What started with a simple sticker and flyer has grown into a nationwide movement.
When Jillian Johnson moved to Jacksonville, she knew only one person. In her search for a job, she landed an unexpected role—as the first female caddie at TPC Sawgrass. Immersed in the male-dominated world of golf, she kept hearing the same thing from women: "I really want to learn how to golf."
She saw the gap immediately. Men had golf, fishing, and hunting as built-in networking opportunities, but women? They didn’t have the same kind of space. That realization sparked the idea for the Ladies Executive Golf Society (#LEGS) a fun, female-friendly, and inclusive space where women could build confidence both on and off the course.
Now a nationwide movement, #LEGS is empowering women of all skill levels to embrace golf, foster relationships, and open doors to new opportunities. And it all started right here in Northeast Florida.
Women Wanted This—And They Showed Up
Jillian tells us the biggest barrier isn’t just skill—it’s access. Many women feel unsure where to start, afraid of being judged, or overwhelmed by the learning curve.
That’s where #LEGS makes a difference, says Jillian. Instead of the pressure of an 18-hole round during a workday or the need to own clubs, #LEGS events are designed with women in mind—whether it’s an evening scramble, a putting clinic (with wine in hand), or a business networking night on the green. These events create opportunities for women to feel not only welcomed but also supported in ways that fit their schedules. #LEGS members range from executives to stay-at-home moms, from beginners to former collegiate golfers. No matter their background, they’ve made it clear—everyone has a place in this community.
Breaking Barriers & Growing the Game
Jillian says the numbers from the National Golf Foundation tell the story:
Between 2020 and 2022, over 800,000 women took up golf, bringing the total to 6.4 million female golfers in the U.S.
17.3 million women are interested in learning golf.
45% would play if female-focused coaching were available.
50% would start if rental clubs were an option, removing the cost barrier.
Yet many women still feel unwelcome, encountering dismissive attitudes in pro shops or assumptions that they’re just there to ride along. #LEGS is proving otherwise—showing that women belong on the course, not as spectators, but as players, competitors, and leaders.
Building More Than a Game—A Community
For women hesitant to pick up a club, Jillian’s message is simple: You don’t need to be perfect—just show up. Be open, be brave, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
"There is magic that happens on the course, and you might surprise yourself, but you never know unless you try."
The St. Johns County Parks Foundation is proud to recognize Jillian and #LEGS for its commitment to fostering an empowering community for women centered around recreation. Click here to learn more about #LEGS.
Searching for a public golf course in St. Johns County? Recently renovated and reopened in November 2022, the St. Johns Golf Club provides a unique 18-hole golfing experience. To learn more click here.
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