There are nearly 20,000 golf courses in the United States, but clearly some are better than others when it comes to welcoming women.  We aren’t saying that women need to be treated differently, but equally would be nice.  Here are a few clues that a golf course wants your business!

The Staff. It’s pretty obvious how the course feels towards women golfers from the moment you call for a tee time or drop off your bag.  A courteous welcome, being waited on in turn and no tee time restrictions are good indicators you’ll feel comfortable.

Consider it a bonus if you see women working in the golf shop or teaching on the range. Even better is a course owned or managed by a woman. We’ve found that in these cases, the course is often more aware of your needs and provides overall better customer service.

The Golfers. A course can have everything going for it only to be ruined by the regulars who make it clear women don’t belong on the course. Here are some not so subtle signs. The guys in your foursome zip past your tee box. The group behind you stares you down to hurry you along. A good sign is when you see women on the course. Chances are your male playing partners on this course will be happy to golf with you.

The Clubhouse. There are clues all over the clubhouse if a golf course wants your business, and nothing is more telling then the women’s locker room. First off, they should have a locker room for women! Secondly, it should be clean and stocked with hand soap, towels and toilet paper. You’ve hit paydirt when you see extras, such as big lockers, hair dryers, a sitting area and steam room.

What’s posted? What information is hanging on the club walls and bulletin boards? An active women’s community is an indicator that you will have an enjoyable golf experience. Look for women specific events, lessons and plaques recognizing female tournament winners.

The Pro Shop. Here is another great place to get a pulse on the course’s attitude towards women. Beyond the space dedicated to women’s apparel – and in our opinion, the more, the better – we look to see whether the pro shop stocks women specific accessories such as gloves, shoes and balls. Neglecting these details may seem small, and yet they speak volumes about welcoming women. Another good indication of a course catering to women is the number of rental sets on hand for women players.  One is not enough!  In general, a course pursuing women customers will have several sets of ladies clubs – for both left- and right-handed players.

The Course Itself. The length, design and availability of facilities all say something about the courses’ friendliness to women. Perhaps the most important clue that a club embraces women (and beginners) is thoughtful placement of the forward tee box. The purpose of multiple tee placements is to compensate for different skill levels so the ball lands in the same neighborhood.

How long does the course play from tee to green? As a guideline, a course offering a forward tee box that falls in the 4,600 to 5,300 yard range, and a second set of 5,300 to 5,800 yards is a good sign. Innovative clubs attracting beginners may even have a family tee at the 150 yard (or even closer) marker.

When your tee shot has to go over some kind of obstacle (a ravine, water, or marshland) this is called a forced carry. A beginner friendly course design will not have many – or any – forced carries when playing off the forward tee.

Eighteen holes takes time, so ask about the rest room facilities. Does the course design bring you back to the clubhouse after 9 holes, and if not are there facilities on the course? While men can duck into the woods for relief, there should be options for women. Clean rest rooms stocked with sunscreen, and feminine products are a thoughtful plus.

Other Touches. Notice the menu and snack selections in the clubhouse and on the beverage carts. While hot dogs and burgers are standard fair, what options are available for those watching calories or looking for healthier choices? And while many of us may have a beer during the game, how about offering wine in addition to beer on the beverage cart!

What other sport takes up to 5 hours to play? Courses offering nine hole rates are showing up more frequently. Some course layouts even allow 4 and 6 hole loops. Look for clubs that offer creative packages for shorter play, perhaps combined with clinics and or promoted as women only.  These are clues that a golf course is looking to attract women with busy schedules.

To play a women welcoming course in your area, visit the Women on Course website and search our calendar of events. http://www.womenoncourse.com/calendar.php

If you support a charity that is near and dear to your heart, and have a passion for golf, consider combining the two.  Planning a golf fundraiser is easier than you think!  The key to raising money for your cause comes down to the successful execution of the following six components.

Secure a Location:

Choose a location that is prestigious enough where people will want to entertain clients and colleagues, yet cost efficient enough to still make a profit for your charity.  Charity events typically include 18 holes of golf with a breakfast, lunch or dinner reception – depending on your starting tee time. Some clubs will set aside Mondays or the day they are closed to host charity tournaments so the entire club is reserved for your function.

Recruit Volunteers:

Create a committee of 8 to 10 volunteers from the corporate community – you can never have too many people on your committee.  These volunteers will tap into their business and social networks to sell sponsorships and tickets to the event.

Sponsorship Packages:

Develop valuable sponsorship packages to sell at reasonable prices.  The price of sponsorships should not only cover your costs, but produce a profit as well.  Make sure to include playing spots in your sponsorships to fill up the course and add value to your packages.

Consider a Silent or Live Auction:

Auctions are another great way to raise money.  The volunteer committee will be critical to help solicit auction items.  Try to get all auction items donated so all of your revenue goes straight to the bottom line!

Promote Your Event:

Promote your event through social media and word of mouth.  Create a Facebook page for your event and also use LinkedIn to get visibility from the corporate community. Everyone involved in the event must spread the word and help get golfers and sponsors.

Day of The Event:

Create a schedule for your event team with specific duties and times to report on site. Assign volunteers to check in golfers, escort sponsors, set up the silent auction and gift bag area.  Appoint a coordinator to meet with the golf staff in advance to discuss expectations and arrive well before the event to double check details.  After approving a pairing list the course will print scorecards, rule sheets, set up on course contests and signage.  Once the golfers return for a post round reception, you can close out your auction, award prizes and deliver a nice donation to your cause.

Turn a WOC event into a successful golf fundraiser for your cause. Contact Rachel Kane, Women on Course Fundraising Event Specialist for details – rachel@womenoncourse.com.

Isn’t it fun to give the perfect gift that someone was not expecting?  Women on Course has made your holiday shopping easy with these unique and affordable finds for the women golfers on your list this season.

Hole in One Charm Necklace

Play your best game wearing this silver charm necklace designed exclusively for Women on Course. ‘Hole in one’ is hand stamped for inspiration. Includes 18″ chain and two glass beads – a white bead and your choice of a second color. $44.00 Buy

Scoreband

Keeping score just became a lot easier with the world’s first multi-sport scorekeeping wristband watch. Yeah, we all like the iPhone apps, but this one won’t drain your battery! The watch has 4 different modes: Time, AllScore, Golf, and Tennis. Not only will it keep your hole and round score, but you can track putts per round, fairways hit and greens in regulation. Use it on the range to count balls hit and your number of good shots. The wristband is lightweight, water resistant and easy to use. Bands available in Black and white with 4 color choices. $29.95 Buy

Tumble Stone Wine Coasters

Rest your drink on these elegant handcrafted stone coasters that sport a vintage women golfer. Choose from one of four colorful designs.  Buy one or a set of all 4. Coasters are 4″x4″. $10.00 each Buy

Spa Robe

After a day on the course, wrap yourself in an elegant, one-size-fits-all robe.  Made in the USA of imported viscose, this robe features French seamed construction and generous pockets. Choose between two lovely Asian infused floral prints with golfing ladies. $66 Buy

Give the Gift of Golf

What to get the woman that has everything? Introduce her to the golf lifestyle with a Women on Course membership! Membership includes a $50 gift card to Callaway golf and many opportunities to learn, play, travel and meet new friends. As our gift to you, existing members save $25 when you use this link to purchase. Give the Gift of Golf

Need more ideas?  Visit the Women on Course online shop. http://www.womenoncourse.com/catalog/index.php

For the 45 lucky ladies attending the Women on Course Las Vegas trip this month!

When playing golf with a group,  the stakes can get a little more interesting when someone brings up a challenge,  usually it starts with a bet. What I’ve learned is that there are quite a few golfing games – some of which I’d never heard of before. Here’s a list of some of the ones I’ve encountered. The name of the game may change, but the idea usually comes from one of the games mentioned below.

Nassau. This is one of the most popular games on the course. Nassau is actually three bets in one and includes 1) low score on the front nine, 2) low score on the back nine and 3) low score over the full 18. The $2 Nassau is perhaps the most common bet among golfers – meaning that the winner gets $2 for each of the three categories – but stakes can certainly go higher.

Bingo Bango Bongo. This game awards points throughout the round for three different accomplishments – usually for 1^st ball on the green, 1^st ball in the hole and closest to the pin (when everyone is on the green). At the end of the round, points are totaled and the differences are paid out.

Wolf. Wolf can be a complicated game, though it is one of the classic golf betting games for groups of four. In Wolf, players establish an order of play. The order stays consistent throughout the game. Player one tees off first on the first hole, player two tees off first on the second hole, and so on. Whoever tees off is the Wolf and that player can pick her partner to play with on that hole – based on the tee shot for that player. Or, the Wolf can play against the other three players.

For example, the Wolf tees of first. The second player tees off and based on the results of her drive, the Wolf has the option to select the second player as her partner – or she can pass. The third player tees off and the Wolf has to make the same decision again – either the third player is her partner or she passes. Once the fourth player tees off, the Wolf must decide whether that player is her partner, or whether she plays alone.

Each player on the winning team for that hole gets one point. If the Wolf plays alone, and wins, she gets 3 points. And if the Wolf plays alone and loses, the other players each get a point.

Aces and Dueces. Sometimes called Acey Ducey, this game is a bet in which there is a winner, two modest losers, and one big loser on each hole. It’s a game for groups of four, obviously. The low scorer on each hole wins a certain amount from each of the other three players – usually $1 from the 2^nd and 3^rd lowest scores and triple money, or $3 from the person with the highest score. It’s also sometimes played where the player with the lowest score collects $1 from the golfers with the 2^nd and 3^rd lowest scores and the player with the highest score has to pay everyone $1.

Pick Up Sticks. Pick Up Sticks, a.k.a Bag Raid, is a match play game between two players. It’s pretty simple: Every time a player wins a hole, his opponent gets to choose one club from his bag and remove that club from play.

Example: After A wins the first hole, B removes A’s pitching wedge from play. For the rest of the round, A cannot use that pitching wedge.

Any club can be chosen, but most players give immunity to the putter (it’s hard enough to putt without having a putter). The strategy is to first remove from your opponent’s bag the clubs which she is most comfortable with. And it’s a good idea to start the game with the maximum number of clubs (14).

The fun part of this game is that it forces you to learn creative shots. In fact, this is one game that could do more to improve your game and feel than any other.

Skins. Skins is best played with 3 or more players. Each hole is a skin and has a designated value. The lowest score on each hole wins the skin. If net skins are being played it is typical to use 1/2 of an individual’s course handicap index. Groups typically buy into the skins game and the money gets split by the number of skins won.

Fairways & Greens. Fairways & Greens is a betting game best for groups of golfers with similar handicaps. The object here is to hit fairways and greens. The catch is that you have to be the only player to hit the fairway (off the tee) to win the bet, or the only player to hit the green (in regulation) to win the bet.

Determine before the round the value of each fairway and each green. Each hole has two bets, one for the fairway and one for the green. If you’re the only player in the fairway off the tee, you win that bet. If two or more players find the fairway, or two or more players are on the green in regulation, then that bet carries over to the following hole.

Barkies. Sometimes called Woodies, Barkies are paid automatically to any player who makes par on a hole on which he hit a tree. The value of a Barkie is determined before the round.

Arnies. These are side bets whose value should be determined prior to the round. They are won automatically by any golfer who makes a par without having managed to get his ball into the fairway. As you may have guessed, this game is named in honor of Arnold Palmer, who made quite a few “Arnies” in his time.

Join Women on Course in Las Vegas Oct 26 to 27, 2012!  http://www.womenoncourse.com/events/vegas-3day.php

At a recent Signature Golf Event we passed the microphone around the room.  Each person explained why she was interested in learning and playing golf. Most answers were what you’d expect, “for business”, “to meet new friends” “to play with a husband.” Then we came to a successful young lawyer who flatly stated, “I am good at everything I do. I’m here to give golf one more chance.  If I can’t hit the ball well every time I swing, then I give up!”

That got everyone thinking. If we could just hit the sweet spot every time we took a swing, wouldn’t that be fun? Think of all the prizes you could win at company outings, or maybe land a spot on Big Break or the US Women’s Open! What is it about golf that keeps millions of women coming back? Why do we come back the next weekend and play a round again – especially when we don’t have a consistently perfect swing (which, by the way, is the majority of us)?

Here’s our list of the 101 reasons why women play golf.  Perhaps you have your own to add!

1. Nothing beats the feeling of a well struck shot
2. To find something good in every round played
3. A glass of wine at the 19^th hole
4. To post a score better than the week before
5. Create a new identity for yourself
6. Physical exercise
7. Feeling of accomplishment
8. Make new friends
9. Chance to invest in some great accessories
10. Meet potential clients
11. Develop integrity
12. To see the ‘real’ side of your new boyfriend
13. Laugh with friends over ‘interesting’ shots
14. Learn how to calm  our nerves
15. Enjoy the plants, flowers, and trees
16. Appreciate a sport that has been around for over 400 years
17. Spend time with your husband
18. Learn how to deal with frustration and disappointment
19. Teach your kids etiquette
20. Foster your patience
21. Get away from the stress of life
22. Focus on something challenging
23. Travel to a new part of town
24. Learn a new sport
25. Feel a sense of belonging
26. Learn how to stay positive when things go poorly
27. Try lot’s of cool gadgets
28. Participate when small talk turns to golf
29. Meet the man of your dreams
30. Build a new wardrobe
31. Learn not take yourself so seriously
32. One of the few places you can drink and drive
33. Develop some muscle and improve flexibility
34. The rush of being ‘in the zone’
35. Discover new shops and restaurants at different golf clubs
36. Another activity to do on vacation
37. To learn about someone you’d like to hire
38. Wear the logo of courses you’ve played
39. To impress the men with a really nice drive
40. Learn how to gamble
41. A reason to buy more shoes
42. Learn the rules of golf
43. Learn when to play it safe and when to take risks
44. Practice thinking strategically
45. To play within your own game and achieve your personal best
46. Entertain your clients
47. Buy a foursome and contribute to charity
48. Hang around with classy people
49. Help others learn the game
50. Create opportunities for youth
51. Spend quality time with your parents
52. Have some solitary time on the practice range
53. Try something new and different
54. Go back to something you gave up when you had young children
55. Learn to visualization
56. Practice letting go of the past
57. The eternal hope of making a hole-in-one
58. Add new golf jokes to your repertoire
59. Practice positive self-talk
60. Learn how to develop mental strategies and think under pressure
61. Spend time with the family doing something active
62. Play in a Pro Am
63. Appreciate the wind and the rain
64. Learn how to commit to decisions and accept the results
65. Be part of a team
66. To break into the old boys club
67. To start a new girls club
68. Learn how to break through self-improvement barriers
69. Have a motivation to stay in shape
70. Play in your annual company golf outing
71. Develop concentration
72. Experience excitement when you sink a 20 foot putt
73. Get used to public performance – on the first tee
74. Learn anger management
75. Know the difference between a bogie and a birdie
76. Practice goal setting
77. Walk 18 holes for exercise
78. Watch your ball fly over the water and land on the green
79. Master your body movements
80. To develop a routine and stick to it
81. Compete in a tournament and win really great prizes
82. Be outdoors and commune with nature
83. Establish a handicap and watch it improve
84. To start a hobby you can do for the rest of your life
85. Volunteer at  a golf tournament
86. Learn various formats of competition
87. Achieve balance in life
88. Reciprocate a favor
89. Take some fun photos
90. Open up new career opportunities
91. Experience winning
92. An alternative to book club and bunko as an all girl activity
93. Experience the joy of blasting out of sand
94. Improve your posture
95. Understand the lure of watching golf on TV
96. Overcome your fear of failure
97. Learn how to judge distance
98. Keep your mind in the present
99. Learn how to focus on a target
100. Learn to accept what you get – bad lies and bounces – and give your best no matter what
101. For fun and enjoyment!

I recently began playing golf in an attempt to boost my brainpower. As Bobby Jones once said, “Golf is a game played on a five inch course, the distance between your ears”. Golf is no doubt a mental game, but it’s more than that. While it certainly challenges your brain it also stimulates areas that are often left out of our daily routine – things like play, social connection, physical activity, fresh air – and if you can master it, relaxation.

Because most of us are used to going non-stop during our workday, it can be quite uncomfortable to try to slow down and relax. This constantly chaotic pace stimulates a continuous flow of stress hormones in the brain and body, which have been shown to be addictive. Once you get used to this rush, eliminating sources of stress becomes uncomfortable. Try it right now. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and just relax. Quiet your mind. How long does it take for you to shift back into thinking mode?

Activities such as golf provide us with something to focus our attention on something that is challenging but also enjoyable. In fact, if you allow distractions of your day to creep back into your mind there is an immediate shift in your ability to focus on the present moment. This shift usually leads to a tensing of the body and a decrease in your game play. If you are not fully present, golf will quickly let you know. The concentration necessary for golf makes it a perfect activity to boost your mental energy by increasing your ability to relax, be in the moment, and build your mindfulness muscle. Here are a few tips for best practice:

1 – Breathe. One of the quickest ways to relax your body and quiet your mind is to focus on the physical sensations of breathing. If you fully tune into your breathing experience, your mental energy will follow and you’ll be able to bring your attention to the here and now. Try to follow the sensation of your breath as it passes through your nose, into your airway, and expands your chest and belly. As you exhale, feel a sense of calm relaxation flowing throughout your body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.

2 – Believe. In order for mental energy training to be effective it’s important that you see it as a priority. Making it a priority will help you be more consistent. Most people recognize that it’s important to take care of one’s own self in order to be able to take care of others. But we sometimes lack the commitment to make it a priority. Acknowledge the fact that being more mindful and managing your mental energy more effectively will allow you to be healthier and happier. And it will also improve your mental performance when you return back to work mode or engage with friends and family.

3 – Be Patient. Recognize that most of what we do happens with our brain on automatic pilot because we’ve operated in a certain way over a long period of time. Most of us have trained our brain to multitask and function in survival mode, resulting in high levels of chronic stress that wear us out. This is our “norm”, but it’s not where we are most effective. Shifting into a new way of managing our mental energy requires practice to re-train our operating system to better serve us. Like your golf game, with time your ability to manage your mental energy will improve if you remain consistent.

Dr Heidi Hanna is a San Diego Women on Course member and author of SHARP: Simple Strategies to Boost Your Brainpower. Visit her site: http://synergyprograms.com/