From Pink Clubs to Purpose

Jillian Mele and Kristen Casey, Co-founders of LemonRose Golf, at a branding shoot with Pel Productions photographer Dylan Eddinger.

My golf story isn’t a long one—but it’s mine, and I’m proud of it.

From golf finds to lifestyle favorites, this is our monthly roundup of what we’re loving right now.

If you told me when I was younger where I’d be today, I would have never, EVER believed you. I didn’t grow up in a golf family. We were much more into baseball and college basketball. Neither of my parents played golf, and while my older sister was absolutely an athlete—the only girl on a boys' basketball team and the captain of her field hockey team—she never once picked up a golf club.

Growing up, I dabbled in soccer, basketball, and field hockey (mostly because my sister did), but I never really considered golf as an option. I had a cousin and an uncle who played, but they were older and didn’t live nearby. Occasionally, I’d hear stories about golf courses or caddying, but that was about the extent of it.

It wasn’t until high school that I really started to notice the sport. During a family vacation to Ireland, that same cousin came along with us—but while we did the sightseeing, he golfed his way across the country. Each night at dinner, he’d share stories about the courses he played, the people he met, and the legends he’d heard. I found it surprisingly captivating.

Fast forward to right after college—I finally begged that cousin to teach me how to play. He was like an older brother to me, and naturally, he teased me and told me that I’d never stick with it or it wasn’t worth his time. But I persisted. I still remember going out with one of my best friends and buying my first set of clubs. They were pink Wilsons, and I thought they were the coolest thing ever.

Kristen Casey Co- founder of LemonRose Golf with her first set of pink golf clubs.

I started going to the driving range and playing little chip-and-putt courses until I began to get the hang of it. I’ll admit, it was inconsistent. I wasn’t confident enough to play with anyone seriously, so it remained something I did quietly—just me, those clubs, and that one friend. Looking back, I wish I had stuck with it more seriously from the start. But at the time, I was too embarrassed. I didn’t think I was good enough, and I didn’t want to hold anyone else back.

After I had my daughter, something shifted. I realized I wanted to get back into the game—and this time, really give it a shot. I remember the first time I accepted an invitation to play with people who actually golfed. I was so nervous. Not only was I intimidated, but it was also the first time those players had ever played with a woman. I was terrified they’d judge me or think I didn’t belong. But I pushed through the fear and showed up. That day changed everything. My confidence grew, even if just a little. Read the blog titled "You Don't Have to Be Great - You Just Have to Start: 10 Tips For Beginner Golfers."

Since then, I’ve been playing more and more. My game is slowly improving, and even though I’ve never been more frustrated with a sport, I’ve also never loved one more. The bad shots fuel my competitive fire and make me want to come back stronger. And the good ones? They’re the magic that keeps me hooked.

So I’ll say it again: if you told me I’d someday co-found a brand that’s not only bringing more women into golf but helping them look good doing it—I would have never, EVER believed you.

But gosh, am I glad I’m here.

We’re just getting started.

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