Seeking stability, Penticton’s A.J. Eathorne has found that by joining Predator Ridge in Vernon.
The former Ladies Professional Golf Association member is joining club’s golf academy team where she will be responsible for women’s instruction, development of the junior program, demonstrations and clinics to corporate groups and acting as an ambassador.
Eathorne was recently a caddy for American Brittany Lincicome, who is ranked 10th in the world, but found she needed a change.
“I just got a little bit tired of going somewhere different every week,” said Eathorne, who began talks a few months ago with Brad Pelletier, vice-president of Okanagan Region at Wesbild Holdings, which owns Predator Ridge. “Enough with the travelling.”
Eathorne was looking around to see what was available and discovered the opening at Predator Ridge, while talking with with Pelletier, her former manager. Knowing Pelletier and Predator Ridge from growing up there, “it was a good fit.”
Taking on the new opportunity meant she could no longer work with Lincicome, which she said was unfortunate.
However, Eathorne is excited to be closer to family and said it feels kind of nice returning.
“It feels a bit like coming home,” she said from Arizona. “It’s nice to come to the Okanagan.”
Eathorne, who will work at Predator Ridge from mid-March to mid-October, is excited to work on something that is not just a one- or two-year plan, but could be a 10-year plan. It’s an opportunity that can develop into something larger.
“A.J. is well-known and respected in the golf community for her passion and drive,” said Pelletier. “She will be a great asset to Predator Ridge’s golf team and the community as a whole.”
Eathorne, a three-time British Columbia Ladies amateur champion and winner of the Canadian Ladies Amateur Championship (1997), brings to Predator Ridge a wealth of professional and personal experience in the golf industry. Eathorne has spent the last two years caddying for PGA tour pro Kris Blanks and Lincicome.