The most powerful tool in golf is belief. Believe in yourself, your ability and trust your instincts.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S Dweck
Where are you currently ranked?
I am currently ranked 132th in the world.
Proudest moment of 2022?
Finishing 10th at the KPMG PGA Championship. It was great to be in the last few groups on a Sunday at a major.
Most challenging moment of 2022?
I had many challenging Sundays in 2022. I put myself in great positions all week and then fell off. I was happy to be able to give myself the opportunity but disappointed I couldn’t follow through.
What did 2022 teach you?
After looking at my stats, I still need to improve my ball-striking consistency to get into contention. My putting and driving greatly improved over the past year. I’m excited to keep grinding and see what 2023 brings. Your golfing career was put on hold following the death of your father. How did you deal with that loss and regain your focus?
What are your goals for 2023 and how do you intend to achieve them?
Win an LPGA event. I also want to finish top 40 on the LPGA Race to the CME Globe Points List. I will be focusing on ball striking and prioritizing quality over quantity when it comes to practice!
What advice would you give aspiring young golfers who want to make a profession of golf?
Love the process and the daily challenge that golf presents. Every day will bring a new challenge so you have to learn to embrace the ups and the downs.
I was completely surprised when I was awarded the Heather Farr award. After the most difficult year of my life, and losing my father. I was honoured that my fellow peers saw me in this way.
How did your upbringing affect who you are now?
I was taught by both of my parents that if you are going to do something do it right! They both believed in me more than I believed in myself and probably still do. I think their belief and support is the biggest reason I am where I am today.
How old were you when you started playing golf and what drew you to the sport?
I was six years old when I started playing golf. I think I enjoyed the challenge of the game and being able to be outdoors with friends.
How did Investec first come to sponsor you and what impact has it had on your golfing career?
I was introduced to Michael Cullen by Paul McGinley in 2016.
Investec has supported me through all my ups and downs. Their emotional support and financial support has allowed me to continue to follow my dreams.
How do you cope with nerves?
Lots of breathing and learning that my nerves can enhance my performance. I look at them in a positive way. The moment I stop having nerves I know my heart isn’t in it anymore. Thankfully that has not happened yet!
What’s the one improvement or change that you would like to make to the game of golf?
I believe this change has already started but I would love for golf to be more inviting for the younger generation. More athletic clothing, more relaxed atmosphere etc. will attract more young golfers.
Watch Stephanie talking to ex-Ireland international rugby player Andrew Trimble about her professional sporting journey, balancing life during a pandemic and maintaining the mental resilience required to stay at the top of your game.
How do you keep a healthy balance between your personal life and your career?
I make sure that on my off weeks I spend some time away from golf. I see family, hang out with friends and spend time on my other hobbies. I always remember that Golf is what I do not who I am.
What is the Heather Farr Award and how did you feel when you were honoured by your fellow golfers in this way?
The Heather Farr award is awarded to the LPGA player “who, through her hard work, dedication and love of the game of golf, has demonstrated determination, perseverance, and spirit in fulfilling her goal as a player.” I was completely surprised when I was awarded the Heather Farr award. After the most difficult year of my life and losing my father. I was honoured that my fellow peers saw me in this way.
If you could play the last round of your life with anyone you choose, who would it be and why?
I would play with my fiancé Kyle and my dad. The two golfers in my life mean the most to me.
What do you love most about being a professional golfer?
Being able to compete against the best in the world. I love the competition and the feelings that go with it. I also love being able to travel all around the world and experience different cultures.