With her recent acquirement of a card to the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour for 2025, and an impressive rise through the ranks of golf marking her as one to watch, Cassie Porter is the Emerging Athlete of the Month for September
Reflecting on her journey, Cassie expressed her gratitude, noting that ‘it’s always an incredible honour to be recognised for your hard work and dedication to the game, especially by an organisation like the Commonwealth Games.’
This recognition, a testament to the countless hours of effort she’s put into honing her craft since childhood, demonstrates her commitment to her sport as she embarks on her LPGA journey, looking forward to a future filled with promise and potential.
Among her goals, Cassie has her sights set on breaking into the World Top 80 by the end of the 2025 season, with the ultimate aspiration of becoming a winner on the LPGA Tour. Notably, she dreams of claiming victory at her National Open, the Australian Open.
“I don’t think there is a bigger honour than winning on home soil in front of a home crowd,” she shared, highlighting her passion for representing her country.
Cassie is quick to acknowledge that her success is a collective effort. “My whole team has played a major part in getting me to where I am now,” she stated. With a spirit of gratitude, she emphasised that while this achievement marks a significant milestone, it is merely the beginning of her journey. “We are a family, and everyone deserves to celebrate this next step,” she added, underscoring the importance of support and collaboration in sports.
In addition to her personal ambitions, Cassie is committed to championing Women’s Golf. She sees immense potential in the sport and is eager to raise its profile. “I plan to do everything I can to inspire our younger generations in Australia,” she remarked, aiming to create an inviting environment for all women to participate in golf. Her vision is not just about her success; it’s about fostering a community that encourages mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends to engage in the sport.
Cassie also draws inspiration from legends such as Dawn Fraser and Nick O’Hearn, who have mentored her both on and off the course. “They have taught me so much as a player and as a person,” she reflected. Their influence continues to guide her as she navigates her career, fuelling her passion and determination.
As she gears up for the challenges ahead, Cassie’s excitement is palpable. “Winning is so rare out here, and while (making it onto the tour) wasn’t a win on paper, it was a huge win for myself and my team,” she explained, conveying the joy and relief she felt at achieving a lifelong dream.
The Commonwealth Games serves as a platform for developing the future stars of Australian sport and the Emerging Athlete of the Year forms part of a refreshed Awards and Honours program developed by the CGA Heritage and Awards Committee.
The CGA Emerging Athlete of the Year Award celebrates the next generation of Australian sport stars and those that may make an impact for Australia at major sport events in the future.
Over the course of 2024, an athlete will be recognised each month as the Emerging Athlete of the Month and will receive a $500 contribution towards their training and competition expenses.
Three finalists from the monthly winners will then split a $7000 cash prize, with the winner receiving $5000 and the two runners-up $1000 respectively.
