Movers And Shakers: Alissa Kacar

By: Joe Cardoso

The year 2021 for most of us has been a year full of ups and downs and a lot of change. Whatever the reason is when we move outside of our comfort zone things can be scary and we need something or someone to keep us grounded. With the year coming to an end we get to know a rising star in two worlds which are golf and social media. Who would have thought that a cross-country move would result in finding a new passion and career? We go to San Diego and introduce you to Alissa Kacar.

Joe Cardoso: Let’s start at the beginning. How were you introduced to the game of golf? How did you get the idea to start sharing your journey learning the game?

Alissa Kacar: In June 2018, I moved across the country to San Diego from New Jersey for a change and to experience living in a new city! I spent my first few months in California getting settled into my new home and making new friends. It was these new friends that took me out on a golf course for the first time just over 3 years ago. When I took my first swing at a golf ball (and missed it wildly by the way), something told me that I had found a game that was going to take me on a wild journey. I didn’t realize at the time just how much fun and a part of my life the quest to master my new “beautiful game” would become! Even having been involved in sports all my life, I didn’t know much about golf. It always seemed a bit exclusive and intimidating to me. Not something that could be so athletically challenging and mentally complex, but yet so social, welcoming, and fun! I did recognize though that this was a sport I would be able to play for the rest of my life.

I was lucky enough to get invited back to play another day, and I started to figure out the basics with the help of my gracious (and super patient) hosts. I was hooked! I just loved it. I started taking lessons and practicing at the driving range as regularly as I could. And being part of the social media generation, I documented my highs and lows via posts on Instagram, “A beginner’s journey to mastering golf.” Almost immediately, people started posting comments offering me encouragement and lots of helpful tips to improve my swing. It was awesome. The golf community was not the exclusive or intimidating group I had I thought; they were welcoming and supportive and nice! So much so, that I decided to create a new Instagram account (@NewLadyGolfer) where I continued to document my journey as a beginner golfer. I started out by posting pictures and stories of myself working on my swing and documenting my progress (or lack thereof). Over time I was able to share small achievements and some minor milestones that were all HUGE to me!

It’s been about 3 years since I started playing and I find it more exhilarating every day, in large part because everyone around me (on the course and online) is so incredibly encouraging and supportive of my golf journey. My following on Instagram continues to grow, and so does the level of positive engagement I get. It makes me even more motivated and inspired to want to improve my game. It has also become a mechanism for me to reach back to people that connect with me who are considering taking up golf, and I tell them all to absolutely do it!! Don’t be intimidated, this is an awesome game and a truly special community to become a part of!

JC: Social Media is such a huge part of our lives today. How do you maintain a good balance between it and “real life”?

AK: Since the inception of @newladygolfer it has always been a top priority of mine to genuinely share who I am and take people along on my golf journey, wherever that path may lead. I’d like to think that if someone met me in person, they’d find me to be the exact same person they see in my daily posts, on and off the golf course. My Instagram has a strong focus on my golf-related content, but I also enjoy giving the IG community a glance into other areas of my life and interests, like fitness and travel. I will periodically share about my personal life, and in doing that, my hope is to show my audience additional layers of who I am as a person, outside of my work in the golf media space.

JC: Even non-golf fans know about the Farmers Insurance Open. Being the FIRST social media host, how did that come about?

AK: I was very fortunate to get this incredible opportunity early on in my golf journey through social media. The Century Club of San Diego, the non-profit organization that runs the Farmers Insurance Open, wanted to find a way to tap into the SoCal lifestyle crowd that enjoys fun, social, outdoor events. The organization’s 2020 president, Tim Young, reached out to learn more about what I was doing with the game of golf and the idea of using me as the tournament’s host was developed to bridge the gap between the audience they wanted to reach and the incredible event that is the Farmers Insurance Open. My role heavily focused on fan engagement and getting the crowd important information they needed in order to have the best possible experience for them personally, while on-site at Torrey Pines. During last year’s tournament, I got to do some player interviews and that was really fun. The 2022 FIO will be my third year in the role and I am looking forward to it being the best year yet.

JC: Has it led to other opportunities to host other events?

AK: It has! Earlier this year I got to work my first LPGA event, the Kia Classic and then I checked off a major goal of mine for 2021, which was to do media work for the US Open that was held at Torrey Pines in June. I also host a monthly golf tv show called Golf Life, which airs nationwide on Bally’s Sports. I am excited to work closely with my agency, Digital Golf Collective, on sourcing new hosting opportunities in 2022!

JC: Travel and fitness are two of your other passions, what is it about them you love?

AK: What is not to love about traveling?! I enjoy visiting new places and almost always connect with golf courses and other golf personalities in the cities I visit. I’ve played some incredible courses in Bermuda, Japan, and the Bahamas to name a few, and have made some great friends through travel and golf. Fitness has been a part of my life since my teenage years. It was necessary then to excel as an athlete in high school and in college, but now I enjoy using it to stay healthy and fit into my adult years. I love doing pilates and strength training and also enjoy running and hiking.

JC: What is your approach when picking the perfect outfit for a day on the links?

AK: I am so fortunate to work with some amazing apparel brands that are always coming out with new fun styles for the golf course that not only look great but are also functional. I love wearing bright colors and patterns. We are getting into the mild winter months now in San Diego, so I will usually plan accordingly based on the forecast for the day and pack layers. Brands are starting to make more appealing golf pants for women which is great for cooler temps and I love a good ¾ zip and a vest for warmth. In the Spring and Summer, I love wearing golf skirts and dresses.

JC: How do you come up with ideas for the content you create?

AK: Consistently coming up with creative, relevant, educational, and entertaining content that is real and genuine is a daily challenge. One of the main foundations of my overall content strategy is sharing my golf journey, so creating content around the lessons with my coach and then playing on the course provides a wealth of content. I also like to come up with fun on-course ideas with my playing partners and I’m fortunate to work with some amazing brands, so I’ll create a lot of content showcasing golf products and apparel. Additionally, I find inspiration from fellow content creators in and out of the golf space and love collaborating with others.

Bonus Questions:

JC: In 2022 what are 3 things you want to accomplish?

Finally, break 80, Play golf in Ireland, Get my first eagle

JC: Who is Alissa Kacar?

AK: An energetic, fun, happy woman who wakes up every morning smiling, full of gratitude, and excited for what the new day holds

It’s pretty amazing what you can accomplish when you take a leap and do something new. I want to thank Alissa for her time and for all you golf fans and travel junkies make sure you follow her on socials:
Email: newladygolfer@gmail.com
Instagram: @newladygolfer
TikTok: @newladygolfer
Facebook: Alissa Kacar @newladygolfer
LinkedIn: Alissa Kacar
Twitter: @new_ladygolfer