Singapore: The Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) has launched a new initiative that shines the spotlight on females in the sporting world.

Over the coming months, a broad spectrum of women who have stamped an indelible mark on sport – as competitors, leaders, pioneers and role models – will be featured in the Women in Sports series.

The exclusive interviews are being conducted by AGIF Board Member Karen Proctor, Director of Sales – APAC with Textron Specialized Vehicles.

“I’m proud and honoured to be involved in this AGIF project and to have the opportunity to meet with some extraordinary women and discover how their careers have evolved, what makes them tick and how they find a work-play balance,” said Singapore-based Proctor.

“As well as striving to find out what drives and motivates them, and who are the people that have positively influenced their careers, we’ll be asking what advice they’d pass on to those who would like to follow in their footsteps,” added Proctor.

Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “As the umbrella body for golf in the region, we’re constantly lobbying for the sport to open up and become more inclusive and accessible.

“In recent years, not only has it been encouraging to see more girls and women taking up the game, but also to witness the increasing number of women working in the golf industry.

“We’ve seen it in the ranks of teaching professionals, club management and course staff, as evidenced by the healthy percentage of women who have participated in our Certificate in Greenkeeping programme.

“While progress is being made in these areas, none of us within the industry can afford to be complacent or rest on our laurels.

“With this Asian Golf Industry Federation series, it is our intention to shine a bright spotlight on a selection of inspirational individuals who have been influential in breaking down barriers and blazing a trail for women in golf.”

Fittingly, to tee-off the series, the subject is Suzy Whaley, one of the most high-profile females in golf this century.

The first woman ever elected to serve as an Officer of the PGA of America, mother-of-two Whaley has recently completed her historic two-year term as the PGA of America’s first female President.

During her tenure, among other things she spearheaded the Golf Emergency Relief Fund, which offered financial help to workers affected by Covid-19, and helped craft the Back2Golf protocols that kept courses running safely.

A 1989 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Whaley has many other notable claims to fame including qualifying and participating in the 2003 Greater Hartford Open, becoming the first woman since Babe Zaharias in 1945 to qualify for a PGA Tour event.

Among others to be featured in the AGIF series are Fanny Sunesson, who caddied for Nick Faldo throughout the 1990s and became the first female caddie to win a men’s Major championship.

To view the Suzy Whaley interview, visit the AGIF’s You Tube channel or click here.