The kick off social at Valley Ridge Golf Club was a sight to behold, 140 women all excited to see the start of another fabulous season playing a game they love. This is the first time we have held our kick-off at Valley Ridge. It is a great location and the staff were so helpful and great to work with. Breanne was very organized and offered some great suggestions and Keisha was a such an asset when it came to the electronics and made our life easy. There is something powerful about a group of women coming together, not to play golf but to lift each other up, laugh out loud and build connections that will last far beyond the 18th hole. Looking back over the past 29 years we have seen so many beautiful friendships develop within the confines of Golfaround. I will not mention any names as I may miss some, but you know who you are. For Kristy and I, we too have made some amazing friendships and we are so very grateful for that. We love to see old friends at the social and it is great to also meet the new members and potential new friends.
Tiffany Gordon was unable to be there in person as she had to be in Huston for LPGA meetings but we beamed her in and she again inspired us with her words of wisdom. During her commentary a well known professional golfer who plays on the US LPGA tour popped in to say goodbye to Tiff and give us all a wave, what a treat. Yani Tseng is a Taiwanese Pro golfer and the youngest player, male or female to ever win five major championships and place #1 in Women’s World Golf Rankings for 109 consecutive weeks. She is only 4 points away from qualifying for the World Golf Hall of Fame, wow.
In the world of recreational golf, it’s not just about the swing or the scorecard—it’s about showing up for yourself and each other. It’s about high-fives after a good shot, encouragement after a miss, and the kind of camaraderie that turns strangers into teammates and teammates into friends.
Golfaround™ is built for women, by women, and we are trying to change the game. Our members are welcoming, inclusive, and most of all, fun. No judgment, no pressure—just sunshine, a little friendly competition, and a lot of support. We blend in at the golf courses we play at as we dress appropriately, have great etiquette and keep the pace. I remember many years ago at Rivers Edge when Joanne was still alive, there was a foursome of men who were following us and they were complaining to her about following a bunch of women. Joanne informed them “don’t worry guys they will be way ahead of you, you probably won’t even see them.”
This is more than a game. It’s a movement. It’s women saying, “We belong here. We’ve got each other’s backs. And we’re going to have a blast doing it.”
Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or have a few rounds under your belt, remember: confidence grows when women support women.
So get ready to grab your clubs, and let’s tee off into something extraordinary—together.