My journey in the golf world has been full of ups-and-downs, but it has taught me many things, including perseverance, etiquette, and most of all patience.

At eight-years-old, I was already spending most of my days at the golf range after a long “hard” day of arts and crafts at my elementary school. My friends would ask me to come over to play hopscotch, tic-tac-toe and, if we were lucky enough, we could even spend some time catching Pokemon on our Nintendo DS.

As tempting as that sounded, I decided to dedicate my time to the sport I love most…golf.

My dad taught me everything I know. He would spend hours helping me practice, even if that meant spending extra money for three large buckets at the driving range.

In high school, there was only a guys’ team. If I wanted to play, I had to play from the white or blue tees. I was able to hold my own, but I had to prove myself. Not only to them but to me personally. It wasn’t easy being the only girl. I felt like I had to stand-out in some way to prove that I was good enough to play with the guys.

That’s when I decided to join the Rhode Island Junior Women’s Golf Association. I spent six years with about 20 girls that eventually became my closest friends and best golf partners. For three months every summer, we would play in two or three tournaments a week. Finally, in my senior year of high school, I won the RIJWA final tournament at Rhode Island Country Club. It was my biggest accomplishment to date!

After graduating high school, I attended Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI, where I majored in Journalism and Communications. During my freshman year, I inquired about joining the golf team. I was told that I would not be allowed to try-out since I was a girl. This was the turning point in my golf career where I was ready to start speaking my mind. I wanted to stand up for myself and every woman golfer out there.

For three years I filed against my school and the golf team because it was a clear violation of Title IX. I wasn’t allowed to be on the team, simply because I am a woman. Finally, after working hard fighting for my case with a few of my professors, I am now going to be the first woman allowed on the men’s golf team for my last year in college.

Shortly after that ordeal, I decided I wanted to do even more to represent women golfers, and here’s why. There is a huge gap between men and women when it comes to the game of golf. We are seriously underrepresented. There are only a few media outlets that dedicate their website solely to women golfers, which is why I created Women’s Golf Content.

WGC is dedicated to the game of golf for women. We believe in empowering each other to be the best version of ourselves on and off the course. To encourage each other to pick up the sport and play with the guys. To show them that we are just as capable of hitting the driver 300 yards as they are. My website is meant to be an outlet for women and for those who want to know the latest LPGA news, fashion, interviews, and trends that are out there.

It’s not just about golf, and it takes more than talent. It’s the culture. It’s about sports in general, and once the mindset changes, there will be more women in golf, which I think we truly need.

This monthly column will focus on the game of golf from a woman’s perspective. From golfing tips, advice, trends and much more. My goal is to inspire women, young or old, to pick up the game and play no matter what anyone else says. I hope that I can motivate someone to join me on this journey by picking up the game and not being afraid to be your best.

“If you want to play, you have to play with the boys. If you want to stick around, you have to beat them.” – Annika Sorenstam