Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Lessel.
Hi Maggie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Fore the Girls STL in May 2025 after realizing how difficult it was to find other women to golf with as a young professional in St. Louis. Most women’s clinics or leagues were either held during the workday or tailored to more competitive players. I wanted something more social and approachable, with events that fit into a typical after-work schedule.
I was fortunate to have a few girlfriends to golf with on the weekends, but I knew many women didn’t have that same access or comfort. Golf has so much potential to build confidence and community, yet it often feels intimidating or inaccessible, particularly for women who are new to the game or don’t have a group to play with.
After seeing female golf communities pop up in other cities, I wished there was something similar in St. Louis. So, I decided to start one. On a whim, I shared the idea on Instagram. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the response was immediate. Within days, hundreds of women reached out to say they were interested.
From there, Fore the Girls STL took off. We began hosting weekly driving range nights, clinics, and group rounds, and a real community started to form. Within just a few weeks, we were bringing women together from across the city—many of them showing up solo, but leaving with new connections and a growing sense of ease around the game.
Our mission is to make golf more accessible, social, and fun for women, especially young professionals who want to learn the game, meet new people, and feel confident showing up on their own. We focus on low-pressure environments and group experiences that blend play, connection, and community.
Seeing it resonate so deeply with other women has already been incredibly fulfilling, and we’re just getting started!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So far, the experience of launching Fore the Girls STL has been incredibly positive. I’ve been blown away by the level of interest and support—it was clear right away that this type of community was something women were genuinely looking for.
That said, there have been a few challenges behind the scenes. Since we launched in early summer, most golf courses and practice facilities already had packed calendars with existing leagues, tournaments, and junior programs. Securing availability, especially during after-work hours, has required a lot of coordination and flexibility. But that challenge ultimately became a strength. It has pushed me to get creative, build strong relationships with local courses, and be thoughtful about how we plan our events moving forward.
Another key moment came early on when I met Kate Arthur at one of our first range sessions. She immediately offered to help and has quickly become an incredible co-leader. Her consistency, energy, and willingness to jump in wherever needed have made such a difference in helping Fore the Girls grow.
We’re still learning and adjusting as we go, but the energy from this community makes every step worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fore the Girls STL?
Fore the Girls STL is a women’s golf community and social group for young professionals in the Greater St. Louis area. While our events focus on golf—weekly range meetups, group rounds, and beginner-friendly clinics—the heart of what we’re building is connection. We specialize in creating low-pressure spaces where women can show up solo, meet new people, and feel part of something right away.
What sets us apart is the tone we lead with: approachable, fun, and inclusive. Whether you’re keeping score or just swinging for fun, the focus is on good energy, shared growth, and encouraging each other to show up confidently. The brand is intentionally light, modern, and community-first, with a visual identity and event experience that feel thoughtful but never intimidating.
Beyond golf, what resonates most is the chance to form genuine connections. As adults, it feels so much harder to make friends organically, unlike when we were younger and constantly surrounded by peers through school, sports, or structured activities. It can feel like everyone’s already in their own routines, and building new friendships isn’t always easy or accessible. Fore the Girls STL brings back that feeling of shared experience and easy connection, without the pressure. It’s a reminder that friendship and fun don’t need to be so hard to come by.
I’m most proud of how quickly the group has taken on a life of its own. Women are making friends, forming group chats, showing up for each other, and reshaping what golf looks like in our city. Fore the Girls STL is a reflection of the kind of energy we want more of: welcoming, social, and full of momentum.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I played just about every sport growing up, and some of my favorite memories are from being part of a team. There was something special about feeling like you belonged, working toward something together, and forming friendships that lasted beyond the season.
Those experiences taught me the value of connection through shared activity, and are part of what inspired me to build something like Fore the Girls STL. That early love for team connection continues to shape how I think about community today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.forethegirlsstl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forethegirlsstl/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forethegirlsstl
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@forethegirls.stl
Image credit:
Reaghan Lesh (@mediabyreaghan)
