“ I have been blessed to be exposed to the PGA of America and what they offer ,” she explained . “ It was ingrained in me from an early age , and that definitely planted a seed for me .”
One of her favorite moments during her junior days was competing with the legendary Tom Watson in the 2009 Walmart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links . Together , they finished 11th in an extremely noteworthy group of Champions Tour players and juniors .
After high school , Augustine was recruited to play golf for Kansas State University . While there , Augustine had 18 top 20 finishes of only 44 events in which she could play .
“ I had a good career there and led the team most of the time , but never obtained a National Championship ,” she reflected .
Post-graduation , Augustine completed LPGA Qualifying school , obtaining status on the LPGA Symetra Tour . She also moved to Dallas , TX , where she taught golf and physical education classes in different elementary schools with the First Tee .
“ During that time , I learned a great deal about teaching the game ,” she recalled .
Gianna Augustine makes a historic first tee shot at 2022 Watson Challenge as the first , and only women golfer to play in the Challenge .
Gianna with husband Adam , who also teamed with her as her caddy at the 2022 Watson Challenge .
Augustine soon returned to her roots in Kansas City , partly because her husband Adam , whom she met at KSU and who also lived in Dallas with her , was offered a job to return to the Midwest .
“ I wanted to come home ,” she said . “ I am so thankful for my Dallas experience , but this is where I wanted to be .”
Upon returning home , Augustine worked for the First Tee and taught golf part-time at St . Andrew ’ s . By 2017 , she landed a full-time role at St . Andrew ’ s and Sykes / Lady , and she greatly appreciated this opportunity to return to her roots .
team . In addition to her teaching duties , Augustine is also heavily involved on the board of the Midwest Section PGA .
“ I am happy I get to help shape the future of our Section and to show aspiring players , especially women , that there are many opportunities within this industry available to them . In some respects , I get to help shape the future of our Section ,” she said .
Augustine is heavily invested in creating the future of golf . Always on full throttle , she enjoys planning events to inspire players further and grow the game . This past January , Augustine , along with several Midwest Section PGA female members , hosted a girls ’ night out event at X-Golf in Leawood .
“ Thirty-five girls from metro high school golf teams were in attendance ,” she said . “ The goal of the event was to educate girls about possible careers in golf and in the opportunities for them postcollege , even if they weren ’ t playing collegiate golf . Since that event , I know of a few girls who are considering PGM university post-high school to pursue a career in golf . I greatly appreciate the Section staff and fellow members who all helped make this event a huge success .”
“ I like working where I first learned to play golf ,” said Augustine . “ It is a very welcoming environment for a lot of different golfers , and my goal is to create golfers . I enjoy teaching the really young kids , introducing them to this great game .”
Augustine is a strong supporter of junior golf . She is passionate about teaching and helping them develop into good players .
“ I have a lot of knowledge I can share ,” she explained . “ I feel I am a really good player who knows how to play the game and who can teach others to be good golfers .”
Last year , Augustine played in the Watson Challenge , another great honor only further elevated by her status as the first woman to do so . As a result , she continues to attract talented players to her
Maybe , the most important shot in golf isn ’ t always the next one . Perhaps it ’ s the shots you give to others .
�
Editor ’ s Note : Gianna is also a frequent contributer of golf tips articles for this magazine . You ’ ll find her putting tips article on page 26 of this issue .
Ann Butenas is a contributing writer for the Midwest Section PGA . For more information about the Midwest Section PGA , call 816.229.6493 or visit www . midwest . pga . com .
TeeTimesMagazine . com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE May 2023 13