Liz Young said she wants to “promote” that it is possible for women to be both a mother and a successful professional golfer.
The 39-year-old, who won her first Ladies European Tour (LET) title last month, has been juggling her parenting responsibilities with her life on tour.
“Being a mum on tour is very, very busy,” she told BBC South Today.
“I juggle a lot but luckily I have my husband, and both of our parents are nearby to help us.”
Young, from Southampton, turned professional in 2009 and has been competing in the LET for over a decade.
Last month, she won the Swiss Ladies Open in one shot after shooting a final round of 69 to end the tournament at 12 under par.
After this first victory, she is now ranked 10th on the circuit and 210th in the world.
“I waited 14 years on tour for the win and it finally came,” she said. “It really hasn’t sunk yet.
“I knew my golf was improving and my results this year were good. But sometimes you just have to have the stars align.
“I can still say I’ve won on the European Tour now, which is fantastic. No one can take that away from me.”
Preparation is key to helping youngsters play
Young, who came to the 2016 Women’s British Open when she was seven months pregnant, spent half of her playing career as a mother.
She is determined to show other women that motherhood does not necessarily mean the end of a sporting career.
“A lot of girls have to quit when they get pregnant because they just don’t have that support network behind them,” Young added.
“My daughter Isabelle is in school now, which helps. For me, it’s about doing things in advance and planning so that I can go and play.
“I really want to promote the fact that you can be a successful mom and professional athlete.”
“Being a woman with a child does not mean the end of your dreams”
Childcare is provided for golfers at events on the US LPGA Tour, but for logistical reasons this is not possible in Europe.
Young would appreciate more help for moms on tour because, she says, they’re no different than other women trying to juggle family and work.
“We really are like any working mom,” said Young, who has played in 20 LET tournaments this year. “We need childcare support and maybe some flexibility on working hours. But I understand that is more difficult in sport.
“I think it’s about doing a few little things that can make things a bit easier for us, that would help us to continue our careers.
“I really want to show my daughter that you can do whatever you want and that being a woman with a child doesn’t mean the end of your dreams.
“If she wants to be a great golfer, but right now she’s just interested in playing outside in the grass and the woods, whatever she wants to do in life is fine with me.”
