EWGA Helps New Women Golfers With S.W.I.N.G. Mentoring Program

 Through an innovative program called S.W.I.N.G. - Skillful Women Inspiring New Golfers - members of the Seattle chapter of the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association) are helping new golfers get comfortable playing the game. From a concept provided by Maria Erickson, president and CEO of Swing by Bette & Court, the EWGA developed the nationwide program to help break down a major barrier to women entering the game of golf.

EWGA chapters throughout the country offer the program, designed to cover the nuances of golf - etiquette, courtesies and on-course behavior - traditionally not covered in golf instruction programs. New golfers are paired with experienced players who serve as mentors, answering questions and offering supportive guidance on the subtleties of the game.

Locally, the S.W.I.N.G. program is led by Dee Sweeney, a longtime EWGA member who served as Chapter president in 2003 and 2004. “We are fortunate in Seattle to have some of the best mentors signing up to help our new golfers,” says Sweeney. “In fact, we currently have more mentors than mentees! Many of us know how frustrating it can be to get started in this wonderful game, so it’s very rewarding for us to see the mentees having fun while learning.”

In addition to the one-on-one mentoring that S.W.I.N.G. provides, new golfers joining EWGA are immediately connected to a supportive network of 250 local golfers and a program of weeknight leagues at nine area courses, including a new golfers’ league, weekend fun play events across the Puget Sound, and education and social events throughout the year. For golfers interested in competition, EWGA also offers one of the largest tournaments in the country, starting locally with the EWGA Seattle Chapter Championship on July 18 at Gold Mountain.

The Seattle chapter is one of the largest EWGA chapters, with over 250 members. Visit www.ewgaseattle.org for more information, or contact the chapter hotline at 206-781-5813.