Welcome back, GGs!

We wanted to continue our conversation from July 29th in addressing the three largest stigmas in the golf world.

As a reminder from last time, we discussed the following:

From my 13+ years in the golf community, the three biggest stigmas I have seen and continue to hear are women (and people in general) are discouraged from golf because it is:

1. Expensive
2. Boring
3. A men’s sport

In our last post we spoke about #1, Budgets.

This week we want to address #2, Boredom. The expectation that golf is boring is another one of the largest obstacles preventing most ladies from even thinking about picking up a club. 

Drop the Formality!

Historically, golf has had the reputation of being elitist, serious, stuffy, and resistant to changes. However, over the last decade, the industry has been trying to change this. In 2017, the PGA communicated they wanted to fix golf’s image. At GG, we are all aboard that bandwagon and specifically want to focus on golf’s makeover as it pertains to women.

Golf definitely is not for everyone. But it is one of the only sports that is accessible to people in every stage of life; from kids to seniors.

As life goes on, people find interests in new places. Especially those who are looking for new challenges, want to work on a unique skill, or commit to a hobby. If you find yourself curious about the game in any way, we’re here to encourage you to get out there! Just trying it out is the best way to start and we promise that no one is analyzing you, they’re focused on themselves.

Yes, it will be frustrating at first.

You will need to work yourself up to a consistent, repeatable swing.

You will need to exercise hand-eye coordination.

But once you feel ready to hit the links, you can focus on different parts of your game each time.

GG’s favorite part of golf is that each hole is a chance to start fresh. A reset.

Honestly, this is a HUGE advantage women have. The blessing of letting things go. Men tend to get frustrated with a shot and carry that frustration throughout the round. Of course that outcome is playing poorly and creating negative energy.

With this mindset, you will continuously set yourself up for success. It truly is about evolution and never giving up.

For example, maybe you are debating going out for 9 holes and have been focused on improving your short game. Make the full 9 holes about that. You do NOT have to stay in the practice area forever. Then each hole you get to practice all strokes while setting yourself up in different scenarios to really test and try your short game.

So what’s a good strategy for this?

GG loves breaking down the larger game by giving ourselves goals for each hole. Here are some starting ideas:

• hole 1 you want no more than 3 strokes without a putter when you are within 150 yards of the pin
• hole 2 you want to land in a place to test out your 60 degree wedge
• hole 3 could be for putting from the fairway

Whatever you want to work on, take it to the course and set goals for yourself. That will enable you to focus on something specific and the time out there will FLY by.

Make It Social

Let’s be honest, everything is better when you’re surrounded by the ones you love the most. No matter what you are doing, surrounding yourself with great people is what gives any activity that spark most people are looking for.

If you’re anything like us at GG, you’re probably looking for fun social activities to change up the routine. We have gotten very sick of only planning dinners or beach days or meeting up for brunch. What this lead to was opening our minds to other fun day activities.

Getting out on the course with your favorite people, snacks, and some fun beverages is a great way to get comfortable with the game and take the pressure off yourself. 

There are a few ways to have a blast during a round of golf that keeps your mind off of the preconceived notion that golf is strict, intense, or pressure-packed. Admit it – we have all anticipated it being extremely formal.

Here are some ways GG loves to have fun!

1. Bring friends that are as new to the game as you are and work together on the challenging strokes. This will help you identify where you need to improve and is a great way to stay accountable. Plus you get to spend quality time together!
2. More experienced players LOVE to teach and encourage our fellow GGs. There is nothing better than watching a women fall in love with golf. If you’re newer to the game, find a gal and hangout on the course!
3. Sign up to play in a fundraising tournament. They are always a good time AND you’re giving back to meaningful organizations. You are also changing the lives of many by participating while expanding your golf network / finding others to play with. Charity tournament formats also create some healthy competition and take the pressure off any one player – one of my favorite new ways is to play Alternate Shot. This one is great for foursomes and involves two teams of two. Both teams play as an independent unit and they alternate shots on each hole. The first hole player A hits the tee shot, player B hits the second shot, player A hits the 3rd shot, and so on.
4. Find a shorter par 3 course. Sometimes the short shots are the hardest and most rewarding, so nailing those par 3s can really improve your confidence. These courses are also a lot more laid back and facilitate some healthy bets with your friends.