The CSGA Links Volume 6 Issue 2 May, 2018 | Page 25

There are fewer programs for beginning adults. Get Golf Ready was launched ten years ago, and
seems to have had an impact. In the last NGF data, the number of beginners grew 14 per cent to 2.5 mil-
lion, an all-time high. Many adult women , however, still feel apart from the game.

“Our research shows that there are millions of women who want to participate in golf,” says Sandy
Cross of the LPGA, “but they don’t feel welcome. They haven’t been invited.” Companies such as TopGolf
have proved that for some future players, the attraction must be social, with emphasis on fun over competi-
tion. Although the leading golf bodies are doing more, former LPGA Commissioner Charles Mechem told
a panel last year that some facilities “don’t yet totally understand the audience they have got to appeal to.”

LPGA Golf 101 is a response to all of this. It’s aim is not simply to create some-
one who hits balls at a TopGolf or driving range, but someone who is not afraid to
play on course. “At Tunxis we’ll teach on the range and use the golf course, too,” said
Beck. “For example, we’ll teach putting and then take students out on the golf course
and talk about putting there. And taking care of the green. All of it.” Beck likens the
program to something the Jemsek family did at its suite of Illinois golf courses years
ago. “Frank Jemsek called it the No Embarrassment Clinic. That’s what this is about.”
Jordan Lintz of Oronoque Country Club (top right) and Nicole Damarjian of Tall-
Jordan Lintz
wood Country Club and Willow Brook Golf Course (bottom right) will also offer the
course.

At Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Fairfield, Liz Gentile will teach six-week
sessions of 5-8 students for $150. She’s a believer in the concept of female teachers for
female beginners. “I think it becomes more of a shared experienced with women,” she
said. She’s impressed with the comprehensive curriculum of Golf 101. “It’s really well
done. I wish I’d been introduced to the game this way.”

Talk about getting off on the right foot.
Nicole Damar jian

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