Golf's Golden Girls

The Tour Pro: Elina Hagberg

After beginning her athletic career as a competitive figure skater in her hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden, Elina Hagberg discovered a passion for golf that would take her onto the international stage.

Today, as a Swedish tour professional, she is committed to continuous growth, both on and off the course, and continues to prove that success is measured not only by results, but by the impact you have on those who follow in your footsteps.

Become a complete athlete, be patient and enjoy the journey.

What has been the biggest challenge—and highlight—of being a woman in golf?
One of the biggest challenges has been finding enough competitive tournaments to bridge the gap between amateur and professional golf. It's also not always easy to find other women to play with, and while I enjoy playing with men, there's something special about competing alongside talented female golfers. The highlight has been the lifelong friendships I've made through the game.

What has been your biggest professional milestone?
Winning my first professional tournament on the Swedish 25 Tour last year was a huge milestone. Spending three months in Mallorca training and competing at T Golf was another defining moment, which helped me grow in confidence and develop as a competitive golfer.

Golfer who has inspired you the most?
Charley Hull. I admire how she challenges traditional ideas in golf and embraces a more athletic approach. She proves you don't have to fit a certain stereotype to succeed in the sport.

Favourite golf course?
T Golf in Mallorca is my favourite course I've played. I love everything about that course; it's challenging and has super amazing views. Playing Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic is high on my bucket list.

Expat or local?
Local. I'm from Gothenburg, Sweden, although my career has taken me around the world.

Dream four ball?
Nelly Korda, Linn Grant, Ludvig Åberg and me. I feel like it would be a fun mix.

Life motto?
I have a tattoo saying, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but the moments that take our breath away," and I would say that's my life motto. Life is full of unforgettable moments that shape us and are worth holding onto.

Any advice for aspiring young golfers?
Don't focus on only one thing and let golf become your whole identity. Become a complete athlete, be patient and enjoy the journey. Surround yourself with people who genuinely want you to succeed, because the right team makes all the difference, and have fun—you spend so much time playing golf, it should be fun.

The PGA Coach: Tijana Kraljevic

Tijana Kraljevic is a South African professional golfer who is making waves as a PGA coach through her innovative, science-backed coaching. After nearly a decade competing on the Sunshine Ladies Tour, she now inspires golfers of all levels while championing the growth of women's golf.

What has been the biggest challenge—and highlight—of being a woman in golf?
One of the biggest challenges has been the disparity between men's and women's golf, particularly in prize money and recognition. There are still perceptions that male coaches are more knowledgeable, but I've learnt to let my work speak for itself and not worry too much about what other people think. The highlight has been inspiring women to believe they belong in the game and seeing more opportunities emerge for female golfers.

What has been your biggest professional milestone?
Competing on the Sunshine Ladies Tour was an incredible chapter of my career, but becoming a PGA professional and discovering my passion for coaching has been even more rewarding. Helping golfers improve and watching students exceed their own expectations has become my greatest achievement.

Golfer who has inspired you the most?
Annika Sörenstam has always been my biggest inspiration for her dedication to fitness, her analytical approach to the game and her professionalism. Also, Tiger Woods for his incredible mental strength and determination.

Favourite golf course?
The Links at Fancourt. I first played it when I was 15, and it's still the course that stands out above all others. My dream course, though, would have to be Augusta National.

Expat or local?
I was born in Serbia and my family is from there, but I call Cape Town home now.

Dream four ball?
Tiger Woods, Annika Sörenstam and Ben Hogan. Although, if I'm honest, I'd rather have dinner with them than play! I'd love to spend hours talking about swing mechanics, fitness, mental strength and everything that makes great golfers exceptional.

Surround yourself with a strong support team because golf is much easier when you have people in your corner.

Life motto?
Something that I have always tried to live by is the motto of PGA South Africa: "Touching lives through the game of golf." I want my life to have a positive influence on others. If I can leave people better than I found them, then I've succeeded.

Any advice for aspiring young golfers?
Don't rush to turn professional. Take opportunities, like college golf if you're able to, that give you the chance to develop your game, gain an education and build independence. Also, don't try to do it alone—surround yourself with a strong support team because golf is much easier when you have people in your corner.

The Ladies European Tour Professional: Noemí Jiménez Martín

Known for her resilience, technical precision and passion for the game, Noemí Jiménez Martín is a Spanish professional golfer competing on the Ladies European Tour. She has represented Spain on the international stage while inspiring the next generation of female golfers.

What has been the biggest challenge—and highlight—of being a woman in golf?
One of the biggest highlights is seeing women's golf grow every year. Sponsorships and collaborations increasingly value not only performance, but also our character, values and how we represent the sport. The biggest challenge remains the prize money gap. I competed in tournaments where we were earning prize money of €400,000 to be distributed between all the female players, while the men were playing for prize money of €4,000,000, which is 10% of their earnings.

What has been your biggest professional milestone?
Winning on the LET Access Series in Switzerland and competing on the Ladies European Tour for six seasons are among my proudest achievements. In 2018, I reached a career-best ranking of 19th on the LET and second on the LET Access Series. I was also ranked third in the world as an amateur and earned a golf scholarship to Arizona State University, where I won three collegiate tournaments.

Golfer who has inspired you the most?
Azahara Muñoz and Carlota Ciganda have always been my biggest inspirations.

Favourite golf course?
Some of my favourites include Finca Cortesín, Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, Real Club Sotogrande, Valderrama, La Hacienda, San Roque and TPC Sawgrass. Augusta National is also a dream course.

Expat or local?
Golf has taken me all over the world, and while I used to spend 30 weeks a year travelling internationally to compete, these days I am more settled as a local in Spain and travel abroad mainly for golf broadcasting and international projects.

Dream four ball?
Rafa Nadal, Dani García, Nelly Korda and myself.

Play for something bigger than the result and don't take anything for granted.

Life motto?
Never quit. Never judge. Be thankful, help others, have faith and be empathetic. Sometimes all it takes to change someone's life is a smile and the words, "I am here."

Any advice for aspiring young golfers?
Keep believing in yourself, take failure as the deepest way of learning and growing, enjoy the process, play for something bigger than the result and don't take anything for granted. Appreciate every part of the journey.