There are two beautiful creatures in the world: Golf and Cecile Santiago.
Let’s talk about the latter.
Six years ago, a suitor invited Cecile to play golf.
But unknown to her, it would be the start of something special.
“I first started playing golf six years ago,” said Santiago, who is considered one of the most beautiful women ever to hit the local fairway.
“A guy who has been courting me happened to be a golfer and on one of our dates, he decided to bring me to Tagaytay Highlands and booked me a session with an instructor.”
“While our relationship did not progress beyond dating, I am happy that I found a different kind of love for the sport.”
Yes, love is what is keeping Cecile on the golf course.
The 48-year-old aesthetic consultant and AVP of LINE Inc., a construction company, has been setting the fairway ablaze with her charm, beauty and wit that can sweep any man off his feet.
She dresses with class and confidence, enough to leave men craving for her presence and women to get inspired to take golf seriously.
In fact, a Los Angeles-based friend reached out to her, telling her that Filipino-American golfers in Las Vegas thought that she is an actress or a model with the way she carries herself in the fairway.
“There are a lot of things I love about the sport — the genuine camaraderie formed among players and the competitiveness,” she said.
“But one thing that truly got me hooked was the fashion. When I was first introduced to golfing, I traveled to Korea and Japan to purchase my first set of clubs as well as outfits since the options here back then were very limited.”
Her fashion statement drew mixed reactions from her fellow golfers.
“When I came back with my new set of clothing, it had a lot of mixed reactions; some loved it while others found it uncomfortable,” she added.
“At times, I would receive criticisms for what I wear but at the end of the day, I always stick to doing what makes me happy for as long as it adheres to the rules of the golf course I play at.”
“I’ve learned to focus on what will make me feel good, be it wearing skirts or knee-high socks or the occasional gym set, as I have found that it also helped me in improving my game and having confidence in the fairway.”
‘Paige Spiranac’
With her charming demeanor and colorful attire, it was no surprise that she was given a neat nickname by members of the local golf community: Paige Spiranac of the Philippines.
“I also found comfort and reassurance from the support I received from other members of the golf community who recognized the effort I put into my looks, with some entitling me as the Paige Spiranac of the Philippines,” she said, referring to the comely former professional golfer from the United States.
“Aside from the outfits, I, of course, make sure that I look my best through taking care of myself by using skincare and makeup. More importantly, my dedication to staying fit after years of consistently going to the gym and following a strict diet has made me feel and look my best now, more than ever.”
“I treat the fairway as my runway, making sure to not just perform well but also to look good.”
Fighting stereotypes
But everything wasn’t rosy for this beautiful golf goddess.
Cecile admitted that she also has to fight hard to prove that she is more than just a beautiful face. But instead of taking offense, she simply brushes it off and lets her game do the talking.
“I may not have the strength to carry out a 200-yard drive, but I make up for it by working on my accuracy, chipping to get the ball close to the hole, or developing my putting skills to be able to carry out long-distance one-putt from the fringe,” she said.
“Not once did I feel inferior in the fairway. All I keep in mind is that all great golfers had to start somewhere. They were beginners before as well.”
She said women should not feel inferior every time they enter the golf course.
“To women who feel hesitant to play golf, just keep in mind that the fulfillment that will come out of pursuing something we desire is enough to get through the difficulties that come with achieving it,” Cecile stressed.
“I think we play a pivotal role in changing the status quo of the sport, and that our goal should be to make it so there will be no hesitation to join the community no matter what gender you are.”
True love
Now, Cecile enjoys golf with the person she truly loves — her daughter.
“It took me a while to convince my daughter to play with me, but she eventually caved in,” she added.
“It serves as a good distraction for her and an outlet for the stress in her studies. What I always tell her is to just keep on swinging and she wouldn’t even notice that the elements she is missing will eventually be developed over time.”
Truly, golf occupies a special place in Cecile’s heart.
“But for me, a big part of my love for the game is the friendships that come with it, knowing the interesting stories of people I meet and making memories I can look back on years from now,” she said.
“I’ll forever be grateful that the effort I put into the game came back tenfold when I see my own improvement, when other people from other courses, whether they be players or caddies, recognize me, and when opportunities come up that make me feel appreciated.”“I knew it was love when I would rather spend my free time playing golf than resting, when I would drive past a golf course and my heart would beat fast like I’m a schoolgirl seeing her crush passing by — and when I would spend my money buying golf gear and outfit instead of a new designer bag.”
Now, that is what you call “true love.”
