Homegrown golfer Hailey Ostrom moved to Arizona after college to pursue going pro. According to the club-swinging superstar, her move to AZ was the best decision she ever made... but it was also a grind.
In order to fund chasing her dream job, Hailey worked three jobs - but things surely paid off.
Now, the beautiful blond Tomboy-at-heart is dominating the female golf game and hitting the national airwaves. Here's our Q&A with the queen of the green.
Tell us about your first hole-in-one.
It was at TPC Stadium hole 16 the day after the Waste Management Phoenix Open- totally storybook! To top it off, I also turned professional that morning. Truly, a sign from God I was on the right path.
You have multiple sponsors and have also competed on Golf Channel’s “Shotmakers.” What’s it like collaborating with big brands and doing TV?
I love the camera, so being a face for companies and competing on the Golf Channel is a total dream.
I remember when I signed with Nike (my dream sponsor) and was heading to Vegas to compete for the Golf Channel. I recall telling my dad, "Wow, I can't believe this is all happening to me.” It will forever make me emotional reflecting on my path, as I was still working multiple jobs and slinging drinks on the beverage cart.
You’re also into philanthropy. What’s your charity of choice and why?
I’ve always been a huge supporter of our troops. Folds of Honor is an organization I got connected with during college; the organization helped offer me a better perspective on life. Recently, I also got involved in Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R).
Favorite course you’ve ever played.
Crosswater in Sunriver, Oregon- a course I grew up playing in my Tournament of Champions. It also holds some of my fondest memories, including winning my Conference Championship my senior year by one stroke.
Dream course you’d love to play.
St. Andrews for its history.
Toughest course.
Pine Needles Golf Course in Southern Pines, NC.
Any picks for female golf clubs?
I don't play with women's golf clubs; I use men's shafts. I encourage everyone to get fitted for clubs. Most women are capable of playing a men's shaft or senior shaft club.
What’s your mental game on the green?
My mental game is my favorite part of my game. On the green, it's important to have confidence when putting. It doesn't matter if you have the world’s worst stroke, the ball can still find the hole. I visualize where I want the ball to roll, even mentally drawing a line as I stare at where I want the ball to roll over. Then, I picture the ball falling into the cup with perfect speed. From there, it's just feel!
What’s your workout routine?
I have a trainer, John Schaeffer, who helped create my lifting program. I also do in at-home workouts by Meghan Trainor.
Food you can’t live without.
Shrimp tacos and spicy salsa.
Any pre-tourney rituals?
I visualize my entire round. I lay in bed the night before and see every shot I want to hit. Visualization is powerful!
Hobbies outside golf?
Snowboarding, seeing movies, pickleball, or playing anything that involves competition. Nothing has changed since I was a kid.
What do you want to tell young athletes hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Always remember who you are. You don't need to do what everyone else is doing, and if you're doing it differently, that’s likely your key to success.
The attitude you have attracts that same attitude. Send out the vibrations you want to receive.
Where do you like to hang out in the Valley?
I love Kierland for shopping and dining (Etta!). I also love Blanco and Frank & Lupes.
You’re active on social media. What’s it like being an Instagram face of golf?
It doesn't feel any different than it ever did before. People sometimes ask for a photo with me and I always think to myself, "I don't know why anyone wants my picture.” However, I feel great honor that I have a voice in this industry and can help inspire people to pursue this career the same way I did.
What’s on your playlist?
Nirvana, Dustin Lynch and Yelawolf.
What’s on your bucket list?
Going to Greece. Also, I would love to public speak to women and young girls about social media and how they don't have to follow today's norms.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself with a TV show surrounding my life of golf, travel and food. I'd eventually love to grow a family. And maybe my own golf clothing line...
What do you want to tell fellow females swinging clubs?
YOU BELONG HERE!
Hailey Ostrom grew up playing golf. In fact, Hailey's dad introduced her to the green, sawing a putter for her as soon as she could walk. Growing up in Bend, Oregon, the green was her playground; little Hailey would putt alongside her dad during his afternoon 9.
Eventually, Hailey played in COJGA (the Central Oregon Junior Golf Association), where her dad was president. He paved the (fair)way for her to fall in love with the sport and have a future going pro.
Hailey decided to pursue golf as a profession in college; that’s when she realized she wanted to be the best. She never made a lineup her freshman season and competed in the sixth position. The determined young woman hated that her score wouldn't contribute to her team, so she made a promise to herself to never miss a lineup again. In typical Hailey fashion, she worked tirelessly all off-season and ended up coming into sophomore year as the number one player. She never missed a lineup again.
IG @HaileyOstrom, haileyostrom.com
As a kid, I was your stereotypical Tomboy- the only girl in the neighborhood. I loved competitive sports, building forts, and playing in the dirt.
