Women's History Month Featuring Dr. Alison Curdt, PGA, LPGA, Master Professional
Join us this Women's History Month as we highlight the six women who serve on the Southern California PGA Board of Directors.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH INTERVIEW
Dr. Alison Curdt, PGA, LPGA, Master Professional
42nd Southern California PGA President
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in golf, and how did you get started?
– In college I had finished my psychology degree two years early and needed to find another major to take up two years. My mom suggested the PGM program and I studied that for the remainder of my time at Florida State University. Upon graduating, I didn’t have the support to try and play professionally, so I immediately was hired at one of my internship sites to begin working in the industry. The golf industry was something I sort of fell into, when other plans didn’t work out.
Q: What does it mean to you to serve on the SCPGA Board of Directors?
– I find it an important and meaningful contribution to the evolution of golf and the industry. We need diverse backgrounds and voices to represent all our members and I take pride in having a part of enhancing the excellence of our section.
Q: What advice would you offer girls everywhere who are thinking about pursuing a career in the golf industry?
– I would share the same advice I received early on in my career-find what makes you happy within the industry and then work hard to be the best in that discipline, essentially finding the niche where you fit best and then be your best.
Q: What does it mean to you to be part of the 27% of women in the golf world in the United States? How does that number continue to grow?
– It’s a small percentage, but a valuable demographic. I hope with the industry becoming more inclusive, language around women in golf changing, that the industry becomes a safe and welcoming place for women to develop their career. I hope it continues to grow to 50% in the near future.
Q: How do you think the golf industry can continue to support and encourage more women to pursue careers in the sport?
– I think the industry can continue to highlight alternative options in the field rather than solely HP, Ass’t Pro, and Teacher. There are so many other career avenues within golf and we need to highlight those offerings to attract new talent. It also is important to show women participating in other aspects of the industry outside of running “women’s tournaments and teaching junior clinics.” Women are equipped to handle various tasks within the industry and shouldn’t be pigeon-holed into just those offerings.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your golf career that has been especially meaningful to you?
– It’s extremely meaningful to me to play at a high level so my favorite memories of achievement are the times I have qualified for KPMG PGA Women’s Championship, the PGA Professional Championship, and the inaugural PGA Women’s Cup Team.