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 Can I let you in on a few secrets about women who are learning to play golf? If you're a guy, pretend you're reading Esquire's "Ten Things You Don't Know About Women" and that it's the Eva Mendes issue. We like to feel comfortable, as in though we may be a newbie, we have as much right to walk the fairways, empty a bucket of balls on the practice range and sink putts on the practice green as you do. We like to have our instructor's undivided attention. We like to be treated as an equal, never mind if our handicap runs in the high 20s. We like to dish out praise and expect it in kind, even when we shank. We like to ask brilliant and dumb questions. Now ladies, listen up. The School of Golf Exclusively for Women at Sycuan Resort in San Diego gets us. The team of PGA- and LPGA-certified instructors - female and male - is dialed into how most women hear, learn and apply. They tailor instruction toward women new to golf as well as for experienced players who want to lower their handicaps. Why a women's school? Women should know that it's not a man's world when it comes to playing golf. In fact, women can develop problems such as a strained rotator cuff if they're using the traditional men's swing that relies on upper body strength. Women are better off building a swing that taps the power of their hip movement, said instructor Beverly Fergusson. Don't get me wrong. Sycuan's male instructors, starting with director of instruction Bob Madsen, are wonderful. But some topics are easier discussed in a gal-to-gal setting, such as the advice to slightly squash the right side of your chest under your right arm as part of your set-up. Who was the last guy to publicly mention that part of a woman's anatomy? Hmm, anybody hear from Ben Wright lately? Who's who: In addition to visiting instructor Fergusson, Sycuan's women's school is staffed by veteran teaching professionals who have earned national honors. Julie Day has been teaching for 20 years and still plays competitively. Day breaks down the swing into "levers" - chipping, putting, pitching and full swing - so students understand each part of the swing while building to the full swing. Kim Estep's no-nonsense approach is famous among golf students at San Diego State, where she played on a full golf scholarship. Estep specializes in the psychology of golf and teaches players how to develop a good mental attitude on the course and during practice. Sheri Hayes, lead instructor for the women's school, has been teaching for 26 years. She oversaw changes to the school's curriculum last year with the goal of making it the most comprehensive program available. What to expect: Three days of intensive instruction, with time spent on the driving range, several practice greens and on Sycuan's two championship courses dotted with sycamores and cottonwoods and shadowed by the foothills of the Dehesa Valley. School begins the night before instruction starts with a wine-and-cheese welcome reception during which participants meet their peers and instructors, decide on their goals and assess their learning styles. What you'll get out of it: Lessons are held in the morning in groups with a maximum of five students. The 5-to-1 student-teacher ratio gives everyone a chance for individual attention. Groups rotate to different practice areas and instructors for lessons on technique, golf psychology, physical conditioning, purposeful practice and specialty shots, such as dealing with a downhill lie. Lessons on the driving range are videotaped and students are given a take-home CD that shows before-instruction and after-instruction looks of their swings, with audio commentary added by their instructor. On the last day of school, students go over the videotape with their full-swing instructor. Short-game lessons are held at several private practice greens tucked around the facility, one with a very large bunker and expansive chipping areas. After morning lessons and lunch, groups of players went out with instructors to the course to learn about course management. During instruction, students get unlimited practice balls and complimentary cart and green fees. An illustrated workbook with step-by-step photographs and printed instructions and tips is presented to each student, who is encouraged to jot notes at every lecture. What to look forward to: Gaining confidence! The comprehensive school is perhaps one of the best introductions to golf for newcomers as it covers rules, etiquette, basic and advanced skills, how to practice and psychology of the game. Women who have some experience will learn the skills and course management needed to cut plenty of strokes off their handicap. Experienced players will tweak the nuances of their game and be able to shave strokes to compete knowledgeably in their next club tournament. Students also will enjoy a top-notch golf facility, the deluxe suite-style rooms of the hotel and award-winning restaurant. They can take advantage of preferred tee times and discounts in the pro shop, as well as therapeutic treatments at the resort's spa. What's the cost? Participants pay $1,399 to $1,799 for instruction, depending on whether they sign up for a single- or double-occupancy room at the resort's recently remodeled inn or attend as a commuter. The all-inclusive fees include practice balls, cart fees, green fees, all instruction, lectures, student workbook, tee gifts, discounted shopping, deluxe rooms, meals, an airport shuttle and gratuities. What else? In addition to the golf resort, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation operates a casino about three miles east. A free shuttle bus takes hotel guests to and from the property, which offers sit-down and buffet restaurants, entertainment and, of course, gaming. What are you waiting for? To save your spot for the next session of The School of Golf Exclusively for Women, call coordinator Kathy Rookus at (888) 556-2059. Where is it? The Sycuan Resort is at 3007 Dehesa Road in El Cajon, about 25 minutes east of downtown San Diego. For more information on Sycuan Resort, or to make a reservation, visit sycuanresort-sg.com. |
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