Q&A with Leah and Ilyssa of The Azalea Golf Club
1. Both of you envisioned The Azalea Golf Club as more than just a place to play golf. How did your personal experiences shape the welcoming, community-focused club you've built?
Leah:
Growing up in a "golf household," I was always playing golf or doing something golf-related on the weekends—whether it was playing with my family at our home course, volunteering and teaching kids at The First Tee Naples-Collier, or traveling to tournaments around Florida. And now, married to a golf professional, golf has remained a constant throughout my life. It's always been more than just a game for me—it's been a way to connect, give back, and grow.
Over the years, I noticed how few opportunities there were for women to play, especially in a way that felt welcoming and social. So often, golf spaces can feel intimidating, overly competitive, or just not designed with women in mind. I realized there was a real need for something different—something that honored the sport, but also made space for connection, confidence, and community.
Ilyssa:
I was born and raised in Naples, Florida so golf was all around me. However, I grew up with very minimal golf experience, a few lessons in highschool was the extent of my knowledge. I was a cheerleader through college who found myself repeatedly asking an ex boyfriend to take me golfing which he always declined. Creating a space where women don't have to "ask" someone to take them—where they can build confidence in their abilities and take up space in golf is something that motivates me personally. Encouraging women to not only exist but excel in male dominated spaces with confidence and pride. Although we love the sport, The Azalea Club is bigger than just golf for us.
2. The Azalea ethos focuses on creating space "by women, for women." What was missing from your own golf and social experiences that made you want to launch Azalea?
Leah:
The Azalea Golf Club was founded to connect women through golf, and create a community that is both inviting and inclusive. Some golf spaces can often feel exclusive, intimidating, or simply not designed with women in mind, from the atmosphere and community, to the clothing and equipment options. At The Azalea Golf Club, we've reimagined the experience to reflect how women truly want to enjoy the game—social, welcoming, and fun. More than just golf, The Azalea Golf Club is about cultivating a culture where women feel seen, supported, and genuinely excited to participate and grow, both within the sport and themselves.
Ilyssa:
Leah and I are both strong minded women with a certainty of where we're going in life. This is obviously something that stems from confidence. We are very different and very similar and that's what makes us such a great pair. One thing we will always agree on is that women supporting women builds confidence. Cultivating authentic female friendships is truly pivotal for us to function as business women, wives/girlfriend, sister, daughters, individuals. Being surrounded by like minded women who challenge you to be better is such a privilege and necessity and we hope that that is something that we bring to the table for our members. We wanted to break out of the "boys club." We're enforcing the concept that "Golfer" isn't a gender specific label.
3. Building confidence, on and off the course, comes up often with your members. What do you believe makes golf a unique platform for women to grow in both community and self-assurance?
Leah:
Golf is a business sport—My dad has created some of his best relationships with clients on the golf course. For a woman in business, being able to say "I can play golf" is something rare, yet special. It immediately sets her apart and opens doors to new conversations, networks, and opportunities that are often otherwise inaccessible.
What makes golf a unique platform for women is that it blends personal growth with community in a really powerful way. The game demands focus, patience, and resilience—all qualities that naturally translate into confidence beyond the course. When you're learning and improving alongside other women who are cheering you on, it becomes even more empowering.
Ilyssa:
Golf is a largely mental game that depends on me, myself and I. Being in a healthy mental state means being full of self-assurance, self-validation, self-awareness and self-confidence. All of these factors control how you show up in life, behavior, and performance on AND OFF the course. Golf is unique because in addition to being technically challenging, it holds an exclusive nature and invisible, yet very intimidating, barrier to entry. The industry is now evolving to encourage women to participate in a passion that is golf and we are so excited to be a part of that movement for our community and eventually throughout the U.S. Using golf's historically elevated reputation for business & networking—we thought our joy for the sport would also serve as a wonderful vessel to professional women looking to grow both within the sport and themselves. Allowing them to participate in a round with clients or simply form a connection with strangers—what our members do with their skills is up to them.
4. You've attracted women of all skill levels and backgrounds. How do you foster an environment where members feel truly accepted and inspired to participate, no matter their golf history?
Leah:
I think it's as simple as seeing other women within The Azalea Golf Club who are also beginners. It's the core of what we stand for—anything can be taught, and everyone who plays golf started somewhere. We're intentional about creating an atmosphere where there's no pressure to perform, just encouragement to try. From beginner-friendly events to celebrating small wins, we make it clear that there's no "right" way to be a golfer here. That sense of shared learning and support is what helps our members feel truly accepted, and inspired to keep showing up.
Ilyssa:
I often joke that Leah is our golfer and I am more of the networking. I think the concept that I am "not a great" golfer and yet still a co-founder speaks to the inclusivity of our community. Positivity and encouragement is not only encouraged but mandatory from our members who gladly obliged and continually encourage the women around them, often bringing Leah and I to tears because we're so proud. Everyone starts somewhere and producing a safe space is pivotal—producing a safe space that gives you the tools to grow is The Azalea Golf Club. We host monthly exclusive members only golf clinics for our members to take lessons with their girlfriends and highly skilled PGA pros. My personal clubs were given to me for free—I have no driver and each iron weighs about 15 lbs—"Why haven't you gotten new clubs?" Because I feel like it is part of my portion of our brand, it sends a message that it doesn't matter what you have, growth happens at every level and I am not "above" using my goodwill clubs on a private course... although I do think I may have to trade them in soon... the bright blue and pink bag is beginning to hurt my eyes.
5. Can you share a moment or story when you realized Azalea has become more than just a club, that it was truly a community?
Leah:
For me, it's not just one standout moment—it's the small, consistent signs that The Azalea Golf Club has grown into something so much bigger than a club. It's in the way our longtime members welcome new faces with such genuine warmth, creating an environment where no one feels like a stranger. One memory that really sticks with me is when one of our members, Emily, introduced herself to a new member attending her first event by saying, "Hi! My name is Emily, and I'm one of the Azaleas." It was such a simple statement, but it spoke volumes. You could hear the pride in her voice—that moment really captured the heart of what we've built—a sense of belonging, identity, and connection that runs deeper than the game itself. It's in these everyday exchanges that we see just how powerful and meaningful this community has become.
Ilyssa:
Just thinking about this question make me tear up... Seeing the women get hired for different job positions because they used a co-azalea as a reference, seeing them all out at lunches together, hearing about how they are planning trips to different states, watching them support each other with golf, work, relationships, day-to-day. The constant outreach from our friends, family and total strangers—having amazing brands like A.Putnam back us and believe in us is a shock to our still slightly prevalent imposter syndrome. If I had to pick on a specific moment it would have to be our 2025 Masters Party.
6. How did you reimagine the private golf club to feel more modern, open, and a springboard for women at every stage of life?
Leah:
Watching The Azalea Golf Club grow so quickly in less than a year has been incredibly rewarding. Our focus from the start has been to create an environment where women feel completely at ease, whether they're picking up a club for the first time or have been playing for years. By emphasizing connection over competition, curating approachable events, and building a true sense of community, we've designed The Azalea Golf Club to be a space that supports women through every chapter of life—both on the golf course and beyond.
Ilyssa:
I think this has to do with our approach to events. We prioritize giving our members a wide variety of events from golf rounds and clinics to dinners and coffee dates to pilates classes and cold plunging. Golf is getting younger and that invisible barrier is becoming slightly less transparent. Young people LOVE golf, we are simply the road that gets them there.
7. Connection, mentorship, and networking are at the heart of Azalea's offerings. What kind of changes have you seen in your members as a result of these social and professional bonds?
Leah:
We've seen incredible growth in our members, both personally and professionally, because of the connections they've built through The Azalea Golf Club. Women who initially joined feeling unsure or new to the game now show up with confidence, not just in their swing, but in themselves. We've seen members land job opportunities, make strides in their current roles, and form deep friendships that extend far beyond the golf course. The mentorship and support that naturally happens here has created a ripple effect, empowering women to take up space in their careers, communities, and in the game.
Ilyssa:
We have seen careers begin, businesses open, friendships form. Many women come to our initial community events alone—it's no shock to us when we see them a couple weeks later tagged in a social media post with other members out to lunch. We see girls promoting their external ventures in our members only group and showing up for each other. The Azalea Golf Club has women of ALL walks of life and background—it's truly our honor to be alongside them learning and growing together.
8. You host clinics, social events, and wellness gatherings. How do you decide which events to organize, and how do these offerings strengthen the sense of belonging at Azalea?
Leah:
Planning events is one of my favorite parts of what I do at The Azalea Golf Club! Each month, I try to keep things fresh and fun that consists of a mix of 2--3 golf events, a couple of social get-togethers, and one wellness-focused activity. I always want it to feel balanced so there's something for everyone!
At the end of every month, I send out a quick survey asking for feedback—what they loved, what they didn't, and what they want to try next. It's important to me that the members feel like they have a say in what we're doing. After all, this is their space. That kind of back-and-forth helps us keep things fun, relevant, and meaningful.
Ilyssa:
I will leave this answer to Leah—she manages all of our events—but we focus greatly on incorporating smaller, local businesses who reflect our values and believe in us just as we believe in them. I think giving the girls such a vast assortment of events allows them to pick and choose what will serve them that month—where do they need to be supported? Stressful week? Come do yoga. Been needing a girls night out? Join us for dinner! Want to get outside? Awesome, we have 18 holes on Sunday. We want there to be something for everyone. Even if you don't want to golf, you can still be an Azalea.
9. As founders and friends, what have you learned from each other through this journey of building Azalea from the ground up?
Leah:
As many members within The Azalea Golf Club have told us, Ilyssa and I are so different, yet so similar, and I think that's why we work so well together. Ilyssa has taught me to be patient and to approach challenges with a calm, thoughtful perspective, while I tend to bring a sense of optimism and big-picture vision to our work. We've learned to lean into each other's strengths, trust each other's instincts, and embrace the balance that our partnership naturally creates. Building The Azalea Golf Club together has reinforced how powerful it is to have someone by your side who not only complements you, but also pushes you to grow in ways you couldn't on your own.
Ilyssa:
Wow. I have way too many words for this question. I have learned so much from Leah—she is driven, courageous, and SO smart. She is EXTREMELY kind hearted and thoughtful. I immediately felt a strong connection to her. We have many shared life experiences that have shaped us as women and helped us to value the same things. We are different enough to challenge each other and yet passionate enough about The Azalea Club to come out stronger each time for the sake of our community and ourselves. I think we have learned a lot about communication, compromise, and trust. On a deeper level, Leah makes me feel important, but I think she does that for everyone—it's just natural for her. If every member can come out of The Azalea Club with at least 1 friendship like the one I have found with Leah we will have done our jobs correctly.
10. Finally, what would you say to a woman who's curious, a bit nervous, and thinking about joining The Azalea Golf Club, but isn't quite sure if she belongs on the course yet?
Leah:
I'd tell her that she already belongs here—The Azalea Golf Club was built for women exactly like her. You don't need to have years of experience or the perfect swing to be part of our community. All you need is the curiosity to try, and the willingness to show up for yourself. We've created a space that's welcoming, judgment-free, and all about inclusivity. The moment she comes to an event, she'll feel that sense of support and realize that golf can be fun, approachable, and truly hers to enjoy.
Ilyssa:
I would tell her to just show up. Don't worry about having the right clubs or clothes or knowing anyone. I would tell her that this club is about her more than anything. Our goal is to help her get to know her, to grow in golf, grow as a woman and grow in her relationships with people around her. Just show up. We can figure the rest out later.
