The Game Fore You
by Cyn
"Honestly, I took it up because of my job," Lorraine winked. She was in
telecommunication sales. "And that's where I met him. We played, talked and
he asked me out. One year later we got married." Her one-carat diamond
ring flashed in the sun. "I love this game," she added as she picked up a
golf club.
I've heard Lorraine's story or something like it many times. Other single
women have been tempted to the green grounds with visions of meeting a great
guy on the fourth hole. The golf course is now the dating mecca. In
fact, The National Golf Foundations welcomes people to the "game of a
lifetime." It may be subliminal advertising, but professional women are using
the game to make the match of a lifetime.
According to the NGF:
• Female golfers make up 19% (5.1 million) of the U.S.
golfer population, up from 4.6 million in 1986.
• Women spend about $6 billion on golf merchandise and
playing fees.
• The average woman golfer is 42 years old, has an average
household income of $70,541, and plays 18 rounds per year.
I have been involved with golf for the past three years during which time
I have participated in many clinics and classes. Females attend these programs
almost exclusively. Most are up front on why they decided to take up
golf.
"I want to meet a professional, college- educated man, and decided to go
where the men are."
• More than 40% of all U.S. golfers (44% or 11.7 million]
are between the ages of 18 and 39.
• Today's typical golfer is male, just over 40 years old,
has a household income of $71,558 and plays 22 rounds per year.
A straightforward friend of mine admitted wholeheartedly her reason for
attending the clinic. The golf pro replied,
"It's better to meet men out in the green than in a bar." Just
like gyms promoting the idea their location is a place to meet, golf courses
are not shying away from the additional interest by women. In fact, the golf
lessons themselves stress not only golf but also dating strategies.
• First, make a decision regarding your expectations.
• Stay grounded, follow through and most importantly,
remain relaxed.
• In order to succeed you must practice and have a sense
of humor.
The conclusion to all golf lessons is a review of the etiquette of the game.
• Be courteous to your fellow players.
• Try to leave the course the way you found it.
• Dress appropriately.
Women want to be attractive on the course. They are following Gary Player,
one of only four professional golfers to win all four major golfing tournaments
and also dubbed the International Ambassador of Golf: "Golf asks something
of a man. It makes one loath mediocrity. It seems to say, “'If you are going
to keep company with me, don’t embarrass me.'” And women do not want to be
an embarrassment in plaids. Many clothing manufacturers for women are catering
to the increased interest –Eddie Bauer, Liz Claiborne and Talbots all have
added a golfwear line. At a Massachusetts corporate golf challenge a
woman came out fully dressed in matching Nike ensemble. She garnered many
complements. I believed she was an avid golfer. I later found out it was her
first 18 holes of golf.
Armed with a wardrobe and rudimentary golf knowledge, women go to the course.
These are not women interested in the LPGA. In fact, of the people interviewed
not one could name any of the top players in women's golf. Most women mentioned
Tiger Woods. They are interested in the LPWOMM-Ladies Professional Way of
Meeting Men.
An outing for two novice female golfers, Kathy and her friend Cheryl, had
them partnered with two married men. This is not what they wanted but they
made the best of the experience. The veteran golfers were patient and took
the time to offer pointers. A friend of mine was able to join a group of British
golfers. She reported, "Golf is an instant conversation starter. 'So,
how long have you been playing golf?' is an easy first question."
Nine holes of golf at an executive course takes about 2 hours while 18 holes
can be over 4, depending on the level of the players. There is plenty of time
to get to know someone.
However there is a dark side to golf. There are some men who do not appreciate
the lack of seriousness to the game of golf. They actually want to improve
their handicap and get away from their wives and girlfriends. They value their
tee time. "I'll send off a warning shot if the players ahead are moving too
slow." A ball sailing at you at top speeds can be frightening.
Women who find the golf course daunting have another alternative. A psychologist
suggested her female clients spend time at the driving range. I do not recommend
becoming a driving range groupie. At two local driving ranges I found fathers
helping sons and men practicing in order to improve. In this atmosphere there
tends to be women helping women and no co-mingling of the sexes.
As a beginner I will admit wholeheartedly the game is difficult. After my
first 9-hole game, I proclaimed golf the devil's sport. It was only after
playing 18 holes and utilizing a golf cart that made the game more enjoyable.
I still don't have golf shoes and the set of ladies' clubs I invested in are
used. However, I have met professional, single men and find it's easier
to talk amongst the wide-open spaces of the back nine instead of a stuffy,
smoky bar. Nonetheless, as women take my advice and flock to the golf course
you should remember, "These clubs can be very dangerous if used carelessly."