Tatum Walsh’s Golf Journey Comes Full Circle
Tatum Walsh was seven when she picked up a golf club at a First Tee summer camp in Richmond, Va. There, she learned not just how to swing, but how to respect the course, her peers and the game itself. The “word of the day” lessons especially stuck with her — “respect,” “integrity,” “perseverance” — cementing values that would shape the rest of her life.
Coming from an athletic family, competition was second nature to Tatum. Her mother played collegiate tennis; her father was a university athletics director; and she grew up playing basketball and soccer. But golf quickly emerged as her true passion. By middle school, she was competing and winning, and as a rising high school junior, she knew she’d play for James Madison University. With family ties to the school, she had already visited campus, attended football games and felt at home: Tatum felt like a Duke long before she received her official acceptance.
At JMU, Tatum embraced the grind of college golf — early morning workouts, grueling travel schedules and the pressure of competition. But the rewards were worth it: on and off the fairway, Tatum developed profound friendships and a constant drive to improve. Her favorite club, the driver, reflects her playing style: bold and confident. She loves nothing more than stepping up to the tee and nailing a crisp 260-yard drive.
Today, Tatum’s love for the game extends beyond her own performance. As a senior sports management major, she’s come full circle, now giving back to First Tee — this time as a mentor. Working with Shenandoah Valley First Tee alongside directors Drew and Jarrett, she’s witnessed firsthand the program’s power to shape young golfers. Two summers ago, she volunteered with Greater Richmond First Tee, reinforcing the lessons she learned as a kid. Seeing young players light up when they hit a great shot or grasp an important lesson reminds her why she loves the game.
Golf, she says, has taught her patience, resilience and how to stay level — never getting too high after a great round, never getting too low after a tough one. As graduation nears, her next steps aren’t set in stone, but Tatum is confident golf will remain a part of them. Whether competing, working in the industry or simply staying connected to the sport, she knows one thing: she wants to be surrounded by family, friends and the game that has given her so much.
With women’s golf on the rise, Tatum is excited for the future, both for herself and the next generation of girls picking up a club for the first time. Maybe one of them, like her, will start at First Tee, realizing in-between “word of the day” lessons that she’s found not just her swing, but her calling in life.
—————–
Seen here carrying her putter, golf phenom and JMU Duke Tatum Walsh’s favorite club is actually her driver, which reflects her playing style — bold and confident.
—————–
First Tee is a national nonprofit “empowering kids and teens through the game of golf.” The Shenandoah
Valley chapter is overseen by executive director Jarrett Hatcher and program director Drew Fournier. Tatum Walsh started her golf journey with First Tee at the age of seven and now gives back to the organization as a mentor to children starting their golf journeys.
