I met a lot of women at the club who were dipping their toes in the water of golf , and they were so afraid . The fear was palpable . They were very intimidated by figuring out how to get started .”
Richmond ’ s Genevieve Roberts aims to create empowering experiences for women in golf
ll golfers can agree that golf is unlike any other sport . Its intricate rules , unique etiquette and mental fortitude make it both rewarding and deeply challenging . For new female golfers , these elements can make the sport feel very intimidating . The pressure to perform , the fear of embarrassment and even the uncertainty about equipment or clothing can be enough to keep women off the course entirely .
Golf Ready Ladies Coaching is the perfect tool to help women break through these barriers and get into the game . Created by Richmond-based Genevieve Roberts , the program offers an empowering coaching experience designed to build confidence and make golf feel more accessible .
Roberts did not grow up playing golf , but her experiences in the corporate world inspired her to buy a set of clubs .
“ I was working in HR at Pepsi , and they would have sales conferences throughout the year . Part of each conference was surrounded around golf ,” she said . “ The guys would typically go out and play golf . So , after going to three of those and sitting in my hotel room twiddling my thumbs , I was finally like , ‘ Okay , enough of that . I ’ m going to figure out how to play this game come heck or high water .’”
Although initially fearful , she signed up for golf at the next conference .
CHRIS LANG by LAUREN JONES
I met a lot of women at the club who were dipping their toes in the water of golf , and they were so afraid . The fear was palpable . They were very intimidated by figuring out how to get started .”
“ It was very intimidating ,” Roberts said . “ I was really afraid and didn ’ t want to make a fool of myself .”
After discovering her love for golf , she left corporate America to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and founded her company GR Leadership Coaching .
During COVID-19 , Roberts noticed a surge of female golfers at her home course , The Dominion Club in Glen Allen . People were looking for an outdoor activity , and golf seemed to be the perfect fit .