7 min read

LemonRose Golf September Fresh Picks

Jillian

On the Course: Ray-Ban Meta Sunglasses

September always feels like a reset for me. The summer winds down, routines start to shift, and I naturally find myself reflecting on what’s working—both on and off the golf course. This month, two things have stood out that I can’t help but share: a game-changing tool I use during my rounds and the workout that’s helping me feel like myself again.

If you follow me on social media, you know I often record videos of my swing on the course. One of the questions I’m asked most frequently is: How? How do I capture video while playing without slowing everyone down or being a distraction?

The answer is simple: I use Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses.

And no, this isn’t sponsored—I’m not being paid to promote anything in this blog. I’ve used these sunglasses for a few years and find them incredibly easy to use, reliable, and surprisingly high-quality for video.

Let’s be honest: if I’m ever lucky enough to get a hole-in-one, you better believe I want it on video! Beyond that, I love capturing the essence of the game—from the highs to the lows. Sometimes I’ll replay my swing to figure out what went wrong (again!) or simply relive the sound of a pure shot—if I’m fortunate enough to hit one.

Another great feature of these (and similar glasses) is their versatility. They’re not just for golf—you can use them while traveling or in any situation where carrying a bulky camera isn’t practical. I’ve taken mine on overseas trips and had so much fun creating point-of-view content. They connect directly to your phone for quick importing, which makes storytelling on the go a breeze.

In today’s world of digital storytelling—where video is everything—having something like this in your bag is a no-brainer.

Jillian Ray-Meta Sunglasses

Jillian Mele, Co-founder of LemonRose Golf, playing golf wearing Ray-Ban Meta Sunglasses.

 

Off The Course: Pilates

Let’s rewind about 12 years. I was in my early 30s and in fantastic shape. You might be rolling your eyes thinking, “Me too.” But this isn’t just about age—it’s about habits. Back then, working out and staying fit was a top priority. As time passed and life grew busier—especially once I became a business owner—that routine started to slip.

I’ll be honest: I’ve let myself down in this area the past few years. I’ve gone in and out of gym rhythms, tried different programs, and faced moments of frustration when nothing stuck. The truth? That’s on me. No one else.

If I rewind the last 2½ years, it makes sense: I quit my career, started a business, made almost no money at first, and worked harder than ever. In the process, I slipped into a kind of hibernation, dealing with an identity crisis as I tried to navigate a whole new life.

This summer, something shifted. I started to feel like me again. And when that happened, two things rose to the top:

1. Golf

 Getting outside, being active, and meeting new people woke me up from that quiet period. A hobby I’ve loved for years transformed into both my business and my biggest passion. Walking the course, taking in nature, challenging myself on new holes—it reignited my creativity and gave me energy. Every course has its own beauty and personality, and playing regularly pushed me out of my comfort zone and back into the world.

2. Pilates

This brought me right back to where I felt my absolute best 12 years ago. I’ve tried personal training, yoga, walking regimens—you name it. But nothing gave me the same results or joy as Pilates. Just a few weeks back into it, and I already feel like I’ve found my home again when it comes to fitness.

If you’ve never tried Pilates, it’s all about precise, controlled movements that strengthen your core and connect your mind and body. It’s challenging, restorative, and powerful all at once.

I’m proud of myself for trying new things—like yoga—and sticking with it for six months. But at the end of the day, you have to listen to your body. You know what feels right and what works for you. For me, that’s Pilates.

So for now… see you in class!Jillian at pilates class

Jillian Mele, Co-founder of LemonRose Golf, attending pilates class.

 

Kristen

On the Course: Evening Golf

Since I started playing golf, most of my rounds have taken place earlier in the day—sometimes very early. I’ve even teed off as early as 6:20 AM! While I wouldn’t say that’s my ideal time (those wake-up calls are rough), I’ve come to enjoy the quiet calm of the morning and the fresh energy it brings to the course. There’s something special about starting your day with a long drive down the fairway, a cup of coffee in hand, and the rising sun painting golden light across the greens.

That said, as summer has been winding down, I’ve found myself gravitating toward later tee times—and honestly, I’ve absolutely loved the experience of playing in the evening. There's a totally different vibe when you’re out there in the late afternoon, chasing the last few holes as the sun begins to dip toward the horizon.

One of my favorite moments recently was walking up to the 18th hole just as the sky exploded into those dreamy shades of pink, orange, and yellow. The kind of sunset that makes you stop for a second and just take it all in. There's this peaceful, almost reflective feeling that hits you when you're wrapping up a round with a glowing sky overhead. Even if my shots drift a little off the fairway (as they sometimes do—let's be honest), it feels like the perfect way to close out a day.

And the best part? Finishing a round just in time to head to dinner or grab drinks with friends. The whole experience has this relaxed, almost vacation-like pace that’s become something I now look forward to.

It’s also interesting how your mindset shifts a bit when you’re racing the sunset. You’re aware of the ticking clock—not in a stressful way, but just enough to make you focus and stay present in each shot. If you’re used to early morning golf, I highly recommend giving a late afternoon or early evening tee time a try before the fall weather fully sets in.

LemonRose at Westover

Kristen Casey, Co-founder of LemonRose Golf playing at Westover Golf Club.

 

Taking It to the Next Level with Glow Golf

Speaking of new experiences, I recently played glow-in-the-dark golf for the first time—and it was so much fun! I’d heard friends talk about it before, and I was always intrigued, but finally getting the chance to try it out was even better than I expected.

Of course, it’s definitely a different kind of game. The biggest adjustment? The balls. Instead of your usual Pro V1s or Supersoft Callaways, you're playing with LED golf balls that literally light up when you hit them. Needless to say, they don’t feel exactly the same off the club face, but that’s kind of the point. You're not out there trying to beat your best score—you're out there to enjoy the moment and have a blast.

We fully embraced the glow theme with light-up accessories, neon outfits, and even some glow-in-the-dark decorations. There was laughter, a few questionable swings, and a whole lot of joy. And that’s what made it so memorable.

Glow golf reminded me of something important: golf doesn’t always have to be so serious. Whether you're a scratch golfer or still learning the game, it’s okay to let loose sometimes. Grab some friends, light up the night, and just have fun. After all, golf at its core is a game—and games are meant to be enjoyed.

Glow Golf

Kristen Casey and Jillian Mele, Co-founders of LemonRose Golf at Flourtown Country Club.

 

Off the Course: Reading

For the first time ever, I joined a book club. I’ve always enjoyed reading and I used to read several books every year. That is until I took on this “little project,” you know, launching LemonRose Golf! I am beyond excited about LemonRose Golf and can not wait to show you more!  But recently those pockets of leisurely reading time started disappearing. So when  I got an invitation to join a book club—and instead of giving my usual “maybe someday” response, I said yes.

Over the next few months, I’ll be flying back and forth to Los Angeles quite a bit for LemonRose work, and it occurred to me: what better time to get back into reading than 30,000 feet in the air, where distractions are limited and quiet time is built in? Yes, I’ll still be sending emails, reviewing designs, and working on all things LemonRose Golf mid-flight. But I also want to carve out space for myself again—and reading feels like the perfect way to do that.

There’s something so grounding about opening a book and allowing your mind to shift away from to-do lists and future plans. I’ve realized how much I miss that feeling. And joining a book club gives me a little extra accountability (and motivation) to actually finish the book before the next meeting rolls around.

Reading

Kristen Casey ,Co-founder of LemonRose Golf reading with her daughter.

 

The first book on our list is Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams, chosen by a friend of mine. So far, I’m really into it. It’s the kind of story I might not have picked up on my own—which is actually one of the things I’m most excited about. Joining this club means reading outside my comfort zone, trying new authors, and discovering stories that I might have otherwise overlooked.

Book

Kristen Casey ,Co-founder of LemonRose Golf with her latest read.

 

Of course, I know the inevitable will happen: a book will be chosen that I just can't get into. And with so much going on in my life, pushing myself to read something I’m not fully connecting with will be a challenge. But I’m choosing to see that as part of the growth. This isn’t just about reading more—it's about stretching myself, making space for curiosity again, and connecting with others along the way.

One unexpected bonus of this new habit? It’s given me a beautiful opportunity to slow down and read with my daughter. We’ve started having quiet time together—after school, before bed, or even on weekends—where we each read our own books side by side. It’s a simple thing, but it’s become really enjoyable for both of us.

She’s practicing her reading skills, and I’m rediscovering my love of books. But more than that, we’re sharing an activity that doesn't involve screens or schedules—just the two of us, turning pages and enjoying each other’s company.

Like most book clubs, ours isn’t just about the books. We’ll be meeting once a month to talk about the story, share our thoughts, and—let’s be honest—drink some wine and catch up on everything else happening in our lives. I’m really looking forward to those nights.

As a mom who's spent a lot of time at home over the past few years and is now transitioning into a more demanding, travel-heavy role, my schedule has been flipped upside down. I’ve had to be more intentional about how I spend my time, especially when I’m away from my daughter. And honestly, that can be hard. The guilt creeps in. The “shoulds” pile up. But I also know how important it is to carve out time for me. Not just as a mom or a business owner—but as a woman who needs friendships, creativity, and moments of personal joy. I think this group of like-minded moms is going to be just that: a chance to reconnect, to take a break from the everyday, and maybe even make some new friends along the way.

If you’ve been in a season of all work and no play (or all parenting and no pause), maybe this is your sign to pick up a book, join a group, or do that thing you’ve been putting off for “someday.” Similar to golf, you don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to start.

 

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