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Mention the name “Etsu” and invariably you’ll be looking at a person with a big smile on her face. Etsu Suzuki is a highly regarded player among those who frequent tournaments at the AWGA. Her skill and ability are quite distinguished in the rolls of the AWGA, but it’s her supportive personality that everyone admires. Mary Long, AWGA’s Executive Director, says it succinctly. “Etsu is a delightful lady, has been an active AWGA state champion for many years, and is tremendously liked and respected by everyone who knows her.” It’s difficult to add to that BUT there are others who would like to add their comments as well!
Rosie Beale, our Sites Director, said, “I felt totally intimidated when I first found out that I was playing in Etsu’s group, but she was so helpful and gracious to me. It didn't matter that I shot 30 more strokes than she did. She kept encouraging me and smiling.” That’s just one. Kathryn Ridlehoover, our Director of Communications, describes her this way. “Whether she wins or loses, she is always a shining star. Her pleasant nature makes everyone around her comfortable.” Linda Dalsin, our Rules Director, noted, “The word that comes to mind about Etsu is "NICE". She always smiles. Her playing partners must love her because she has a very calming influence on them. And she’s a great player too!!” Linda hasn’t had the opportunity to play with Etsu because she is usually on the course available to make Rule’s decisions. “Etsu is a wonderful lady and an outstanding golfer. She’s a real delight to be around,” Betsy Paul, our Tournament Director, commented about her. Are you getting the idea yet? She is known for her courteous and cheerful personality in addition to her skills and talent in the playing arena. There is no doubt that this article could be filled entirely with testimonials about her from women all over the state.
Etsu was born and raised in Japan. She was an active golfer in Japan, volunteering on the Rules Committee and assisting with Junior Golf for 10 years. Her uncle taught her to play when she was 12 years old, during a time in history when few women played golf in Japan. He gently pushed her although she was not very interested at the time. Then one day she discovered the 3 wood. That was the real beginning of her passion for golf. She was 18 then, and that’s when her involvement in golf changed. As a young adult in the 1970s, she began visiting her sister who lived in the United States, which became an annual vacation for her. She took advantage of her trips and played golf all over the country, from the east coast to the west. Finally, in 1990, she decided to move to the U.S. and settled down near her sister in Tucson.
Shortly after, she contacted the AWGA and started playing in tournaments in 1991. The rest is history! Her impressive record over her 14 years in Arizona includes:
- Stroke Play Champion in 1991, the first year joined, and again in 1994
- State Senior Champion in 1994, 1999, and 2000
- State Southern District Champion in 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003
- State Southeastern Champion in 1999
- Played in the U.S. Senior Tournaments three years – 1996, 1999 and 2001
- U.S. Women’s State Team Play Captain – 1997
- Tucson City Champion in 1992, 1993, 2000, 2001 and 2004
- Set a course record at La Paloma Country Club when she shot an impressive 68 in 1994
- Club Champion at Silverbell and Ventana Canyon -- 12 times. The only year she did not win since she joined was in 2003, when she developed tendonitis in her arm.
- She has had 5 holes-in-one, 2 in Japan and 3 in the United States. Two of them were in 1994.
With all of her experience in playing golf, it’s not surprising that others look to her for inspiration and tips for the game. She has developed some unique habits over the years that have undoubtedly contributed to her achievement on the course. Barb Byrnes, AWGA Seniors Champion and Board member, said, “Etsu is a wonderful person and a real pleasure to play with -- when you play with her or against her. I would love to have the graphics she draws for every green when she does a practice round. They are masterpieces. She maps slopes, hills, direction, size, etc. with arrows and other signs so she knows which way her putt will go or the way the green slopes.” This is one of the little secrets of Etsu’s success. She takes the time to plan ahead and her practice rounds are more than just “practice.”
Etsu is not only a champion golfer and beloved in the golf community, but she is also a dedicated wife and mother. Although her daughter still lives in Japan, Etsu goes once a year to visit and enjoy time with her two small grandchildren who are 4 and 7.
Moving to Arizona also gave Etsu another chance in marriage. She met her now husband, Bob, through her sister. They were friends first and after a few years, decided they could build a happy life together. That was in 1995 and their intuition was right. They have been happily married for 10 years. Interestingly, Bob was not a golfer when Etsu met him. She introduced him to the sport and like many men, he became mildly obsessed with it. Now he plays 5 or 6 times a week and she plays a mere 3 or 4 times. Although she is the one who has the passion for golf, she now calls herself a “golf widow.”
She couldn’t hide her pleasant personality and encouraging demeanor. Although she would like to volunteer, she doesn’t feel confident enough in her English to work on most committees. “But,” she says, “I can work on Course Rating, measuring, because I won’t have to talk much.” Her humility was amazing considering her stellar record and command of the sport. Not one word was said in a boastful manner. “Golf is an individual game,” she said. “Every player can play together because you play against the course, not each other. It’s a nice game.” And so it is. And so she is. A small word – NICE -- but one that carries an enormous impact.
The AWGA is delighted to place Etsu Suzuki in the Spotlight
for the first issue of 2005. She has added so much in
skill, helpfulness, and kindheartedness to our membership.
We’re glad you moved to Arizona, Etsu!
