Archive for the ‘Women’s Golf Topics’ Category

Women are welcome!

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Barb Hanson

I just attended the 2012 PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. I have never heard so much talk about getting women into the game of golf. The PGA launched a “grow-the-game” initiative (called Golf 2.0) that has three objectives: “1) to retain and strengthen the core;(i.e. those who already play the game)  2) to engage the ‘lapsed golfer;’ and 3) to drive new players.” Maybe you see yourself in one of these three categories.

So why aren’t more women playing golf?

The PGA of America has retained Donna Orender, former WNBA President, as a consultant to lead the charge for women and girls. She says, “Women want to play the game, but they also want and need an invitation to play. They want to feel welcome.”

I would take that one step further and say that women want a golf experience that provides fun, camaraderie and some measure of personal satisfaction.

According to PGA of America President, Allan Wronowski, “We need to make golf more welcoming and more relevant to all.” Thus, the PGA of America is exploring many ways to “speak female.” Watch for upcoming events and changes at your golf course that will be offered to make women feel welcome.

I’m in awe of the LPGA!

Monday, March 21st, 2011


Please click on this link and read this wonderful story about the LPGA, its founders and the Founders Cup tournament that was just played in Phoenix. I’m so proud of these women!

And after reading this, consider making your own donation to a charity of your choice or to disaster relief in Japan.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

I heard it again the other day. A woman told me that she tried playing golf some years ago, but she wasn’t hitting the ball very well or very far and she felt like she was holding everyone up. So she quit. She said it was too frustrating and no fun. Oh, by the way, she was trying to learn the game from her husband while on the golf course.

Well, of course it was frustrating and no fun! Too often, women don’t give themselves the opportunity to succeed in golf. First of all, it is rarely a good idea to learn from an amateur. A golf professional is trained to start people out correctly and help them improve.

Secondly, it is never a good idea to learn how to play golf on the golf course. Some practice and preparation need to take place before actually beginning to play.

Finally, golf is a difficult game that is never completely mastered. No matter what level of accomplishment you’ve achieved, it’s important to seek guidance along the way.

Turn frustration into fun!

A Friendly Face

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

What a difference it makes when the first face you encounter in the Pro Shop is a friendly one! It can set the tone for your whole golf experience.

This morning, not only did I receive a friendly greeting, I was taken seriously as a golfer and waited on in a courteous and professional manner. I ended up making a purchase in the Pro Shop after golf and will definitely return to the course again.

Such a little thing, but so important!

2011 PGA Show

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Barb Hanson

I just attended the 2011 PGA Show in Orlando. If you haven’t been there, it’s “hog heaven” for golfers. Everything that is even remotely related to golf is on display; there are demonstrations, clinics, fashion shows, new equipment hitting areas, and a main stage featuring a whole variety of presentations.

I was struck by the number of women-owned businesses I saw there. This is really important as we begin to take seriously the challenge to open up the game to more women and juniors. As women become more involved in the golf industry, I believe more women will not only take up the game but also remain in the game as regular players.

I’m also hopeful that more women will begin to play golf for business. Golf remains one of the best avenues to develop new business relationships and/or nurture current ones and more women should be taking advantage of this opportunity.

Women in the Golf Industry

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

wigi-logo

Women In the Golf Industry (WIGI) is an unique organization of women whose careers are within the golf industry. This group seeks to support and encourage women within an industry that is heavily male-dominated.

The goals of WIGI are:

  • To provide networking within the golf industry.
  • To encourage a woman’s voice in the golf industry.
  • To make members aware of new opportunities in golf.
  • To give support to other women in golf.
  • To create workshops, seminars, and meetings, as deemed sensible, that will assist women in their professional lives.
  • To enjoy the game.
If you are working within the golf industry, you’re not alone. Please join us! The annual dues are only $50. The benefits are many, one of which is free admission to the PGA Expo in Orlando, FL.
Go to www.wigi.info for more information and an online application.

I’m On a Mission!

Sunday, September 20th, 2009
Barb Hanson

Barb Hanson

I happen to be traveling right now, and I’m stopping at golf courses along the way just to take a look at their facilities, scorecards and pro shops. My intent is to get a feel for their women-friendliness. Granted, this is a very cursory judgment, but there are a few clues:

  • Am I greeted by the staff as a golfer?
  • Are there at least two sets of tees sloped and rated for women?
  • Are the holes handicapped for women?
  • Are there similar locker room facilities for both genders?
  • Is the Pro Shop equipped with merchandise for both genders?

I visited a club today that was very imporessive in all of these categories. I was so anxious to play! Better yet, it was a walking course. Unfortunately, my trip was not designed as a golf trip, but I’d love to return and play some of the courses I’ve visited.