A New Chapter in Women’s Golf
Women’s golf is no longer a quiet corner of the sport—it’s a movement. Across the country, more women are picking up clubs, forming communities, and reshaping what it means to be a golfer. But while participation is rising, the experience hasn’t always felt inclusive, modern, or accessible.
That’s exactly where leaders like Kayla Whatley, founder of Girls on the Green, and Melanie Friedman, founder of Crossover Golf, are stepping in.
In this candid conversation for the Beyond the Fairway series, the two dive deep into the evolution of women’s golf, the importance of community, and why fashion and confidence are critical to the future of the game.
From Childhood Fairways to Purpose-Driven Impact
Kayla Whatley’s journey in golf didn’t start casually—it started at just two years old.
Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, golf was woven into her life early on. She played competitively through high school, even winning back-to-back state championships, and continued her career at the collegiate level with a golf scholarship.
But like many athletes, life after graduation brought a shift toward golf.
“Going from playing every day to barely playing at all—it’s a huge adjustment,” Kayla shared.
After moving to Seattle for her corporate career, she found herself disconnected and not just from the game, but from the sense of community that once came so naturally.
That gap became the catalyst for something bigger.
The Birth of Girls on the Green
Girls on the Green wasn’t created as a business idea, it was created out of a need and desire to build a network of women golfers.
“I looked around and realized I had everything I thought I needed… except community,” Kayla explained.
That feeling is one many women can relate to. After college, friendships become harder to maintain, schedules get busier, and finding like-minded people can feel overwhelming.
Kayla saw an opportunity to bridge that gap—not just socially, but within the golf world.
Launched in 2024, Girls on the Green is a nonprofit organization dedicated to:
- Creating a welcoming and inclusive golf community for women
- Increasing diversity in golf
- Providing accessible, beginner-friendly experiences
- Combining golf with wellness, networking, and lifestyle
And the response? Immediate.
Building a Thriving Women’s Golf Community
In less than a year, Girls on the Green has grown into one of the most exciting emerging women’s golf communities in the Pacific Northwest.
Events range from:
- Topgolf meetups
- On-course play
- Wellness experiences like yoga and breathwork
- Networking panels with industry-leading women
- Beginner-friendly clinics
Some events have hosted over 80 women, while others are intentionally smaller and more intimate—ensuring every attendee feels seen, supported, and included.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all experience,” Kayla said. “We create spaces where every woman feels comfortable—whether she’s picking up a club for the first time or has been playing for years.”
Representation Matters in Golf
One of the most powerful aspects of Girls on the Green is its commitment to diversity.
As a Black woman in golf, Kayla grew up rarely seeing others who looked like her on the course.
“I didn’t see many women that looked like me,” she shared. “And that matters.”
While the organization welcomes women of all backgrounds, its mission is rooted in making golf more representative of the world we live in.
This aligns with a broader shift happening across the industry—where inclusion is no longer optional, but essential.
The Evolution of Women’s Golf Apparel
As participation grows, so does the demand for better women’s golf apparel.
But for many women—including Kayla—the journey hasn’t been easy.
“I struggled to find clothes that were stylish, age-appropriate, and actually available in my size,” she said.
For years, options were limited:
- Outdated designs
- Poor fit for diverse body types
- Lack of inclusive sizing
- Styles that felt disconnected from modern fashion
This frustration is what sparked Melanie Friedman’s vision for Crossover Golf.
Crossover Golf: Bridging Fashion and Function
Melanie’s path to golf apparel wasn’t traditional.
With a background in high fashion—studying in New York and London, and working across Europe—she brought a fresh perspective to an industry that hadn’t evolved fast enough.
“When I came back to golf, I realized women were still underserved,” she explained.
Crossover Golf was built on a simple but powerful idea:
Women shouldn’t have to choose between style, comfort, and performance.
What Makes Modern Golf Apparel Different?
Crossover Golf focuses on solving the exact problems women have faced for decades:
1. Inclusive Sizing That Actually Works
Not just extended sizes—but thoughtfully designed fits that flatter all body types.
2. Performance Meets Everyday Wear
Breathable, stretch fabrics that move with you—but still look polished enough for meetings, dinners, or social events.
3. Timeless, Elevated Design
Pieces that don’t “scream golf,” allowing women to transition seamlessly from the course to real life.
4. Confidence-Driven Fit
Design details like longer sleeves, structured silhouettes, and supportive fabrics help women feel comfortable and confident.
Why Confidence is Everything in Golf
Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical.
And confidence? It’s everything.
“When you look good, you feel good—and when you feel good, you play better,” Melanie said.
Kayla agreed, emphasizing how clothing can either empower or distract.
“If you’re constantly adjusting your outfit or feeling uncomfortable, it takes you out of the game,” she explained.
That’s why modern women’s golf fashion isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about performance, mindset, and empowerment.
The Intersection of Golf, Wellness, and Lifestyle
One of the most unique aspects of Girls on the Green is its holistic approach.
Golf isn’t just treated as a sport—it’s part of a broader lifestyle.
Upcoming events include:
-
Wellness sessions with yoga and breathwork
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Panel discussions on wealth, confidence, and entrepreneurship
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Networking opportunities with professionals across industries
This approach reflects a growing trend: women want more from golf than just the game—they want connection, growth, and experience.
The Power of Collaboration in Women’s Golf
The conversation between Kayla and Melanie naturally evolved into collaboration.
From exclusive giveaways to potential pop-ups and partnerships, both are aligned in their mission to:
- Empower women through golf
- Create inclusive spaces
- Redefine the industry
This kind of collaboration is fueling the rapid growth of women’s golf communities worldwide.
What Women Actually Want from Golf Apparel
One of the most valuable insights from the conversation? Listening to real women.
Kayla highlighted key gaps in her own wardrobe:
- Stylish, size-inclusive options
- Comfortable layering pieces
- Versatile outfits that work beyond the course
- Designs that feel modern and flattering
She also shared a unique idea: long-sleeve dress skorts—a fresh take that blends style, coverage, and functionality.
This kind of feedback is exactly what’s driving innovation in the space.
The Future of Women in Golf
If there’s one thing this conversation makes clear, it’s this:
Women aren’t just joining golf—they’re transforming it.
From grassroots communities like Girls on the Green to forward-thinking brands like Crossover Golf, the future of the sport is:
- More inclusive
- More stylish
- More community-driven
- More empowering
And perhaps most importantly—it’s more fun.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Fairway
The story of Kayla Whatley and Melanie Friedman is about more than golf.
It’s about:
- Finding community in adulthood
- Creating spaces where women feel they belong
- Challenging outdated norms
- Building something meaningful from personal experience
As women continue to redefine the game, one thing is certain:
Golf is no longer just about the scorecard—it’s about the experience.
And thanks to leaders like Kayla and Melanie, that experience is becoming more inclusive, confident, and inspiring than ever before.
Driving Change with Kayla Whatley, Founder of Girls on Green