Alison Lee knows exactly what it’s like to compete on the grandest stage while being pregnant. However, what Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom just accomplished at Riviera Country Club left Lee wondering if she could have ever replicated it herself.

Madelene Sagstrom featured at the US Women’s Open while seven months pregnant. On the other hand, Lee was only three to four months into pregnancy when she played her last event before giving birth.

“Yeah, it's just so hard. You can't even sleep. Oh, my gosh, TMI, but you have to pee every 30 minutes. It's just so much stuff you have to deal with. For her being here playing, it's so cool. It's so awesome to see," Lee told the reporters.

"I don't think I could have done it when I was six, seven months pregnant, so I think it's really cool that she's doing that,” Lee added.

Lee, who had qualified for the 2024 U.S. Solheim Cup team, was eight weeks pregnant while playing the tournament. Watching Madelene Sagstrom playing while seven months pregnant gave her a flashback of her own story.

“Yeah, it's so impressive. I think people truly don't understand it," Lee added. "For me, I played my last event right when I was three or four months. I don't know how it was for Madelene, but oh, my God, I was throwing up almost every single day. I almost didn't even play the Solheim Cup because I was so sick."

Lee had qualified for the 2024 U.S. Solheim Cup team and was eight weeks pregnant while playing the tournament.

However, soon after, the American had taken maternity leave before giving birth to her son, Levi, on April 25th, 2024. 

Sagstrom displayed a different level of resilience as she battled at the 81st U.S. Women’s Open. The 33-year-old decided to step up despite being expected to give birth to a baby boy in September.

However, the Swede failed to make the cut by five strokes. She scored rounds of 77 and 76, finishing 11-over par.

Despite the results, Sagstrom’s start at the U.S. Women’s Open was the sight of inspiration for many. She embraced all the support she received during the tournament.

Sagstrom On The Support She Received

Sagstrom became the center of attention for her strong-willed appearance at Riviera. The crowd made sure she got enough ovations for her fearlessness.

“I didn’t realize it was going to turn into such a spectacle, the whole thing,” Sagstrom said.

“For me, golf is all I’ve ever done, and it’s my job. So it was natural. If I feel good, just keep trying to play. But it’s so lovely. It’s nice that people are understanding that it’s not easy, and everyone’s been super supportive,” she added.

This was the sixth time Sagstrom featured at an event while being pregnant. She had to deal with the regular contractions and other pregnancy-health issues throughout the event.

However, Sagstrom has confirmed she will play one more tournament before taking maternity leave.

Sagstrom showcased an unwavering sense of passion and commitment for the sport, creating an inspiring scene for the fans.

What are your thoughts on Sagstrom's featuring at the U.S. Women's Open? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Koushik Biswas