Women in Sport: Broadcaster and budding golfer Pamela Joyce

Born and bred in Galway, Pamela Joyce presents the lunchtime show on Today FM. Having spent her childhood trying her hat at an array of different sports ranging from hockey to GAA, adolescence came along and made Pamela — as it does with many — lose touch with nearly all of her sports.

Now, she’s picking up a golf club and taking on the challenge of The First Tee, Journey to Dromoland. This Golf Ireland campaign will follow Pamela, Valerie Wheeler, and Lorraine Keane as they journey from relative beginners to confident golfers.

Name: Pamela Joyce

Profession: Broadcaster with Today FM

Earliest sporting memory?

I have three older sisters who all played hockey, so I was thrown onto the pitch at a young age. I still remember the night before my first hockey match. I tried on my whole kit – shin guards and mouth guard included – and sauntered around the house like I was the bee’s knees.

How did you become involved in your sport?

My dad is an avid golfer. When I was younger he tried his best to get me to play properly but the lure of performing arts won that battle. I was delighted to be asked to take part in The First Tee campaign with Golf Ireland because I really wanted to get back into golf, but didn’t have the confidence to go out and do it.

What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in starting a new sport?

Nobody is looking at you or judging you. As women and girls, we tend to think people are watching and criticising us at all times. But if you want to take up a new sport – just go for it. Back yourself and focus on you and nobody else.

Proudest moment so far…

I won two All Irelands with Knocknacarra in the Community Games when I was younger. It was a great way to learn that hard work and training does pay off.

The female athlete I admire most is…

Katie McCabe because that World Cup goal, what a cracker! Katie and the girls in green have done so much for women in sport over the past few years. From standing up for themselves when they were being treated differently to the men’s team, to representing Ireland at our first World Cup. She is a wonderful role model for not only women in sport, but for everyone.

Favourite sporting memory…

I don’t know if this counts, but I got to go to Barcelona twice with my hockey team. Of course we played hockey over there against some local teams, but it was the theme park and the fun in the pool that stands out.

Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?

I think we are really moving into a space where people respect all athletes. There is so much more media coverage of the incredible sportswomen we have in Ireland. Rashidat Adeleke, Leona Maguire, and Katie McCabe are names that most people know now and that’s so wonderful. There is still work to be done in promoting women in sport and breaking down barriers, but I think we are for sure moving in the right direction.

What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?

I think the media has a big part to play in promoting women in sport. Having said that, I have definitely noticed a huge increase in reporting women in sport over the past number of years across all media.

The biggest stigma/misconception that exists in women’s sport is…

That we’re not as good as men! I know a few men that I can out drive on the course and I’m pretty smug about it.

My biggest sporting goal is…

To continue playing golf and improving my game. I’ve really fallen in love with the game and I’ve found myself planning my social life around my golf – rather than the other way around. Which is a big deal!

Sports brands I love (Irish or otherwise)…

We got some Abacus gear from Golf Ireland as part of The First Tee campaign and I really love it. Women’s golf gear is pretty awful generally but the Abacus range is fabulous.

How do you mind your mental health?

Staying active is a huge part of my routine. Whether it’s going for a big walk, weight training or going to the driving range. Getting the blood pumping really helps me clear my head.

My three desert island beauty products are:

• Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter.
• BPerfect Cosmetics Bronze Boost Drops.
• iGlow lash serum.

I don’t know who I’m trying to impress on the island but they are my go to products!

How many hours of sleep do you get each night?

I’m actually a terrible sleeper. One of the reasons I exercise is to try and tire myself out so I can sleep well. In an ideal world I’d get 7 hours a night – but I’ve had days where I’ve had to function for 3 or 4 hours.

Confidence, to me, is…

Knowing yourself and knowing your own mind. Standing up for what you believe in and backing yourself – no matter who the opponent is. This attitude has at times got me in trouble but at least I’ve been true to myself!

Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national and personal level?

My nieces are heavily involved in their local club in Galway — Rahoon/Newcastle — and any time I am at the pitch or the clubhouse I genuinely get a bit overwhelmed emotionally at the sense of community and the bond they have with their teammates. It’s so important for young people in particular to have a safe space to go to get out in the fresh air and socialise.

Watch episode one of ‘The First Tee, Journey to Dromoland’, below…