City golf champ holds new position

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - If you haven't been following the sport of golf in Lafayette, you might not recognize her face, but her story is one you won't forget. Tara Wiley of Oxford became legally blind in her left eye at the age of three. Wiley began playing golf a few years later. During her years at Benton Central High school the titles started to roll in.

 "At Benton Central I hold the 9 hole and 18 hole women's record and I went to state as a Sophomore, Junior and a Senior," said Wiley. 

During college at the University of Southern Indiana, Wiley made several NCAA tournament appearances and won two titles as an individual and as part of a team. Most recently Wiley won four consecutive women's city golf tournament titles.

"It's a pretty big accomplishment, a lot of people have done in the past so it's good to be in one of those groups," said Wiley.

Wiley now holds one more title. Course Pro or her proper title Head of Golf Operations at the Elks Country Club.

"Yes, this is something I've always wanted to do. I went to school for public relations and advertising and then this came up. And I said I always wanted to be golf coach or work in the golf business. So this is something that is right up my alley. It's something I love to do and I love golf," said Wiley. 

Wiley said she spent numerous summers working part time under other previous pros at the Elks. She said she loves that her job includes working with younger players.

"I love to help the juniors, that's where their golf career is going to start. If they like it at the junior level they are going to continue," said Wiley.

Wiley said her high school coach, also know as Dad to Wiley, helped her prepare for working with youth. She said her vision impairment does not change how she teaches golf techniques.

"I've grown up with it since I was three and I've always known just to see out one eye. I kind of just tell the juniors the basics the grip, the stance, the swing and work with them," said Wiley. 

Wiley's coworkers said she's already proven herself as a boss that is not too tough to get a long with.

"She gets her point across when things need to be done but other than that she's nice," said Jacob Bower, Elks employee. 

Wiley said her title change does not change her views on the sport of golf.

"I still love the game. I'm seeing a whole other side than just being part time here, which is awesome," said Wiley. 

Wiley said one of her goals is to expand the women's golf league at the Elks.