Stacy Lewis, a renowned professional golfer, was once again in the spotlight as her five-year-old daughter asked for a personal achievement reward — a big swimming pool. Lewis won the Women’s Open back in 2013, which she might consider replicating this year during a press conference. Over the years, she has seen and experienced a lot of changes in the arena, especially as she seamlessly transitioned to being a mother. However, balancing motherhood and the strenuous demands of the LPGA tour has proven challenging.
The LPGA Tour’s schedule for the year is extensive, spanning across various geographical territories such as the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. The total flying time and travels accumulated during the tour could be likened to three trips around the globe. There’s a noticeable mileage gap between tour stops, with numerous intra-continental and continental trips recorded in the season. Lewis, as Team USA’s captain for the Solheim Cup next month, admits the schedule is exerting to the players—making it arduous for them to perform at peak levels.
The Women’s Open purse has seen a drastic increase from $2.2 million in 2009 to $9 million, a 409% rise. The tournament’s infrastructure and facilities have also evolved since 2013. However, according to Lewis, the grueling schedule is hard to alter given the reliance on sponsors and designated golf courses. Still, the diverse locations of the competition—Thailand and Korea inclusive—represent the multicultural nature of the sport and its players.
Six-time tournament winner Nelly Korda has managed to navigate the season by pacing herself, skipping the seven-week Asia swing of events. Doing so means forfeiting some earnings, but this is a luxury financially buoyant players like Korda can afford since she’s already earned more than $3 million. She even had to withdraw from the JM Eagle LA Championship due to exhaustion.
Lexi Thompson’s recent decision to retire at just 29 opens up a conversation around the mental and physical demands of the LPGA Tour. Reflecting on Thompson’s decision, Catriona Matthew expressed her disbelief at being able to tour with two children. Lydia Ko, looking to end her major drought, voiced her apprehension about her career longevity. Ko, who started playing golf at five and gained victory at 15, is now contemplating an early retirement due to her recurring back problems.
Despite the challenges of the relentless tour schedule, some players remain resilient in their pursuit of success. English golfer Charley Hull is one such competitor, dealing with the physical setbacks of a shoulder injury while staying focused on the tournament. Her resolve reflects a larger sentiment within the golf community for perseverance in the face of adversity—a mindset that is required to cope with a demanding and extensive schedule.
