The CSGA Links Volume 6 Issue 2 May, 2018 | Page 24

INSTRUCTION
Ladies, Golf 101 is now in session!
I
f you’ve ever known a woman who found golf baffling, intimidating or
downright embarrassing, you get why the LPGA has created a new program called
Golf 101.

It’s a beginner’s program that really begins at the beginning. And it’s just for
women.

What’s more, it will be taught only by women, LPGA professionals like
Jackie Beck of Tunxis and Liz Gentile of Fairchild Wheeler, who understand that
even something as simple as a scorecard can be baffling to some non-golfers.

“Think of it if you’re a rank beginner,” says Beck. “All those numbers. What
are they for? And the red, white and blue colors. What’s that all about? This is a
program to make women who know almost nothing about the game feel comfort-
able. And it’s important, because I believe women and juniors are our greatest
opportunity for growth.”

For almost a decade the golf industry has sought to recruit new golfers
among these segments. Tons of programs now exist for the junior segment: The
First Tee, Drive Chip and Putt, PGA Junior Leagues and Girls Golf from the
LPGA and the USGA have had a major impact. In its last measurement of golf
participation, the National Golf Foundation reported that junior golfers comprise
11 per cent of all players and 33 per cent of those are female, almost double from a
decade before, due in part to programs such as LPGA/USGA Girls’ Golf.
24 | CSGA Links // May 2018
Jackie Beck (top)
of Tunxis C.C.
and Liz Gentile of
Fairchild Wheeler
teach Golf 101.
www.csgalinks.org