Caley McGinty will represent Team England at the 2021 Spirit International. Caley, a Junior at Oklahoma State University, is from Bristol England. During Caley’s Sophomore season (at Kent State), she was named to the WGCA All-America Second Team and earned WGCA All-American Scholar honors. She finished her season with a 72.26 scoring average over 27 rounds, ranking 29th in the NCAA. The Spirit Golf Association is thrilled to welcome Caley McGinty to this year’s event. Read more about Caley in our Player Q&A.
The Spirit: How long have you represented England in amateur golf?
McGinty: I have represented England in amateur golf since 2019.
The Spirit: You finished your freshman season at Kent State with a 72.26 scoring average, which was the sixth-lowest in program history. How were you able to formulate that type of consistency while only a freshman?
McGinty: I had great coaches who helped me understand my game so that I could constantly work on the right things to get better every day.
The Spirit: It is incredibly rare to win Freshman of the Year and Golfer of the Year in the same season. You were able to do this in the MAC conference during your freshman season. How gratifying was it to see that you could compete with the best collegiate golfers in the country?
McGinty: It was huge for my confidence, going in as a freshman, my only goal for the fall season was to make the lineup. It made me realize that with hard work you can achieve what you put your mind to.
The Spirit: Why did you make the decision to transfer to Oklahoma State after two years at Kent State?
McGinty: I wouldn’t change my first two years at Kent State for the world. It was exactly where I was supposed to be for my first two years of college. It’s a great place with great people. I just needed a new, different environment in order to grow as a person and a player, and I felt Oklahoma state could help me do that the most.
The Spirit: You were selected to represent GB&I in the 41st Curtis Cup this past year. Was that a lifelong dream of yours?
McGinty: The Curtis Cup was a goal of mine since I was 10 years old. A girl from my home golf course back home played in it in 2010. I looked up to her so much and I knew that’s what I wanted to do one day too.
The Spirit: What was it like to receive the call that you would represent England in the 2021 Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship?
McGinty: I was so excited. It’s always a privilege to represent your country and to do it at such a fun, prestigious event is a huge honor.
The Spirit: Who is someone that has influenced your golf career the most from your home country?
McGinty: Probably Georgia Hall. She is from the southwest of England like me, and to see her win major championships is very motivating and inspiring.
The Spirit: Do you have aspirations of playing professional golf?
McGinty: My plan is to play professional golf after I graduate.