Bree's drive inspires 'golf girls'

North Lakes resident Bree Edwards is part of a team helping to drive the rising number of women playing golf.

Bree is among 200 women working with X-Golf, which has 30 centres across Australia and New Zealand – including one at North Lakes.

The golf simulators are attracting more women and supporting Golf Australia’s 2023-24 report of a 3.2 per cent increase in female membership.

Bree made golf her go-to for post-partum self-care last year and has gone from forcing herself onto the course alone to a loyal following of ‘Brisbane Golf Girls’.

The 35-year-old nurse started the group after learning of the lack of female golfing communities around the City.

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

“We’ve had three golf days so far and each time the attendees double!

“We’ve 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 is a Perth-based Women in Golf Scholarship recipient, PGA Associate Golf Coach of women and girls – and single mother to four-year-old Matilda.

“There’s 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,” the 27-year-old said.

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

With International Women’s Day on Saturday, X-Golf’s Amy Puglisi says the indoor centres have become a popular starting point for women.

“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a movement, and we’re proud to have created 30 locations across Australia where the visibility of women is improved and outdated stereotypes are pushed back on.”

For more about X-Golf, X-League competitions and Hey Caddy mini golf go to www.xgolf.com.au.