Fore the Ladies Finds: September 2026
Hi all -
I like to keep it light at Fore the Ladies - we’re playing a game after all. Fore the Ladies was founded as golf clinics for women. It was a simple solution to encourage my girl friends to pick up a game that brought so much joy to my life.
As passion projects do, they evolve. I wanted to create more opportunities for women to learn, play, and connect with other female golfers to continue the journey. More volunteers joined the cause so we could expand our offerings and locations.
It’s fairly evident that there is still so much work to do. Driving ranges may see more women gracing their bays, but the percentage of female golfers taking their skills from practice to play remains low. We know the reasons for it. Time. Intimidation. Access. Maybe it’s about a lack of female golf friends to play with. I promise you I’m having conversations weekly about how we can grow our playing opportunities here at Fore the Ladies.
But I’d like to see the industry catch up.
The strides in women’s golf are immense. Each month me, Chelsea, Kristen and Sara have found golf apparel that I would’ve dreamed of wearing in high school. I see more women interested in golf on social media, where you can find thousands of people showing their golf journeys. I just want the people who hold the keys to more opportunities to grasp the growth and want to maintain it.
Wow, Abby, feeling feisty? A little bit, yes. You’re subscribed to a golf newsletter so you probably don’t need me to remind you why I’m frustrated if you’ve been on social media the last few weeks. And if you’re a woman who plays golf, you’ve unfortunately likely heard, seen, or experienced one of the following situations.
The golf course is the nexus for play. Every touch point at a course has an effect on the golfer. Is she welcomed when she checks in? If there’s a men’s locker room, is there a women’s locker room? Are there multiple restrooms on the golf course, or is her only opportunity after nine holes? Does a marshal assume the foursome of women is playing slow, without looking a hole ahead to see that the group is four men hitting from a tee too long for them and there’s a full hole gap? Is there an unwritten game every Saturday morning, by the same groups of men who have been given that tee time for years, despite new membership and women who want to play their rounds in the morning? Are the women’s golf apparel and accessories hidden in the back corner of the Pro Shop? Do you notice the group of men waiting near the green and watching six foursomes of women putt out, while we just want to enjoy ourselves and finish on a high note?
As a whole, we talk about how many women are picking up the game. But how have the systems changed to keep them in it? I’m proud to have conversations with some of the key holders to make incremental changes and create more opportunities, but it’s also past the time for many facilities to look in the mirror. Most of those questions I’ve asked above can be answered and provided a solution plan within minutes. Staff training for even the most tenured of employees is good for everyone. Hiring women and having them in the room when decisions are made so their perspective is included can only create a more well-rounded team. Holding your staff and customers accountable for keeping the golf course a safe space for everyone should be your first priority.
I’ve always tried to maintain my focus on what’s within my control. But I can only go so far when the systems in place don’t evolve with me. Remember, change can be a very beautiful thing.
I’ll end this month’s note with a thank you. A thank you to the facilities that have been incredible to Fore the Ladies in the past and in our future. They are the courses listed on our events pages and host us for golf clinics, outings, getaways and meetups. The staff asks for our opinions and listens to our feedback. I try to remember to always thank them and acknowledge that they’re a huge part of keeping women in golf. We all have room for improvement and I can say these venues are trying. Change isn’t going to happen overnight. When I started Fore the Ladies, I received more “no’s” than “yes’s” and that has absolutely changed alongside the growth of women’s golf communities globally.
Women aren’t going anywhere and everyone should get to enjoy this game. I look forward to watching the industry to keep up.
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Enjoy this month's finds from me, Chelsea, Kristen and Sara. You can always access our past finds right here!
Abby
Fore the Ladies, Inc. | President & Founder
Move over pumpkin spice! Vest weather is nearly here and this down carmel brown number from Lululemon is calling for Fall golf! Bonus: it's on sale. -kristen / shop
While fall is coming, it's still feeling like the middle of summer in the Carolinas! I wore this seersucker polo and skirt from Foray and love how lightweight it is. The full button down sleeveless polo is a unique look, too. -abby / shop the skirt, the top
We serendipitously stumbled upon the North Coast Golf Co. store in Traverse City, and I bought a new golf glove. How cute is Bogey the bear? - chelsea / shop
The color and the suede/leather combo on these shoes really make them stand out. -sara / shop
Bonus inspo: DIY pumpkin putt putt. - kristen/shop
Are you looking to spruce up your home with golf imagery? -chelsea / shop
This muted red Varley skirt would be fun for fall rounds. -sara / shop
So when it does cool off a bit, I can't wait to wear this GFore sweater on a fall golf morning. -abby / shop
Be true to your school vibes for Fall. A great shoe that can take you right from the grocery store to the green! - kristen/shop
I made a dirty martini at home last week and realized I didn't have a pick for my olives. I won't make that mistake again. - abby / shop
New Yorker cartoons are the best. - sara/shop
The price is right on this skirt! I really like the lined slit and pleated back. It's a sporty classic. -abby / shop
I love this Uniqlo down vest for a neutral layer - I'm partial to the white! - sara/shop
This fleece polo from Old Navy reminds me of a Polo dupe. It's cute and 40% off! I could see myself wearing it before and after the round. - abby/shop
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