FORE the Ladies: Ophthalmology Charity Event Encourages Professional Women to Golf
Author: Shivani Majmudar, MSJ
Golf traditionally has been regarded as “a man’s game,” that is hard to break into as a woman. Among professional women, not only would golf outings hinder them from socializing with their colleagues, but it also would exclude them from key business opportunities. “Deals are made on the golf course,” people would say, but women didn’t know how to even get a tee time — until now.
The annual Women in Ophthalmology Charity Networking Mixer is a highly anticipated 9-hole golf event that brings together women ophthalmologists, industry leaders, and researchers. This year’s event marks the 5-year anniversary, held at the picturesque Legends Golf Course in Temecula, California.
This event serves two primary goals: 1) Raise funds for Orbis International, a charity dedicated to preventing and treating avoidable blindness worldwide and 2) Create a relaxed, learning environment to try out the sport while fostering meaningful connections with leaders in ophthalmology and industry. Attendees have the chance to gain access to clinical trials, product development, and other professional development opportunities.
Women in Ophthalmology emphasizes that this event is meant to be inclusive and diverse — this means people of all genders, race and ethnicity, and most importantly, all skill levels (even brand-new golfers!) are welcome.
“I never had the confidence to play golf before participating in the WIO Charity Golf event,” said Dr. Ashima Gupta, a pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus specialist in Louisville, KY and one of last year’s winners. She said there was no pressure to be “good” and it was a great opportunity to meet new people! Our partners from Dompé — both men — were extremely supportive and made our experience more fun. “Winning was a bonus,” she said, “but it wouldn’t have mattered either way. I will definitely participate again!”
Dr. Cynthia Steel, Senior Scientist at Strategic Analysis supporting ARPA-H and founder of the Bench to Boardroom podcast, agrees. The secret, she says, is that it’s not about golf. It’s about networking. She recalls being outside, enjoying the scenery, meeting new people, and sharing an experience.
“What I would say to people who are nervous to enter or who have never even picked up a club before? Sign up anyway!” Steel said. “No one is there to judge you. It’s so much fun, it’s for a good cause, and when else do you get to be on a beautiful golf course with your friends with zero pressure? And, who knows, maybe you’ll find a new hobby!”
Women in Ophthalmology hosted their 4th annual Golf Charity Networking Event last year in Marco Island, FL.
Lessons Learned On & Off the Course
Golf is not just a fun game after you get the hang of the swing and find some friends to hit the links with — 18 holes affords you four hours to really get to know the people with whom you play with, says Dr. Tamara Fountain, an oculoplastics specialist in Chicago and past president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
When something goes wrong do you adjust or make excuses? Do you lose your cool or compartmentalize that errant shot and focus on the next one? Do you respect the etiquette of the game and your fellow players?
“If you’re observant, you will learn a lot about your playing partners,” Dr. Fountain said, “and ultimately whether you want to be their associate in the future.”
Dr. Stephanie Marioneaux agrees. She is a cornea and external disease specialist and an assistant professor at the Eastern Virginia Medical School and one of the participants from last year’s event.
“Golf can level the playing field in terms of networking, relationship building and learning about a person’s integrity. If they cheat in golf or perhaps let their success dictate their mood, you have just been afforded invaluable insights into the person’s character,” she said.
Beyond others, golf is lifelong game that teaches you an equal amount about yourself. I started playing golf as a young girl because I wanted to spend more time with my father. Playing golf instilled in me dedication, respect, and integrity — values that I pride myself in demonstrating as a future physician.
As a retired NCAA Division I women’s golfer and a woman of color, I’ve been privy to evolution of diversity in golf over the past several years. It’s organizations like Women in Ophthalmology that are changing the landscape — recognizing the importance to bringing women to the game and showing them that it can be fun!
Last year’s event brought together ophthalmologists, industry leaders, and researchers of all backgrounds and skill levels. It was a beautiful day to learn and build connections. Don’t miss out this year!
Tee Off for a Good Cause
The Women in Ophthalmology Charity Networking Mixer promises a day of golf, networking, and meaningful connections. Join us on Thursday, August 22 — a great way to kickoff what is sure to be an incredible weekend of learning and networking. As participants tee off, they know they’re contributing to a worthy cause while building relationships that will impact their careers.
Check out Women in Ophthalmology for more information, and we hope to see you there!
Shivani Majmudar, MSJ is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. She played Division I Golf at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and she is passionate about encouraging more women to play the sport. She will participate in the 2025 match for ophthalmology residency programs.