A Conversation with Liliane Zaarour of the OC Girls Golf Club and Melanie Friedman, Founder of Crossover Golf
Women’s golf is having a moment—and it’s not just about the game. It’s about community, confidence, and redefining what golf looks and feels like for a new generation.
In this candid conversation, Liliane Zaarour, a host of the OC Girls Golf Club, and Melanie Friedman, couture designer and founder of Crossover Golf, sit down to talk about how they found the sport, what’s broken in women’s golf fashion, and what’s next for modern golf style.
Finding Golf Later—and Falling in Love With It
For both Liliane and Melanie, golf wasn’t always part of the plan.
Liliane’s journey started with something simple: wanting to spend more time with her brother. What began as tagging along to the driving range quickly turned into something more meaningful.
“I thought it would be easy—I’m athletic. But once I started, I realized I needed people to play with. That’s what really changed everything.”
That search for connection led her to the OC Girls Golf Club, a fast-growing women’s golf community that brings together players of all levels.
Melanie’s story is similar—returning to golf later in life with a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for the sport.
What both discovered is something many women are now experiencing:
golf becomes more meaningful when it’s shared.
The Rise of Women’s Golf Communities
The growth of groups like the OC Girls Golf Club reflects a broader shift in the game.
Instead of rigid, traditional pathways into golf, women are building their own:
- Casual meetups at driving ranges
- Beginner-friendly clinics
- Social-first golf events
- Community-driven networking
Liliane describes events that range from 10 to 30 women at a time—many of whom are new to golf.
“We don’t charge for most events. People just show up, buy balls, and play. It makes it accessible.”
Accessibility is key. Historically, golf has been expensive and intimidating. But communities like this are lowering the barrier to entry—making golf more inclusive, social, and fun.
And perhaps most importantly, they’re solving a problem many founders and professionals face:
LONELINESS.
“Running a business can be isolating. Golf gave me something social again—a way to connect with people.”
The Problem With Women’s Golf Fashion
If the women’s golf community is evolving, fashion is playing catch-up.
When Liliane first started golfing, she didn’t even consider buying golf-specific clothing.
“I just wore my Lululemon. I didn’t have the proper clothes, and honestly, everything I saw felt boring.”
This sentiment is echoed across the industry. For years, women’s golf apparel followed a predictable formula:
The “Shrink It and Pink It” Problem
- Take a men’s polo
- Make it smaller
- Add pink or patterns
- Call it women’s fashion
The result? Clothes that didn’t fit well, didn’t feel modern, and didn’t reflect how women actually want to dress.
“It felt like ‘mom at a summer retreat’—not something I could express myself in.”
Breaking the Rules: Golf Style is Evolving
Another barrier? Outdated dress codes and etiquette—often passed down incorrectly.
Liliane recalls being told:
- Always wear a collared shirt
- Never wear short skirts
- Take off your hat indoors
- Don’t put on golf shoes in the parking lot
But many of these “rules” only apply to private clubs—not the public courses and driving ranges where most new players start.
As more women enter the sport through non-traditional channels, they’re rewriting the rules:
- Mixing athleticwear with golfwear
- Wearing dresses, skirts, and non-collared tops
- Prioritizing comfort over conformity
- Expressing personal style
Golf is becoming less about fitting in—and more about standing out.
Enter Crossover Golf: Where Fashion Meets Function
This shift is exactly why Melanie Friedman created Crossover Golf.
With a background in couture design, her approach is fundamentally different from traditional golf brands:
“I didn’t want to just redesign golf clothes—I wanted to rethink them entirely.”
What makes Crossover different?
1. Designed Like Real Fashion (Not Sportswear)
Instead of adapting men’s silhouettes, pieces are designed from scratch to flatter the female form.
2. Versatility Beyond the Course
Crossover pieces are intentionally created to transition seamlessly:
- Golf → Lunch
- Driving range → Dinner
- Course → Everyday life
“A lot of golf clothes scream ‘golf.’ I wanted something you could wear anywhere.”
3. Universally Flattering Fits
From petite to tall, the goal is simple:
“No matter your size or shape, you should feel confident.”
The New Golf Consumer: Style-Driven and Social
Today’s female golfer is not just an athlete—she’s a consumer shaped by fashion, social media, and lifestyle.
Lily describes a familiar dynamic:
“At events, girls always ask—‘Where did you get that?’”
Golf has become:
- A social activity
- A photo moment
- A style expression
And that’s driving demand for:
- Matching sets
- Elevated silhouettes
- Statement pieces
- Functional yet stylish accessories
Brands to Watch in Women’s Golf Fashion
Liliane also highlights emerging and established brands shaping the space:
- Tory Burch Golf – polished, lifestyle-driven pieces
- Malbon Golf – streetwear influence
- McKade Golf – modern performance aesthetic
- House of Henslow – coordinated, fashion-forward looks
Each brand represents a different style identity—proof that women’s golf fashion is no longer one-dimensional.
Innovation Still Needed: What Women Actually Want
Despite the progress, there are still gaps in the market.
One standout example Liliane shares is a glove brand that adapted for real-life needs:
- Space for long nails
- Room for rings
- Stylish designs beyond plain white
It’s a small detail—but a powerful reminder:
Women’s golf products need to reflect real women’s lives.
Community + Commerce: The Future of Golf Retail
Another major trend? Experiential shopping.
Pop-ups, trunk shows, and community-driven events are becoming key for discovery.
Liliane describes a recent event where:
- Multiple brands showcased products
- Women could try and buy on-site
- Nearly everyone made a purchase
Why it works:
- Social validation
- Immediate feedback
- Community trust
For brands like Crossover Golf, this model creates a powerful loop:
community → visibility → trial → loyalty
The Bigger Picture: Golf as a Lifestyle
What’s emerging is bigger than apparel.
It’s a cultural shift where golf becomes:
- A social outlet
- A creative expression
- A wellness activity
- A networking platform
And for many women, it’s also a form of independence.
“Everything I make goes back into golf—but it’s worth it. It gives me something I genuinely love doing.”
What’s Next for Women’s Golf?
If this conversation makes one thing clear, it’s this:
Women aren’t just entering golf—they’re redefining it.
From grassroots communities like the OC Girls Golf Club to fashion-forward brands like Crossover Golf, the game is evolving into something more inclusive, expressive, and dynamic.
And this is just the beginning.
Final Thoughts
The future of golf doesn’t look like the past—and that’s a good thing.
It looks like:
- Women showing up in outfits that reflect who they are
- Communities forming without barriers
- Brands designing with intention—not tradition
- A sport that finally feels accessible
As Melanie puts it:
“It’s about confidence. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you play differently—you show up differently.”
Redefining golf with Liliane Zaarour of the OC Girls Golf Club
A Conversation with Liliane Zaarour of the OC Girls Golf Club and Melanie Friedman, Founder of Crossover Golf
Women’s golf is having a moment—and it’s not just about the game. It’s about community, confidence, and redefining what golf looks and feels like for a new generation.
In this candid conversation, Liliane Zaarour, a host of the OC Girls Golf Club, and Melanie Friedman, couture designer and founder of Crossover Golf, sit down to talk about how they found the sport, what’s broken in women’s golf fashion, and what’s next for modern golf style.
Finding Golf Later—and Falling in Love With It
For both Liliane and Melanie, golf wasn’t always part of the plan.
Liliane’s journey started with something simple: wanting to spend more time with her brother. What began as tagging along to the driving range quickly turned into something more meaningful.
“I thought it would be easy—I’m athletic. But once I started, I realized I needed people to play with. That’s what really changed everything.”
That search for connection led her to the OC Girls Golf Club, a fast-growing women’s golf community that brings together players of all levels.
Melanie’s story is similar—returning to golf later in life with a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for the sport.
What both discovered is something many women are now experiencing:
golf becomes more meaningful when it’s shared.
The Rise of Women’s Golf Communities
The growth of groups like the OC Girls Golf Club reflects a broader shift in the game.
Instead of rigid, traditional pathways into golf, women are building their own:
Liliane describes events that range from 10 to 30 women at a time—many of whom are new to golf.
“We don’t charge for most events. People just show up, buy balls, and play. It makes it accessible.”
Accessibility is key. Historically, golf has been expensive and intimidating. But communities like this are lowering the barrier to entry—making golf more inclusive, social, and fun.
And perhaps most importantly, they’re solving a problem many founders and professionals face:
LONELINESS.
“Running a business can be isolating. Golf gave me something social again—a way to connect with people.”
The Problem With Women’s Golf Fashion
If the women’s golf community is evolving, fashion is playing catch-up.
When Liliane first started golfing, she didn’t even consider buying golf-specific clothing.
“I just wore my Lululemon. I didn’t have the proper clothes, and honestly, everything I saw felt boring.”
This sentiment is echoed across the industry. For years, women’s golf apparel followed a predictable formula:
The “Shrink It and Pink It” Problem
The result? Clothes that didn’t fit well, didn’t feel modern, and didn’t reflect how women actually want to dress.
“It felt like ‘mom at a summer retreat’—not something I could express myself in.”
Breaking the Rules: Golf Style is Evolving
Another barrier? Outdated dress codes and etiquette—often passed down incorrectly.
Liliane recalls being told:
But many of these “rules” only apply to private clubs—not the public courses and driving ranges where most new players start.
As more women enter the sport through non-traditional channels, they’re rewriting the rules:
Golf is becoming less about fitting in—and more about standing out.
Enter Crossover Golf: Where Fashion Meets Function
This shift is exactly why Melanie Friedman created Crossover Golf.
With a background in couture design, her approach is fundamentally different from traditional golf brands:
“I didn’t want to just redesign golf clothes—I wanted to rethink them entirely.”
What makes Crossover different?
1. Designed Like Real Fashion (Not Sportswear)
Instead of adapting men’s silhouettes, pieces are designed from scratch to flatter the female form.
2. Versatility Beyond the Course
Crossover pieces are intentionally created to transition seamlessly:
“A lot of golf clothes scream ‘golf.’ I wanted something you could wear anywhere.”
3. Universally Flattering Fits
From petite to tall, the goal is simple:
“No matter your size or shape, you should feel confident.”
The New Golf Consumer: Style-Driven and Social
Today’s female golfer is not just an athlete—she’s a consumer shaped by fashion, social media, and lifestyle.
Lily describes a familiar dynamic:
“At events, girls always ask—‘Where did you get that?’”
Golf has become:
And that’s driving demand for:
Brands to Watch in Women’s Golf Fashion
Liliane also highlights emerging and established brands shaping the space:
Each brand represents a different style identity—proof that women’s golf fashion is no longer one-dimensional.
Innovation Still Needed: What Women Actually Want
Despite the progress, there are still gaps in the market.
One standout example Liliane shares is a glove brand that adapted for real-life needs:
It’s a small detail—but a powerful reminder:
Women’s golf products need to reflect real women’s lives.
Community + Commerce: The Future of Golf Retail
Another major trend? Experiential shopping.
Pop-ups, trunk shows, and community-driven events are becoming key for discovery.
Liliane describes a recent event where:
Why it works:
For brands like Crossover Golf, this model creates a powerful loop:
community → visibility → trial → loyalty
The Bigger Picture: Golf as a Lifestyle
What’s emerging is bigger than apparel.
It’s a cultural shift where golf becomes:
And for many women, it’s also a form of independence.
“Everything I make goes back into golf—but it’s worth it. It gives me something I genuinely love doing.”
What’s Next for Women’s Golf?
If this conversation makes one thing clear, it’s this:
Women aren’t just entering golf—they’re redefining it.
From grassroots communities like the OC Girls Golf Club to fashion-forward brands like Crossover Golf, the game is evolving into something more inclusive, expressive, and dynamic.
And this is just the beginning.
Final Thoughts
The future of golf doesn’t look like the past—and that’s a good thing.
It looks like:
As Melanie puts it:
“It’s about confidence. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you play differently—you show up differently.”