If one doesn’t play golf, they may think of it as an old person’s sport, even a man’s sport. The first mention of “ye golf” was in 1457 when King James II had banned the game because he was attempting to get people to practice archery, which was being neglected.
There has also been a long-time 20th Century “joke” that said the word “GOLF” meant “Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden.” Was it a joke or misconception? Not so sure. What I am sure of, is that women are coming on strong in the world of golf! It is a big business, a billion dollar industry, from women’s clothing and golf fashion to clubs, equipment, and accessories! Women are heading out to the courses in high style, fashion, and athleticism with their fitted women’s graphite top-of-the-line clubs!
You may be taken aback by the pink, floral, or Swarovski Crystal ball markers, but make no mistake, these women are not sissies. There are no gimmies. There are no do-overs. Every stroke counts. They carry their own bag, climb in the sand traps if need be, come to the course fully prepared, and will have every new rule memorized. They play by the book. You putt the ball until it clinks into the cup. They may not hit as far as men, but they are knowledgeable and prepared while their foursome group is in color coordinated and themed outfits.
Women’s golf groups are all the rage. They are run by highly organized women that keep scores, dues, come up with various games & themes, host fun tournaments and are happy to learn about you and include you in their group. They are competitive and friendly. During this shelter-in-place/pandemic and time of social distancing, it is heartwarming to be part of a group that welcomes you into a safe, athletic, and friendly outdoor environment while maintaining CDC health and safety protocol. Not only is this a good group to belong to now, but when my mom had been caring for my dad through his cancer in 1998, it was a women’s golf group she had joined that gave her relief from worries, caretaking and focusing on everything but herself. She was welcomed by name, her cart was ready, and she had a group of women to play golf with, even though she was a beginner. She remains friends with those women even now, 22 years later.
This year COVID-19 has put a twist on golf groups by changing games and names to include The Sanitizers & The Quaranteam. COVID-19 or not, women figure things out. My mom’s group is all fun and games with fun events like Viva L’Italia, Scotch on the Rocks, Chinese New Year, Mystery Dinner, Bombay Challenge, Beat the Pro, Cha Cha Cha, Golf Olympics, Final-Final, and Last Dance. Each regular Play Day for the week is broken up into fun games as well. The creativity and fun these women put into the Ladies’ Golf Events is incredible.
Locally, the NCGA, Northern California Golf Association, has clubs with interest groups including firefighters, judges, and doctors and clubs for people in immediate and local areas. Most private country clubs have Ladies’ Golf Clubs and so do many of the public golf courses.
Ladies, get your girlfriends and your daughters… Get out on that course!
These are public course that have Ladies’ Golf Groups/Clubs:
Playcallippe.com has a Ladies’ Niners’ Group and 18 Hole Golf Group.
Playboundaryoak.com has a Women’s Club.
Laspositasgolfcourse.com has a 18-hole Ladies Club and a Nif-Tee Niners’ Club
Lynne Harrosh is an avid golfer and traveler. Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @TeeItUpTravel to get connected to the best places to golf, golf technology, golf equipment, discounts on green fees, stay & plays, and golf travel – lynneharrosh@me.com