Women’s golf is in the middle of a powerful evolution—and at the center of it are founders who are challenging outdated norms and building something entirely new. In a recent conversation between Melanie Friedman, Founder of Crossover Golf, and Lisa Kohout, Founder of Good Girl Golf, the two entrepreneurs unpacked the reality of women’s golf apparel, the gaps that still exist, and what the future of golf fashion for women should actually look like.
This isn’t just about clothes—it’s about confidence, identity, and creating space for women in golf.
The Problem: Women’s Golf Apparel Has Been Left Behind
For years, women entering the game faced the same frustrating reality: limited options, unflattering fits, and designs that didn’t reflect modern style.
Lisa Kohout didn’t hold back:
She “hated the golf fashion for a long time” and avoided traditional golf stores entirely.
Instead of finding pieces that felt stylish and empowering, women were often given watered-down versions of men’s apparel—a concept widely known in the industry as “shrink it and pink it.”
Melanie Friedman echoed this sentiment, explaining that much of the market still feels like:
This disconnect has a real impact. Many women—especially younger players—felt alienated from the sport simply because they couldn’t see themselves in the fashion.
The Shift: A New Generation of Women Golfers
The timing for change couldn’t be better.
Since 2020, women have become the fastest-growing segment in golf, with new female players reshaping the culture of the game. With that growth comes new expectations:
- More inclusive sizing
- Fashion-forward design
- Versatility beyond the course
- Comfort without sacrificing style
Both Melanie and Lisa represent this shift—not just as founders, but as women who experienced the problem firsthand and decided to solve it.
Crossover Golf: Where Performance Meets Luxury Fashion
Melanie Friedman launched Crossover Golf with a clear mission:
Create luxury women’s golf apparel that transitions seamlessly from the course to everyday life.
Her background in high fashion informs every detail—from fabric sourcing to silhouette design. But what truly sets Crossover apart is its ability to combine:
- Technical performance (stretch, breathability, water resistance)
- Elevated, timeless design
- Comfort that rivals loungewear
As Melanie describes it, the goal is to create pieces that:
“Look tailored and polished—but feel so comfortable you could lounge in them.”
This is the essence of modern golf apparel for women—effortless, functional, and wearable anywhere.
Good Girl Golf: Community, Confidence, and Style
For Lisa Kohout, the journey started differently—but led to the same conclusion.
As a mom immersed in junior golf culture, she saw firsthand how disconnected women felt from traditional golf fashion. Instead of waiting for the industry to change, she created Good Girl Golf, starting with statement hats that blended sun protection, style, and personality.
Her approach reflects a broader trend:
-
Women want individuality on the course
- Accessories are becoming a key part of golf style
- Fashion is a gateway into the sport—not an afterthought
Good Girl Golf is about more than products—it’s about building a community where women feel confident showing up exactly as they are.
What Women Actually Want in Golf Fashion
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation was a candid breakdown of what’s missing—and what needs to happen next.
1. Flowy, Functional Pants
While skirts and skorts dominate the market, Lisa emphasized the need for:
- Flattering, flowy pants
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen
- Pieces that feel relaxed but still polished
Melanie confirmed this is exactly where design is heading—introducing four-way stretch, performance-ready pants that maintain a luxe look.
2. Softer, More Feminine Tops
Structured polos aren’t cutting it anymore.
What women want instead:
- Soft, “baby tee” fabrics
- Lightweight knits
- Feminine silhouettes (like puff sleeves or relaxed fits)
Crossover Golf is already pushing this forward with ultra-soft modal fabrics and redesigned polos that feel modern, not restrictive.
3. Elevated Basics Over Loud Trends
Both founders agreed—women don’t necessarily want over-the-top designs.
Instead, they’re looking for:
- Timeless, elevated basics
- Pieces that last beyond one season
- Subtle design details instead of loud logos
Think:
- Oversized buttons
- Unique plackets
- Thoughtful tailoring
These elements create identity without overpowering the look.
4. True Versatility: On and Off the Course
Perhaps the biggest shift in women’s golf fashion trends is versatility.
Today’s golfer doesn’t want a separate wardrobe just for the course. She wants:
- Pieces she can wear to brunch, travel, or errands
- Clothing that transitions with a simple change of shoes or accessories
This is exactly where Crossover Golf leads—designing apparel that works in real life, not just within dress codes.
The Balance: Respecting Tradition While Moving Forward
Golf is a sport rooted in tradition—and both founders acknowledge that.
The goal isn’t to completely disrupt the game’s aesthetic, but to evolve it thoughtfully:
-
Keep the polish and sophistication
-
Introduce modern silhouettes and comfort
-
Allow for personal expression within the rules
As Lisa put it, she welcomes change—but still values a level of class and restraint on the course.
This balance is key to the future of women’s golf apparel brands.
The Future of Women’s Golf Fashion
If this conversation makes one thing clear, it’s this:
Women’s golf fashion is no longer an afterthought—it’s a movement.
Led by founders like Melanie Friedman and Lisa Kohout, the industry is shifting toward:
- Inclusivity and representation
- Fashion-forward design
- Functional innovation
- Community-driven growth
And perhaps most importantly—listening to women.
Why This Matters for the Game
Fashion might seem secondary to sport—but in golf, it plays a critical role in accessibility.
When women feel:
- Comfortable
- Confident
- Represented
They’re more likely to:
- Join the game
- Stay in the game
- Build communities around it
That’s the real impact of brands like Crossover Golf and Good Girl Golf—they’re not just changing what women wear.
They’re changing who shows up.
Final Thoughts
The conversation between Melanie Friedman and Lisa Kohout is more than a founder-to-founder chat—it’s a blueprint for the future of golf.
A future where:
- Style and sport coexist
- Women lead the narrative
- And the fairway becomes a place of expression, not limitation
As women continue to reshape golf culture, one thing is clear:
The game isn’t just evolving—it's becoming more inclusive, more stylish, and more powerful than ever.
Crossover Golf x Good Girl Golf: How Melanie Friedman and Lisa Kohout Are Redefining Women’s Golf Fashion
Women’s golf is in the middle of a powerful evolution—and at the center of it are founders who are challenging outdated norms and building something entirely new. In a recent conversation between Melanie Friedman, Founder of Crossover Golf, and Lisa Kohout, Founder of Good Girl Golf, the two entrepreneurs unpacked the reality of women’s golf apparel, the gaps that still exist, and what the future of golf fashion for women should actually look like.
This isn’t just about clothes—it’s about confidence, identity, and creating space for women in golf.
The Problem: Women’s Golf Apparel Has Been Left Behind
For years, women entering the game faced the same frustrating reality: limited options, unflattering fits, and designs that didn’t reflect modern style.
Lisa Kohout didn’t hold back:
She “hated the golf fashion for a long time” and avoided traditional golf stores entirely.
Instead of finding pieces that felt stylish and empowering, women were often given watered-down versions of men’s apparel—a concept widely known in the industry as “shrink it and pink it.”
Melanie Friedman echoed this sentiment, explaining that much of the market still feels like:
Men’s polos resized for women
Outdated silhouettes
Overly traditional or uninspired designs
This disconnect has a real impact. Many women—especially younger players—felt alienated from the sport simply because they couldn’t see themselves in the fashion.
The Shift: A New Generation of Women Golfers
The timing for change couldn’t be better.
Since 2020, women have become the fastest-growing segment in golf, with new female players reshaping the culture of the game. With that growth comes new expectations:
Both Melanie and Lisa represent this shift—not just as founders, but as women who experienced the problem firsthand and decided to solve it.
Crossover Golf: Where Performance Meets Luxury Fashion
Melanie Friedman launched Crossover Golf with a clear mission:
Create luxury women’s golf apparel that transitions seamlessly from the course to everyday life.
Her background in high fashion informs every detail—from fabric sourcing to silhouette design. But what truly sets Crossover apart is its ability to combine:
As Melanie describes it, the goal is to create pieces that:
“Look tailored and polished—but feel so comfortable you could lounge in them.”
This is the essence of modern golf apparel for women—effortless, functional, and wearable anywhere.
Good Girl Golf: Community, Confidence, and Style
For Lisa Kohout, the journey started differently—but led to the same conclusion.
As a mom immersed in junior golf culture, she saw firsthand how disconnected women felt from traditional golf fashion. Instead of waiting for the industry to change, she created Good Girl Golf, starting with statement hats that blended sun protection, style, and personality.
Her approach reflects a broader trend:
Good Girl Golf is about more than products—it’s about building a community where women feel confident showing up exactly as they are.
What Women Actually Want in Golf Fashion
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation was a candid breakdown of what’s missing—and what needs to happen next.
1. Flowy, Functional Pants
While skirts and skorts dominate the market, Lisa emphasized the need for:
Melanie confirmed this is exactly where design is heading—introducing four-way stretch, performance-ready pants that maintain a luxe look.
2. Softer, More Feminine Tops
Structured polos aren’t cutting it anymore.
What women want instead:
Crossover Golf is already pushing this forward with ultra-soft modal fabrics and redesigned polos that feel modern, not restrictive.
3. Elevated Basics Over Loud Trends
Both founders agreed—women don’t necessarily want over-the-top designs.
Instead, they’re looking for:
Think:
These elements create identity without overpowering the look.
4. True Versatility: On and Off the Course
Perhaps the biggest shift in women’s golf fashion trends is versatility.
Today’s golfer doesn’t want a separate wardrobe just for the course. She wants:
This is exactly where Crossover Golf leads—designing apparel that works in real life, not just within dress codes.
The Balance: Respecting Tradition While Moving Forward
Golf is a sport rooted in tradition—and both founders acknowledge that.
The goal isn’t to completely disrupt the game’s aesthetic, but to evolve it thoughtfully:
As Lisa put it, she welcomes change—but still values a level of class and restraint on the course.
This balance is key to the future of women’s golf apparel brands.
The Future of Women’s Golf Fashion
If this conversation makes one thing clear, it’s this:
Women’s golf fashion is no longer an afterthought—it’s a movement.
Led by founders like Melanie Friedman and Lisa Kohout, the industry is shifting toward:
And perhaps most importantly—listening to women.
Why This Matters for the Game
Fashion might seem secondary to sport—but in golf, it plays a critical role in accessibility.
When women feel:
They’re more likely to:
That’s the real impact of brands like Crossover Golf and Good Girl Golf—they’re not just changing what women wear.
They’re changing who shows up.
Final Thoughts
The conversation between Melanie Friedman and Lisa Kohout is more than a founder-to-founder chat—it’s a blueprint for the future of golf.
A future where:
As women continue to reshape golf culture, one thing is clear:
The game isn’t just evolving—it's becoming more inclusive, more stylish, and more powerful than ever.