Female participation in golf in Australia is on the rise, as highlighted by Golf Australia’s 2023/24 report which illustrated a 3.2 per cent rise in membership, backed by initiatives including the Australian Golf Foundation’s Junior Girl’s Scholarship Program, which witnessed a 22.7 per cent growth.

Aleisha Weidman and Bree Edwards are a part of Australia’s female golf community, leading other women into the sport via coaching and community groups, from one side of the country to the other.

Aleisha is a 27-year-old Perth-based Women in Golf Scholarship recipient and PGA Associate Golf Coach of women and girls. She is also a single mother to 4-year-old daughter, Matilda.

With over 11 years of coaching experience, Aleisha’s mission is to empower young females to pursue the game. It is a passion which began at just two years old.

“Growing up, I never knew of any female coaches, which is a big part of why I kept going; I wanted more friends to play with,” she laughs.

“There is a video of me competing as a junior explaining that I want to be a professional golfer when I grow up and I’m really proud to have achieved that.”

“I want to prove to other females as well as my daughter that you can have both in your life - you can be a mum and have a career doing something you really love.”

BREE EDWARDS, A 35-YEAR-OLD BRISBANE-BASED NURSE, MADE GOLF HER GO-TO FOR POST-PARTUM SELF-CARE BACK IN 2024. (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Bree, a 35-year-old Brisbane-based nurse, made golf her go-to for post-partum self-care back in 2024.

She has gone from forcing herself onto the course for the first time alone to amassing a loyal following of “Brisbane Golf Girls”, many of whom get together every season for a hit around the city.

“It can be intimidating to go out on your own, especially as a female,” Bree says.

“We have had three golf days so far and each time the attendees double! We have all made so many new friends and we get to enjoy the game together, regardless of age or skill.

“At one point during our most recent event, I looked up and there were women at every hole. It was such a great moment!”

Aleisha and Bree are a part of a 200-strong team of women working with X-Golf Australia.

X-Golf’s Amy Puglisi says as one of Australia’s biggest participation sports, X-Golf has become a popular starting point for women looking to get involved in the game.

“There’s no pressure here, no judgement. That resonates among our female players,” Amy said.

“Women’s presence in golf is no longer a side note - it’s a movement, and we’re proud to have created 30 locations across Australia where the visibility of women is improved and outdated stereotypes are pushed back on.”

Communities like Aleisha’s and Bree’s aren’t just redefining what it means to be a female golfer, they’re evolving as spaces where women feel empowered to compete, connect and thrive at the same level as their male counterparts.

Learn more about X-Golf’s sports entertainment version of golf, state-of-the-art simulator technology, cult annual X-League competitions, Hey Caddy mini golf and the women who are involved at www.xgolf.com.au

- Aly Marshall