I once heard that golf was a 4-letter acronym. It stood for Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden. Being a golfer myself and having worked in the industry since I was 15 I can tell you this isn’t true. However, many women who have never played before might fall prey to the idea that golf is a man’s world. Thankfully, people like Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie are helping to turn this stereotype around. There are not alone in their quest to prove that golf is a gender-neutral sport. Women’s Golf Week, a Play Golf America initiative, is also dedicated to getting women involved in the sport.
The week, which runs from June 4-June 11 is a nation-wide promotion. Courses all over the country will be hosting events for women. Every course that is participating will be offering free clinics for interested participants. Women 14 years of age and older who are new to golf, as well as continuing golfers interested in honing their skills, can participate in complimentary clinics, while adult women take advantage of networking sessions with others who share their passion for the game. Play Golf America is an industry-wide national marketing campaign developed and led by The PGA of America to increase golf participation among new and occasional golfers nationwide. Supported by a variety of allied associates, including the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour and the United States Golf Association, Play Golf America offers a variety of player development programs like Women’s Golf Week that connect people to the game.
This week is not only a great time for women to get involved with golf and have some fun but, it is also a week for women to join together and fight cancer. Women’s Golf Week will benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to saving lives by helping to find cures for cancer. While the activities will be offered free of charge, participants will have the option of making a tax-deductible donation that will help fund research for women’s cancer initiatives through The V Foundation.
I will be participating in events here in Nashville, and I would encourage any woman who has ever thought about picking up a club to take advantage of this week. There are some fantastic events being offered. If you check for courses in your area that are sponsoring events, don’t be surprised to find wine tasting parties, networking events, and spa treatments on the agenda as well. Many courses are going all out for this event and are doing whatever it takes to get women to participate. I would highly encourage you to check it out. For more information or to sign up for events, check out the Women’s Golf Week Web site.
Special thanks to Emily Hambidge, who is interning with Play Golf America’s PR team (they should hire her next year) for this tidbit. The Sand Trap looks forward to working with the Play Golf America crew in the coming weeks and months.