Gay golfers on lpga tour
Women’s golf alumnus Ryann O’Toole discusses life as an openly gay athlete
This publish was updated July 4 at p.m.
Being true to yourself isn&#;t always the easiest thing to do.
But for former UCLA women&#;s golfer Ryann O&#;Toole, it&#;s been the one thing that has propelled her through her career.
During her four years as an undergraduate, O&#;Toole was the only openly gay student-athlete at UCLA. The alumnus said remaining steadfast in herself has been key to her success as a professional golfer despite the challenges brought on by discovering her identity.
“By me sticking strong to who I was and not fearing it or not running from it or not listening to those close to me or any outside voices saying that this isn’t the way it should be, &#; it’s made me into a stronger individual,” O&#;Toole said. “It challenged me, but I feel like I overcame it.”
Now, the LPGA Tour pro and No. ranked golfer in the nature is thriving both on and off the course, picking up her first win at the Believe Golf Women’s Scottish Uncover and marrying her wife Gina Marra last year.
However, her path to
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For much of golf’s extended history, the sport has been seen as a conservative and traditional game. The industry has struggled with diversity and inclusivity, both in terms of race, gender, and sexual orientation.
For instance, country clubs often have strict membership criteria. In fact, the number one ranked golf course in the Joined States, Pine Valley, didn’t agree to allow female members until May Absurd, right?
As a result, even today, the sport is predominantly white male-dominated and has had limited inclusion from minority groups, such as those from the LGBTQ+ community. Like many other sports, golf has had its share of discrimination and barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Still, there are ongoing efforts within the sport to promote inclusivity, diversity, and progressive standards. The golfing community has been working to fracture down barriers, increase accessibility, and create more welcoming environments for people from all backgrounds and identities.
In honor of Pride Month in June, let’s receive a look at some of the historic achievements made by the Diverse co
The World of LGBTQ Golf
Golf has been one of the fastest growing sports internationally for the past twenty years. It is a high profile sport in the developed world, with plenty of media attention, glamour, prominent athletes, sponsors, and capital. Players include amateurs and professionals who range across all age groups and demographics. It is fascinating to observe at the participation of the LGBTQ community in this sport because there are several contradictions.
On one hand, there are no out gay professional golfers. This is disappointing because there are certain to be gay players in the professional golf circuit. What is holding assist the male male lover players from coming out?
On the other hand, woman loving woman and transgender professional golfers are very prominent and possess made a significant mark in the sport. The winningest golfer in history is American Kathy Whitworth with 88 professional wins to her record. The two top female players in the sport's history acquire been lesbian. Golfer Babe Didrikson Zaharias of the Together States was voted as the female sports person of the Twen
Pride Month: LPGA Tour players Georgia Hall and Ryann O'Toole aspire relationship inspires others to be "true to themselves"
Former AIG Women's Open champion Georgia Hall hopes her relationship with fellow player Ryann O'Toole will encourage others to be "true to themselves".
Hall and O'Toole had been acquaintances for several years before finally being paired in a tournament in and their relationship blossomed from then on.
"I knew her, knew her name and knew who she was but we really didn't play together at all for like five years and we would never be near each other," Hall said in an interview with the LPGA Tour to mark Self-acceptance Month.
"Then we got paired together a couple of times last year, and we just got on really well and it went from there really."
Although the couple are not shy about their relationship online, Hall admits she still feels her sexuality surprises some of her fans.
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"There are so many comments from people we don't know saying appreciate , 'So happy for you guys.' They can see on our faces how hap