It’s one thing to play golf with Donald Trump, but it’s another to get to touch those trademark locks. That’s just what happened when Kristy McPherson first met “The Donald” while competing in The Golf Channel’s reality series, “The Big Break VI: Trump National” in 2007.

“When I met Mr. Trump, I had to be the first to touch his hair,” she jokes. “I have to admit it didn’t look real, but after a good run of the fingers, it’s definitely real!”

A self-described “born competitor,” Kristy first picked up a golf club at age 7. She faced her toughest opponent at age 11 when she was diagnosed with Still’s disease, now called systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Sidelined from playing softball, basketball and golf, the Conway, S.C., native spent much of that year in bed with high fevers, horrible rashes and stiff joints.

“Doctors told me that I should find something else to do other than sports,” she says. Instead, she turned to the game she could play with minimum pain.

“Golf wasn’t my favorite sport, but it looked like my only option, so I learned to love the game,” she says.

Since appearing on the “The Big Break,” the three-time All-American collegiate golfer has earned a spot on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour (LPGA). The 29-year-old competes nine months a year, yet still finds time to help support the Arthritis Foundation. For the past two years, she has helped raise funds for the Foundation’s golf event in Indiana.

Arthritis Today caught up with Kristy on tour to find out more about playing golf with arthritis and why she thinks her diagnosis was a blessing.

What did you learn from “The Big Break”?

“I learned that every shot counts, whether it’s in golf or life.”

What was it like meeting “The Donald”?

“I enjoyed getting to hang out with Mr. Trump as much as I enjoyed the experience of being on the show. He’s a pretty good player himself and a really classy guy to hang out with.”

Other than Donald Trump, who else has challenged you on the links?

“Annika Sorenstam. She is the best woman to ever play the game. Two years on tour with her is something I’ll always remember.”

What’s the toughest part of the LPGA Tour?

“Traveling each week. But I love being competitive and staying active. I wake up stiff each day, but I stick with my daily medications and keep moving.”

How do you stay in shape?

“I’m in the gym three to four times a week. I ride a [stationary] bike, walk 30 minutes on a treadmill, lift weights and do core training for my golf swing and for stability. It can be hard to start up, but once I get in there, I feel tons better.”

What’s your favorite golf club and why? 

“My favorite club in the bag right now is my putter. One good putt can save a lot of bad shots! Sometimes when my arthritis is bothering me, I will take an extra club to help hit the ball a little further. A lot of times I don’t get as much rotation as I would like to hit a full shot, but I’ve learned to work my way around those challenges.”

You were just a kid when you were diagnosed. How did you cope?

“Being a sixth-grader, if felt like it was the end of the world. I couldn’t go to school. I didn’t know what was happening. It all happened so fast - one day I was fine and the next I couldn’t move. But my family was so supportive and wonderful. My dad would pick me up and carry me out to the porch to hang out outside. He picked me up and carried me to the golf course. I’d ride in the cart and watch him play. I couldn’t do it on my own, but just being out there with him and around sports was exciting. Everybody was so supportive. They were just as scared as I was, but they didn’t show it. Not knowing what was going on was the scariest part.”

Why do you volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation?

“I just really want all of the kids out there (with arthritis) to know that they can do anything that they want to do. Sure, some days will be tougher, but this disease does not have to take away the things you are passionate about. I love to see their faces when I tell them that there is hope and they could still be professional athletes or whatever it is that they dream of being.”

What’s the biggest impact arthritis has had on your life (other than the pain and mobility issues)?

“I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Getting arthritis was the best thing that ever happened to me. It took my life in a completely different direction than I would have ever chosen for myself. It chose my career for me and it chose a lifestyle for me. At the time it was frustrating, scary and upsetting, but it was definitely a blessing in disguise.”

What’s the one thing that drove you to overcome the obstacles of your condition?

“Instead of letting it take control of me, I decided I was going to take control and live a life competing. Sometimes it’s really tough, but if you just keep persevering, it makes the great achievements even more rewarding.”

What would you be doing for a living if you weren’t golfing?

“Growing up I always wanted to be a garbage [person]. I thought it would be cool to hang off the back of a truck while somebody drove you around [LOL]. But really I’ve always loved kids. When I got sick, I spent so much time at the pediatrician that I wanted to be a pediatrician and just help kids. I want to have about a dozen myself! I guess I need to get started on that!”

Will you always golf?

“You never know, as far as health goes and injuries you can’t control. But I hope to stay out here for as long as I can be competitive. I think I’ll stay in the golf industry ­– maybe a college coach or teaching golf.

What advice would you give other golfers with arthritis?

“Some days are more difficult than others, but nothing is impossible. Having arthritis makes you enjoy the days on the golf course even more. Enjoy the game for just what it is – a game! I’m just lucky I get to play this game for a living!”