We’re right to celebrate legends of women’s golf – but what about the up-and-coming stars?

On International Women’s Day we celebrate those who have made our sport what it is but those who to continue to today are sometimes forgotten.

It must not be overlooked that women’s golf is in a good place with the Ladies European Tour and LPGA merger and a whole host of talented golfers bursting onto the scene.

Julia Engstrom, an 18-year-old talent from Sweden, officially announced herself onto the LET scene by securing her first victory at the Women’s NSW Open.

After a heartbreaking final round in Kenya last year, her recovery to overcome the hurt and enter the winners’ circle so soon after epitomises what the sport is all about, the highs and lows.

As one of the stars of the future Engstrom feels positive about the state of the women’s game.

“Women’s golf is now so strong and the standard very high,” she said. “There are more opportunities to go pro and get started in the sport than ever.”

“Women’s golf has transformed dramatically over the past 10 years. I’ve felt so welcomed to the sport and really enjoy playing and developing my game alongside both men and women. There are so many more opportunities for young golfers of the future than ever before.”

The Swede is in good company as one of the superstars of the generation ahead – the likes of Nelly Korda and Nasa Hataoka are other young players who are making their mark in professional golf.

Korda is already a three-time winner on the LPGA Tour, aged 21, and won her first LET title in 2019 on her way to reaching the No. 2 spot on the world rankings where she became just the sixth American to do so since the current rankings began in 2006.

Hataoka is another inside the world’s top 5 and at the age of 21 has three LPGA Tour wins to her name, a total which could have feasibly have been even greater.

With the recent progress in all aspects of the women’s game it is important that while we celebrate those who have paved the way we must acknowledge those doing their bit to help drive the sport into the future.