Lady's Day--Uh Weekend (Part 3)

      Golf needs more women playing the game.  In the first two parts of this I have talked about women in the game.  Part two briefly covered some ways to do this. there are a few more ideas that can be done to encourage more women to play the game we all love.  Keep in mind that there are a lot of women who do enjoy the game, but the more the merrier. Playing golf has some wonderful benefits for all players; men, women and juniors whether they be girls or boys.
     What are a few things we can do to draw women into the game and make the game more enjoyable?  In Part 2 I mentioned that we should ask if they play golf and would like to learn. That is a very simple thing to do. There are learning programs that are run by the courses such as GetGolfReady that can be tailored toward beginner women. The big problem here is these programs must be promoted.  There is also a website for women called GolfForHer.com  which is a resource for women. All are great programs that can get women started and make them feel welcomed.
     Why not have special women's events. There can be new takes on the old idea of "Lady's Day" that maybe has a fun format tournament and a wine tasting or fashion show afterwards. We men have our men's club events, why not have more women's club events.  In fact, why not have a women's club?  I know that at a good number of courses there just isn't one. One important key here is that the course has to promote these events to members and guests. If the course is not committed to putting on these events and gets the news out there, they won't get off the ground.
     Junior golf is the future of golf.  We must support it.  Right now, girls are participating in junior golf in a huge way.  This needs to be promoted in all areas from just starting girls into the game with basic lessons to supporting girls tournaments.  Wouldn't it be great if golf became as successful in drawing girls into golf as the other sports such as soccer and softball?   Golf is a lifelong sport and unlike soccer or softball, women can keep playing all their lives competitively at a high level. My daughter played competitive golf from junior girls tournaments to her college years and still loves to play.
     Hey guys, have you ever considered playing a round of golf with your wife or girlfriend?  How about a golf vacation? For some, that may be a very foreign idea but try it sometime.  I'm sure she would appreciate it. You never know, you may truly enjoy it. She's not invading your space or kingdom, just wants to be a part of it. Besides, you don't have to play together all the time.  She may not want to play golf with you all the time. She may have a group of women she enjoys playing with just as you have your "golf buddies". Make it a point to play golf together with your wife or girlfriend.  It is time well spent together. Please do not give your wife lessons unless she asks guys.  Let the Pro handle that.  It may save your relationship.    
      There is one fact that a lot of us seem to forget. We are golfers.  Male, female, junior, senior beginner or experienced we must remember that we are all golfers and each of us are in different places in our golfing experience. People are unique and play the game their own unique but similar way. Remember, all are included as all should be welcomed. It really doesn't matter. Have fun and enjoy the game whoever you are and at whatever level you find yourself.  Ladies, welcome aboard and bring your friends.

Let's get started here and play some golf!