First out lesbian Filipina golfer to join professional ranks
The first out lesbian golfer from the Philippines is to join the pro ranks this year.
Regan de Guzman is to play in the Kia Classic at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in California.
She is only the fourth woman from the Philippines to gain access to the full LPGA Tour and is doing so at 25.
She opened up in a video about bullying she has faced because she is gay.
“It hasn’t really hit me that I made it to the LPGA,” de Guzman says.
“I realised I have to keep working hard, I have to work harder than before because this is the longer road.
“Everything really inspires me, everyone does.”
As well as the Kia Classic, de Guzman will also play a number of other courses as a rookie.
She graduated from the San Jose State University with a full scholarship with golf.
“My grandfather, dad and mom all used to play golf and I was curious about the sport,’ De Guzman told The MW.
“I fell in love with it and told my mom that I wanted to play in America. She said it was expensive and that I’d need to get an athletic scholarship.
“Getting that scholarship became my mission and I accomplished it.”
But she had initially been destined to be a gymnast, but gave it up when she was 14.
The upcoming star says she would like to speak out against bullying, as well as to use her position in the LPGA Tour to empower other young golfers.
