Out sports figures are few and far between, and it’s an even shorter list when only people who have come out while still playing are considered. In golf, Muffy Spencer-Devlin and Patty Sheehan preceded Jones. There are plenty of individual sports athletes like Rudy Galindo (figure skater), Missy Giove (mountain biker), and Ramona Gatto (kickboxer). Then there are the high-profile names that are easy to rattle off--Martina, Mauresmo, Louganis.

It is interesting to note that most of the out sports figures are women. Many athletes fear they will lose lucrative endorsements that make up a large part of their income for work that usually ends decades before the standard retirement age of 65.

Jones, now 45, has told reporters that “I feel like after 23 years, there's other things I want to do.” In those 23 years, she has had 13 LPGA wins and finished in the top 42 on the money list every year except her premiere year in 1982.

Known for her fierce competitive style, Jones was very personable and relaxed on the course in Palm Springs, complementing her fellow golfers on occasion and always making time to sign memorabilia for her fans. And she took full advantage of every dance floor available at the end of the day.

Jones has a huge following of adoring fans that I had the opportunity to witness first hand in Palm Springs during Dinah Shore Weekend. The women attending a party in her honor shamelessly stole huge posters of their idol, swooned over any merchandise with her name on it, and followed her faithfully for several days around all eighteen holes which, for those of you who haven’t been on a golf course, is a very long trudge in the sun.

And her biggest fan, her girlfriend, was right there the whole time, working as her caddy.

Traditionally, caddies are golf experts that coach and guide the golfer out on the links as well as carry the heavy bag full of clubs, clean balls, and move the pin (the stick with the flag in the hole) out of the way. Caddies are responsible for helping decide the plan of attack by knowing yardage and familiarizing themselves with the green as well as providing emotional and psychological support.

Many players are completely reliant on their regular “bag man.” But not many caddies get a big kiss at the end of eighteen holes at the largest purse championship for women. “That was the first time we’ve done that!” Jones later commented.

In spite of her partner being very green, Rosie proudly announced that her game has improved by leaps and bounds since changing caddies. And the numbers confirm it. This 24-year vet is currently ranked third on the ADT Official Money list for winnings, with a progressively better ranking with each tournament she has played so far, and a solid score to make the U.S. Solheim Cup Team. As LPGA.com notes, she is playing ferociously like a talented up-and-comer, not a pro about to retire.

Since Jones is still dealing with back pain that sometimes inhibits her ability to swing a club, it is highly likely that this will indeed be her last year. But the season has just started, so there are still plenty of opportunities to see Rosie Jones in action.

If you have ever been interested in golf but haven’t had the opportunity to be out on the golf course, or if like me, you are a closet golfer wannabe that doesn’t know a putter from a wood and thought the L in LPGA stood for Lesbian, get into those plaid pants, put on a visor and sunscreen, and head out to a course near you.

The Takefuji Classic takes place at the Las Vegas Country Club this week, April 14-16. For more tour info check out LPGA.com