U.S. Women’s Open: Key Conversations & Insights
- Women's Open at Erin Hills recently hosted the "Golf Wiht Us" leadership panel, presented by Ally, aiming to empower young women in sports and business.
- The panel featured Chereé Hicks from the USGA, Jean Beakey of NBC Sports Group, and Stephanie Marciano from Ally.
- Hicks, who transitioned from coaching track and field to the USGA, emphasized the importance of not fearing mistakes in golf and highlighted that expensive equipment isn't necessary to...
U.S. Women’s Open Leadership Panel Empowers Future Leaders
Updated May 30, 2025
The U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills recently hosted the “Golf Wiht Us” leadership panel, presented by Ally, aiming to empower young women in sports and business. The event brought together female collegiate athletes, sports business majors, and young professionals from the Milwaukee area to explore how golf can be a valuable tool for career advancement and to promote women in golf.
The panel featured Chereé Hicks from the USGA, Jean Beakey of NBC Sports Group, and Stephanie Marciano from Ally. tisha Alyn moderated the discussion, which covered topics such as confidence, career paths, and the intersection of golf and business. Earlier in May, Ally and the USGA also hosted a golf clinic at Erin Hills, featuring instruction from Ally ambassador Lilia Vu.

Hicks, who transitioned from coaching track and field to the USGA, emphasized the importance of not fearing mistakes in golf and highlighted that expensive equipment isn’t necessary to enjoy the game. She shared an anecdote about a friend who networked with her company’s CEO simply by attending a weekly “donut day.”

Beakey discussed how she leverages her time on the golf course to build relationships with clients and colleagues.She noted that playing golf has given her a sense of belonging in the sport, encouraging young women to overcome the initial challenges to unlock it’s potential benefits. Marciano focused on the similarities between athletes and prosperous business leaders, including hard work, receptiveness to feedback, and maintaining balance.She also shared interview tips, emphasizing body language and engagement.
Don’t fear hitting bad shots – it’s a great reminder to anyone who wants to get into the game.
Chereé Hicks, USGA
What’s next
The panelists hope the young women who attended the event left feeling inspired and confident to pursue opportunities in golf and business, recognizing the value of networking and relationship-building in the sport.
