Blake Kennedy
Dorman High School



Hilda Totherow
Pine Brook Country Club

 

About Donna

Donna became interested in golf on the advice of a medical doctor. At the age of twenty-six she contracted an illness that was brought on by stress. Trying to balance a career along with her family life, she was overwhelmed and thus her health suffered. The best advice at that time was from her doctor who told her to “find some enjoyment and fun.” Immediately, golf appeared and she hoped it to be an answer leading to a cure. As with everything else in her life, mediocre was not an option. Donna wanted to be the best she could possibly be. Taking lessons and becoming a very good amateur player in the Piedmont North Carolina area she won numerous local and one North Carolina/South Carolina 4-Ball Championship. A playing partner  and friend was also the golf coach at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. This coach offered Donna a full golf scholarship. and At the age of 30 she was on her way to Boone along with her family and as the saying goes, "the rest is history."

Donna’s Philosophy

Golf & life have many correlations; integrity – dedication – discipline – passion – trust – faith – mindset – pride & love. Being a student of the game myself, I have found that in order to succeed in any endeavor there must be a love or passion for that particular task. Throughout the past 28 years of teaching, my path has crossed many others from very diverse backgrounds.  The element that has always prevailed with each encounter is the human element.  Regardless of the skill level each of my students has had a very personal and touching story to tell.  If, through my time spent with them on the lesson tee, I have encouraged, advised, enlivened, inspired or made a difference in some way, my day has been a success.  My feeling of success comes from the “giving factor”; the overall satisfaction of making a difference.









 

Donna's Tip #3

YIPS At the Donna Helms School of Golf yips stands for, "your instinct in putting stinks". Far too many players seem to rely on mechanics of their putting stroke and stop trusting their natural ability. We never stray from the mechanics of any swing, be it putting or full swing, but at some point the students natural ability (touch) or trust of those mechanics must take over. We teach to set up, relax and allow their instinct to take it from there.

Picture of a golfer swinging.