Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Paddleford
Hi Michele, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
ForeGals on the Green (formerly known as Gals on the Green) got started in 2022. It was a concept that stemmed from an unpleasant experience that a good friend of mine (our founder and President of Operations) had at the driving range. She was newer to golf at the time and had gone to a local course to hit some balls. She was approached by a man who gave her unsolicited advice and just wouldn’t leave her alone. He made her feel insignificant and incapable. She called me very upset to share her story and mentioned how great it would be if we could create something right here in Orange County for women who are also frustrated with “mansplaining” and are looking for a safe space to golf with others women without feeling judged. It was a no brainer for me – having worked in the industry since 2012, I understood where she was coming from and her frustrations. Hence Gals on the Green was born. Last year (2024) we acquired ForeGals Golf which allowed us to grow our operations into Los Angeles and San Diego counties. This merger more than doubled our membership, positioning us as one of the largest ladies’ social golf clubs in Southern California, with over 500 members. To pay homage to ForeGals while still maintaining our brand identify, we decided to merge club names to officially become ForeGals on the Green.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a new business – regardless of the industry – always comes with its challenges, and we’ve certainly experienced our share of bumps along the way. It can be challenging to make everyone happy, but we do the best we can to accommodate our members at all times. One obstacle we face that many people often don’t consider is getting golf courses to work with us on events. Each of our chapter regions has its own unique quirks, requiring us to adapt to unexpected policies as we venture into new areas and expand in our existing markets. Challenges will always pop up, it’s jut a matter of how effectively and efficiently we tackle them. And we’re always learning along the way. You can’t be an effective business leader if you don’t listen.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ForeGals on the Green?
ForeGals on the Green (formerly known as Gals on the Green) is a ladies’ social golf club that is dedicated to uplifting and empowering women through the sport of golf. We’re an official club of the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) and the only ladies social golf organization operating in multiple major counties.
Our mission is to foster a passion for golf through camaraderie, skill development, and unforgettable experiences both on and off the course. We established this club to:
– Inspire women to enhance their golf skills.
– Boost their confidence in their abilities.
– Offer opportunities to explore various courses in a supportive group setting, without the need to join a country club.
– Create a community of women who uplift and support one another through the game of golf.
Since our establishment in 2022, we have seen the profound impact our organization has had on women from diverse backgrounds. We strive to empower and inspire female golfers of all skill levels by promoting a supportive and inclusive environment. Our safe space allows women to enjoy golf free from unsolicited advice and judgment.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We’re always on the lookout for new courses to discover, brands to partner with, and event opportunities. One of our key goals for 2025 is to boost member engagement by introducing new partnerships and perks including discounts, access to unique products, boosting awareness through giveaways and incentive programs, and more. We believe that no idea or opportunity is too far-fetched; every potential collaboration is considered, and we choose the ones that best align with our mission and vision.
Pricing:
- 1-Month Membership = $50 (cost can be applied towards an Annual Plan)
- Annual Membership = $250/Year
- Annual PLUS Membership = $350/Year
- Monthly Membership = $50/Month ($100 Setup Fee Applies)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foregalsonthegreen.golf
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galsonthegreengolf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/galsonthegreengolf/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/galsonthegreengolf/
Image Credits
Jessica Bodas Photography
