What’s The Deal With Women’s Golf?
The only assumptions you can safely make about women and golf is that it is wise not to.
Whether newbie hackers or women with decades of experience, our playing styles and attitudes vary from woman to woman and from round to round. Whether in your foursome or in the next stall at the driving range, you’ll notice we experience the same frustrating ups and downs, euphoric sweet shots and humiliating shanks as men do.
Each year more and more women get turned on to the pastime once considered the secret indulgence of men. It’s quite common today for couples to golf together or for her to leave him at home altogether. The term “golf widower” seems to be gaining in popularity.
There may have been a time when being a progressive female on the golf course meant she would be up for driving the cart for her guy. This still may be true for some, but as she drives she’ll likely also be calculating yardage, wind speed and mentally selecting the perfect club for her next shot — female multitasking in action.
I’ve never been accused of being a jock, but more of uncoordinated tomboy. I only took up golf a few years ago and in that short time, I’ve had the chance to play with women of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.
I once played in a tournament with three young ladies who played on their high school golf team. I believe I was placed in their group in an effort to keep the women together, but I could not have been more out of my element. They wielded their men’s clubs with perfect form and power. I can still recall the pure sound of their drivers making super solid contact–beautiful. That day was cold and drizzly and by the turn it was raining. We were soaked, but these girls could care less. Heading for the clubhouse early was never even mentioned.
I love golfing with hardcore “never say never” women. While I have friends who unapologetically turn back and head for the 19th hole at the first sign of rain, most women I play with will finish a round no matter what. In fact, a nearby grass fire wasn’t enough to stop some friends and I last summer. Sure, our eyes burned a bit, but we all knew it would make for a good story. It provided us with the opportunity to be stupid, referring to certain shots as “smokin’” or telling each other, “You are on fire, Girl”.
No matter the conditions, I appreciate a low-pressure golf experience where it’s all about getting outside and having fun. I know my handicap is high–like nose bleed high–but I figure I will have 40 or more years to work on my game, and so (as long as I keep up the pace) no worries. I have golfing partners who don’t even keep score half the time, and are content to get some fresh air and time away from the kids.
But, I also know women who are intently disciplined about their game. They’ll get extra quiet and they’ll be hyper-focused on their next shot. They are in the zone, and it’s an honor to step back and watch.
When teeing off they will forgo the forward “ladies” tees and opt for white, blue, gold–whatever offers the greatest yardage. These ladies will amaze you with their long drives to fairway town.
And there is the all-important art of putting. I recently witnessed a friend intimidate a man twice her size when he “gave” her a four-foot gimmie. Scooting her ball into the cup with his own putter, he was surprised by her stern response. I believe it was something along the lines of, “Sir, I KNOW you did not just touch my ball…” Awkward.
And yes, of course you can play through, but more often than not we are waiting on the group ahead. I actually find that in general women tend to play at a brisk pace. I know my friends often play ready golf. Either way, asking nicely is always preferable to hitting into us while we are still on the green. If it happens more than once, you may have to reclaim your ball at the next tee box.
But for every man who was a bit insensitive, I’ve come across 20 who were wonderful-if not more. Like the gentleman who came to my assistance, helping me pick up my bag and clubs when I forgot to tighten the cart strap. Thank you, Sir.
Of course, there are many times when women golfers can be impatient or rude. Some of us are just plain terrible golfers. More than once I have made my way to the green via the edge of the neighboring rough. It’s a tricky endeavor and I proceed with caution, but I’ve seen guys do it too, and you know who you are.
I suppose it should come as no surprise that missing the fairway is a true golf experience shared by both sexes.
NLGA
Fifteen years ago, a group of women golfers sat through a meeting where a struggling ladies golf group disbanded. They were frustrated and with good reason. Unless they could join a private golf club and play during the day, their golfing options were extremely limited.
Instead of going home feeling defeated, a group of women decided on the spot to take action. They took their discussion to a nearby bar, where began planning the ideal ladies golf organization.
The result of their impromptu bar brainstorming session is the Northwest Ladies Golf Association (NLGA).
Today NLGA has approximately 200 members, who represent a diverse group of women of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. What brings them together is the shared desire to get out and play golf, and to provide opportunities for Puget Sound-area women golfers to join in, regardless of experience or skill level.
Founding member and Current NLGA President Rikki Rothenberg-Klein remembers that very first discussion and says they were all in agreement. “We knew we could offer many opportunities to play and improve skills, and have more fun,” she says.
Fellow founding member Sally Sullivan says 15 years ago options for local women golfers who worked fulltime were few and far between.
“Many women’s groups met during the day,” Sullivan says. “We began as a group of mostly working women so decided to start a group that would allow us to meet other women golfers, socialize and offer after work and weekend golfing opportunities.”
Sullivan remembers those first NLGA meetings as being very action oriented.
“We each threw $5 on the table to get a business license with the state as a non-profit,” Sullivan recalls. ” We formed our first committees. I took on leagues.”
At their first official meeting, they wrote the NLGA mission statement, which is still followed today: “To organize and promote regular golf play for women of all skill levels and to foster the development of social relationships.”
Rothenberg-Klein remembers those early days as exciting, challenging and hectic. There were days when founding members, who would rather be out playing a round, sat discussing Roberts Rules of Order and writing bylaws. There were countless phone calls to be made and details to be finalized.
Rothenberg-Klein says it didn’t take long for them to recognize they were really onto something. Membership started out strong and steadily increased with each passing year.
“We did not realize how popular golf would become for women,” she says. ”Many women are more comfortable being part of a group, and we provide opportunities to play and learn the game in a no-pressure atmosphere.”
Things really took off in 2002 with the launch of the NLGA Web site. For the past two seasons, the site has been part of the Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN), an added benefit for members who want to post scores online.
The NLGA offers an array of golf-related events starting each April with an annual spring social. New players are not only welcomed into a lively group of ready-made golf partners, but are also offered tools to improve their game through clinics and mentoring events.
Sullivan appreciates seeing the way members encourage each other on the course.
“The members are willing to share golf tips on the game and equipment, which helps too,” she says.
Members can join in a number of group outings to courses they may normally not play and join weekly league play.
Each member picks and chooses her level of involvement depending on her interests and schedule. She could choose to rework her chip shot at a short game clinic, ask about flag tending etiquette while playing a round with a mentor, and then practice these new skills in a weekly league. Members can also find golf partners with similar schedules or skill levels through the NLGA Web site — http://nlga.ghinclub.com.
“To me it feels as if the NLGA is a living entity,” Rothenberg-Klein says. “We promote nurturing, development and being the best you can be. We have some competitions but they are fun based.”
The NLGA is active in the local golf community, donating to the Susan B. Komen foundation, and sending volunteers to help local golf events including the golf show. Each summer the NLGA joins the Seattle chapter of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) in hosting Golf Fore Red, which raises money for the American Heart Association.
The EWGA is a not-for-profit, which started in much the same way as the NLGA, but now operates on a much larger scale. Founded in 1991 by Nancy & Ed Oliver in West Palm Beach, Florida, the EWGA now has 120 chapters and 20,000 members throughout the United States as well as Canada and Europe.
The EWGA provides opportunities for women of all skill levels to learn and experience the game of golf in a social setting. The EWGA also fosters relationships through networking and business-related social activities. Because there are EWGA chapters throughout the United States and Canada, it is a terrific option for those who travel often for business or pleasure.
EWGA members have access to (GHIN), and are able to post their scores online. Go to www.ewga.com to find a local chapter.
Fashion Forward
Whether male or female, everyone wants to look good out on the course–it’s universal. Some days, when you can’t make a putt to save your life, a nice, new pair of golf shoes may take a bit of the sting out of a painful round.
And while the LPGA means serious golf, many of the newest players are trending toward attire that is unapologetically fun. Whatever feels comfortable seems to be the rule. For some that’s pants or long shorts and conservative polo, and for others it’s short-shorts, skirts or the perfect compromise–skorts. LPGA fashion favorites like Anna Lawson, Natalie Gulbis and Paula Creamer have made one thing clear. Women golfers can be sexy while they play yet still be serious about their play.
Creamer, a.k.a. the Pink Panther, is a great example. Ever seen her temper flare on a bad day? The pink she wears may make her look sweet, but it seems it has no calming effect on her fierce competitive spirit. Creamer ranked ninth on the LPGA’s 2009 money list, and her fashionably feisty persona keeps her ever popular with sponsors.
While watching Creamer and other LPGA golfers, many Northwest women may become inspired by a look. I admit that on occasion while watching Rawson line up a putt, I find myself thinking “Looks like she’s putting against the grain. Hey, that’s a cute hat.”
The next question is inevitably, “now, where do I get one?” I have had some luck at Peutz. I have always had great experiences with their staff who are always attentive and nice. I haven’t been so fortunate at some of the golf chains. I often feel like the ladies attire section is sort of an afterthought. Four or five racks does not a ladies section make.
I must address the one big, big complaint I hear from my women friends about golf attire. Size matters. We come in all sizes. While many stores stock size 2-14, there are often few choices for those of us who are tall, athletic or well built. More attire in larger sizes please. I have friends who rarely even try local retailers for this reason and instead go straight to their computer to make their purchases.
Local golf enthusiast Amanda Brunaugh owns Chicks Golf Too, a women’s specialty shop in Puyallup. The very reason she is in business is to hear and address the individual needs of local women golfers.
Chicks Golf Too offers a variety of contemporary, comfortable and classy ladies golf apparel and accessories. I know I dislike ordering clothing online because you just never know how things will fit and feel. I could care less if that sweater looks good; if it’s scratchy or not long enough to stay put on the backswing then forget about it.
Brunaugh hears this complaint a lot and this is why she proactively searches out the latest looks so her customers won’t have to. Brunaugh keeps Chicks Golf Too stocked with a range of styles and sizes.
Downtown Pullayup and online store (253) 845-0554, www.chicksgolf2.com. Add links to women’s blogs, products and services:
