Ladies' Day--Uh, Weekend (Part 2)

     There are a lot of women out there.  I know, I see them every day. What I don't see is more of them out playing golf.  There are a lot of reasons for this, I am sure but my question is how can we get new women players to take up the game? There are a few things we can do.  Even I as a non-professional golfer can help.
      How many moms drive their junior girl or boy out to the driving range for a lesson?  Many times the mom stays for the lesson for the hour it lasts.  Many times you see them out there with their book or tablet reading or just killing time until their junior's lesson is over. The golf pro giving the lesson should be aware of the fact that the parent is a golfer or a non-golfer. Many parents are golfers but a good percentage of them are not but still transport their kids to the course for a lesson or to the course for a junior tournament.
      Here comes the hard part.  A lot of you pros aren't going to like this because it may involve stepping out of your comfort zone. Remember, mom is sitting in her chair probably bored to tears. Why not casually ask her this question, "Do you play golf?"  See, that wasn't that hard, was it? You have opened the door.
      Many parents will say yes, but I am willing to guess many will say no. Think about what just happened either way. If the mom said no, why not?  This is a great time to begin a conversation to get them playing. It may take some effort and a few tries with time as well as a lot of encouragement over the course of the series of the junior's lessons, but it is well worth it. Why not take a minute and involve the mom in one of the junior's lessons. It is a wise investment as the mom may get hooked and book lessons for themselves. As one of my colleagues has said, "Put a club in their hand." After all, in most cases they are just sitting there bored to tears.
     The PGA has a program that is called Get Golf Ready.  The program is basically for all golfers but why not have women only groups?  Let's face it guys, we can be intimidating even in a beginner's setting. Women may feel more comfortable learning the game with other women. These Get Golf Ready groups provide a series of lessons that start from the absolute beginning and not only cover the swing, but the whole golf culture from the beginning. Programs don't have to be associated with the PGA.  Courses can be creative and start their own.
      The biggest hurdle to these programs becoming successful is promoting them.  If you hide them, you won't get ladies participating. Even though you create or implement a program, it may not be successful. "If you build it, they will come." doesn't apply.  Don't hide them, promote them.
       In past posts I have talked about creating a mentoring program for new golfers.  This is a critical part of growing the game, especially with women. Women who are already playing golf should come along side those just starting and mentor them through possible speed bumps to becoming successful and enjoying the game. WE need to make sure that new golfers, men and women know that just like anything else there is a learning curve involved.  They also must know that there is no "perfect" in golf. One idea must be stressed as a priority, and that is that golf is a lot of fun, not a chore.
      There is a myriad of things that can be done to bring women into golf. By the way, if you have an idea feel free to comment or send me a blog post at golfisforeveryonemd@gmail.com.  I would be happy to post it.  We need some great suggestions.

Wow, I really hit that one pure. Two hundred fifty yards right down the middle.