Swing Into Sisterhood

Jackie Goergen
Sep 2
4 min read

What started as one woman’s dream to make golf more fun, social, and inclusive has turned into a powerhouse community with over 3,000 Instagram followers and counting. Lady Links of Buffalo, founded by Dana Szymkowiak, is shaking up the old notion that “golf is just a good walk spoiled.”

On July 14, 2025, Lady Links celebrates two years of teeing up good times. Inspired by a family full of golfers, Dana created Lady Links to be more than a game. It’s a warm and welcoming space for women who are picking up a club for the first time, getting back into the swing of it, or just looking to make some amazing new friends.

With events that mix skill-building with plenty of laughs, Lady Links is where friendships flourish and confidence grows both on and off the green.

“Golf can be intimidating. It’s still such a male-dominated sport. I wanted to build something different! A safe, fun space where women can show up, learn, laugh, and feel like they belong.” - Dana

JOIN THE FUN

Lady Links focuses on making golf fun, accessible, and affordable for everyone. Throughout the year, members can attend group lessons and clinics. Once players grasp the basics, they’re encouraged to book individual lessons with one of the many PGA professionals who partner with Lady Links—pros who love what they do, getting new people “hooked” on golf.

No clubs? No problem. Some participating courses and ranges offer rentals, and Lady Links also keeps a donated set of right-handed clubs on hand for events (just give a heads-up in advance). Starting with a beginner set is a smart, budget-friendly way to learn. As you start finding your swing, you can upgrade piece by piece—maybe a new driver here, a favorite hybrid there. Ask friends what they love, or book a fitting session to find clubs that match your game.

Even with the right set of clubs and lessons, many women are hesitant to hit the course. That’s why Lady Links created a laid-back, non-competitive summer league June through September, in which women sign up to play weekly. Experienced and new players support one another—fostering a judgment-free, encouraging environment.

“I genuinely can’t believe how many wonderful friends I’ve made from Lady Links and how supportive and warm the environment always is at all of our events. Lady Links has given me so many opportunities to learn and improve my game! It’s gotten me to love golf even more!” - Luci Ellis

FROM SCRAMBLE TO SOCIAL

Like the game itself, Lady Links just keeps gaining momentum. What started in 2023 with just a handful of women meeting up to play—sometimes as few as 8 to 12—has grown into a thriving community. Fast forward to June 3, 2025, and the Women’s Golf Day Tournament at Ironwood Golf Course welcomed 140 women, making it the group’s biggest event yet.

One of the most memorable outings? Birdies, Bites, and Botox—a lively, social event that highlights Dana’s dedication to supporting local and women-owned businesses. These creative partnerships have helped Lady Links build stronger community roots and a growing network of like-minded women.

Not even Buffalo’s unpredictable weather can slow things down. The Lady Links & Drinks nights at The Dome on Wehrle regularly draw more than 60 women for casual swings, conversation, and connection. Off-season meetups at local golf simulators keep the energy going year-round, helping players stay sharp and keep friendships strong.

As member, Sheleka Massey puts it, “My favorite outings so far are the ones held at the Dome. It has allowed me to meet new women who share this passion with me. Everyone is so encouraging, friendly, and inspiring. At the last event, I was able to exchange numbers with another Lady Link babe. I am so excited to get out on the course and learn from each other. I love that these women help to build your confidence and also celebrate your wins. If you love the game of golf and want to play with uplifting, motivating, inspiring women—these ladies are your tribe.”

Level Up Your Game

Since Lady Links provides so many opportunities to play consistently, golfers improve. Lady Links helps women embrace their competitive spirit with casual, fun tournament formats—usually 9-hole scrambles where everyone hits and the group plays the best ball. Dana hosts monthly themed scramble tournaments at their Monday Ladies League. Look for an End of Summer 9-Hole Scramble at Diamond Hawk Golf Course in September.

For most, these tournaments aren’t about the leaderboard. They’re about laughter, teamwork, and simply enjoying the day. In 2024, Lady Links sponsored the Olmsted Open at Delaware Park, raising funds to support Buffalo’s public parks. “This cause is near and dear to me,” Dana says. “These public parks and golf courses are such a great way for new golfers to get out on the course affordably.”

Although golfers will remember their best rounds, they quickly forget their score, whether accomplished or mediocre, as they book their next tee time. Lady Links golfer, Chloe Benzin, says it best, “I found Lady Links of Buffalo on a whim! Showed up to Wehrle Golf Dome on a random Friday night and found the best community. I truly think everything happens for a reason, and that was no coincidence! I’ve made so many new friends, connected with like-minded women, and fell in love with the game of golf. It’s a sport that has truly inspired me. You’ll always have good shots and bad shots, but it really is you vs. you every time you step on the course.”

Event announcements are shared on Instagram and Facebook, and as friendships grow, players often coordinate their own tee times to explore new courses or return to old favorites. Lady Links helps make that easy with group chats and email lists so players can connect and plan their next round together.

FREQUENT FAVES FROM THE LADY LINKS CREW

For Newer Players

Delaware Park - Buffalo

Kis-N-Greens - Alden

Deerwood - Tonawanda

Audubon Par 3 -Williamsville

Bob-O Links - Orchard Park

Intermediate

Ironwood - Cowlesville

Buffalo Tournament Club - Lancaster

Dande Farms - Akron

Rothland Golf Course - Akron

Niagara County Golf Course - Lockport

For the More Experienced

Links at Ivy Ridge - Akron

Glen Oak - East Amherst

Harvest Hill - Orchard Park

Diamond Hawk - Cheektowaga

Terry Hills - Batavia