In this instalment of our Women in Sport series, professional golfer Sara Byrne shares her sporting inspirations, biggest goals and proudest achievements.
Sara Byrne is a 23-year-old Cork athlete who started playing golf at six years of age at Douglas Golf Club, before beginning to play in the Irish girls and ladies circuit from the age of ten. She is a two-time Irish national champion and went pro back in 2024. Sara graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Here, she shares her sporting story so far…
Earliest sporting memory?
My earliest sporting memory would be going to the golf range when I was only five or six and even then just trying to get the golf ball airborne.
How did you become involved with golf?
I got into golf because of my dad, he played at a fairly good amateur level and he would take me to the range when I was young. I just absolutely loved it.
What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in pursuing a career as an athlete?
I would like to say that if you really have a love for the sport and want to pursue a career, just work really hard and do everything to try and be better — no matter what people say or do. If you really want it, don’t let what others think or say deter you from your dreams!
Proudest moment so far…
My proudest moment so far would be winning the Curtis cup in front of all my family and friends, it was amazing to finish my amateur career like that!
The female athlete I admire most is…
I admire Charley Hull, her attitude to sports, specifically golf, is a breath of fresh air. She does what suits her and she is making golf trendy and fun nowadays.
Favourite sporting memory…
Probably winning my first Irish Close title in 2018. This was a breakthrough for me and definitely confirmed my ability. It was a reward for all the hard work in my younger years.
Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?
Not anymore in my view. There has been a fundamental change in the last few years and much more media attention is now capturing all female sports.
What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?
I suppose media coverage, but again this is improving dramatically as the years go by.
The biggest misconception that exists in women’s sport is…
That women are not as athletic as males. Trust me, they work as hard and their skills are equally as good.
If I wasn’t an athlete I would be…
Well not working in an office anyway! I am an outdoor person and maybe some position in sports media would be fun.
My favourite pre-competition meal is…
Scrambled eggs, bacon, and sourdough toast are a must.
My pre-competition playlist includes…
Country music for sure.
My daily routine is…
Small breakfast, gym, recovery breakfast, chill, golf practice or play, dinner, meet friends or Netflix, sleep, repeat.
My biggest sporting goal is…
Very simply, to play golf at the Olympics.
Sports brands I love (Irish or otherwise)…
Adidas clothes are pretty nice, and Lucozade Sport of course.
Biggest splurge to celebrate a win…
I do treat myself to ice cream if I get six birdies in a round. That’s a win for me every time.
How do you mind your mental health?
I’m pretty good at compartmentalising everything really. Sara the golfer and Sara the person are completely different. My friends and family are a great help also. I look long term rather than short term when issues arise.
My three desert island beauty products are…
Hair straightener, mascara and bronzer.
I need 8 hours of sleep a night because….
Of my intense daily routine… Although TikTok does interrupt this at times.
Confidence, to me, is…
Just being me and going through my normal routines on and off the course.
How do you get over a bad performance?
I don’t remember these… I forget very, very quickly.
Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national and personal level?
Sport is just a way to connect with everyone and challenge yourself in every way.
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