Golf is more than a sport to me, it is a passion that has shaped my character, taught me resilience, and provided a space for growth and self-discovery. I enjoy playing golf because it offers a unique combination of physical skill, mental strategy, and emotional balance. Each round is a new challenge, requiring focus, adaptability, and patience, and it is this complexity that draws me back to the course, again and again.
Unlike many sports, golf is deeply personal. Every shot is a reflection of my mindset in that moment; there is no one to blame for a missed putt or a wayward drive. This accountability has helped me develop self-awareness and emotional control, qualities that extend far beyond the fairway. I love the quiet concentration of lining up a shot, the satisfaction of a well-struck iron, and the camaraderie that comes from playing with others who share my enthusiasm. Golf is a sport that rewards persistence and humility, teaching me to accept setbacks as part of the journey and to celebrate small victories along the way.
One of the most rewarding aspects of golf is its ability to bring people together. I have met some of my closest friends through golf, and I cherish the moments of encouragement, laughter, and friendly competition we share. As a team captain in high school, I learned the importance of leadership and support, striving to create an environment where every player felt valued and motivated to improve. Golf has also given me the opportunity to mentor younger athletes through programs like First Tee, where I help instill confidence and sportsmanship in the next generation of golfers.
However, my journey in golf has not been without its challenges, particularly as a female athlete in a sport that has historically been male-dominated. Early on, I noticed disparities in resources, recognition, and opportunities for girls compared to boys. Girls’ tournaments often received less attention, and we sometimes struggled to secure equal practice times or quality equipment. There were moments when I felt overlooked or underestimated, not because of my skill, but because of my gender.
These challenges motivated me to become an advocate for myself and my teammates. As captain, I worked with coaches and administrators to ensure our team had access to the same facilities and support as the boys’ team. I organized joint practices and clinics to foster a sense of unity and mutual respect between teams. Through persistence and open communication, I helped create a more inclusive environment where female golfers felt empowered to pursue their goals.
Another challenge has been overcoming stereotypes and proving that female golfers are just as dedicated and capable as their male counterparts. There were times when I faced skepticism or dismissive attitudes, but I learned to let my performance speak for itself. I focused on continuous improvement, setting personal goals and pushing myself to excel. The satisfaction of achieving a new personal best or leading my team to a strong finish was all the sweeter knowing the obstacles I had overcome.
Golf has taught me that true success is not just about winning tournaments, but about personal growth, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. I am proud to be a female golfer, and I hope to pave the way for more girls to discover the joy and empowerment that golf can offer. The lessons I have learned on the course, perseverance, leadership, and self-belief, will continue to guide me in all areas of my life, including my future career in medicine.
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.
