Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Swenson
Hi Abby, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In March 2024, I established the Northern Greens Golf Collective. As the owner of Great Places Minnesota, a dynamic social media tourism platform that collaborates with over 60 golf courses in the state, I had a keen eye for untapped potential.
My journey began with extensive networking both on and off the green, where I met numerous women eager for golfing experiences. It became clear to me that there was a glaring absence—a centralized platform dedicated to sharing all golf opportunities for women across Minnesota.
Thus, the Northern Greens Golf Collective was born. It serves as a haven for women golf enthusiasts, showcasing local events, clinics, lessons, leagues, and every other local golfing opportunity. This initiative aims not only to promote golfing but also to foster a vibrant community of women passionate about the sport in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Today, I have an ever growing presence on social media and have helped connect many women with lessons and leagues. I’ve planned and sold out two golf trips in Minnesota. I’ve also connected with a local women’s networking group, which I’m partnering with to host a few golf events this year
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest obstacle I faced was choosing a name for my business. I began brainstorming this idea in September 2023. I wanted a name that represented Minnesota in some way but wasn’t so directly tied to Minnesota, and one that captured the broader purpose beyond just being a golf club. I also wanted to ensure the name was inclusive and didn’t have a strong feminine essence. Initially, I named it Northern Greens Ladies Club, but after consulting with my core group of golf friends, one friend Ann, provided valuable insight. She pointed out that while men have their “X Golf Club,” women are often relegated to “X Ladies Golf Club.” This feedback led me to rename it to Golf Collective. Once people see my branding, website, and social media, it will be clear who my target audience is and that this collective encompasses more than just golf.
Since launching two months ago, I feel like I’ve found success. I have an amazing support group that has shared my business and posts within their networks. I’ve discovered new ways to market my business, and there’s no better time than now as the golf season is just getting started.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Northern Greens Golf Collective?
My business is dedicated to listing all golf opportunities for women in Minnesota. We feature a variety of options, including free clinics, paid clinics, group lessons, and private lessons, events. Additionally, we showcase women-owned golf businesses, from apparel and accessories to national and global golf trips.
We also organize tee times throughout the Twin Cities. When I began golfing, I lacked friends to play with and sought a sense of community. Over the past three years, I discovered many others felt the same way. I typically arrange three consecutive tee times at a local, affordable city course suitable for all skill levels. Afterward, we often gather for a happy hour, providing a fun way to connect with women from different tee times.
We’ve also planned two exciting golf getaways. The first is in July, where 16 of us will head to Breezy Point Resort to play two rounds of golf and enjoy a stay at Deacon’s Lodge, including some pontoon time on the lake. This October, 12 of us will travel to the stunning North Shore for golf at Superior National at Lutsen and some hiking to appreciate the fall foliage, along with other local activities. I wanted to create hybrid trips that offer more than just golf. We’ve secured sponsorships from local and national golf brands, providing fun prizes for on-course games, a putting contest, and swag bags.
What sets us apart is that there is nothing quite like this available. Finding information on golf opportunities for women can be challenging and intimidating. Our goal is to welcome women to the sport, provide opportunities to connect with others, and give them the confidence to invest in a lifelong skill.
I am most proud of the friendships I have made and the connections I’ve seen others form through this golf community. Many women came alone, and through their bravery and curiosity, have built truly special friendships.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If you’re interested in golf, just go for it! Don’t let fear hold you back. There’s a huge, supportive network out there with many women in the same boat. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to start learning. It takes time, patience, and commitment, especially in the first year, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Business wise, if you have an idea and identify an opportunity, you just have to get started, same idea with golf, it takes a lot of time and patience in the beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://northerngreensgolfcollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northerngreensgolfmn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557347171850
