ALISON LEE: HOW MOTHERHOOD, GOLF SAUDI AND GRIT ARE DRIVING HER COMEBACK

Six months on from welcoming her son Levi, Alison Lee has made just a handful of competitive starts – but the time away has only sharpened her determination. Motherhood may have offered a new perspective, yet the drive that has defined her career remains unwavering.

Now back competing on the world stage and chasing her ambitions with renewed purpose, the 30-year-old has returned with a deeper well of resilience and focus.

Reflecting on the journey so far, Lee spoke openly about the realities of welcoming her first child while continuing to pursue the dream of both motherhood and elite performance, saying:

“Levi is such a sweet baby,” she says, smiling. “He’s now six months, and he’s a dream. He sleeps 12 hours, which changed my life. I’m playing golf again, travelling again, living my dream and being a mum. It’s really rewarding.”

A gritty comeback

In the wake of an emergency C-section Lee’s return to competition has been anything but easy.

“The first few days, I couldn’t walk,” she recalls. “At six weeks I started putting and chipping, then swinging at eight to nine weeks, and drivers around week ten. I lost a ton of power, my ball speed dropped nearly 20 mph. I cried some days, thinking I was so far behind.”

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Lee’s determination never wavered. “I’ve been a pro for 11 years. I’ve won on the LET, but not yet on the LPGA, and that dream keeps me going,” she says.

“Some days I don’t want to practise, but I push myself. Still, I often feel like I’m not practising enough and not being the best mom. I’m still figuring out the balance, and it’s getting easier.”

Her elite credentials are undeniable. A former World No. 1 amateur, Lee was a six-time AJGA First-Team All-American and represented the United States in the Junior Solheim Cup, Junior Ryder Cup and Curtis Cup.

Since turning professional in 2014, she has recorded two wins on the Ladies European Tour, including a dominant victory in Riyadh in 2023, and multiple top-10 finishes in majors, including T6 at The Evian Championship and T8 at the Chevron Championship.

Powerful support

Lee is quick to credit her support system, especially her mother and Levi’s father, for helping her navigate the demands of elite sport and new motherhood. “Having help has been huge,” she says. “You can’t do everything alone.”

She also draws inspiration from fellow athlete mums like Stacy Lewis, who returned to the tour and thrived. “Every woman and every baby is different,” Lee reflects. “Some people say you should stay home longer, others say the opposite. I’m just doing what works for me.”

Partners in progress: Golf Saudi

As a proud Golf Saudi ambassador, Lee has found more than just a sponsor she has found a partner in her journey.

“They’ve stayed committed to women’s golf,” she says. “Purses have grown, production is better, and there are more events. To grow the game, you need investment, and they believe in us.”

“It’s meaningful,” Lee says. “You feel the investment, the care, the intention behind it. That kind of support makes a difference.”

Golf Saudi has invested heavily in women’s golf, from funding 30 Ladies European Tour events with prize funds totalling $45.5M. The organisation also sponsors a stable of 14 female professionals and has introduced golf to more than 6,000 women and girls across Saudi Arabia through free lessons and coaching programs.

Redefining success

For Lee, success is no longer just about trophies. It is about legacy. “I want Levi to see that hard work pays off,” she says. “My mum was a full-time working mum who did everything for me. She’s my role model. I want to be that for him.”

Her message to other women in sport considering motherhood is both honest and empowering:

“Give yourself grace. Only a few come back and instantly play great, and usually they have help. To be a great athlete, sometimes you have to be selfish, and that’s okay. Take breaks, ask for help. It makes you a better mum too.”

Eyes on 2026

Looking ahead, Lee’s goals remain ambitious. “I don’t want to just make cuts, I want to contend. This year was about seeing where my game is after taking time off. I’ll work hard this off-season and hope for a big 2026.”

Alison Lee’s story is one of strength, vulnerability and unwavering ambition. With the support of her family and the backing of Golf Saudi, she is not just returning to golf - she is redefining what it means to be a modern athlete and mother.