Meredith Otero

For decades, conversations around women in the golf industry have centered on the idea of “breaking the glass ceiling.” It’s a powerful image, but it also implies that success is rare — that women must push through something invisible yet impenetrable to make it to the top.

The truth is, most women in golf aren’t trying to shatter anything. They’re trying to build something: better systems, stronger teams, and more inclusive workplaces. The real opportunity for progress lies not only in putting women in the highest roles but in building a more supportive foundation at every level of the industry.

Where My Story Started

When I graduated college, I didn’t have a clear career plan ahead of me. My first “real” job was at the front desk of a private golf club — answering phones, greeting members, and soaking up everything I could about an industry I barely knew.

Within a few months, I was hooked. Golf wasn’t just a game; it was a community, and I loved being part of the engine that made that community run.

I was fortunate to work alongside an incredible mentor early on — an extremely intelligent, driven woman with deep roots across several sectors of the golf industry — who saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself.

With her guidance, I moved into membership and communications, learning that every interaction — every event, every conversation, and every follow-up — could strengthen or weaken a member’s sense of belonging. Those lessons gave me the confidence to step into two Director roles over the next eight years: first in Membership Sales, then in Marketing, Communications, and Event Planning — positions I never would have envisioned for myself when I first sat behind that front desk.

Eventually, I took a step back to start a family, but that decision didn’t pull me out of the industry. It redirected me toward the work I do now: helping clubs and professionals build stronger systems, improve communication, and create more intentional cultures through the services Bloom Golf Partners offers.

What I’ve Learned Along the Way

Looking back, what stands out most isn’t the ceiling I had to break through — it’s the foundation that was built underneath me.

A supportive mentor.

Leaders who listened.

A culture that valued ideas over titles.

That’s what made advancement possible, and it’s the kind of support so many women in golf still hope to find in their corner.

When we talk about “women in leadership,” we often spotlight the outliers: the first female superintendent, the first woman GM, the one who made it through. But progress doesn’t only happen at the top. It happens in the middle — in the quiet spaces where women are building skills, growing confidence, and influencing culture every day.

The middle is where clubs are made stronger. It’s where women develop the operational insight, communication skills, and emotional intelligence that shape the member experience.

What We Heard in the Women in Golf Series

Through our Leadership on the Links: Women in Golf podcast series at Bloom Golf Partners, we’ve had the privilege of hearing dozens of women share their stories — from those just starting out to those leading at the highest levels of the industry. Despite their different paths, a common thread emerged: almost no one “planned” their way into golf.

Many fell into it by accident — whether through a summer job, an internship, or a mentor who saw potential they hadn’t considered. That alone points to the challenge: for too long, golf hasn’t presented itself as a visible or viable career path for women. The path exists, but it’s narrow, unclear, and often discovered by chance.

If the industry wants to attract and retain more women, we can’t just focus on helping them rise; we have to make it easier to start. That means better visibility into golf careers early on — from marketing and HR to agronomy and operations — and investing in mentorship and sponsorship programs that provide guidance and advocacy at every level.

Building Better Foundations

The clubs that are thriving today aren’t waiting for ceilings to break. They’re intentionally building better foundations, creating environments where women see long-term careers — not just short-term jobs. They’re rethinking hiring practices, reviewing pay equity, and celebrating contributions across departments — not just from the GM’s chair.

Every club has a choice: build a culture where talent must fight to be seen, or one where potential is cultivated early and often.

Looking Forward

If you had told me 15 years ago that a front desk job would lead me to a career in golf, I probably would have laughed. But that’s the beauty of this industry — the people who stay do so because they care deeply about what they’re building.

For me, it’s no longer about breaking through. It’s about helping others see what’s possible when the foundation is strong — when we create space for more women to grow, lead, and thrive in golf careers they didn’t even know existed.

Because when that happens, it’s not just the ceiling that shifts — it’s the entire structure of the industry.