Today we’d like to introduce you to Hetal Acharekar.
Hi Hetal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Tee It Up Ladies started from a simple but powerful observation: many women were interested in golf, movement, and being active—but felt intimidated, out of place, or unsure where to begin. As a physical therapist and lifelong movement professional, I’ve spent years working with women who wanted to feel stronger, more confident, and more connected to their bodies, especially as they moved into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Golf kept coming up—not just as a sport, but as a social and emotional outlet that many women felt excluded from.
I saw an opportunity to change that narrative.
Tee It Up Ladies was created as a welcoming, judgment-free space where women could learn golf fundamentals, build physical confidence, and connect with other like-minded women—without pressure, comparison, or the “old boys’ club” feel. The focus was never just on the swing. It was about movement, community, and empowerment.
What began as a small idea quickly grew into something bigger. Women showed up not only to learn golf, but to move better, laugh more, and support one another. Over time, Tee It Up Ladies evolved into a community that blends golf education, fitness, wellness, and social connection—meeting women where they are and encouraging them to keep showing up for themselves.
Today, Tee It Up Ladies continues to grow as a platform that empowers women to try new things, stay active, and build confidence—on the course and beyond. It’s proof that when women are given the right environment, they don’t just participate—they thrive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many women-led businesses—especially those entering traditionally male-dominated spaces—there were moments of doubt, resistance, and closed doors. As a woman of color, approaching golf courses and decision-makers came with its own challenges. Not everyone immediately understood the vision, and at times it felt harder to be taken seriously or to even get a meeting.
In the early days, the biggest hurdle was access—finding a golf course and leadership willing to take a chance on a women-focused, inclusive concept that didn’t fit the traditional mold. There were conversations that went nowhere and ideas that were politely dismissed. That could have been discouraging, but it also reinforced why Tee It Up Ladies was needed.
The turning point came when one coach and course manager said yes. That single opportunity created momentum. Once women showed up, engaged, and proved the demand for a supportive, empowering space, attitudes began to shift. Word spread, trust grew, and more doors opened.
Those early challenges shaped the foundation of Tee It Up Ladies. They strengthened my resilience, clarified the mission, and reminded me that meaningful change often starts with one person willing to listen—and one community ready to grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of Tee it Up Ladies . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tee It Up Ladies is a women-centered golf and wellness community designed to make the game more accessible, inclusive, and empowering—especially for women who may have felt intimidated, excluded, or unsure where to begin. At its core, the brand blends golf instruction, movement education, and community connection in a way that feels supportive rather than competitive.
What sets Tee It Up Ladies apart is that we don’t just teach golf—we build confidence. Our programs are intentionally designed to meet women where they are, whether they’re picking up a club for the first time or returning to the game after years away. Sessions integrate golf fundamentals with mobility, strength, balance, and injury-prevention principles, all informed by my background as a licensed physical therapist. This approach helps women move better, feel safer, and enjoy the game longer.
We’re known for creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment. There’s no pressure to perform, no comparison, and no expectation to “fit in.” Instead, women are encouraged to learn at their own pace, support one another, and rediscover joy in movement and sport. That sense of belonging is just as important as the technical skills.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. Tee It Up Ladies has become a space where women feel seen, supported, and empowered—on and off the course. Many participants come for golf but stay for the connection, confidence, and personal growth.
What I want readers to know is that Tee It Up Ladies is more than a golf program. It’s a movement centered on active aging, confidence, and community. Whether someone is looking to try golf, improve mobility, stay active, or simply find a supportive group of women, Tee It Up Ladies offers an experience that prioritizes health, empowerment, and fun—without intimidation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe luck has played a role—but not in the way people often think. What looks like “good luck” from the outside has usually been the result of preparation, persistence, and showing up even when outcomes were uncertain. At the same time, there have been moments of “bad luck” that turned out to be redirection.
My background in physical therapy and building PerformanceAbove LLC shaped how I view opportunity. Running a brick-and-mortar physical therapy practice taught me discipline, problem-solving, and how to build trust one relationship at a time. It also exposed me to real-world challenges—injuries, aging, setbacks, and resilience—which deeply informed how I approached Tee It Up Ladies. That experience wasn’t luck; it was earned knowledge that later became an advantage.
There were times when doors didn’t open, plans changed, or timing felt off. In hindsight, those moments forced me to slow down, refine the vision, and build something more sustainable and aligned. When opportunities did arise—meeting the right coach, finding a course partner, or connecting with women who believed in the mission—I was ready to act because of the foundation already in place.
If there’s any “luck” involved, it’s the ability to recognize opportunity when it shows up and the willingness to work for it. My journey through PerformanceAbove and Tee It Up Ladies has reinforced that success is rarely accidental—it’s built through consistency, courage, and staying committed to a purpose bigger than yourself.
Pricing:
- 4-5 sessions: $254
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.performanceabove.com/tee-it-up-ladies
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teeitupladies/?next=%2F&hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teeitupladies/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hetal-hay-th-ul-acharekar-74739412/
