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Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

Pursuing his dream of becoming a professional golfer and playing on the PGA Tour, Aaron Tyler Watkins, 23 of Loyall, turned pro in June. He recently participated in his first nationwide tour qualifying round for the United Leasing Championship (re-named Web.com Tour) at Newburg, Ind.

“I’m scheduled for five more qualifying rounds between now and October,” said Watkins. “I plan to play in as many Monday qualifying rounds as possible to qualify for playing the Web.com Tour and PGA tournaments. I also plan to work and practice in Florida this winter with more possible tournaments.”

Watkins said he is excited about this endeavor and is “very optimistic about his chances.”

“I obtained my bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of the Cumberlands,” said Watkins. “During my years at the university I played in 36 tournament and won eight of them. I was runner up six times, had 20 top five finishes and 24 Top 10 finishes. My scoring average for 83 rounds of tournament was 73.5.”

Watkins was also voted on the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All American Team for three years, was the 2011-12 Mid-South Conference Player of the Year and was a 2011-12 NAIA Academic All American. Watkins was recently named to the 2012 All Nicklaus Team. He was also one of 24 honorees who are recognized by the Golf Coaches Association of American for outstanding play during the past collegiate season. These players are picked from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)Division I, II, III, NAIA and the National Junior College Athletic Association.

The son of Kenny and Tammy Watkins, Aaron has two brothers and one sister. Aaron is a former graduate of James A. Cawood High School and a member of the Loyall First Baptist Church.

“There is obviously a lot of hard work in becoming a professional golfer,” said Watkins. “I really love the game and have since I was very young. My plans are to continue to work as hard as I can to pursue my dream of becoming a professional golfer, playing and winning on the PGA Tour.”

A bank account has been established to help Watkins with his tournament entry fees, travel and other related fees in pursuing his career as a professional golfer. For more information or to send a donation, you may contact local businessman Wayne Collett at (606) 837-3671 or 573-1374 or contact Donnie Caldwell, PGA Profession at Wasioto Winds Golf Course in Bell County, at (606) 337-1066 or (606) 499-2099.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com