Women’s Golf Takes Center Stage: WTGL Prepares With Two South Florida Talents

WTGL will begin with five franchises: Atlanta Drive, Boston Common Golf, Los Angeles Golf Club, Motor City Golf Club, and New York Golf Club. Fans can learn more at: www.WTGLgolf.com.

A New Vision for Women’s Golf

I spoke with Rufus Hack, who became President of both the TGL and WTGL a few months ago. Hack shared that the league has been in development for two years in collaboration with the LPGA.

“We have been talking about this league with the LPGA for the last two years,” Hack said. “We have five teams, but we plan to expand.”

Each team features five elite players — among them Celine Boutier, Andrea Lee, Gaby Lopez, Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie West, and Ina Yoon — ensuring that the WTGL’s debut season will showcase some of the most recognizable names in women’s golf.

Nataliya Guseva: A Rising Star

One of the most compelling young talents entering the WTGL is Nataliya Guseva, a 23‑year‑old standout who now lives in Miami and competes for the Atlanta Drive in the WTGL.

“My uncle inspired me to play golf at the age of 7½ in the Czech Republic,” she told me. Nataliya moved to Miami at 17, where she joined the University of Miami women’s golf team. Most of her early role models were male — Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy — though she also admired fellow Floridian Lexi Thompson.

Nataliya played two seasons for the Hurricanes before joining the Epson Tour, the LPGA’s developmental circuit. In 2021, she became the first University of Miami golfer ever named ACC Freshman of the Year. She followed that with a victory at the Women’s Eastern Amateur the next year.

Her 2026 season has been impressive:

• 11th place at the CPKC Women’s Open

• 13th place at both the Riviera Maya Open (Mexico) and the FM Championship (Massachusetts)

• 24th place at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (Minnesota)

Currently ranked #109 in the world, Nataliya is rising quickly — and she is eager to compete indoors for the first time.

“Being on a team is incredibly fun for us golfers,” she said.

Lexi Thompson: A South Florida Favorite

Another player sure to draw local excitement is Lexi Thompson, who competes for Motor City Golf Club. Lexi has lived in Delray Beach for 13 years, having moved from Coral Springs, where she trained at Eagle Trace Golf Club. Her dedication to the sport began early — she started playing at age five with “Snoopy clubs” and completed her schooling online to focus on golf.

Lexi’s family is steeped in the sport: her father played at UCLA, and her brothers Nicholas and Curtis both became professional golfers.

Her accomplishments are extraordinary:

• 11 LPGA Tour victories

• Competed in the U.S. Women’s Open at age 12, shooting 76 and 82.

• Winner of the 2014 Chevron Championship, defeating Michelle Wie West

• Four-time runner-up in major championships, including the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open and 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

Now 31, Lexi continues to balance family and golf. She finished 12th at the 2026 Chevron Championship in Houston and is currently ranked #164 in the world. She is also expecting her first child in February 2027.

When asked about joining the WTGL, Lexi said, “As soon as I heard about the WTGL, it was a no-brainer to join. Any chance when we're able to grow the women's game I think it's our highest priority.” She added that playing with a shot clock will “make it more fun.”

Opening Night Talent

The SoFi Center seats approximately 1,500 fans, and demand is expected to be high. The opening match will feature:

Los Angeles Golf Club: Aki Iwai, Alison Lee, Gaby Lopez, Kiara Romero, & Michelle Wie West

New York Golf Club: Linn Grant, Danielle Kang, Lydia Ko, Yana Wilson, & Rose Zhang

With this level of star power, tickets will be limited — fans should act quickly to secure seats for the inaugural WTGL season.

The WTGL promises fast-paced action, world-class talent, and a groundbreaking new format that will elevate women’s golf. South Florida is fortunate to host this historic launch, and the excitement is already building.

To contact Neil Keller, please visit: www.NeilKeller.com

 Photo Credit: Lori Regent