Passions: Bonding Over Birdies

Bonding Over Birdies

Sisters Judy Werst and Patsy Unclebach played golf together for the first time in 2001 when Judy moved back to the Louisville area. Growing up in Portland, the two had always been close, but the eightyear age difference between them meant that Judy was leaving home as Patsy was starting high school. Both came to the game in their adult lives — in different ways and for different reasons — and today they treasure the hobby as a great way to spend time together. “Family means everything to us, and this was just another avenue to spend time together,” Judy says.

Sisters, Patsy Unclebach (left) and Judy Werst (right), striking a pose on the golf course.

Judy began to play in the 1970s as she, and her husband Bill, moved around the country with his work. It was a great way to meet new people and to spend time with family; their son Bill, Jr. also picked up the game and played on his school teams. Living in the Columbus, Ohio area in 1976 when the Jack Nicklaus Memorial Tournament first began, Judy signed up to volunteer. “That’s where I really came to understand golf and its values. I fell in love with the game,” Judy says. She was taking lessons, playing in women’s leagues, and enjoying couple’s scrambles (‘hit and giggle’ events, as Judy calls them) with her husband. What does Judy enjoy most about the game? “I like it for the exercise, especially walking the course at Cherry Valley in New Albany. I like the camaraderie, the discipline, and I like seeing if I can make the ball go where I want it to go.”

Patsy might describe her entry into golf as somewhat more reluctant. Her brothers and brother-in-law were avid golfers. When her husband Buz began playing in the early 1980s, he “really got hooked, much to my disappointment,” Patsy laughs. Her nephew Bill (Judy’s son) had an old set of clubs, and Judy decided to give the game a go in the ‘90s after their mom had passed away. “I would meet a friend after work in the summer when it was lighter longer, and we’d play nine holes in South Louisville. I took some lessons at Knob View, and that made me more comfortable on the course,” Patsy says. What does Patsy enjoy most about the game? “No matter how old you get, you can still play. It’s great exercise,” she says.

“FAMILY MEANS EVERYTHING TO US, AND THIS WAS JUST ANOTHER AVENUE TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER,” JUDY SAYS.

The sisters laugh as they remember the first time they played together with their husbands in 2001. Patsy had just hit the ball and Judy said, “I’m so glad you decided to come play golf today because now I can see everything I’m doing wrong!” Patsy thought that comment needed a little explanation. Turns out it wasn’t so much a criticism as the two are nearly the same size, so seeing Patsy’s swing was a bit like looking in a mirror. “Judy studies the game, will get down and try to figure out how best to hit the ball. She really wants to train herself and get better. I just say ‘who cares’ and take a swing at it,” says Patsy.

While their approach to the game might be different, the two love the time they spend together on and off the course. They are part of a group of women friends who take lessons from local pro, Scott Ivey. For Judy, Scott’s teaching style was just what she needed to reignite her love of the game. “I wish he’d coached me 25 years ago. His technique just clicks with my brain and gives me confidence,” Judy says. Both agree it’s really fun to hang out with their friends on the course. Their initial attempts to introduce younger family members to golf may not have been a great success, however. They took 7-year-old Chase, who had recently started playing, to Cherry Valley. They were walking the course, pulling their clubs behind them, and Chase was ready to quit by the fifth hole. “He said, ‘I don’t like this! I’m tired.’ We ride when I play golf,” Patsy says. Later, Chase’s mom laughed as she informed Judy and Patsy that Chase didn’t want to play with them anymore because he didn’t get to ride in the cart.

Chase did keep playing much to both sisters’ delight. “Golf is so foundational. It teaches responsibility, honesty, hard work, and sportsmanship,” Judy says. “It’s you and the ball. And you can’t give yourself a trophy at the end of the day,” she adds.

By Megan S. Willman | Photos by Erika Doll

Summer 2023 / Today's Transitions