TAMPA, Fla. — Thousands of fans are expected to turn out this weekend to watch the world’s best golfers compete in the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor. Among the massive crowd is a group of female golfers, who are trying to break the barrier to get more women on the golf course.

When Alex Holian first started golfing, she quickly noticed she was one of a few women out on the course. It’s why she started a chapter of the Ladies Executive Golf Society (LEGS) in Tampa. The group aims to empower women on and off the golf course, while building their business network.

“I think just lowering the barrier to entry into golf is really important,” said Holian, president of LEGS Tampa. “Also, just creating an environment that women feel welcome in. I feel like we’re dropping barriers in so many different aspects of the world and golf is just the next step.”

More women are getting into golf, with a 14% growth over the last three years, according to the National Golf Foundation. Since starting the chapter last July, it’s been steadily growing and is now up to 30 regular members.

“It’s been awesome,” aid Dana Fox, vice president of LEGS Tampa. “We’ve had a really good turnout, every event sells out. We knew the area kind of needs something like this but we didn’t know how well it would go and so it’s been awesome to see everyone turn out and come to our events and really enjoy it. 

With six chapters across Florida, Holian wants to see the organization keep growing and get more women into a sport where most of the stars are men.

“I really just hope we become a household name and become a place that fosters creativity, positivity and networking and engagement,” she said. “I think we’re that already and I can’t wait to see what we transform the rest of the world in to.”

Women of all abilities are welcome to join LEGS. Right now, they’re hosting one event per month but are looking to add up to two every month in the future.