Women in Sport: Irish rising star golfer Anna Foster

Dublin native Anna Foster is a member of Elm Park Golf Club, who’s on course to progress from amateur to professional golfing after an incredibly successful year. Some of her recent achievements include commanding victory at the Irish Amateur Open, and a standout performance at the R&A Championships in Portmarnock, marking her as one of the most promising young talents in women’s golf.

Pinergy, the energy transition company, just announced an exciting new partnership with Foster, welcoming her as their newest brand ambassador. This multi-year partnership will see Foster representing the Pinergy brand at tournaments and events worldwide, as well as collaborating on exciting initiatives to promote a greener future for golf and beyond.

Here, she shares her sporting story so far…

Name: Anna Foster

Profession: Golfer

Earliest sporting memory?

Driving around in a golf buggy with my twin brother and dad when I was around 6 or 7.

How did you become involved in golf?

My dad introduced me to the game and it was one of many sports that I played growing up. I spent a lot of time playing golf during the summers down in Rosslare which is where I really fell in love with the game.

What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in pursuing a career as an athlete?

Being a young girl wanting to play sport, there are so many role models to look up to, we are in such a rich time in Irish women’s sport. I would tell all to get involved, there is nothing to be scared of and there are so many different ways of getting into all these sports.

Proudest moment so far…

Qualifying for a major championship.

Favourite sporting memory…

There isn’t one memory that I can look back on being my favourite, there are different moments throughout my progression through club level, provincial and international stages that each deserve the same recognition. Earning my first Irish cap was very special as it was in Ballybunion and I went on to win The Irish Women’s Close there a few years later so it was a bit of a full circle moment.

Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?

I don’t think so, the landscape is definitely changing.

What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?

I would have to say I really don’t think there are many barriers against women and visibility in women’s sports. It is something that is constantly improving.

If I wasn’t an athlete I would be…

Potentially something in Sustainable Design… I have a degree in that area so who knows, I might use it someday.

My favourite pre-competition meal is…

Scrambled eggs on toast!

My pre-competition playlist includes…

My Therapist Ghosted Me podcast, if there’s a new episode.

My daily routine is…

It’s different every day! it normally involves golf in one way or another but changes day to day.

My biggest sporting goal is…

To continue to enjoy golf as much as I did when I was 12 years old.

Sports brands I love (Irish or otherwise)…

I am always happy with whatever I’m comfortable in.

Biggest splurge to celebrate a win…

A takeaway followed by a sweet treat.

How do you mind your mental health?

Everyone has their own way of looking after their mental health and it looks different for everyone.

My three desert island beauty products are…

Anything La Roche Posay or Rituals.

How much sleep do you need each night?

I need as much sleep as I can get because it’s very important for my wellbeing.

How do you get over a bad performance?

I just have to remind myself of all the good performances that I’ve had!

Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national and personal level?

I think sport is so important because it brings so many people together, especially in golf where you can play with a 12 year old, 60 year old and 80 year old and all have the same chance to compete is so rare. The people that I have met through golf are almost like family members to me so it just goes to show how big of an impact they’ve had on me in Elm Park.

Photography by INPHO/Ben Brady