**LPGA*USGA Girls Golf eLeader**

ROLE AT LPGA

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf eLeader

YEAR JOINED THE LPGA

2018

WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF AND WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING?

I started playing golf at 7 years old and was introduced to the game by a family friend.

WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND GOLF TO MORE WOMEN AND GIRLS?

Golf is a great sport to play and meet new people, it also gives life lessons; for example, I’ve learned to persevere from a bad hole and push through and do great on the next hole. I’ve also learned how to have confidence in myself and my swing. Perseverance and confidence are two life lessons I’ve learned that I can apply on and off the golf course.

HOW CAN GOLF BE MORE WELCOMING TO BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS?

The golf industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with a more diverse group playing and enjoying the game more than ever before. However, the sport has been continuously growing at a slower rate among African American women and girls. This can be attributed to expensive club membership fees, lack of resources, and support for inexperienced golfers. I feel golf could be more welcoming if we had more introductory programs to get golf clubs into African American women’s and girls’ hands. Golf could also be more welcoming by making it easier for African American girls to access the sport at an earlier age. For instance, in school P.E., we are taught how to play sports like basketball, football, soccer, etc. If golf was introduced at a younger age, it might spark an interest for African American girls to continue to play.

ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

If you’re nervous, push through the nerves; if you’re scared, push through the fear. Don’t let your fear of failure hold you back; there’s a reason for everything.

WHO WOULD BE IN YOUR DREAM FOURSOME?

My dream foursome would be Danielle Kang, Jin Young Ko, and Inbee Park.

WHAT IS YOUR GOLF “MANTRA” OR WORDS TO LIVE BY?

“Forget the last shot. It takes so long to accept that you can’t always replicate your swing. The only thing you can control is your attitude toward the next shot.” - Mark McCumber

Madison Cook