LPGA Amateurs

ROLE AT LPGA

LPGA Amateur Golf Association – Cincinnati, OH

YEAR JOINED THE LPGA

2019

WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF AND WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING?

I became intrigued with the game through my husband and father-in-law. Both played golf for many years, but it wasn’t until my late 30s that I tried the game. I immediately fell in love with the challenge of the sport. My golf pro, Mr. Will Johnson, taught me the fundamentals and developed my skills. My game quickly improved, and I learned that golf is both physical and mental. Lessons and regular practice made the game more enjoyable, and I gained the confidence to play with other skilled players in friendly competitions. Golf has become a great addition to my life, and I plan to play for many years.

WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND GOLF TO MORE WOMEN AND GIRLS?

I wish I had begun playing golf earlier in life. I recommend golf to all women and girls. Golf aligns with many valuable life lessons, including integrity, patience, winning and losing gracefully, perseverance, and building solid connections and friendships. Golf is a confidence builder like no other. It is a game where you will be satisfied with practice and determination. There is much to gain from golf, but it also provides the rewarding opportunity to give back to others who may need a little motivation, encouragement, or sponsorship to play the game of golf.

HOW CAN GOLF BE MORE WELCOMING TO BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS?

Representation and inclusion are essential. Diversity in golf has come a long way, but there is still a long way to go. There is truth in the saying, “It is hard to be what you can’t see.” Young girls need to see diverse faces playing golf and being positively portrayed in the media. I hope to see more qualified women of color being considered for leadership, coaching, and golf professional positions. Kudos to the greats such as Althea Gibson, Ann Gregory, Helen Webb Harris, Renee Powell, LaRee Sugg, Cheyenne Woods, Sedena Parks, Mariah Stackhouse, Shasta Averyhardt, Ginger Howard, and The Lesbirdies Golf Club of Cincinnati, for showing us that golf is a sport for everyone.

ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

BE YOURSELF. Celebrate what makes you stand out, and don’t worry about fitting in.

WHO WOULD BE IN YOUR DREAM FOURSOME?

Tiger Woods, Mariah Stackhouse, Cheyenne Woods, and me!

WHAT IS YOUR GOLF “MANTRA” OR WORDS TO LIVE BY?

On those days when your golf game is just not cooperating. “Think like a queen; a queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping-stone to greatness” - Oprah Winfrey

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Stephanie Miller