Sport has a unique universal appeal, a power that connects people of all ages, genders, races, and religions. For me, golf has been a way to connect with my family. My dad taught me to play and was my coach throughout my competitive career, while my younger sister and I always played in tournaments together. We spent countless hours on the golf course, competing and enjoying each other's company. Golf has always been more than a sport to me; it’s a passion that has shaped my identity and driven my commitment to advocating for women in the game.
As a junior golfer in a small Oregon town, my sister and I were often the only girls practicing at our local course. Golf can feel like a male-dominated world, and I frequently encountered skepticism about my abilities. I received comments like I was “too pretty” to be good at golf or that I should prefer being at home or with a boyfriend rather than competing. Despite my tournament success, I faced doubts about my ability to compete with boys. These comments inspired me to work even harder, leading to numerous tournament wins and national competition experiences. From these challenges, I emerged stronger, more determined, and with a deeper appreciation for the game.
Playing golf at the University of Oregon while pursuing my undergraduate degree further enriched my journey. Representing my university and home state was a dream come true, but it came with its own challenges. Balancing rigorous academics with the demands of PAC-12 DI collegiate golf tested my time management skills and mental fortitude. As a student-athlete, I felt pressure to perform on the course and in the classroom, not only for myself but also for my team and school. Yet, these pressures taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Being surrounded by strong, supportive women who love the game just as much as I do was transformational and deepened my love for the sport. It also underscored the importance of advocating for women in sports, so other girls can experience the same joys.
During my time at Oregon, I took on a leadership role in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). This position allowed me to advocate for fellow female athletes, especially in a sport where representation is still disproportionately small. I worked on initiatives aimed at increasing support for women in athletics, reinforcing my belief that female golfers deserve the same recognition, resources, and encouragement as their male counterparts.
One of my most rewarding experiences came from my internship with Fairways to Leadership as an event operations intern. This non-profit organization promotes inclusivity and leadership development among women and minorities in golf. The internship not only allowed me to apply my skills but also served as a platform to advocate for women in the sport. I witnessed firsthand the impact of mentorship and community, inspiring me to continue championing female golfers.
My journey as a golfer has been one of joy, growth, advocacy, and empowerment. The challenges I’ve faced have shaped my commitment to supporting women in golf, and I believe it’s vital to create a more inclusive environment for all. I cherish the connections I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned through golf, and I am dedicated to fostering a future where female golfers can thrive on and off the course.
Golfing is a sport that embodies the art of challenge. In itself, golfing is an activity meant to push boundaries, challenge the body and mind, and build tangible energy within the holder of a golf club. This mind and body challenge makes golfing so enjoyable as a sport. There is more to be said about the art of golfing than the physical aspects of the sport. The sun shining on the perfectly emerald green fields and the riveting joy you feel while making a 50-yard putt are physical aspects that bring the player back every Sunday afternoon to play with friends and family. But the mentality that golfing gives you is something you carry with you as long as you do your golfing bag. That is where the real challenge comes along. Golfing can bring your mind to ease or begin a war of rage and retaliation against those who see you as inferior. The art of becoming "good" at golfing starts with training both your swing and your mind. As your mind becomes acquainted with the challenges of the heat, the mocking, and the mistakes, it becomes meditative. Golf is more than just "being the best."Golf is about being okay with mistakes of what could have been and being compelled to challenge yourself the next time you pick up your driver.
As a woman passionate about golfing, I have overcome more mental challenges than I ever thought possible for a sport about hitting a ball into a hole. According to the National Golf Foundation, only around 25% of golfers are said to be women, which is a 14% increase since 2019. However, this does not stray from the fact that golfing is a predominantly male-dominated sport. That being said, I have faced multiple challenges as an overweight woman on the golfing course. Because of my looks, my weight, and my sex, I have been ridiculed and rejected from being on the course, despite having years of experience with my clubs. These complaints of an overweight woman on the playing field have only added to the mental challenges I face inside and outside the golfing course. The rage-inducing moments of only being inches away from the hole on par are only escalated further once the men who believe I should be elsewhere making lunch for my husband ridicule me for lacking the talent I know I possess.
But the art of golfing is not about that. Golfing is about training your mind while challenging yourself to improve daily, physically and mentally. These are the reminders I tell myself while out on the field, ridiculed or not. Because I do not play golf to appease others, I play golf to appease myself.
