Golf For Women Becoming More Popular

Golf is a healthy outdoor activity that can be as leisurely or as vigorous as you want it to be. It can be quite a challenge: a different ball position for every shot, a different course or varying weather for every round. Integrity is the first requirement regardless if you are playing with company, with the course being your only opponent. And speaking of company, golf offers plenty of opportunity to meet new people, socially or for business.

More and more women are finding their way to the golf course. But there's always room for more. Yet many - even confident, professional - women are still kept at bay by fear of embarrassment: somehow they believe they have to be good players before they can join someone on the course. Quite a few even told me they feel they have to reach a certain playing level before taking lessons from a pro to avoid getting ridiculed!

The golf industry certainly has discovered the new market. Equipment options for women have exploded and more and more courses are offering classes for women. Seems like there is still a lot of room for improvement in the PR-department, though.

Most experienced golfers know it's not how well you play, but knowing how to behave on the course that counts. Displaying proper behavior and etiquette will impress, even if your swing doesn't (yet). Taking the time to learn a little more about the do's and don'ts of golf will help you step on to the course with more confidence and earn you the respect of your fellow players.

There are various ways to go about it. You can always talk to people in your environment who are already golfers. A word of caution, though: not all weekend golfers are really aware of proper etiquette. If you're planning on being a weekend golfer yourself, you'll be fine with their input, but if you are expecting to play in a business environment, a more thorough approach may be in order. A professional, yet women-friendly initiation is provided by organizations like the Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA).

If "self study" is more your thing, there is a vast number of books and web sites available. While most concentrate on improving your game, some books include a section on etiquette, rules, equipment, etc., such as "The Golf Handbook for Women" by Vivien Saunders and "Golf Is a Woman's Game" by Jane Horn.

The supply of golf-related sites is nearly endless and it's easy to get overwhelmed. It is key to find those that really cater to the beginning golfer and covers the basics. A good one to start with is the site of the USGA.

More information and tips can be found at www.Golf-Basics-For-Women.com, a complete resource for the beginning golfer.