I was raised to believe that challenges are opportunities in disguise, and that nothing worth having comes without hard work. Though my new career was humbling, it wasn’t disheartening. I saw it as a chance to establish myself in a more competitive arena, to gain a foothold at a higher level of the game.
It turned out there were advantages to my position. Playing beyond the spotlight’s glare freed me up to focus on my game and assess the parts of it that needed refinement. I had time to learn the ropes, and I received lots of lessons. Many of them came from watching my peers.
The world’s top women golfers are prodigious talents, but they don’t act the least entitled. They’ve won prestigious tournaments but don’t treat that as permission to rest on their success. Watching them train furiously in the gym, or pound balls tirelessly on the range, or putt for hours on end on the practice green, redoubled my respect for their skills and dedication. It also inspired me to work even harder.
Of course, there were frustrations. But when faced with them, I reminded myself to remain patient, and to focus only on what I could control. One of the toughest experiences for me this past season was being the first alternate at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
Not only is the tournament a major, it is also my own sponsor’s event. I wanted nothing more than a chance to participate and represent. Typically, a first alternate will get into a tournament because someone usually withdraws with an injury or illness. But this was a major so withdrawals were less likely. I spent all of Thursday’s opening round near the first tee, preparing myself mentally and physically just in case a last-minute spot opened for me. Unfortunately, one never did. But I enjoyed great support from KPMG executives and volunteers, as well as from the fans. And as frustrating as it was not to get into the field, the experience fueled my commitment and competitive fire. I vowed to do everything in my power not to be in the same position next year. All that week, I practiced with intensity and purpose. And the following week, I had my best finish yet as a professional, a tied for 8th finish at the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic.
That turnaround is something I’ll always draw on—the way I parlayed a failure into a success. Already, it has shaped my mindset moving forward. As my career continues to progress, I am certain that I’ll face other hurdles. But I’m also confident that I’ll overcome them.
Challenging the status quo with grace, grit and composure
That’s my advice—and my encouragement—to anyone who feels as if they’re starting over. Treat it as an opportunity to become even better than you were before.
Mariah Stackhouse was a four-time All-American at Stanford and joined the LPGA in 2016
