Teeing off at the Alliance on International Women's Day

At 21 I was faced with a big decision. I loved golf and wanted to become a professional. But should I join the PGA or the LPGA? Today is International Women’s Day and it has made me stop and think about that choice.

I grew up on a golf course. I was lucky because my step-dad was a golf pro and I had access to everything I needed to learn the game. I started playing at the age of seven mainly to have something to do. The golf course was in Central Illinois, 7 miles outside of the nearest town, and with both parents working literally from sun-up to sun-down, I needed to learn to entertain myself.

After my first summer, it became apparent that I had some ability. So much so, that I was better than my older sister who had already been playing. This sibling rivalry was just enough to tease out my competitive streak.

I practiced and I practiced. I would hit golf balls into the snow during the winter only to pick them up in early spring. By the time I left high school, I was on my way to university on a golf scholarship.

When I graduated I knew I wanted to become a golf professional. When I think back to my choice of either joining the PGA or LPGA – it says a bit about women in golf in the early 90s and even more about my own attitude towards it.

I chose to join the PGA. I did so because I felt in order to be considered a ‘real’ golf professional, I needed to tee it up with the men. My competitive streak was still going strong after all the years. Over my childhood years my sister became less of the opponent and the men and boys I played with did. The teasing of ‘you hit it like a girl’ or ‘you can’t play from the same tees as us’ were enough to make me grind it out.

I passed my playability test for the PGA in May 1992. I was the only female to take part that day in a field of men. When my name was called to the first tee – you could hear a pin drop on the soft, well-manicured practice putting green. My knees were shaking and my hands trembling, because it felt like everyone turned to watch me hit my first shot. From the same tees as the men.
I was the only player in my four ball that passed the 36-hole challenge that day.

It is now London in 2016 and I am in week two of a new job with the Sport and Recreation Alliance. That test of my ability and character some 24 years ago seems like a different lifetime, but both life and golf have taught me an immense amount about myself, provided me with transferrable skills and so many opportunities.

International Women’s Day is about celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women - including sporting achievements. The call to action is a pledge for gender parity.

I know I have been fortunate because women in other parts of the world have not had the same opportunities – or even the same rights that I do. The good news is there are so many parts of the world, including the UK, that are increasingly moving to a place of gender equality – including in sport.

And this is just one reason I am excited to be a part of the Alliance. Our mission is to be an independent voice that provides leadership and services that allows sport and recreation to thrive and it is encouraging that the government’s new strategy Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation moves beyond just looking at how many people take part in sport and recreation, but also focuses on making sure it is more accessible to everyone. It is important that the opportunities and privileges that sport can bring are as inclusive as they can be - and this doesn’t just mean for women.

Our members work tirelessly every day to develop the elite athletes of the future and just as importantly, developing grass root initiatives to capture the hearts and imaginations of all young seven year olds.

Maybe one day sports like golf will be one, unified organisation.

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