Teeing up sisterhood

Anika Lake Francis had a vision: create space for women to try something new, feel empowered, and be part of a vibrant community — all while looking and feeling confident. So, she teed up and launched the Jamaican Women Golf Network (JWGN). After a few casual trips to the driving range with her husband, Lake Francis found herself unexpectedly drawn to the sport. Hooked by the rhythm, she soon saw the potential for something more.

While she is by no means a pro at the sport, she envisions a welcoming space where she and other women can confidently try and perhaps even claim their place on the green.

“I started the Jamaican Women Golf Network because I like the game of golf, and I thought other women would like it too. I am big on community and carving out a space for women to be themselves, feel empowered and try new things. So, I thought, what else than golf?” Lake Francis told The Sunday Gleaner.

MORE THAN A GAME

But this isn’t just about women trying something new. It’s about women stepping confidently into spaces they might not have considered before. Golf has long been seen as a male-dominated space, not only because men have traditionally been more drawn to the game, but also due to historical social and cultural factors that limited women’s participation. In recent times, however, those barriers have begun to break down, though many women still may simply not know how to get started.

“It (golf) is not as accessible to many, but I want women to know that this is a community that they can come and not do it alone. Plus, it is more fun that way. There is an opportunity to grow when you try new things, and for me, golf has taught me how to be more patient and resilient,” the marketing professional explained.

Lake Francis continued, “ You really have to focus when playing golf, and when you’re new, you have to be able to pay attention [and follow the instructions] of the trainers. Also, you will have mishaps, and it may not go as you’d want it to all the time. But that in itself teaches you not to give up.”

The opportunity to network with other people professionally is also something that Lake Francis pointed out, noting that “many business deals are actually closed on the golf course”.

GROWING INTEREST IN WOMEN’S GOLF

Jason Lopez, head golf professional at the JL School of Golf, says the growing interest from women in golf has been a breath of fresh air. He shared that over the past six to eight months, he’s been receiving more calls from women wanting to try the sport – now his fastest-growing demographic.

“It’s very encouraging to see women more interested and willing to try because that was the demographic we were mostly struggling with,” he added.

Testing the waters for what a typical Jamaican Women Golf Network meet-up could look like, Lake Francis hosted a private event earlier this year with a few friends and took the first swing at the range. The ladies, she said, got a chance to learn the basics of the game with the help of trainers at the JL School of Golf, sipped on wine, and captured their cutest fits and progress along the way.

Lake Francis is confident that a few new friendships were formed that day, and the feedback was so encouraging that she decided to open the experience to the public – launching the first official Glam and Golf event at their primary training grounds, Constant Spring Golf Club, this Saturday.

“Glam and Golf will allow women to practise golf, with the help of trainers to show you the basics, especially those swings. You can come out, enjoy the game and socialise. It will be an evening of elegance and fun,” Lake Francis said, highlighting that cocktails and charcuterie cheese boards will be available for guests to indulge.

MAKING THE GAME MORE ACCESSIBLE

As glamorous and fun as golf is, a primary concern is its cost – especially when it comes to clubs and gear. However, Lake Francis shared that playing in a group setting can help ease that barrier.

“With the Jamaican Women Golf Network, we welcome women to come out in a group setting, and you don’t have to buy any clubs or special gear. You just come and look and feel your best. At our training sessions, we provide clubs and balls and help put everything together.”

When asked about her vision for the network, Lake Francis expressed her hope that it becomes a welcoming and safe space where women can relax, connect, build supportive communities, and enjoy discovering a new sport in a women-only environment.

For those who are sceptical of playing golf, Lake Francis’s advice is simple: “It’s worth the try and from you know what it is about, you will have fun!”

rollesha.laing@gleanerjm.com