Hall-of-famer Nancy Lopez won 48 LPGA Tour events during her career and launched a full line of women's golf clubs and accessories. She became a mother in 1984 and had two more children before wrapping up her golf career.
Parenting isn't easy. Neither is professional golf. The sport requires dedication, focus, and an ungodly number of practice hours for even moderate success.
There are currently 25 mothers on the LPGA Tour. To be a tour mom, you need the uncanny ability to manage the responsibilities, focus and maintenance of both motherhood and your game, making these players even more impressive and noteworthy.
Julie Inkster welcomed her second child in 1993, yet her best golf was yet to come; in 1999 she won two majors and finishing second on the money list. She continued to capture wins through the 2000's. (image via LPGA)
Many young, up-and-coming golfers don't yet struggle with the balance of family life, and can pour every ounce of attention into dominating the game. Deciding to start a family can certainly require full focus for any player, but for LPGA Tour professionals it can mean months off from tour.
I am in constant awe of my mom and my wife. Whether an athlete, business woman, artist or just managing a busy household...big ups must be given to all moms who balance family, careers, and let's face it guys...the occasional annoying husband (I think they call that love?)
A rising star on the LPGA scene, Karine Icher welcomed her first child in 2011. Since then, she has posted nine top-10 finishes, 22 top-25 finishes and four top-5 finishes since coming back on Tour in February 2012. (image via LPGA)
We're tipping our caps to moms everywhere. The game of golf and the PGA have truly embraced the female players who commit to family, and sponsors like Florida's Natural and Smuckers, continue to pave the way for successful golf moms.
Cheers, ladies. And a happy mother's day!
— Paul N.
Inventor & President, The Pill Golf