridgewood, N.J.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?
“My husband wanted to get out of the family business and we used to play at Sawgrass. The big trees enticed us here.”
EDUCATION
Microbiology degree from Southern Seminary.
BRINGING HOME THE BACON
Keeping the books for her husband’s charter boat business is her main vocation. Back in her home state, Lansdell managed a liquor store and, until two years ago, co-owned a garage door company with her husband.
WHY NOT PURSUE YOUR SCIENCE CAREER?
“I was due to do a six month internship but I had a baby so that was the end of that.”
WHAT PIQUED YOUR INTEREST IN GOLF?
“My parents sent me to a golf clinic when I was 10 with George Jacobus [instructor to golf pro Byron Nelson]. I didn’t like it. At the end of the hour, he might let you hit one ball if he liked your swing. After that, the first time I played again was on my honeymoon in Bermuda. I lost at least a ball a hole. I didn’t play again for 12 years.”
HOBBIES OUTSIDE GOLF
Reading bestsellers such as the Harry Potter series or popping in the movie “Meet the Parents” top her list for entertainment. When out on the town, it’s First Street Grille for dinner but if she’s home, Lansdell is tuned into cooking shows. Having practically grown up on a boat, she learned to sail at an early age and went on to win a championship when she was 14. She no longer sails but still golfs three times a week.
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
“Joanne Carner. She was one of the gals that continued a ladies tour when ladies didn’t play golf. When I started, it was very restrictive in terms of when you could play and what you could wear. You had to be off the course by noon whether you were finished playing or not. You felt like you weren’t wanted. With people like her, women have come a long way.”
HOW HAS THE GAME CHANGED SINCE THEN?
“Everybody’s gotten an extra 20 yards from the new equipment, new drivers and balls.”
—by Monica Chamness