Alex Van Amson, who works closely with Dan Rather at News and Guts, is taking lessons at The Bridge Golf Learning Center. She recently fielded some questions from Executive Director and Co-Founder Farrell Evans.
FE: You come from a golfing family. Your parents, George and Wendy Van Amson, are also students of Randy Taylor’s. What are your earliest memories of the game?
AV: The earliest memory would have to be playing mini golf. I know that may not count as “real” golf, but when you think about it, it’s simply a family-friendly exercise in putting (and obstacle evasion). There are great moments in mini golf, like getting neon-colored golf balls and stating your case as to why the shot that put your ball into the river was really just a practice swing.
FE: What has your experience been like thus far in your lessons with Randy?
AV: Taking lessons with Randy has been a lot of fun. He has an expansive knowledge of the game and effectively translates the nuances of proper technique into something the layman can understand and master. However, ever since I hit a hole-in-one on the simulator, I would say I teach Randy as much as he teaches me.
FE: What are your long-term objectives as a golfer?
AV: Many people I know (such as my parents) are very passionate about golf and get a lot from it. I think I’m on my way to that level. Through learning more, taking lessons, and gaining a better understanding of the mechanics involved, I’m cultivating a greater appreciation of the game. I’m looking forward to becoming proficient enough to start being competitive with people. I suppose I’ll know that I’ve really made it as a golfer when I look forward to playing the game as much as I look forward to that turkey club and chips waiting for me at the clubhouse.
FE: At News and Guts, you work very closely with its founder, Dan Rather, the former CBS News anchor. What’s a typical day for you on the job?
AV: In a nutshell, my job is to make sure Mr. Rather gets from point A to point B, and is prepared to meet every person, priority, and project along the way. That responsibility covers a lot of ground, whether it’s traveling to interview big-name celebrities and entertainers for our show “The Big Interview” (AXS TV); posting political commentary on Facebook (@thedanrather & @newsandguts); speaking to listeners on SiriusXM/Radio Andy’s “Dan Rather’s America” (SiriusXM ch. 102, Tuesdays 10am ET); preparing for the Nov. 7 release of Dan’s new book, “What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism”; or researching the next big story with the News and Guts team. It’s an amazing opportunity to work at News and Guts and with Mr. Rather.
FE: Rather’s grandson, Martin Rather, wrote a novel, “Taking the Course,” about starting a golf team at his high school because he wanted to provide a perspective about playing the game in New York City. How would you describe your own experience growing up as a Manhattan native with access to the game?
AV: Golf has an image of being confined to lush countrysides and a certain demographic. That does not have to be true. I’d say the biggest takeaway from my experience is the knowledge that you don’t have to be a certain age, look a certain way, or come from a certain place in order to enjoy and partake in golf. The fact that The Bridge Golf Learning Center works against those preconceived notions and teaches young people in Harlem is admirable and an advantage to the sport.
FE: What’s the last book you read, and why?
AV: The political climate this year has led to a rise in the popularity of dystopian fiction. In theme with that, I’ve taken up a creative challenge for 2017 to design a costume based on a work of dystopian literature each month. I last read “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood for this project. Check out van-awesome.tumblr.com for pictures and all of your dystopian lit needs.
FE: What do you need to work on to become the best golfer in your family?
AV: You’ve never seen a better chip shot than mine. I’m confident in my short game, but the full swing needs work. Once I get that handled, it won’t be too long until I’m the best Van Amson golfer. I have what it takes, and I’m not throwing away my shot.