I always dreamed of having an LPGA Tour event at home.
I remember the Ladies Irish Open, a Ladies European Tour event, being played in Ireland when I was a young girl growing up in Northern Ireland. But that event was in the South. There weren’t any tournaments in the North. And while I’ve loved playing in the Tour’s events in Scotland and England, it never had the same feeling as getting to play at home. I always hoped there would be a Tour stop somewhere in Ireland. But finding out there will be a Tour stop just 20 minutes from my hometown is even better.
I grew up in Jordanstown. I still have a home there even though most of my family has since moved away. We had a wonderful home with a great street and lots of kids to play with. I have so many great memories of growing up there. We moved to the United States when I was a teenager but Jordanstown is still a very special place to me and always will be.
I became obsessed with golf and immediately knew it was what I wanted to do with my life. But, being a young girl, playing golf in Northern Ireland wasn't common. Back then, I was the only girl at the golf course. Being the only girl, I had to stand up for myself, make friends and be part of the group. That's the only way I could fit in, have friends and have fun. I learned early on how to stick up for myself.