Kudos to the team organizing the first international Women’s Golf Day, slated for June 7.
It’s a great idea, and should be supported. However, organizers decided year one will be a four-hour ‘Day’ involving one of two prescribed four-hour activities between 4 and 8 p.m. Depending upon whether you’re a retailer or a course/club owner, those who wish to participate need to use one of the two formats to be a recognized event site.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t work for everyone, and those who support the idea but find either format undoable or impractical for their facility or clientele cannot be part of the official program. Nix morning mimosas for women club members or leagues, a day of discounted apparel or other freebies, lunch and a six-hole golf scramble, or midday lesson opportunities. If not between 4 and 8 p.m., and close to the proposed format, it’s not officially part of the ‘Day.’
Women’s Golf Day Founder Elisa Gaudet says months of research led to the prescribed format, day and time, and with weeks to go, the plan will go unchanged. “Maybe we’ll change it next year, but it’s been a dedicated effort, backed by 15 key volunteers, and we’re moving forward with it as it is.”
Although it’s hard to understand the group’s resistance to expanding the program to a true 24-hour day of creative celebration and appreciation of women in the sport, building around its four-hour core, I respect Gaudet’s efforts. She’s a smart lady, and she’s trying to make women part of the golf agenda worldwide. We need more people like her and her dedicated core of volunteers.
So while the first international Women’s Golf Day will likely fall short of the grand slam home run it could be, it will hopefully make a big enough splash to gain momentum for next year.
Those wishing to get on board for this year’s event, can still do so by adopting one of the following program formats and signing up at www.womensgolfday.com/about
GOLF COURSE FORMAT
4pm – 6pm: Participants have the option of:
2 hours of lessons – One hour on the driving range and One hour chipping and putting
OR
2 hours of play – A 9-hole scramble or play their own ball as long as the round can be completed in two hours
6pm – 8pm: Socializing, networking and distribution of information regarding lessons, league play, ways to get involved in golf. Please include as many people and organizations from your community that are involved with golf who can contribute to the event. In some locations we can recommend speakers, women’s golf teams from the closest university or high school, corporate networking groups etc. Ideally we would suggest to include as many of the following as possible: Speaker / Prizes / Refreshments.
RETAIL FORMAT
4pm – 6pm: Basic Instruction
2 hours of basic instruction and lessons – Have women rotate and try driving in the simulators or driving range and chipping and putting on the putting greens. Review basics like holding the club and set up position. Have a putting contest and a driving contest. Prizes
6pm – 8pm: Socializing, networking and distribution of information regarding lessons, league play, ways to get involved in golf. Please include as many people and organizations from your community that are involved with golf who can contribute to the event. In some locations we can recommend speakers, women’s golf teams from the closest university or high school, corporate networking groups etc. Ideally we would suggest to include as many of the following as possible: Speaker / Prizes / Refreshments.
