As a former professional athlete, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the landscape for women in sport has evolved but also where the challenges remain. This day is not just about acknowledging how far we’ve come; it’s about pushing forward to ensure that every girl and woman in sport is given the opportunity, visibility, and respect she deserves.
When I first turned professional in 2000, women in golf often had to fight twice as hard for half the recognition. Sponsorship opportunities were not as prominent compared to men’s golf, media coverage was minimal, and many of us felt we had to prove, over and over again, that we belonged. This wasn’t just the case at the top of the game, but throughout. There are still clubs who refuse membership to women and call their forward tees ‘ladies tee’ even though we’ve shown we can out drive men on the tees.
While progress has been made, with increased investment and visibility across women’s sports, there is still much to do. The rise of women’s football, tennis, and basketball has shown what can be achieved when talent is met with the right level of support. Golf should continue to take inspiration from these sports, ensuring that athletes receive the same investment, media exposure, and prize money as their male counterparts.
Yet, visibility alone is not enough. We need structural changes that make it easier for women to thrive in sports. Increased media coverage of exciting formats that captivate audiences will attract more viewers, driving greater sponsorship investment. This creates a snowball effect, one that requires collective effort. Securing more lucrative sponsorship deals and increasing representation in leadership roles are crucial steps forward. The business side of women’s golf still lags behind men’s, and closing that gap is essential. When commercial entities invest in women’s sports at the same level as men’s, the entire ecosystem will flourish.
One of the most encouraging developments I’ve seen is the increasing number of young girls picking up a golf club and dreaming of turning professional. Role models matter. When young athletes see women excelling on the biggest stages, it fuels their belief that they, too, can achieve greatness. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to amplify the voices and stories of women athletes, not just the superstars, but also those grinding their way up the ranks, proving their resilience and determination every day.
For young girls aspiring to turn professional, my best advice is this: build a strong, trusted support network. Success in sport is never achieved alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who understand your vision, and who will advocate for your career both on and off the course. For those on the cusp of turning professional, it’s not just about playing well, it’s about crafting a brand and making smart decisions that will serve you throughout your career and beyond.
My own journey in sport led me to create VOXA, an athlete-first support team designed to ensure that women athletes have a voice in shaping their careers. Women in sport often struggle to be heard, to secure the deals they deserve, and to control their own narratives. At VOXA, we’re changing that. We want women athletes to have the same level of influence and opportunities as their male counterparts.
Every day is a reminder that progress is never a solo effort, it requires collective action. As athletes, fans, sponsors, and leaders, we all have a role to play in shaping the future of women’s sport. It’s time to ensure that the next generation of girls enters a world where their talent is not questioned, their opportunities are not limited, and their success is not the exception, but the norm. Let’s continue to break barriers, push boundaries, and champion women’s sport, not just today, but every day.