Marcus Jones, project manager in Chattanooga.Marcus Jones held a side job for several years as a professional athlete - a triple-jumper, to be exact.
But three surgeries on his left meniscus has crippled his ability to compete in track and field and hampered his ability to play basketball with friends and city leagues.
So he picked up a golf club a few years ago and continued to play.
"I've been an athlete since I can remember, so even though you can't compete in your sport, golf gives the opportunity to compete within yourself and with friends and co-workers," said Jones, who has a personal triple-jump record of 54 feet, 6 inches. "It keeps the competitive juices flowing.
"I said I'd never play golf, but after the surgeries I said my athletic career is over for basketball and track."
Jones typically walks the area's public courses when he plays, like he did Monday evening at Moccasin Bend. Eagle Bluff is the only area course where he rides.
Jones, 34, was introduced to the game by a friend, John Baldwin, who is now a brother-in-law. They played in TVA and city basketball leagues, but they both suffered injuries and needed to find new sports. They chose golf and mountain biking.
"I got to where I played in the high 90s, but I took a turn for the worse, so I got a coach," Jones said. "It's Richard Rebne at Council Fire, and we had one lesson. So I'm out here to see if any of it stuck."