Lesbian golfers – Golf has always been known as a sport of privilege and exclusivity, with a history steeped in gender and sexual orientation biases. However, in recent years, the sport has undergone a transformation, and the emergence of lesbian golfers is a testament to the changing times. These trailblazers are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse golf community. In this blog, we’ll explore the list of lesbian golfers, their impact on the sport, and the challenges they face. Join us as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of these inspiring athletes and envision a more accepting and equal future for all golfers.
Historical Background
Golf, as we know it today, originated in Scotland in the 15th century. However, it wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that the sport gained popularity and became associated with the upper class. The exclusivity of golf was reflected in the strict dress codes, membership fees, and other barriers to entry that kept many people from participating.
As golf evolved, so did its gender and sexual orientation biases. For decades, the sport was dominated by men, and women were largely excluded. In addition, golf was often viewed as a heteronormative sport, with little acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Despite the discriminatory practices and policies that existed in golf, there were trailblazers who pushed back against the status quo. One such pioneer was Babe Didrikson Zaharias, who became the first woman to play in a men’s golf tournament in 1938. She went on to win numerous tournaments and pave the way for future generations of female golfers.
Over time, golf has become more inclusive, with more opportunities for women and LGBTQ+ individuals. However, there is still much work to be done to break down the remaining barriers and make golf a truly equal and welcoming sport for all.
List of Lesbian Golfers
Check out the list of openly lesbian golfers in the world.
Patty Sheehan
Patty Sheehan is a retired professional golfer from the United States. She was born on October 27, 1956, in Middlebury, Vermont, and grew up in California. She attended the University of Nevada, where she played on the golf team and won three collegiate tournaments.
Sheehan turned professional in 1980 and went on to have a successful career on the LPGA Tour. She won 35 LPGA tournaments, including six major championships: the U.S. Women’s Open in 1992 and 1994, the LPGA Championship in 1983, 1984, and 1993, and the du Maurier Classic in 1995.
She was also a member of seven Solheim Cup teams, where she helped lead the U.S. to victory over Europe. Sheehan was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1993 and the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
In addition to her golf career, Sheehan is known for being open about her sexuality and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. She came out as a lesbian golfer in 1995, becoming one of the first professional golfer to do so. She has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ causes and has served on the board of directors for the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Becky Morgan
Becky Morgan is a professional golfer from Wales. She was born on December 3, 1974, in Abergavenny, Wales, and began playing golf at the age of 12. She turned professional in 1996 and joined the Ladies European Tour (LET) in 1997.
Morgan has had a successful career on the LET, winning two tournaments and finishing in the top ten in numerous others. She has also played on the LPGA Tour and the Symetra Tour in the United States.
In addition to her golf career, Morgan is known for her resilience and perseverance. In 2019, she won the Hero Women’s Indian Open, her first LET victory in 18 years. She had faced numerous setbacks and injuries throughout her career but continued to work hard and never gave up on her dream.
Also read: transgender golfer
Jane Geddes
Jane Geddes is a retired professional golfer from the United States. She was born on February 13, 1960, in Huntington, New York, and began playing golf at the age of nine. She attended Florida State University, where she played on the golf team and won the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 1986.
Geddes turned professional in 1986 and joined the LPGA Tour. She went on to have a successful career, winning 11 LPGA tournaments, including two major championships: the U.S. Women’s Open in 1986 and the LPGA Championship in 1987.
In addition to her golf career, Geddes is known for her philanthropy and advocacy work. She founded the LPGA Foundation in 1991, which provides scholarships and other educational opportunities to young women. She has also been involved in numerous charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
After retiring from professional golf in 2003, Geddes became a golf course designer and served as the President of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals membership division. She has also worked as a commentator for NBC and the Golf Channel.
Geddes’ dedication to golf and her commitment to giving back to the community make her a respected and admired figure in the world of sports.
Sandra Haynie
Sandra Haynie is a retired professional golfer from the United States. She was born on June 4, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas, and began playing golf at the age of 10. She attended Texas Woman’s University, where she played on the golf team.
Haynie turned professional in 1961 and joined the LPGA Tour in 1962. She went on to have a successful career, winning 42 LPGA tournaments, including four major championships: the LPGA Championship in 1974 and 1975, the U.S. Women’s Open in 1974, and the du Maurier Classic in 1977.
Haynie was known for her consistency and accuracy on the course. She was a ten-time member of the U.S. Solheim Cup team, where she helped lead the U.S. to victory over Europe. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977.
Off the course, Haynie has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the March of Dimes. She has also served as a golf course designer and instructor.
Haynie’s accomplishments on the golf course and her contributions to the community make her a respected and admired figure in the world of sports.
Rosie Jones
Rosie Jones is a retired professional golfer from the United States. She was born on November 13, 1959, in Santa Ana, California, and began playing golf at the age of 13. She attended Ohio State University, where she played on the golf team.
Jones turned professional in 1982 and joined the LPGA Tour in 1983. She went on to have a successful career, winning 13 LPGA tournaments, including one major championship: the LPGA Championship in 1997.
Jones was known for her aggressive style of play and her competitiveness on the course. She was a member of the U.S. Solheim Cup team eight times, helping the U.S. to victory over Europe on multiple occasions. She was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
Off the course, Jones has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Special Olympics. She has also served as a golf course designer and instructor.
Jones’ accomplishments on the golf course and her dedication to giving back to the community make her a respected and admired figure in the world of sports.
Alena Sharp
Alena Sharp is a professional golfer from Canada. She was born on October 7, 1981, in Hamilton, Ontario, and began playing golf at the age of six. She attended New Mexico State University, where she played on the golf team.
Sharp turned professional in 2003 and joined the LPGA Tour in 2005. She has had a successful career, with numerous top-10 finishes and one professional win, the 2016 Symetra Tour Championship. In addition, she has represented Canada in the Olympics, competing in both the 2016 and 2021 Summer Games.
Sharp is known for her consistency and accuracy on the course, as well as her positive attitude and sportsmanship. Off the course, she has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Special Olympics. She has also served as a golf coach and mentor to aspiring young golfers.
Sharp’s dedication to her sport and her community make her a respected and admired figure in the world of golf.
Muffin Spencer-Devlin
Muffin Spencer-Devlin is a retired professional golfer from the United States. She was born on June 16, 1955, in East Orange, New Jersey, and began playing golf at the age of 12. She attended Florida State University, where she played on the golf team.
Spencer-Devlin turned professional in 1978 and joined the LPGA Tour in 1979. She had a successful career, winning six LPGA tournaments, including one major championship: the 1990 Women’s PGA Championship.
Spencer-Devlin was known for her aggressive style of play and her competitiveness on the course. She was also open about her sexuality as a lesbian, becoming one of the first professional golfers to publicly come out.
After retiring from professional golf, Spencer-Devlin became a golf instructor and course designer. She also established the Muffin Spencer-Devlin Golf Foundation, which provides financial assistance and opportunities for young golfers.
Spencer-Devlin’s accomplishments on the golf course and her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community make her a respected and admired figure in the world of sports.
Overcoming Challenges and Stereotypes
Lesbian golfers have faced numerous challenges and stereotypes throughout the history of the sport. From navigating heteronormative spaces and cultures to addressing homophobia and discrimination in golf, lesbian golfers have had to overcome many obstacles to succeed on the course.
One of the biggest challenges faced by lesbian golfers is navigating heteronormative spaces and cultures. Golf has traditionally been a sport associated with wealthy, white, heterosexual men. As a result, lesbian golfers often feel like outsiders in this space, which can make it difficult for them to feel accepted and valued.
In addition, many lesbian golfers have had to address homophobia and discrimination in golf. Despite the progress that has been made in recent years, there are still many people within the golf community who hold negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. This can make it difficult for lesbian golfers to feel comfortable and welcome on the course.
Conclusion
Lesbian golfers have played an important role in the history of golf, breaking down barriers and paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the sport. From trailblazers like Patty Sheehan, Becky Morgan, Jane Geddes, and Sandra Haynie to more recent players like Rosie Jones and Alena Sharp, lesbian golfers have demonstrated that talent, determination, and hard work are what truly matter on the course.
Despite the challenges and stereotypes they have faced, lesbian golfers have continued to make their mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of golfers to be true to themselves and to never give up on their dreams. As the golfing world continues to evolve and become more inclusive, it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of lesbian golfers, who have helped to make the sport a more diverse and welcoming place for everyone.
