Syngenta Golf is proud to mark International Women’s Day 2023 by paying tribute to and sharing the stories of inspirational women in the golf and turf industries.
We continue to shine a light on the females working across our global golf industry who are making a difference each and every day, pioneering change, and opening up pathways and opportunity for more women and girls to excel in golf.
The future of our industry is more diverse and sustainable but only if it is more equitable.
Meet some of the women leading the way and inspiring change.
#EmbraceEquity
Cathy Harbin
When PGA Master Professional Cathy Harbin bought Pine Ridge Golf Club, Texas, there were virtually no women golfers.
By launching a ladies league, breaking down barriers and doing things differently, Harbin has nurtured a thriving community of female golfers.
Fame Tate
Former Ladies European Tour player turned business owner Fame Tate bought a run-down English golf club in 2019 and set about transforming it into a friendly, accessible, and inclusive community venue – with remarkable results.
We followed Fame’s journey in fly-on-the-wall docuseries Changing the Business of Golf.
Gabrielle Weiss
Gabrielle was the first female head professional to serve at Pinehurst Resort, one of America’s most iconic golf destinations and a U.S Open venue.
Five years after starting work in the resort’s golf shop, Gabrielle was appointed Head Professional, overseeing nine golf courses. She now works for the Dormie Network, a private network of six exclusive clubs all accessible under a single membership dues structure.
Gaia Zonchello
Gaia worked for The European Tour for 20 years as a tournament secretary before deciding to make a change and create history. She took and passed The R&A’s Rules Exam and became the first female referee on the DP World Tour.
The Italian has also served as a Tournament Director on The Challenge Tour, the second tier of European professional golf.
Leasha Schwab
Leasha is the Superintendent at Pheasant Run Golf Course, Ontario, Canada and founder of Ladies Leading Turf, a groundbreaking networking group for female turf professionals that has grown exponentially since its inception.
99% of Leasha’s industry peers are men but she has created a safe space for women in the turf industry to meet, share and support one another to develop and progress their careers.
Rhian Barton
Rhian represented Wales in amateur golf and played golf professionally before deciding to train as a greenkeeper.
She has worked at Carden Park Golf Club and The Wisley, and is now at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake), venue for The 151st Open Championship.
Rhian was the first female winner of the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year award.