Isabelle Beisiegel Swings Through the Glass Ceiling for Women Golfers

Support women's sports and SHARE this story with your friends!

Whereas other women have played in men’s competitions, Beisiegal has qualified for the tour.

The Canadian Tour includes two levels of status, exempt and non-exempt. An exempt card allows a player to enter any event. The non-exempt player must qualify for specific events to earn a spot on the roster.

Although Beisiegel has faced challenges along the way she has remained faithful to her vision. While a rookie on the LPGA Tour in 2005, she was diagnosed with Graves Disease, had her thyroid removed then finally rehab, adding to lost playing time and finally losing her playing privileges.

Granted, athletes experience setbacks. Working through those obstacles is the only way to get back in the game. Her motivation to reach her goals gave her the impetus to overcome any obstacles in the way. Striving for this record required more than physical and technical abilities. Along with physical ability to swing, her mindset was in top shape as well.

Beisiegel said. “I went into today just trying not to get ahead of myself. I focused on thinking about where I was and not what could happen. I was assured in the fact that no matter what happened it was going to be OK.”

Beisiegel is not bigger, stronger or tougher than the other women golfers in the Canadian Qualifying School. What separated her from the rest, positioning Beisiegel to make the cut, is her mental game.

Several variables flowed smoothly for Beisiegel. Golfers live for those moments. During those moments even unforeseen challenges don’t affect the flow. Once she committed to the game, her performance appeared seamless and effortless.

Beisiegel plans to play in the inaugural Western Championship in early mid-June. Strategic preparation is necessary to position herself, focusing on her strengths. Beisiegel demonstrated her mental game this week, staying focused on one shot at a time and not becoming focused on her placement in the tournament. Creating the ability to get into the zone on demand is her golden ticket.

Laser focus, clarity and presence of mind is akin to being “in the zone.” Beisiegel is facing the moment of truth; will the drive to be great take her the distance this season? Training her mindset will contribute to her stamina for enduring ongoing challenges, particularly a women playing among men.

The zone is unlike any other feeling. Satori, a Japanese term, is a zen state. The combination of feeling relaxed while focused in the present is unlike anything else experienced.  A conscious connection keeps your focused to the task at hand. (Albinson & Bull, 1990). Golfers playing in the zone envision their play before hitting the ball.

Getting into the zone on demand is possible. Regardless of the difficulty of the shot, each obstacle before her has a solution. Her experience provides the knowledge to play great. Clear focus on her goal is the impetus to overcome all obstacles. Strategy, preparation and action are required to successfully continue her rise.  

According to Carl Lewis, an American Track Athlete, “My thoughts before a big race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win. Channel your energy. Focus.”

The ability to get into the zone, at will, creates champions. Envisioning confidence toward achieving her goal is vitally important. Visualization is an excellent tool for success. The greater her mindset for achievement, the greater her potential to capture her dream.

Beisiegel has already demonstrated that she has the fortitude to play among men. Laser focus on her current shot, tuning out all negativity and trusting her abilities will take her the distance. Beisiegel already has set the stage, now is her time to continue forging new paths for the women following in her steps.

Congratulations on earning the right to play with the men. Qualifying for this status opens the door for other women to follow suit. History proves women who break the glass ceiling must excel physically. Playing side by side with her male counterparts adds another element to the feat.

Support women's sports and SHARE this story with your friends!

• Golf
• Sports
• Psychology
• Sportsmanship

This article was written by a WomenTalkSports.com contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own women's sports content.

View Loren Fogelman's Full Profile