Though imbued with her family’s golf legacy, Cheyenne Woods is making a name for herself. With 2011 Atlantic Coast Conference Individual Golf Champion, four-time letterman, winner of over 30 amateur titles, MVP, and Wake Forest single-season scoring average record holder all on her scorecard, the label of “Tiger Woods‘ niece†will come as a far afterthought of the Major Championship titles Cheyenne will achieve in her professional career.
As current captain of Wake Forest women’s golf team, this ambitious, intelligent, music- loving co-ed takes no prisoners on the course, winning the ACC title by seven strokes. With a grandfather that trained arguably one of the greatest golfers of all-time, Cheyenne continues a family tradition of dominating the golf world, blazing the trail for young women that will be inspired to follow in her footsteps. As her uncle challenged the White male hegemony of the greats of game, expect the 21-year-old to continue to diversify the sport and motivate a breed of precocious Black female golfers who will take the green by force. BlackEnterprise.com caught up with Cheyenne while she was home in Phoenix catching up on some mid-western sun.
How did you get started in golf?
My family tells me I picked up my first club when I was about three-years-old. My grandfather [Earl Woods] had the greatest impact on my start in golf. He bought my first set of clubs and set me up with lessons at about five-years-old and I’ve been playing ever since.
Did you feel any pressure, following in your uncle Tiger’s footsteps?
Yes. I grew up with the Woods name and having the spotlight on me because of that, so I have gotten used to the media attention and the expectations that people have for me. When I was younger I always loved people watching me. I loved the cameras following me and having to play under pressure.
Was having that pressure on you ever a problem or did it propel you to excel all the more?
Having the Woods name was never a huge problem for me or an obstacle for me to get over until I got to Wake Forest. During my freshman year, it was a big ordeal that Tiger Woods’ niece was playing collegiate golf so there was a lot of media attention on me. The cameras following me around from tournament to tournament, in addition to being in a new environment and not really knowing a lot of people, made it difficult for me to start college with so much going on. Nonetheless, I’m definitely a lot more comfortable with it now and I think it has helped me get ready for the next level, when I’ll be in the professional spotlight and it will be a lot more intense.
What’s been the best piece of advice your uncle has given you in regards to competitive golf?
Growing up, something I always remember him telling me was, “Go out there and kick
butt!†I learned the most from him just by observing and being around him. I had the opportunity to see just how much hard work it takes to really get to that level. I certainly try to take on his work ethic and use it myself.Click here to continue reading…
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! Join us for the landmark 10th Annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit hosted by State Farm, March 2—4, 2015, at Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, FL. This exciting, one-of-a-kind executive leadership summit is designed to train, equip and encourage women to become industry leaders, learn career strategies, and discover proven work—life balance techniques. Register Now! https://blackenterprise.com/wps
Do you feel there’s a difference in the sport being a woman? Do you struggle with respect on the green at all?
As a woman, sometimes people may underestimate you. When I go out to a random driving range or play with a random group of golfers–especially older men–and they don’t see my name or know that I play collegiate golf, it’s always fun to see the look on their faces after I take a swing. They are always so surprised when I’m beating or actually competing with them. When it comes to men my age, it’s not very hard to earn respect as a female golfer because they understand that you are going through the same thing as they are and value your work ethic.
Do you have any current endorsements on the table yet?
As an NCAA athlete and being an amateur I am not allowed to arrange any endorsements or agree to anything until I finish golfing which will be at the end of May. Right now, it’s kind of all up in the air.
Is there a process that you will use to choose brands that you align with?
Yes. I definitely want to be able to make sure that I am representing a strong brand and something that I will be proud to represent. I want to be a good role model for girls that have the same passion for golf as me, so I want to make sure whichever brand I am with puts me in the right light.
How are you thinking about your personal brand and how image plays a role in profitability?
I would like to build a strong personal brand and, right now, I believe my brand is unique. First in that, though I am mixed, I consider myself African-American, and there are not many women on the LPGA tour that look like me. Secondly, I will stand out carrying the Woods name.
I also think about Natalie Gulbis. Growing up looking at the LPGA, she was one of my favorites. Natalie really stood out because she’s very feminine and relatable to little girls who like to wear pink and dress up. Her image has really propelled her to be who she is today and be–in the spotlight as one of the most popular female golfers.
What do you think makes you a “Woman of Power?â€
What makes me a woman of power is my ability to make my own name. The Woods name can only take me so far. Being able to earn my own college scholarship, make honors, and become the team captain shows that I have the ability to hold my own.
Do you have any advice for young girls that may want to grow up to be a golfer one day?
Be passionate about what you love because it will lead you to success regardless. Whether it will make you millions or not, if you’re doing what you love, you’re going to be happy. Some of the people with the most money in the world aren’t the happiest and that’s something that I’ve really learned. I value my happiness and being able to be where I love and play a sport that I love and that’s what gets me through everyday.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! Join us for the landmark 10th Annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit hosted by State Farm, March 2—4, 2015, at Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, FL. This exciting, one-of-a-kind executive leadership summit is designed to train, equip and encourage women to become industry leaders, learn career strategies, and discover proven work—life balance techniques. Register Now! https://blackenterprise.com/wps