Women link on the links
By Torleif Sorenson
Perhaps you watched the women of Team USA win the Solheim Cup on TV a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps you sawY.E. Yang’s astounding defeat of Tiger Woods the week before at the PGA Championship, either on TV or in-person at Hazeltine National in Chaska.
Whatever the case, if you are a woman who is thinking about taking up the game but you’re unsure of how or where to start, the Minnesota chapter of the Executive Women’s Golf Association has plenty of members who have been where you are.
First, please do not misunderstand the name of the group; the EWGA counts among their members women who are attorneys, nurses, teachers, engineers, human resources specialists, realtors, entrepreneurs and Metropolitan State students—it’s more than just businesswomen and executives. Second, this can be just as much about networking (professional and social) and education as it is about golf – you get to choose.
Before you grab a club
If you’re completely new to golf, the EWGA may be the ideal way for women to learn the game. In fact, one page on their Web site called “New to Golf?” helps explain their education and mentor/mentee options, how the golf handicap index works and how you can get your own. Their classes and events are often scheduled to accommodate the needs of busy professionals, and are often taught by LPGA and PGA of America teaching pros.
A helpful map on the site also shows where the Minnesota EWGA holds events catering to various skill levels, from beginners to low-handicap players.
After you grab a club
Suffice it to say that the Minnesota EWGA’s slate of events covers everything from league play and outings to networking functions, holiday dinners, clinics, etiquette seminars and member-guest events. League play ranges from recreational outings to competitive events and is a nice way to see a variety of courses. In fact, current league chair Ann Borders says, “As a member of the Saturday recreational league, I’ve been given the opportunity to play a number of different courses throughout the Twin Cities. And my association with the EWGA has allowed me to network with other professional working women as well as build both personal and professional relationships.”
The more people (including women and kids!) that are playing the game, the better off the game is. Period. It takes a pretty unique—and strong—organization to accomplish these two things together, and the EWGA’s mission is to do precisely this. Even if your interest in golf is only casual, the EWGA is a great place to start.