At the Montgomerie Golf Club, one of the UAE's premier sporting destinations, the past year has been characterized by a strong sense of community and friendship, largely due to the dynamic leadership of Lady Captain Sang-Hee Cavanaugh. Originally from South Korea, Sang-Hee's journey to this esteemed position began unexpectedly in 1993 in Felix, Arizona, where an impromptu introduction to golf would profoundly alter her life and eventually lead her to the Montgomerie Golf Club.
"The first time I encountered golf was when my husband Jeff, an American engineer, invited me to a 30-minute golf clinic. I was initially skeptical and found the sport dull," she recalls with a laugh. "However, as the years progressed, my husband and I traveled extensively, playing on beautiful courses in Australia, Hawaii, China, Malaysia, and the U.S. By then, I was truly hooked." Her passion for the game deepened in 2017 when they joined the Emirates Golf Club. "There was a vibrant Korean ladies' community there, and I began making new friends. I haven't stopped playing since."
After a two-year break in the U.S. due to Covid-19, Sang-Hee returned to the UAE and joined the Montgomerie Golf Club, where Jeff transferred his membership. "I always felt a deep sense of belonging when I visited The Monty—it felt like coming home," she reflects, her voice filled with joy. "In a remarkably short time, I felt completely at ease. The ladies were wonderful, and I quickly formed strong friendships."
With her three adult children in America and her husband Jeff frequently away on work assignments, golf became a crucial source of connection and community for Sang-Hee. "It was a challenging period, but I persevered, and through golf, I met many incredible people and friends," she remembers. "In 2021-22, I played extensively—perhaps 450 rounds; my husband kept count," she says with a smile. "Although my game hasn't improved significantly, I thoroughly enjoyed myself."
In November 2023, Sang-Hee took on the prestigious role of Lady Captain, viewing it as both an honor and a personal challenge. "Putting on the Lady Captain's jacket for the first time and addressing the members was an unforgettable moment," she says. "The respect I received and the excitement for this new chapter were profoundly meaningful. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the wonderful ladies of the club."
Her tenure has been marked by numerous memorable events that have strengthened the club's community spirit. "We've had many delightful events over the past year, like Valentine's Day," she notes, highlighting the social atmosphere at The Monty. However, her favorite was the club's "Pink Day" in October, which brought together nearly 90 ladies to raise over AED 8,000 for charity, focusing on women's health. "Seeing everyone enjoy the day and support this noble cause was incredibly fulfilling," she adds.
Sang-Hee has thrived as Lady Captain, always staying busy. "This year, we organized numerous tournaments. I love being creative, and it brings me immense joy," she explains. "Many ladies have jokingly suggested I become an 'event planner' because I pour my heart into organizing events."
As her term concludes in December 2024, Sang-Hee hopes to inspire more women to take up golf. "For the Montgomerie Golf Club, I would love to see more women embrace golf," she asserts. "During my captaincy, I created numerous opportunities for ladies to join clinics and mentorship programs. We also established academies for kids to foster a welcoming environment for newcomers."
Sang-Hee credits much of her success to the support of others, particularly Omar Souab, the Men's Captain. "We have worked collaboratively to unite the men's and ladies' groups for many enjoyable events," she says, reflecting on the cooperative spirit at the Montgomerie Golf Club.
Sang-Hee's journey is a testament to the strength found in community. As she prepares to pass the captaincy to her Vice-Captain, she hopes to leave a legacy of joy, connection, and a profound love for the game that has enriched her life with countless friendships and cherished memories. With a determined twinkle in her eye, she looks forward to her future on the course. "Hopefully, after my captaincy, I can focus more on practice and perhaps lower my handicap—that would be wonderful."
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