"Doubting My Worthiness - Golf Pro Finds Confidence Through Fashion Photo Session"
The realm of golf media pulsates with social influencers, all sharing their golf odysseys, love for the sport, and tips to help bolster golf participation numbers. One such impactful figure is Sophie Madsen, a 26-year-old PGA trainee professional whose Instagram posts caught the attention of golf apparel brand Stromberg.
Former Welsh amateur star Madsen, who has been swung into the world of golf since her childhood and is now honing her skills to become a PGA golf professional coach at Lilley Brook golf course in Cheltenham, was discovered by the British golf fashion label via an Instagram DM. A marketing executive from Stromberg invited her to a photoshoot for their spring/summer 2025 collection in Spain while she was on a family holiday in Dubai.
"I was relaxing under the sun in Dubai when the message from Stromberg popped up, inviting me to model their upcoming collection," Madsen reminisces. "The shoot was scheduled mere days after I returned from my holiday, and I remember telling my parents that I couldn't miss out on this opportunity."
For Madsen, the prospect of being captured on camera was initially a daunting one, given her past struggles with self-image issues. As a teenager plagued by body wars, stepping onto the photoshoot set was a chance to conquer self-doubt and leave her insecurities behind.
"To be honest, I never dreamt I'd gain the body confidence to do something like this during my teenage years, but I'm overjoyed that I have," Madsen confides. "I hope that these images inspire young girls and women to take up golf."
Madsen shared that the highlight of working with Stromberg's photographer was his ability to encapsulate and represent the carefree, leisurely aspect of golf in the photos. "For me, the most crucial aspect of golf clothing is feeling comfortable," she asserts.
Madsen's collaboration with Stromberg has evolved into an advisory role, offering insights and feedback to the design team for the 2026 collection. "I'm thrilled and humbled that my opinion matters," she gushed. "Golf clothing needs to look good on and off the course. Functionally, it must facilitate effortless swing motion. If you look and feel good, you'll play better golf."
Madsen aims to change the outdated perceptions some older golfers still harbor about dress codes. "I recall my parents, both decent low handicap club golfers, questioning my wardrobe choices when it first became acceptable to wear gym-style leggings for golf," she recalls. "They were both so steeped in the traditions of golf club attire that it took a mental shift for them.
If I were to pick one rule in golf I'd change, it would be the section on dress codes. While I understand the need for decorum, ultimately, we're playing a sport, so we should be free to dress athletically. I'd rephrase the rule to embrace the contemporary dress code for the game."
Away from the golf course, Madsen describes herself as a fashion enthusiast rather than a devoted follower of fashion trends. "I've recently embraced the baggy jeans trend," she laughs. "I lean towards blending in rather than standing out, but I enjoy wearing things that make me feel good."
Madsen's ultimate hope is that her Stromberg images are perceived positively. "It's amusing when people refer to me as a social influencer because I don't see myself in that role at all," she stated. "I strive to be a positive role model for young girls and help create a passion for golf within them."
In her capacity as an ambassador, Madsen coaches weekly beginners groups of women and juniors. It's become a source of profound passion in her endeavors. "Creating content has helped me rediscover my love for golf," she admits. "It has opened up numerous doors of opportunity for me. I'm grateful for that."
Sophie Madsen, in her role as an ambassador for golf, aspires for her work to inspire young girls to take up golf and challenges traditional golf dress codes. She hopes her collaboration with Stromberg, which started as a modeling opportunity, will help create a more athletic and comfortable golf wardrobe. Madsen continues to coach beginners and juniors, rekindling her passion for golf through content creation. Beyond golf, Madsen identifies as a fashion enthusiast who enjoys blending in and feeling good. In the realms of fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle, Madsen's personal growth involves being a positive role model and promoting self-confidence. The sport of golf intertwines with her life, connecting her to brands like Stromberg and offering opportunities for personal development.
