In recognition of Women's Golf Day on Tuesday, June 2, Soft Life Swing Society and Fir State Golf Club invited women of all experience levels to join them for an evening of golf instruction, community, and play at Meadow Park Golf Course in Tacoma, Wash.
The collaboration between the two organizations began during the pandemic in the early part of this decade, when Fir State Golf Club and Jenefeness Franke, founder of Soft Life, partnered to create a series of free golf clinics specifically designed for women.
Initially, four women gathered outdoors to safely learn the game while building friendships, confidence, and community during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. Many participants had never picked up a golf club before, and what began as a response to a difficult season quickly evolved into something much bigger.
That partnership has continued to grow ever since.
"During COVID, people were looking for connection, fresh air, and something positive to focus on," said William Patterson, former president of Fir State Golf Club and lead instructor for the original women's clinics. "Golf gave us a unique opportunity to bring women together safely while teaching a game that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Watching those first four cohorts develop confidence, friendships, and a love for the game was incredibly rewarding. What started as a few free clinics became a movement, and I'm proud to see that work continuing and growing today."
For Jenefeness Franke, those early clinics helped spark a passion that would eventually become a thriving community of women embracing golf as a form of self-care, personal growth, and connection.
"A few years ago, I was golfing maybe four or five times a year," said Franke. "Now, I play several times a week and have fallen completely in love with the game. But what I love most isn't the score. It's the community. It's the confidence. It's the friendships. During the pandemic, we realized women needed connection, and golf provided that. Soft Life Swing Society was born from that experience. We want every woman to know that she belongs on the golf course exactly as she is – whether she's never held a club before or she's chasing her next birdie."
The partnership represents a unique blend of history and innovation.
Founded in 1947, Fir State Golf Club has spent nearly eight decades creating opportunities for minority golfers and preserving the legacy of Black golf in the Pacific Northwest. Soft Life Swing Society builds upon that foundation by introducing new women to the game through a culture centered on wellness, confidence, joy, and belonging.
Together, the two organizations are helping redefine what golf looks like for today's women.
Women's Golf Day Celebration at Meadow Park
To celebrate Women's Golf Day, participants began the evening at the driving range at Meadow Park Golf Course where they received golf instruction from experienced golfers and mentors in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment.
Following the instruction session, participants headed out to the Williams Nine course to play together, learn golf etiquette, gain on-course experience, and enjoy the game in a supportive atmosphere.
The event was designed to remove barriers, reduce intimidation, and create opportunities for women to learn and play at their own pace.
Event Details
Women's Golf Day Celebration
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
6:00 PM
Meadow Park Golf Course – Driving Range & Williams Nine
Tacoma, Washington
About Fir State Golf Club
Fir State Golf Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1947 and one of the Pacific Northwest's oldest African American golf organizations. Dedicated to investing in future generations through golf, the club provides instruction, competitive opportunities, scholarships, mentorship, and community engagement while preserving the rich legacy of Black golf.
About Soft Life Swing Society
Founded by Jenefeness Franke, Soft Life Swing Society is a community-centered golf movement dedicated to introducing Black women and women of color to the game through confidence, wellness, friendship, and joy. Through clinics, social events, mentorship, and weekly play opportunities, the organization helps women transition from curious beginners to confident lifelong golfers. Contact Franke at thejenefeness@gmail.com or 614-595-0784.