Celebrating Mothers In Golf - HerScene

At the ripe age of seven, I taught my mother to take her club back slower to hit the ball better.

Her anger was quickly followed by astonishment as her best shot of the day ran down the fairway. It was day one of an eventual 15 years offering her golf advice.

Now I am 22, and while I am no longer allowed to give my mom swing tips, it feels like an appropriate time to reflect on the ways she guided me throughout my high school and collegiate golf career.

Rarely missing a tournament, my mom was always prepared to order me a hot chocolate at the turn of a windy championship and opened her ear for me after shooting an incredible round or losing my way on the course.

In the world of golf, most stories come back to the dad or grandfather teaching their child, but the mother offers an equally important role. While my dad taught me how to swing a club, my mom supported me in every other way.

Today we celebrate mothers of all kinds in the golf world. Mothers like Amy Fruhwirth, AZ GOLF Championships Manager and former LPGA Tour pro, who taught their kids the game, or our mothers who scout the course with a backpack full of snacks and words of support like Kathy Laux, AZ GOLF’s Club Services Coordinator, or the mother of Alicia Barron, AZ GOLF Tournament Program Coordinator.

Many of the AZ GOLF staff started their golf careers at a young age and had parents right along the way to help them.

Alicia started golf at age 4, introduced by her father. Her mother walked most of the tournaments ready to provide a helping hand.

“She was more on the back end, making sure I was OK after playing,” Alicia said.

Alicia’s mother followed her though high school and college golf as well, providing support beyond a club selection.

“She was there for my well-being, not the game,” Alicia said.

Madeleine, Kathy’s daughter, started her golf journey at age 4, thanks to some help and tips from her grandfather.

While Kathy did not pick up the game herself, she made sure to show up every day with a cooler on her back, filled with gatorades, snacks, bandaids, and every other thing anyone (not just Madeleine) might need for their round.

“I was at every match and practice, and when I wasn’t there, I felt so guilty,” Kathy said.

Kathy was at every tee box through JGAA tournaments, high school matches, and even college championships. And while Madeleine is on her way to Q-School, Kathy will still follow her through different zip codes, and maybe one day, play alongside her daughter.

“My perspective of golf changed, at first I couldn’t believe that’s how people spend 6 hours of their day,” Laux said. “I love it now, and I feel bad that I don’t play.”

So to every golf mother, whether you taught your son how to repair a divot, or offered encouragement to your daughter on the course, thank you for all you do.