March is Celebrating Women in Golf Month, and we’re shining a spotlight on the women making an impact in the sport. Throughout this series, we’ll share inspiring stories of our course partners and advocates who are shaping the future of golf. From breaking barriers to creating inclusive opportunities, these women are driving change and encouraging more women to embrace the game in their own way.
Meet Cate Becker—General Manager of The Grizzly Golf and Social Lodge in Mason, Ohio and President of Recreation Management Services. Cate’s path into golf leadership may not have followed the traditional fairway, but her impact on the game is undeniable.
A Passion for Place: How Cate Found Her Way Back to Golf
For Cate, golf has always been part of her story. As a child, she attended LPGA Championships at The Grizzly, and at 16, she took her first job at the course. Over six summers, she worked during major tournaments, watching legendary players compete and gaining firsthand experience in golf operations.
Her professional journey, however, initially led her elsewhere. With a Master’s degree in Art History and nearly two decades in the creative industry—serving as a Public Arts Director, Chief Culture Officer, and strategic consultant—Cate developed expertise in leadership, operations, and community engagement.
When the opportunity arose in 2021 to lead The Grizzly as General Manager, it was a full-circle moment. She embraced the challenge, proving that great leadership in golf isn’t just about a perfect swing—it’s about vision, adaptability, and empowering a strong team.
Leading with Innovation and Collaboration
Transitioning into the golf industry without a traditional background presented its challenges. “There was an early perception that I was inexperienced,” Cate recalls. “Some people pushed back or questioned change.”
Rather than forcing her way through, she built trust through collaboration. She encouraged her team to voice solutions, creating an environment where fresh ideas and shared outcomes drove improvements. With a strong leadership team in place, Cate focused on strategic growth, operations, and fostering a welcoming course culture.
Creating Space for Women in Golf
Cate’s leadership isn’t just about running a successful course—it’s about making golf more accessible, especially for women. Seeing the need for a fun, social introduction to the game, she launched Swing & Sip, an evening program that paired on-course instruction with a relaxed, community-driven experience.
The response was overwhelming. Within two weeks, the program sold out, proving there was a demand for approachable, enjoyable golf experiences for women. Recognizing the diverse skill levels of participants, Cate evolved the program into two offerings:
- Swing & Sip Beginner Series – A four-week program covering fundamentals like putting, short game, and driving, culminating in on-course play.
- Swing & Sip Ladies Series – Designed for experienced players, offering reserved evening tee times for friendly competition.
Both versions maintain the social element—because, as Cate says, “Fun and connection are just as important as skill development.”
Looking Ahead: Women Driving the Future of Golf
Despite progress, Cate is often still the only female GM in the room at industry events. But that won’t be the case for long. She envisions a future where more women step into leadership roles, from course management to instruction, technology, and media.
“The women who came before us laid the foundation,” Cate says. “Now, it’s up to us to mentor, support, and create opportunities for the next generation.”
For women considering a career in golf, Cate’s advice is simple: Don’t let inexperience hold you back. “If I had let that stop me, I wouldn’t be here today,” she says. “Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take the shot.”
And with her visionary leadership, Cate Becker is proving that the best shots in golf aren’t always taken with a club—they’re made by those willing to embrace new opportunities and lead with purpose.
Book a tee time on GolfNow: The Grizzly – Mason, Ohio
