Shannon Johnson

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, S.D., Shannon Johnson began playing golf at age 12 after spending most of her early years playing hockey. She was one of the top players on her Sioux Falls Flyers girls' hockey team where her athleticism caught the eye of golf teaching pro Dave Henton, a member of the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. Johnson quickly grew to love the sport and played at O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls.
She had a successful career at Indiana University, graduating in 2006. Decided against pursuing a career in golf and landed a job as a sales representative for Ping Golf, often putting on product demonstrations at courses and driving ranges.
After earning 12 South Dakota Golf Association amateur titles, Johnson moved to Massachusetts, where she is a member of Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton, Mass., the same club as 2017 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Matt Parziale.
She has competed in 14 USGA championships, including a victory at the 2018 U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur Championship at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis. Johnson defeated defending champion Kelsey Chugg, 1 up with a two-putt birdie on the 18th hole. The 2018 title came after a runner-up finish for Johnson at the 2016 U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur.
Johnson made more history in 2018 by becoming the first woman to compete in a tournament put on by Mass Golf. She played in the men's Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Championship. Johnson also claimed the title at the 2018 New England Women's Amateur.
When she's not golfing, Johnson enjoys playing ice hockey in the winter months.