Everyday Women Who Found Golf and Fell in Love With It

Golf can seem like a sport reserved for the elite or experienced athletes. Yet that’s a misconception that’s finally fading away as more and more regular women try out and embrace the game.

Every day, women from all walks of life shatter the stereotypes, step out of their comfort zone and up to a tee box to discover a welcoming community.

Their stories are a testament to the accessibility and inclusivity of golf, proving that it's a sport for everyone, regardless of age, background, or skill level.

These are the inspiring real stories of everyday women (and girls!) who found golf and fell in love with it. Golf provides an opportunity to connect with nature and bring solace to those who need it the most, like our beloved Veterans. 

Giving Back Through Golf - Vanessa Ngo

For some, sports are more than fun and games. They are a means to personal development. For Vanessa Ngo, golf was something her father encouraged as a way to learn life lessons and gain confidence.

“The game has certainly done that for me and more,” says Vanessa. She now spends her time on the course volunteering to teach disabled veterans and junior golfers with the same support that her father modeled with her.  And she continues to find inspiration and drive from those she serves.

“The hope and enjoyment they receive from learning the game motivates me to play my best,” Vanessa says.

Little Girl With a Big Future - Diya Bhatt

Diya Bhatt started playing golf at the age of 6 years old and today, at 11 years old, has been playing competitively for the last 3 years.

“My mother encouraged me to play every weekend with my Dad so we could spend time together playing the sport we both love,” Diya says. “The times we’ve spent together are memorable and I am looking to grow and spend my future years playing with him on the weekends.”

Diya won the Masters Pink jacket this year with Girls Golf Miami and also won USKids Canada and Caribbean Championship last year and won player of the year twice with Gold Coast Juniors.

“I am ready to move on from 9 holes to 18, and have a beautiful golf bag to use when I play the US Championship in India this November,” says Diya.

Seeking Connection - Jessica Guzman

As Jessica Guzman watched her daughter go out to golf with her husband most weekends, she realized that she was missing out on valuable bonding experiences.

“When she was 6, my husband told me that she was getting really good at the game and suggested starting lessons,” Jessica says. “I thought this was just his excuse to buy new golf gear.”

Jessica didn’t know anything about the game. The rules were confusing, the dress codes intimidating and even booking a tee time seemed overwhelming.

“There were so many rules and I didn't know what I was doing,” says Jessica.

On days when her daughter wanted to play but her husband was unavailable, Jessica would struggle as a substitute caddy.

“She would ask me how many strokes she had or where her ball went and I realized I needed to learn the game and focus on it for her,” Jessica explains.

The drive to connect with her daughter was powerful and Jessica started watching YouTube videos, reading the rules, and even joined an organization, The Latina Golfer, as a fun way to meet other women who played.

“It's a mix of beginners and people who’ve played for a while so it didn't feel intimidating. Everybody is really supportive,” says Jessica. Her goal is to one day play in a tournament and part of finding her stride in the game is dressing the part.

“One of the biggest confidence boosters for me is looking cute on the course,” says Jessica.

Thankfully, KINONA makes that easy.

Opportunity to Heal - Diane Menago

“I was inspired to play after the loss of my partner to suicide. I desperately needed something enjoyable to fill my time,” Diane explains.

Golf is a sport that requires focus and attention so it’s a perfect activity to quiet the mind, get in touch with nature, and find peace. Golf is also a great way to connect with others and find support, both of which are important to healing.

“I have built a community of women that have encouraged the development of my game and are just a fun group to spend time with. I am so grateful for them,” Diane says.

These women’s journeys prove that golf has a place for everyone, and the journey is one worth taking, no matter who you are or where you come from.

These inspirational stories illustrate the sport's power to transcend gender stereotypes and open doors to new experiences.  We appreciate your support in bringing awareness to a lifelong sport for everyone to be able to enjoy together.