Northern California golf influencer Judy Tran’s journey to the fairway is anything but traditional.
Raised in Vietnam, she immigrated to the United States at age 10, eventually settling in Los Angeles before moving to the Bay Area during the pandemic. Fluent in four languages with a background in finance, Judy pivoted to a career in commerce and tech, looking for a fresh start after feeling burned out in her work and relationships. In 2021, she was introduced to the world of golf by a friend and a single session on the driving range changed everything. What began as a personal escape quickly blossomed into a passion—and a platform.
Now a rising golf influencer and entrepreneur, Tran is using her voice and vision to reshape the culture around women in golf. She co-founded the Golden Bay Women’s Golf Club, a community built to empower and connect female golfers, and launched her own clothing brand, Hirondelle Golf, focused on stylish, functional gear for women and juniors. In a Q&A with us, Judy shares how golf helped her heal, grow and inspire others to find their place in the game.
Question: What is your golf origin story?
Judy Tran: I started getting into golf during COVID-19. At the time, I didn’t realize how much I was struggling mentally until the pandemic amplified everything. I needed something to ground me - so I picked up golf. It quickly became more than just a hobby; it turned into my form of therapy.
Q: How did you get into the golf influencer space?
JT: I never really set out to become a creator. I had just moved to the Bay Area and didn’t know many people to golf with, so I started an account to document my journey. Over time, it started to grow and connect with others - and here we are!
Q: What is your favorite type of content to make?
JT: I love sharing new golf courses, documenting my golf journey to get better and showing how fun golf can be. I never expected my content to resonate with so many people, but I’ve had friends pick up golf just because of how approachable and fun I made it look. The content that usually does best is the funny, lighthearted stuff - I love creating moments that make people smile.
Q: Tell us about your clothing line - what inspired you for starting it?
JT: When I first started golfing, I had no idea there was a dress code. I wore whatever I had because nothing in the golf shops ever fit me right. I’ve always seen golf as a competitive sport, so when I couldn’t find clothing that felt both flattering and performance-driven, I started sketching ideas on a drawing board. I never imagined launching an apparel brand, but that idea stuck with me from day one. Three years later, I finally brought it to life - designing pieces that help other golfers feel confident, stylish and empowered on the course. It’s truly made by a golfer, for golfers.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for golfers to have a Handicap Index®?
JT: I think it’s really important to have a goal and something to track your progress. Without a system to see how you’re playing over time, it’s hard to know where to start improving. Plus, a Handicap Index is required for a lot of tournaments to keep things fair and accurate. It can definitely feel confusing at first - I’ve been there, but the USGA makes it super easy now. You can register online and their app is actually really user-friendly.
Q: Most important thing in your golf bag?
JT: Definitely sunscreen. But if we are talking clubs, it’s my 58-degree wedge - ride or die!
Q: Any advice for those new to golf or wanting to get into golf - particularly women?
JT: As someone who didn’t have any golf friends when I started, I know how intimidating it can feel - especially as a woman. My advice is to join an online forum or a local women’s golf club to connect with others. Start with some casual range sessions to see how you like it and then find someone to play a relaxed 9-hole round with. One thing I wish I did earlier was take fundamental lessons, whether group or private. They’re so helpful, not just for learning how to swing but for building the confidence to get out on the course. There are more women coaches now too, which is a game-changer when you’re just starting out. Because of my own experience, I started a women’s golf club in the Bay Area to create a safe space where girls can grow and get better together. So if you’re in the Bay - let’s golf!