Remarkable Golf Performance: An Insight from a Long-Time Golfer, Revealing the Most Impressive Match Was Played by a Female Player
In a jaw-dropping display of golfing prowess, I once witnessed a round that left me and perhaps even the tour pro himself in the shadows. For four hours, on a chilly day on England's North West coast, this player was unstoppable. He might have missed a few fairways, but his irons were always spot on, using the wind to his advantage and adapting his shots accordingly. He produced low and high shots, managed a few tricky bunker escapes, and left himself with straightforward putts. It was a virtuoso performance, as clinical as they come, yet seemingly ordinary to the player himself.
Back in 2012, Holly Clyburn was a rising star on the Ladies European Tour, having twice represented Europe in the Curtis Cup. That golden generation also included Amy Boulden, Charley Hull, Bronte Law, Leona Maguire, Stephanie Meadow, Pamela Pretswell, and Kelly Tidy – with Georgia Hall narrowly missing out that year.
On that day, during a pre-tournament media event at Royal Birkdale, Clyburn scored a relatively unexciting 67 or 68. As a mid-handicap amateur, I might have broken 80 had I been playing, but my game was light years away from Clyburn's effortless power and precision.
Women's golf often gets pigeonholed into flowery stereotypes, but players like Clyburn put in countless hours honing their skills. They possess a wide range of shots and know how to battle through off days.
Over my 15-year tenure working on a women's golf magazine, I've witnessed firsthand the biases and generalizations in the game. Thankfully, things are starting to change for the better, although it's still an uphill battle.
Take, for example, a 50-plus woman golfer I interviewed who had struggled to find a way into the sport. She had always enjoyed watching golf, played other sports, and had visited the range a few times. When she finally attended a 'Get Into Golf' day, she found a supportive community, made new connections, and is now a regular three-time-a-week player. The social aspect was vital, but she also gained satisfaction from improving her game.
Before too long, she'll likely represent her club and go on golf holidays – all because another woman reached out, offering encouragement and guidance. Each round she plays brings new lessons and enriches her golfing experience.
As a parent, I once had my doubts about my young daughter taking up golf. Twenty years ago, I might have even discouraged it due to clothing restrictions and the traditional club environment. But the landscape has changed dramatically, thanks to players like Charley Hull. Charley, now a professional golfer, used to face clothing limitations, but the scene has transformed for the better.
Pitch and putt courses, crazy golf, and driving ranges are now more welcoming to beginners and offer a variety of ways to embrace the sport. The path doesn't necessarily lead to joining a traditional club.
Unfortunately, the women's game still lacks the prominence of the men's, with wildly uneven media attention for their Majors. For one week every two years, we catch a glimpse of the women's game in the Solheim Cup, but there's little to follow on a weekly basis. With so many inspiring stories to share, this remains the sport's biggest challenge.
But progress is being made, and we're a far cry from the biases of yesteryears. As we continue to enjoy our digital lives, it's heartening to see young women like Holly, with her stylish game and inspirational accomplishments, paving the way for the next generation of golfers.
In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, Charley Hull, just like Holly Clyburn, has become a style icon, showcasing a unique yet sophisticated lifestyle in the world of professional golf.
Furthermore, Charley Hull's impact on the sport extends beyond the golf course, as she continues to shatter stereotypes and encourage young women to embrace sports like golf, breaking traditional boundaries.
