FIND A FRIENDLY GOLF COURSE
Introduction
There are just over 15,000 golf courses in the United States, but clearly some are better than others when it comes to welcoming women who are beginners. 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 at the moment you call for a tee time or drop off your bag. Receiving a courteous welcome, being waited on in turn and a lack of "men only" tee time restrictions are good indicators you're at the right place.
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. In these cases, the course is often aware of your needs and will provide a better experience for you.
The Golfers
A course can have everything going for it only to be hindered by the regulars who make it clear women don’t belong on a golf course. Often the signs are not so subtle. Are the men in your foursome forgetting to stop at your tee box in their haste to hit their next shot? Is the group behind staring you down and taking shots before you've cleared the playing area in an effort to hurry you along?
When you see other women on the golf course on a regular basis, chances are your male playing partners will be happy to golf with you.
The Clubhouse
Nothing is more telling than the women’s locker room. Do they even have a locker room for women? Is it clean and stocked with hand soap, towels and toilet paper? You’ve hit pay dirt when you see extras, such as big lockers, hair dryers, a sitting area and steam room.
What information is hanging on the club walls and bulletin boards? An active women’s community is an indicator that you'll have an enjoyable golf experience. Look for women-specific events, lessons and plaques that recognize 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 – in our opinion, the more, the better – look to see whether the pro shop stocks women-specific accessories such as gloves, shoes and balls. Neglecting these details may seem small, yet they speak volumes about catering to female customers.
Another good indicator is the number of rental sets available 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 Golf Course
The total yardage and design of the course indicates the playability for golfers of differing skill levels. Perhaps the most important clue that a club embraces 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 general area after everyone hits their drive.
How long does a regulation golf course play from the forward 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 an indicator of a playable course that isn't overly long. Innovative clubs that welcome beginners may even have a family tee at the 150 yard marker (or even closer).
As you make the transition to the golf course, another option is to play an EXECUTIVE course. These courses are shorter in overall distance and are composed of mostly par 3 and 4 holes. Even better is a PAR 3 course composed of all par 3 holes.
When your tee shot has to go over an obstacle (such as 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 nine 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 fare, what options are available for those watching calories or looking for healthier choices? While golfers may enjoy a beer or two during the round, how about offering wine on the beverage cart?
What other sport takes up to five hours to play? Courses that offer nine hole rates are become more common. Some course layouts even allow four and six hole loops. Look for clubs that offer creative packages for shorter play, perhaps combined with clinics or promoted specifically for women. These are clues that a golf course is looking to attract women and beginners with busy schedules.
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