Sarah Stirk – Inspiring Journey of a Trailblazing Sky Sports Presenter, Entrepreneur, and Advocate for Equality in Sport
Who is Sarah Stirk?
Sarah Stirk is a renowned British television presenter, journalist, entrepreneur, and advocate for equality in sport. Best known for her work on Sky Sports Golf, she has become one of the most recognisable and respected faces in sports broadcasting. With an impressive career spanning more than two decades, Sarah has carved out a name for herself through her professionalism, authenticity, and determination to challenge boundaries — both on and off the screen.
Born in June 1978 in the United Kingdom, Sarah Stirk has successfully balanced a dynamic career in media with her role as a devoted single mother. Her inspiring story — from her early education at Millfield and Loughborough University to her remarkable broadcasting achievements and personal journey through IVF — reflects the strength, resilience, and vision that define her.
Early Life and Education of Sarah Stirk
Sarah Stirk’s journey began in the heart of Yorkshire, England, where she was raised in a supportive and close-knit family. Her parents, Ken and Anne (Annie) Stirk, were key influences in shaping her values. Her mother, Annie, worked in public relations and media, serving as an early inspiration for Sarah’s interest in communication and broadcasting.
She attended Millfield School, one of the UK’s leading independent institutions, between 1994 and 1996, where she studied English, Biology, Business Studies, and General Studies. Her academic and athletic abilities flourished there, setting the stage for her next major step — Loughborough University, one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions for sports science.
From 1997 to 2000, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science, combining her academic discipline with her love for sports. This blend of knowledge and passion later became the cornerstone of her broadcasting career, allowing her to bring insight and authenticity to every programme she hosted.
The Rise of Sarah Stirk in Broadcasting
Sarah Stirk’s broadcasting career began shortly after university, as she took her first steps into the competitive world of sports media. Her initial breakthrough came when she joined MUTV (Manchester United Television), where she honed her skills in presenting, reporting, and live production. Her articulate delivery, warm personality, and analytical understanding of sport soon caught the attention of major broadcasters.
BBC Career
Between 2009 and 2011, Sarah worked as a Sports Presenter for the BBC, appearing on BBC News Channel, BBC World, Radio 5 Live, and the popular football programme Football Focus. She earned praise for her professionalism and ability to connect with audiences across a wide demographic.
Her BBC years provided her with a strong foundation, preparing her for her next major chapter — one that would define her public identity.
Sarah Stirk at Sky Sports Golf
In March 2011, Sarah joined Sky Sports, becoming a central figure in its Golf coverage team. Over the past 14 years, she has established herself as one of the most trusted and respected voices in golf journalism.
Hosting Major Tournaments
As a Sky Sports Golf Presenter, Sarah hosts live coverage of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, both from the studio and on location at prestigious events across the globe. Her interviews with world-class players, in-depth tournament analysis, and engaging on-air presence have earned her widespread admiration among viewers and players alike.
She is known for her meticulous preparation, genuine passion for the sport, and calm authority under pressure — qualities that make her a vital part of Sky’s golf team.
Expanding Her Influence
Beyond her presenting duties, Sarah has played a key role in promoting diversity and equality in sports media. She regularly speaks about the importance of inclusion, representation, and mentorship for women in broadcasting. Her visibility on Sky Sports has helped inspire a new generation of female sports journalists and presenters in the UK and beyond.
Entrepreneurship and Xclusive Golf
Sarah Stirk is not only a presenter but also a successful entrepreneur. In 2011, she founded Xclusive Golf, a luxury travel and concierge company that specialised in creating bespoke golf experiences for high-end clients. The company quickly gained international attention for its premium service, blending Sarah’s industry connections with her passion for the sport.
In 2016, Xclusive Golf was acquired by Golfbreaks.com, one of the world’s leading golf travel companies. Sarah retained a brand ambassadorial role, helping develop the Golfbreaks Xclusive Collection and continuing to promote luxury golf tourism. This business success cemented her reputation as a multifaceted professional capable of excelling both on screen and in business.
Current Roles and Projects
England Golf and Board Leadership
In April 2024, Sarah Stirk was appointed as a Non-Executive Director at England Golf, the governing body for amateur golf in England. In this role, she contributes to strategic decision-making, governance, and inclusion initiatives that aim to make golf more accessible and diverse. Her leadership experience and media background bring a fresh, modern perspective to the board.
Podcast Host and Collaborator
Sarah’s media reach extends beyond television. She co-hosts the Putt & Strut Podcast — a golf entertainment show she launched in 2025 with TV personality Anton Du Beke — blending humour, storytelling, and insights from the world of golf. She also works as a Podcast Host for The PGA, engaging listeners with candid interviews and discussions about the sport’s evolution.
Brand Ambassadorships
Her portfolio includes partnerships with premium brands such as One Green Way (Portugal) and Wellesley Wealth Advisory, where she served as a brand ambassador between 2020 and 2024. These collaborations reflect her credibility and reputation as a trusted public figure in the golf and luxury lifestyle sectors.
Sarah Stirk’s Personal Life and Family
Parents and Siblings
Sarah Stirk comes from a media-savvy family. Her father, Ken Stirk, and her mother, Anne (Annie) Stirk, both hail from Yorkshire. Annie is a respected PR professional who previously ran her own media consultancy. Her brother, Ed James, is a well-known radio presenter, best recognised for hosting on Heart FM.
Coming Out and Advocacy
In 2021, Sarah publicly came out as gay, a courageous step that she described as deeply liberating. She has since become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport and broadcasting. Her openness has encouraged others in the industry to live authentically and to challenge stereotypes around gender and sexuality in media.
Single Motherhood and IVF Journey
Perhaps the most inspiring chapter of Sarah’s life is her journey to motherhood. After several years of IVF treatment, she gave birth to her son, Milo Sebastian Lars Stirk, on 11 January 2022, at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. She conceived Milo via donor sperm from Denmark through Cryos International, choosing to become a single mother by choice.
In interviews, Sarah has spoken openly about the physical and emotional challenges of IVF. She underwent three cycles, costing around £50,000, before successfully conceiving. She has since become a vocal advocate for fertility awareness, encouraging women to take control of their reproductive decisions.
Her honesty, warmth, and determination have inspired thousands of followers who relate to her journey as a working mother balancing a demanding career and parenthood.
Recent Challenges and Resilience
In October 2024, Sarah faced a setback when she was banned from driving for six months after accumulating 12 penalty points. The case, reported by national newspapers, revealed how she pleaded to keep her licence on the grounds of “exceptional hardship,” given her responsibilities as a single mother and the travel demands of her job.
Despite the court’s decision, Sarah accepted the ruling with dignity and continued to fulfil her professional commitments, relying on her support network and determination. The incident highlighted her honesty and accountability — qualities that have earned her public respect.
Sarah Stirk’s Sports Interests and Achievements
Aside from golf, Sarah remains passionate about sport in general. She is a Welsh International Senior Padel Player, representing her country in the rapidly growing racquet sport. Her commitment to staying active and competing reflects her lifelong belief in the power of sport to build confidence, community, and resilience.
Advocacy and Influence
Promoting Equality and Diversity
Sarah Stirk continues to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of sport and media. Through her position at England Golf and her public speaking engagements, she pushes for more representation of women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals in traditionally male-dominated environments.
Empowering Women in Sport
She regularly mentors young women aspiring to work in sports journalism, reminding them that success in media is not just about talent, but also about authenticity, hard work, and self-belief. Her own journey — from Yorkshire to global golf coverage — stands as proof that dedication and courage can open doors once considered closed.
Sarah Stirk’s age
She was born in June 1978, in the United Kingdom — making her 47 years old as of October 2025.
The Legacy of Sarah Stirk
As of 2025, Sarah Stirk remains one of the most respected figures in British sports broadcasting. Her career at Sky Sports Golf, combined with her entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and advocacy, positions her as a role model for aspiring journalists, athletes, and working mothers alike.
Her story transcends sport — it’s about perseverance, integrity, and the courage to define life on your own terms. Whether hosting from a golf course, sitting on a boardroom panel, or spending time with her son Milo, Sarah embodies the balance of professional excellence and personal fulfilment.
Her legacy is not only in the tournaments she covers or the stories she tells — it lies in the inspiration she provides to countless people who see in her the proof that passion and purpose can truly coexist.
