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You’re a woman who has finally decided to take the big plunge. No, not that one. Learning about golf and starting to play might not be as big a decision as walking down the aisle, but it can be nearly as daunting and confusing. Who do you talk to? How do you learn the rules? What kind of clubs should you get? What does par mean again? Here are four ways to make the transition easier: 1. Go to school Community colleges are great places to get familiar with golf. “They’re not necessarily taught by a PGA or LPGA pro, but you’ve got some pretty good educators, like Bill Cunerty at Saddleback [Community College],” said Mardell Wilkins, a teaching professional at Mission Viejo Country Club. Most community colleges offer an introduction to golf class that covers everything from history and rules to etiquette and fundamentals. “It’s a good, low-cost way to expose yourself to the game and get a lot of information,” Wilkins said. California community colleges charge $20 per unit for state residents, with the typical class being three units. For more intensive instruction, Wilkins is starting a Women First Golf School, a two-day school at Pala Mesa Golf Resort in Fallbrook that will focus on women golfers and business. “It’s designed for women in business who golf, or who are thinking of picking up the game,” she said. For more information, call (760) 207-9363 or visit www.golflessons4u.com. 2. Find a woman-friendly course While women on the professional tour can out-drive most men you know, that’s not the case with beginning golfers. It’s important for a beginner to avoid courses that are overly long or punitive in favor of one geared more for women and average players. The La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, which is ranked among the most women-friendly courses in the country, is a good place to get started — and pampered. “Everything at La Costa, from our golf academy to the way we structure our golf business, is intended to appeal to both men and women,” said Ed Vyeda, a publicist for the course. “While quite challenging from the back tees, our courses aren’t imposing or visually intimidating. And the entire operation, from how the pro shop is set up to integrating spa and golf and offering golf and dining packages, is by design intended to reach women as much as men.” But even public golf courses can be women-friendly. Beginning women golfers “want to go where the staff makes you feel welcome, and that’s one of the things about our course,” said Sandra Palmer, director of women’s golf at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo. “From the pro shop to the rangers and marshals, we strive to welcome women and make their experience as pleasurable as possible. And it’s very important to have friendly people around when you’re struggling or trying to learn the game.” 3. Take a lesson The golf industry is big business, but a $400 driver in the wrong hands is useless. “Golf isn’t about the equipment, it’s about finding someone that you connect with and who can guide you,” Palmer said. “ A lot of people get on the golf course before they’re ready and they don’t know how to hit the ball and they get discouraged, or they get paired with people they don’t know, and they give it up.” Even women who might have a group of friends who are skilled golfers should consider a lesson at some point. “(Playing with friends) is the way a lot of people get into the game, but I don’t know if it’s the best way,” Wilkins said. “You don’t want to stick to that road too long. The clubs you’re borrowing may horribly misfit you and you might develop some really bad habits. And while friends can be helpful, most don’t know how to teach like a qualified instructor does.” 4. The EWGA The Executive Women’s Golf Association has more than 19,000 members in 120 chapters across the country, including Palm Springs, San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles. Though the name suggests it’s for professional woman only, the organization is open to new golfers as well. “It really is a good organization for women to get into the game,” Wilkins said. “They have a multitude of programs for new golfers and even a mentoring program where more experienced members work with novice members on things like etiquette and the rules.” For more information, visit www.ewga.com. |
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