Bloomington native Jim Sorenson, pictured above left as a teen and at right today, began golfing at age four, using clubs his father Douglas modified. With his brother John and neighborhood kids, their Bloomington backyards became an improvised course.
That early passion led to hours at Dwan Golf Course as a teen, which led to Sorenson qualifying for the 1985 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. With John as his caddie and cheerleader, Sorenson’s record-setting win in Hawaii still stands as the largest margin in the tournament’s history.
“My mother had died earlier that year,” Sorenson said. “Seeing the pink plumeria flowers near the first hole each day inspired me to win for her.”
One year later, Sorenson beat future five-time PGA Tour winner and British Open Champion Tom Lehman in the Minnesota Open and briefly pursued a pro career, though it didn’t materialize.
Instead, he founded Momentus Sports, which develops training aids now used by athletes, including Tiger Woods.
Sorenson’s daughter Claire, whom he says has “the purest swing I’ve ever seen,” has never taken a lesson. His advice to golfers: “Forget the instruction. Play by feel. Let your mind see the goal, and your body will figure out how to make it happen.”
Inspired yet? Dwan Golf Course is ready for the next champion. Make a tee time at blm.mn/dwan.
