Meet the Pro: Laura Diaz talks golf, family, and the sport’s impact on her own life and beyond
For professional golfer Laura Diaz, the line between golf and life is a thin one. So thin, in fact, that perhaps it doesn’t exist at all. The two-time LPGA winner’s 20-year career includes a list of accolades beginning in her amateur years. Laura has achieved 57 Top-10 finishes in her career, served as vice captain of the Solheim Cup in 2013, has brought over $5 million in career earnings, and was the second person in history to compete in the Solheim Cup while pregnant with her son Cooper in 2003. Today, she balances her role as a mother to now-13-year-old Cooper and nine-year-old Lily with the sport that’s been central to her life since childhood.
DN: What brought you to golf?
Laura: I’ve played golf all my life. I grew up playing on a driving range and mini golf facility that was started by my paternal grandfather and taken over by my dad. It was family owned and operated. My dad, grandpa, uncle, and husband are golf pros. While my husband has left the business, he was a golf professional when I met him, and has been part of my coaching and instruction team since 1999. My dad has been my teacher my entire life, along with Ron Philo and my brother, who have helped a lot along the way.
DN: What have been some of the biggest highs of your career?
Laura: I’ve been very fortunate in golf to have so many highs that I can’t possibly list them all here, but two moments I cherish most are: playing the Solheim Cup with my husband on the bag and my son in my belly, and last year at the Shoprite LPGA Classic; my son was on the bag again, and he encouraged me through some pretty rough holes the second day.
DN: When we say “grow the game” we know that golf is more than a game. What kind of impact has golf had on your life?
Laura: Golf has taught me to push harder and dream bigger. It’s everyday challenges have helped me learn patience and creativity, and to value myself and all that I have.
DN: How do you move forward after a setback?
Laura: When faced with difficulties, I’ve learned to continue to work hard on both my physical game and my mental game.
DN: When it comes to sponsorships and partner support, what kind of relationship are you looking for?
Laura: I believe in developing relationships with my sponsors and I look for sponsors who want the same. Dormie Network and I are a great fit because we both love the game of golf and are seeking ways to grow it. I am honored to partner with Dormie Network and extremely excited about what the future holds.
