BANDON, OREGON | A term that’s been used more and more in the last few years is “work-life balance.” Work is important to pay the bills, but it’s equally important to pursue hobbies and other things you love to lead a fulfilling life.
For Emilia Doran, golf is both her job and her passion. On Wednesday and Thursday, she played in the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bandon Dunes in the mornings and covered the championship as an on-course reporter for Golf Channel in the afternoons.
“I told myself that I will never regret it if I do both but I’ll probably always regret not doing one,” Doran said. “So I was like I might as well do both and figure out how to compartmentalize it.”
Doran has put together an impressive amateur career that includes playing on two winning U.S. Curtis Cup teams (2021-2022) and capturing an NCAA Championship with her Wake Forest team in 2023. She’s been with Golf Channel since 2021 and started working as an on-course reporter for PGA Tour Live last year. Despite her many responsibilities, Doran advanced to the round of 32 at the U.S. Women’s Amateur and enjoyed every second of it.
“It felt truly amazing,” Doran said. “Pretty much every single tee you can stand out and see a wonderful view in front of you. My husband, Charlie, and I were just truly feeling grateful on every hole that we get to experience this.”
After finishing her undergrad at Wake Forest in 2021, Doran decided not to pursue a professional golf career. Instead, she took an internship as a sports commentator at Golf Channel. The decision only deepened Doran’s appreciation for the game.
“I feel like deciding not to play professional golf and having that time to sit back and work in golf, I really realized how much I loved the game,” Doran said.
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