What Golf Means to Me Now as a Mom

Before becoming a mom, golf was my life. It was how I spent my time, how I connected with people, and how I built Iron Lady.

Iron Lady really felt like my first baby. It was everything I did, morning, noon, and night. Every decision, every detail, every program. I was immersed in all of it. 

Now… things look different.

I’m a mom to Penny, and that has completely shifted how I think about my time, my energy, and what actually matters. I can’t do everything the way I used to and honestly, I’ve realized I am not supposed to.

There were definitely moments early on where leaving for a round felt harder than it should. Not even just the logistics, but the mental side of it. Wondering if I should be doing something else, or if it was worth the time. I think a lot of moms feel that, that constant pull of where you “should” be.

But what I’ve realized is that when I don’t take that time, I feel it. I’m more overwhelmed, less patient, and just not showing up the way I want to, at work or at home.

So golf has become something different for me.

I don’t play as well as I used to. I don’t practice, and I’m definitely not chasing perfect rounds. It’s less about performance and more about getting outside, spending time with the community, and having something that’s just mine.

And in a season of life where so much is about taking care of someone else, that feels really important.

At the same time, I’ve had to grow as a leader. I’ve had to learn how to lean on the team we’ve built at Iron Lady. Our headquarters team, coaches, and captains all play a role in continuing to grow what we’re building.

And that’s been a shift too. Letting go of doing everything myself and trusting others to carry it forward. It’s not always easy, but it’s what allows us to keep growing and reach more women.

Because at the end of the day, the goal is still the same, to get more women saying yes to golf.

Do I still feel guilty sometimes? Yes. But it’s changed.

Having Penny forced me to get really clear on what actually matters and also what doesn’t. It’s even empowered me to say no to the things that don’t need my energy. 

A golf day looks very different now. It takes more planning. I typically don’t have enough time to warm up, it’s usually not 18 holes. But I’ve stopped thinking it has to look a certain way or be like it used to be. 9 holes is great. Even just getting to the range is great. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth it.

And honestly, one of the biggest things for me is what Penny sees. I want her to grow up seeing that I have things that matter to me outside of being a mom. That I build things, that I show up for myself, and that I don’t give up the things I love.

Not because it’s easy, but because it’s important.

If you’re a mom trying to get back into golf or anything you used to love, just start small. It might not look like it used to, and that’s okay. You just have to find a version of it that fits your life now. And give yourself permission to go.

Golf still means a lot to me. Just in a different way now. Most of all, I can’t wait to get out there with Penny one day!