Corporate Golf Spotlight: Ali Putnam

I'm honored to welcome Ali Putnam, the inspiring force behind A.PUTNAM, on Bridging the Gap. It was fantastic catching up with Ali at the PGA Frisco Trade Shows, where the Spring/Summer 2025 line is being previewed. We delved into conversations about golf, fashion, family, and the upcoming fall collection, offering a glimpse into her multifaceted passion and vision for A.PUTNAM.

As the founder and CEO, Ali leads with kindness and humility, making it a privilege to be an ambassador representing the brand. She's not only a business leader but also a mother of five boys, showing incredible dedication to both her family and career. Her wealth of experience and insight make her a role model for women everywhere, especially in the world of golf. 

[Continue reading below for the full Q&A with Ali Putnam]

PGA Frisco Golf Course: Home to the PGA of America's headquarters, the course boasts two championship layouts designed to challenge and inspire players of all skill levels. With its blend of top-notch facilities, beautiful scenery, and a commitment to excellence, PGA Frisco has quickly become a must-visit spot for golf enthusiasts. The 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship comes to Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco June 19 - 22, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

Q&A with Allison Putnam

1. Let's start with your background. Where did you attend college, what did you study, and what is your current role? 
   
   

   Syracuse under grad - dual major in supply chain and entrepreneurship. MBA in Business Management from Northeastern U. 

   Current role, founder/CEO A. PUTNAM
   
   

2. Which skills or mindsets from your athletic career do you find most valuable in your professional (or personal) life?
   

   
   Collaboration - realizing that success comes from realizing your weaknesses and surrounding yourself with people who have those skill sets and knowledge. 

   Leading by example - sharing your values through your attitude and effort. 
   
   

3. How do you perceive parallels between collegiate sport competitiveness and navigating the professional realm?
   
   

   There are so many to name: camaraderie, perseverance, work ethic, time management, attitude, collaboration, power of practice. These elements of sport are so impactful in finding success in your professional career. 
   
   

4. How has your background influenced your leadership style and networking, particularly as a woman in the professional world?
   

   
   I found that my upbringing - both experiences and values, shaped every bit of my professional personality and leadership style. As simple as the golden rule: treating people the way you want to be treated, has taken me so far. Some may think that compassion, humility, and trust can’t take you far as a business woman, but I’ve learned that those are my strengths.  For instance, I never thought that I had the personality to sell but when you’re truly focused on listening, building a relationship, and helping solve problems for a customer, it’s so powerful and rewarding. 

   I’ve learned that networking isn’t about personal gain. It’s about connecting on a personal level, something deeper than the transaction of business. Having a sincere interest in someone and how YOU can help is how you grow and deepen your business connections. 
   
   

5. Can you share insights into how you bridge the gap between your golfing experiences and your professional career, or as a female now in the professional world?
   
   

   I completely attribute my business relationship with golf to where I am now. Golf was introduced to me when I was about six years old. My parents will always say that they encouraged me to play so that one day I could utilize it as a networking tool in business. My dad has always said that the sport is about tradition and integrity. Business happens on the course; you find out a lot about someone and their values there. I remember numerous times in my career in industrial manufacturing where I could say “yes” to a company golf outing. There, I would have the opportunity to be one of the few women “at the table”. However, one thing I never felt comfortable with was what to wear in those settings. A professional woman golfing with executives, customers and partners.
   
   Fast forward to when I was entering a phase of my life where newborns were behind me and what to do next with my career stood before me.  Golf was becoming more prevalent as an excuse for my husband and I to get away for a date night or following our boys around the course. I was running into the same problem where golf clothing never felt sophisticated and true to my style. Now, here I am, selfishly designing golf clothing that allows women to feel polished, timeless and confident on and off the course. 

Connect with Allison Putnam on LinkedIn.