From hard hat to handicap: the construction boss opening up golf to women

by News Editor May 27, 2026

written by News Editor May 27, 2026 3 minutes read

Participants at a ForeHer Collective golf day — the community was founded to give women in construction a welcoming way into the game.

Yoshimi Douglas-Street co-founded Ladies Can Golf and is now building ForeHer Collective, a corporate golf community for women. Wome & Golf caught up with her about the journey.

Yoshimi Douglas-Street picked up the Women & Girls Trailblazer Award at the 2026 England Golf Awards in recognition of her work bringing more women into the game through Ladies Can Golf. Now rebranded as ForeHer Collective, the community she helped create is going from strength to strength. We caught up with her to find out more.

Tell us about your professional background?

I’m an Operations Director for a tier 1 construction company and have worked in the industry for 25 years. Throughout my career I’ve championed Women in Construction and wider diversity and inclusion, drawing on my own journey through a male-dominated sector. I’m regularly invited onto podcasts to discuss these topics and I’m a frequent speaker and panellist at major industry events including the London Build Show and UK Construction Week.

What first got you into golf?

For years I turned down corporate golf days because I assumed you had to be a highly skilled player to take part. Three years ago, I decided to give it a go. I joined a beginner Get into Golf programme, moved through the intermediate and advanced stages, and quickly caught the golf bug.

How did Ladies Can Golf begin?

The idea took shape two years ago. We kept meeting women at different events who were all saying the same thing: “We don’t know any other female golfers who just want to play and have fun.” We started a small group offering 9-and-wine meet-ups, weekly golf-fitness sessions and group coaching. Interest grew organically, and Ladies Can Golf soon became a thriving community.

Yoshimi Douglas-Street, co-founder of ForeHer Collective, who is bringing more women from the construction industry into golf.

What inspired you to set it up?

When we were learning the game, we struggled to find accessible, relaxed women’s golf groups where you could simply turn up, play and enjoy yourself. As we met more women who felt exactly the same, we knew there was a need for a welcoming, confidence-building space. That’s how the Ladies Can Golf community was born.

Tell us about your upcoming events?

We have an exciting calendar ahead. On 24 June we’re at Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club, delivered in partnership with FordParsons — bringing together 60–70 women from across the sector for a day of coaching, play and networking. Then on 22 September we’re at Langdon Hills Golf Club in collaboration with Construction Sport, a mental health and wellbeing charity.

With the construction industry facing some of the highest suicide rates, this mixed-gender event will focus on connection, support and the positive impact golf can have on wellbeing.

Why are these events so important?

They help make corporate golf genuinely accessible for women. By creating safe, supportive environments, we’re enabling more women to feel confident attending golf days without fear of judgement. It’s about opening doors, not raising barriers.

What do participants gain from being part of the community?

The feedback has been incredibly powerful. Women tell us it’s a vibrant, supportive community — a great mix of relaxed networking and learning something new. They talk about leaving with more confidence on the course and brilliant new connections. For many, it’s not just about golf. It’s about belonging, confidence and community.