2022 Reflections: Growing Women's Golf Through Content

As 2022 comes to a close, I am enjoying this time of relaxation, reflection and recharging.

It likely comes as no surprise that most of my favorite moments this year were deeply rooted in growing women’s golf. Golf is such a small world, yet connecting with each other makes such a huge impact on current players and future generations.

Here are a few ways I had the honor of speaking with inspirational women and shining a spotlight on their stories on and off the golf course.

1. Launching My Podcast - Going Pro with Kelly O.

Launching Going Pro with Kelly O. - the podcast edition - has been a blast. I interview female golfers about their experiences on golf TV shows and how those opportunities have impacted their careers and beyond.

The best part of these conversations - aside from catching up with friends - is the natural approach to discussing important issues in the golf world, from learning our “why” to supporting changing perspectives. For example, these women have proven that golfers are athletes, too, and they didn’t necessarily have to specialize in golf early on in order to succeed professionally; both of these are commonly discussed topics in golf.

I love the amazing stories and insight these women share and hope you will, too.

2. Playing in Epson Tour Pro-Ams and Writing for Sports Illustrated Golf

Playing in Epson Tour pro-ams and collaborating with the LPGA’s media team and players remains some of my most rewarding experiences this year. Writing articles for Sports Illustrated highlighting the players, their organizations and the future generations (hello, First Tee) will always hold a special place in my heart.

I am so grateful to the players for entrusting me with their stories. One of my favorite articles this year was about witnessing 9-year-old Sara experience an Epson Tour pro-am and being inspired by the wonderfully talented Epson Tour players to turn pro when she’s older.

3. Paying It Forward to College Students

Speaking with college golfers - through LinkedIn networking, William & Mary connections and Courtney Trimble’s Fore Hire event at USGA Headquarters this fall - reminded me of my mentors’ efforts. There are so many career paths for female athletes to pursue and amazing women who have paved the way to so many more opportunities.

I’m thankful to have amazing leaders in my life and hope I can give back to the next generations as much as they have given me.

4. Attending Sports Business Journal’s Game Changers Conference

Sports Business Journal’s Game Changers conference centered around investing in women’s sports. Rather than sharing in this instance, I was listening and learning from the best in the business. I look forward to incorporating their insightful takeaways into our digital marketing strategies for our clients.

5. Interviewing Annika Sorenstam

They say, “Don’t meet your heroes,” but clearly “they” never met Annika Sorenstam. Sorenstam is a golf icon I used to literally chase down for autographs as a kid, and she’s as gracious and generous now as she was patient and kind then.

I was fortunate to write two articles about her - one about her defending her U.S. Senior Women’s Open title for Sports Illustrated and another about the launch of her canned cocktails business, Fizzy Beez, for The First Call. I don’t think I’ll ever wake up from that dream and am so thankful for the chance to talk to a legendary role model who continues to do so much for this game. She continues to inspire us with all she’s doing outside the ropes as well.

With the new sponsors on the LPGA and Epson Tours and the increased awareness around sports equality for women in general in 2022, I am extremely optimistic that women’s golf - and many other sports - will continue to rise in 2023. I can’t wait to play my part, no matter how small it may be.