The LPGA Moms are a special group. Every day they pursue their two greatest passions – golf and motherhood. Playing professional golf is a difficult endeavor for any player. Magnify that ten times when you become an LPGA Mom. For one, traveling becomes much more of a challenge. The one carry-on, one suitcase and golf clubs, now becomes multiple carry-ons (Mom is lucky if she gets part of one) and duffels, golf clubs, car seats, strollers and pack-n-plays. The flight, which once was a time of respite, becomes a constant battle to keep the children occupied and quiet to avoid the sideways glances and rolling eyes of the fellow passengers. Once the flight is over, imagine the challenge of piling the luggage and the children onto the rental car shuttle, while the kids decide to fall asleep!
The LPGA Moms face other challenges too. Getting back into competitive shape after gaining 30 or more necessary pounds takes time and some Moms choose admirably to continue breast feeding upon returning to competition. Early tee-times can wreak havoc on a breast-feeding Mom who learns to compete at the highest level despite little-to-no sleep. Fatigue becomes a natural part of life for the LPGA Mom, particularly before the child learns to sleep through the night or when a child has an ear infection and is up all night sick. But if you ask any LPGA Mom, she would not want it any other way.
They love to have their children with them and are able to do so in large part to the wonderful full-time day care that is available to the Moms. The LPGA was the first professional sports organization to provide a traveling child care center. The Smuckers Child Development Center moves as the tour moves, from city to city, with the same great teachers who provide a safe, healthy and nurturing environment for the children. Thanks to Smuckers, the Moms can continue to pursue their dreams on the golf course and have the piece of mind that their children are loved off the golf course.
What do the Moms love best about being a Mom? Here’s what they had to say.
“I must say I love everything about being a mom. But most of all, I love the sweet hugs & kisses & hearing Mommy "I love you"... What a blessing. I take the good & the bad…the good far outweighs the bad.” Jackie Gallagher-Smith, mother of two, one LPGA victory.
“I can’t really tell what the best part is yet but a little guy gives me happy tears in my eyes every day.” Minea Blomqvist, the LPGA’s newest Mom, best finish 3rd.
“I love everything about being a mom. I love watching my kids learn, I love their smiling faces, I love their snuggles and when they say "I love you Mommy". When they remember to say "please" and "thank you", I beam with pride! I always knew I would love being a mom, but I didn't realize how deeply it would reach my soul. Being a mom has changed me in ways I couldn't possibly imagine. I have always said that my golf doesn't define me as a person, my family is my legacy - those words have never been more true.”Leta Lindley, mother of two, one LPGA win, advocate for Prader-Willi Syndrome and the Fight against Childhood Obesity.
“I love seeing the smile on my little one’s face when he sees me come home, watching him learn to speak and how he beams when he points things out to me. The best part about being a mom though is knowing that I was able to join with God in creating a life. What a blessing I have been given.” Stephanie Louden, mother of one, best LPGA finish T5, served on the LPGA Board of Directors
“Everything! It’s just a wonderful experience.” Michele Redman, mother of one, two LPGA victories, four-time U.S. Solheim Cup team member
“The best part of being a mum is the love that you give this person is double as much love in return. You think you love someone, but until you become a mum you know what real love is!” Maria Hjorth, mother of one, three wins, four-time European Solheim Cup team member
“Best parts are unconditional love and when they get older telling them that they can take the dishes out of the dishwasher.” Juli Inkster, mother of two, member of LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame, 31 wins including seven major championships.
“Loving someone more than you love yourself and getting the chance to see the world again, through pure and unaffected eyes.” Kris Tschetter, mother of two, one LPGA win..
“The best thing about being Coop and Lily's mom is the feeling I get in my heart every time I look at them or hold them, that warm tingling sensation that makes me sooo proud to be their mom. Whenever I think of them this feeling takes over, this feeling makes me feel close to them even when I am not, this feeling warms my heart and soul. They make everything better!” Laura Diaz, mother of two, two wins, four-time U.S. Solheim Cup team member
“The best thing about being a Mum is the unconditional love. It is so natural, not expected and genuine. I love it!” Janice Moodie, mother of one, two wins, three-time European Solheim Cup team member
“Hearing Angus laugh, seeing him smile and best of all, the times when he cuddles into the spot between your neck and shoulder. That time I want to last forever!” Mhairi McKay, mother of one, five second place finishes, two-time European Solheim Cup team member
