Wonder women: Women in Golf 2020

By , and |  November 10, 2020 0 Comments

Own your journey

Rau also started off the third day panel discussion on “Owning your journey” by asking attendees to picture their dream job. “Give yourself permission to dream big. What would that feel like to be in that role, in that location?” she asked.

Rau said once you have a big dream in mind, think through how you’re going to get there. She encouraged attendees to be brave and go for that dream job.

“If you know the why and you know where you’re headed, you’re actually taking a step forward,” she said.

As the final day wrapped up, women from the 2019 class shared some of their successes based on what they’d learned from participating in Women in Golf.

Tami Jones, superintendent at DeSoto Golf Club in Hot Springs, Ark., shared how she applied for the position of director of agronomy for eight courses at Hot Springs Village. While she ultimately didn’t get the job, she was one of the top two candidates.

Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles features a newly renovated golf course designed by Kyle Phillips. 2020 Women in Golf inductee Lorabeth West is assistant director of agronomy at the property. (Photo: John Konkal)

Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles features a newly renovated golf course designed by Kyle Phillips. 2020 Women in Golf inductee Lorabeth West is assistant director of agronomy at the property. (Photo: John Konkal)

“This environment last year made me brave,” she said. “Before WIG, I know there were other women in golf, but it was always in passing.”

She said she realized that she deserved to be at the table, and it encouraged her to brush up her resumé and apply.

Carol Turner, assistant golf course superintendent at Bigwin Island Golf and Country Club in York, Ontario, Canada, said the timing of last year’s event couldn’t have been better. Her initial interview at Bigwin came two days after the 2019 Women in Golf event. After her first interview went well, she had an interview with the general manager.

“I aced that interview based on everything I learned from WIG,” she said.

The general manager asked her if she was a golfer and instead of her usual reply of “yes, I am but I’m not very good,” she said “the answer is ‘Yes, I am a golfer.”

“I got the job on the spot,” she said.

Alex Hills, assistant superintendent, Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Orlando, Fla., attended the Women in Golf event last year. She said it’s made her want to advocate for women looking to enter the industry.

She said she feels it’s important to show her daughter that “nothing is just for men.”

“We might have to prove ourselves over and over, but know that you’re not fighting this battle alone,” she said.

This article is tagged with and posted in From the Magazine, People

About the Author: Sarah Webb

Sarah Webb is Golfdom's former managing editor. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University, where she studied journalism and Spanish. Prior to her role at Golfdom, Sarah was an intern for Cleveland Magazine and a writing tutor.

About the Author: Christina Herrick

Christina Herrick is the former editor of Golfdom magazine.


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