Jay Olafson: A Lifelong Passion for Golf
MOORHEAD — Jay Olafson is what you’d call a golf enthusiast in the best possible way. Over the past 50 years, he has participated in countless local golf tournaments ranging from Minnesota’s lakes region to North Dakota’s small towns and Fargo-Moorhead. Whether it’s stroke play, match play, scrambles, or charity events, if there’s a tournament, Jay is eager to compete.
He has found considerable success, winning twice in the Pine to Palm mid-amateur division, capturing the KX Amateur senior championship twice as well, and securing four club championships at Village Green Golf Course in Moorhead, along with “three or four more” at the Meadows. Even at 64, Olafson displays exceptional skill around the greens.
The Support System
Throughout most of his golfing journey, Jay has had a dedicated support system by his side—his wife, Meredith. Whenever Jay was at a tournament, Meredith was close by, and vice versa. It has always been a joint effort, whether in individual competitions or when they teamed up in couples’ events.
However, this season has been different for the Olafsons. Meredith’s absence from local courses and tournaments has been felt, her lively spirit missing from the golfing community. In February, she received a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia after experiencing unusual fatigue and was sent home from work due to her pale appearance.
A Challenging Diagnosis
After a series of tests, the couple learned the severity of the situation: Meredith’s white blood cell count was dangerously low, and she was soon transferred to the Broadway Medical Center for specialized care. Meredith, who has worked as a registered nurse, understood the gravity of her condition almost immediately.
As she focuses on her health, the couple faces challenges with medical expenses and loss of Meredith’s income, leading their four children to organize a fundraiser on June 28 at the Moorhead American Legion. Support for Meredith is also available through an online donation platform via the Dakota Medical Foundation’s Lend A Hand Up program.
Looking Forward
Despite the struggles from treatments like bone marrow biopsies and chemotherapy, Meredith remains tenacious and hopeful. She strives to return to her nursing job and maintain her active lifestyle, including golfing when she feels ready. Jay plans to compete in the Pine to Palm senior championship in August, and Meredith hopes to accompany him to cheer him on.
“The goal is to get back to work and play golf,” she states. “Having goals gives you something to look forward to. You can’t let it all overwhelm you.” Meredith’s resilience shines through as she remains determined to beat this challenge, embodying her motto of “kick butt and take names later.”
