Tiffany Nelson: The co-host of the Bunker to Bunker Golf Show and golf analyst for Channel 15 recently founded her own business – Great Golf Outings. The Cave Creek resident said the new venture parlays her love for the game with 10 years experience in the golf industry “without the added service fees other event management companies charge.’’

“Most people who host charity events or corporate tournaments have other full-time jobs,’’ pointed out Nelson, who is paid by the course rather than the client. “We’ll be your full-time employee to plan and execute the event, and take all the worry out of it.’’

Nelson certainly has the passion and effervescent personality required of such a job. And she knows golf, dating back to her early years in Dundee , Ill. , where she took up the game at age 14 after trying other sports like swimming, softball and gymnastics.

“I grew too fast for gymnastics,’’ said Nelson, 32. “One day my dad said, ‘Let’s go try golf,’ and I hit some balls and that was it.’’ After playing on the boys’ team for three years in high school, she helped organize the first girls team her senior year – and played on both teams. In college, Nelson played all four years at Purdue.

Nelson moved to the East Valley in 1995, and even though she planned to eventually move back to Illinois, “The weather was too good out here, and so was the golf, and here I am.’’ Her resume is strong, having worked for Rancho Manana Golf Club, Scottsdale Golf & Lodging, Golf Switch, SunCor Golf and the Westin Kierland, where she had jobs with both Troon Golf and Starwood Hotels.

“I’ve done golf planning, travel, sales and technology,’’ she said. “I got into (broadcasting) when I met (Bunker to Bunker co-host) Greg Ellis, and asked him: ‘Don’t you need a female perspective.’ ’’ Turns out the show did, and Nelson quickly became the “voice of reason.’’

“Greg needs a little help now and then,’’ Nelson noted. “Like recently, when he said Tiger Woods was a ‘streaky putter.’ I called him on it.’’ Along the way, Nelson has done stints for The Golf Channel and Fox Sports Net. “I love TV, but I really enjoy radio, because it’s a lot more relaxed, and you get to talk golf more,’’ she said. “TV is more structured; it’s two minutes here, two minutes there.’’

But Great Golf Outings is where her main focus is these days. Nelson said she loves being her own boss, “And having some time with Sandie, my little border collie mix that I rescued from the pound four weeks ago.’’

“I’m lucky, because many of my clients are the people I’ve worked with over the years, so we already have established those relationships,’’ said Nelson, who can be reached at greatgolfoutings.com, or (480) 699-5624.

On her game: “I’m probably about a 9 (handicap), but that’s from the white tees. My drives are the best part of my game. I’m a great scramble player, especially from the forward tees.’’

Speaking frankly: “I don’t know where (Great Golf Outings) is ultimately going, but there’s a real need there, and I love working with people.’’

PRO RANKS

Moore sidelined: Ryan Moore, who became the first player since Tiger Woods to earn his PGA Tour card via sponsor’s exemptions, is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair a fractured left hand. Moore doesn’t know how he injured the “hook of hamate,’’ but he will be sidelined for six to eight weeks, and will miss the Masters.

Watery graves: For those who like to watch players hit balls in the drink, visit pgatour.com Live@17, where streaming shots are focused on this week’s Players Championship, and the notorious 17 th hole at the TPC of Sawgrass. At last year’s tournament, 70 balls found a watery grave.

NOTEWORTHY

For kids: Mutual of Omaha ’s Drive, Chip & Putt swings into the Phoenix area on April 1. For information on the competition, which is open to kids 7-14 in four different age groups, visit thegolfchannel.com.

Rescheduled: Joey O’s performance at Shalimar Golf Club in Tempe has been switched to April 2 after inclement weather washed out a previously planned appearance. “The Greatest Golf Show’’ starts at 4 p.m. , and is free with donations going to Dream Seed Charities.