Celebrating and Honouring 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝘇𝗹𝗲𝘁: A Trailblazer in Golf from the 1800s – a member of 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 and a Legacy That Inspires.

What a special moment at 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗳 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 this year. We are thrilled that our Founder and CEO, Hazel Thompson, MBA, had the honour of winning two incredible trophies—but even more so, it has been an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable legacy of May Hezlet, a true trailblazer in women’s golf.

🏆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝘇𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆: This match play knockout trophy, presented by May in her later years, carries her pioneering spirit. Winning it is a privilege that connects Hazel—and all competitors—to May’s incredible contributions to the game.

🏆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝗽: Played for since 1899, this historic cup symbolizes generations of golfing excellence. It’s humbling to have Hazel’s name added to its legacy.

 

𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝘇𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 is nothing short of inspiring. Born in 1882 near 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 she became a golfing sensation as the youngest-ever winner of the 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 at just 17. She is credited with putting 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 on the world map. Her talent and determination brought her two more wins at that prestigious event and five 𝗜𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀’ 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀, with her fifth win here at 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 in 1908.

But May’s influence went far beyond trophies. In 1904, she wrote 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗳, a groundbreaking book that encouraged more women to take up the sport. As one of the earliest advocates for women’s golf, she shaped the game for generations to come.

For Hazel, winning trophies that hold such historical significance is an honour and a reminder of the giants who paved the way. Hazel says this moment is less about personal success and more about celebrating the enduring legacy of women like May, who broke barriers and set the stage for future generations.

Here’s to May Hezlet—a true pioneer—and to all those who continue to be inspired by her incredible achievements.