Casual Friday Golf began with a simple idea: to combine our love for golf with a mission to spark meaningful change. As we reflected on our own mental health journeys, we recognized the parallels between the game of golf and the mental tools needed for everyday life. We’re dedicated to delivering unique experiences that go beyond the game. Through golf, we aim to inspire connection, mindfulness, and a deeper focus on mental and physical well-being. These values extend off the course, where golf becomes more than a game, it becomes a powerful tool for self-care.
Through our brand, we’re not just sharing our love for golf; we’re advocating for the belief that mental health deserves the same care and attention as any other aspect of our lives. Golf is our vehicle, but the destination is a world where mental well-being is prioritized, celebrated, and shared.
We bring this mission to life by offering:
Mental health challenges affect millions of people every day, yet too often, they remain hidden in silence. We are driven by the belief that mental health is health, and it deserves to be nurtured and celebrated just like physical health.
By weaving mental health awareness into the fabric of our brand, we aim to create a safe, supportive space where individuals feel seen, valued, and encouraged to care for their mental well-being. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, using golf to unwind, or spending time with others, we believe it’s important to prioritize your mental health every day.
Golf is a journey that mirrors life. It's full of challenges, moments of reflection, and opportunities for growth. Each round teaches us to stay focused, adapt to the unexpected, and embrace the present moment. It’s a unique blend of physical effort and mental clarity, where every swing offers a lesson.
The camaraderie shared on the course creates a supportive environment where vulnerability feels natural. Whether you’re a lifelong golfer or picking up a club for the first time, we believe the game can be a powerful tool, helping us navigate life's ups and downs with confidence.
Our team is certified in Mental Health First Aid, giving us the tools to recognize signs of mental health challenges and provide initial support when it matters most.
We’re also certified to teach Mental Health First Aid, so you can get certified directly through us - equipping you or your team with the same skills.
Hi, I’m Emma Groom, and I started Casual Friday Golf because I believe golf can be more than a game. To explain why, I want to share a little of my story.
Where It All Started
I grew up in Minnesota, where golf was a family affair. As a kid, I was more interested in chasing turtles than perfecting my swing, but the game stuck with me. Over time, I competed in junior tournaments, high school golf, and eventually played Division 1 in college.
Golf gave me structure and identity. I loved the challenge, but I didn’t realize how much of my identity had become tied to performance. When a herniated disc sidelined me physically, it triggered a season of anxiety and self-doubt I didn’t know how to navigate.
The Turning Point
During my junior year of college, I had my first panic attack. I thought it was a heart attack and ended up in the ER. That moment taught me that anxiety can affect your physical health and daily life in big ways. I had to step away from competition and start taking care of my mental health.
With the support of my family, friends, and coach, I began rebuilding. I learned that mental health, like physical health, requires daily attention and care.
Life After Golf
When college ended, so did the structure that had guided most of my life. I entered the workforce, but something was missing. I didn't know who I was without golf in my life. For the first time, I wasn’t “Emma the golfer.” I was just… Emma.... and I didn’t really know who that was yet.
Those years away from the game taught me a lot about myself... about identity and about what truly matters when the thing that once defined you is gone.
Rediscovering the Game
In 2023, I picked up my clubs again. This time for fun. No pressure. Just me and the game I once loved. That summer, I qualified for both the U.S. Women’s Am and the U.S. Women’s Mid-Am. My swing didn't change, my mindset did. Golf had become a tool to support my mental health, not define it. I was having FUN again!
That experience reignited my passion and led me to start Casual Friday Golf.
Why Casual Friday Golf Exists
Casual Friday Golf was born from a desire to turn personal challenges into purpose. We’re here to normalize conversations around mental health through golf and help people build the tools they need to thrive.
That’s why we’re launching Wellness Workshops. We combine golf, movement, and mindfulness to give people tools for their mental and physical well-being.
Another big part of our mission is Mental Health First Aid. MHFA is like CPR, but for the mind. It’s a nationally recognized training program that teaches people how to:
I’m proud to be a certified MHFA instructor, actively teaching and certifying others. This work is deeply personal to me because I know how powerful it is to feel seen, supported, and equipped to handle life’s challenges.
The more people who are trained, the stronger and more compassionate our communities become.
Living with Lupus
In March of 2025, my life took another unexpected turn. I was diagnosed with Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs.
I spent two weeks in the hospital, and everything changed. Now, I manage:
It’s been a major adjustment, physically and mentally. There are many days I don’t feel like myself, and I’m still learning how to exist with this new reality. I've learned a lot of tools over the years and they've helped me face this challenge with resilience, even when it’s hard. That doesn't mean I'm always positive. I still have my moments, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I want to be honest about the ups and downs along the way.
This is just another reason why I’m even more committed to this work. I know what it’s like to struggle and I want to help others find strength and hope in their own journey.
What I’ve Learned
Golf taught me that you don’t quit after a bad shot, you regroup and try again. The same goes for life.
You Are Not Alone
No matter where you are, on or off the course, your mental health matters.
If my story resonates with you, I hope you’ll join us - whether it’s through a workshop or MHFA class, a conversation, or simply finding joy in the things that make you feel like you again.
Enjoy the walk,
Emma
Founder, Casual Friday Golf
Our core values guide everything we do
We prioritize mental health and see challenges as opportunities for growth. By valuing the balance between mental, physical, and emotional well-being, we remind ourselves to stay present and take each day one step at a time.
Passion fuels everything. We believe in putting heart and purpose into every action. Love what you do and have fun doing it.
We believe every win deserves recognition — big or small. By sharing the success of others, expressing gratitude, and uplifting one another, we build a supportive and joyful community.
Integrity and accountability guide us. We act with purpose, take responsibility for our actions, and stay loyal to what matters most — our mission, our team, and the community we serve.
We approach the world with empathy, openness, and a genuine desire to understand. By listening, learning, and exploring new perspectives, we create meaningful connections and continue growing as individuals and as a community.
