TLDR:
Greg Fitzgerald, a gay golf pro, shares his thoughts on LGBTQ inclusion in the sport ahead of The Masters. He emphasizes the lack of openly gay players at the professional level and the importance of LGBTQ sports leagues for community.
Main Article:
Greg Fitzgerald, a gay golf pro in the San Francisco Bay area, highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in golf due to the predominantly straight culture of the sport. He mentions that the time and effort required to reach the professional level can deter many gay individuals, leading them to drop out.
Despite the lack of openly gay players at the professional level and major tournaments like The Masters, LGBTQ sports leagues have emerged as inclusive spaces for individuals like Fitzgerald to find community. Fitzgerald mentions joining gay leagues as a way to connect with others in the LGBTQ community who share his passion for golf.
While Fitzgerald acknowledges the importance of diversity and inclusion in schools, colleges, and the corporate world, he notes that professional sports, including golf, still have a long way to go in terms of LGBTQ representation. The absence of openly gay players at The Masters and other Major tournaments reflects the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in the sport.
Overall, Fitzgerald advocates for recreational sports as a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ individuals, where they can engage with like-minded individuals and feel accepted. Despite the existing barriers in the professional golf world, he remains hopeful that success and acceptance will eventually pave the way for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the sport.