I am here to take on this sensitive issue, but for only for golf. Golf continues to lament about less rounds, fewer golfers, and higher costs. Although I am no lady, I have done research and I have a few thoughts to discuss. As the title implies, I will address both sides of the want list.
Women want to play. They want to play with their girfriends, their husbands, and their professional networks. Have we as an industry set the proper table in order to welcome their interest? I do not see it. This is not the 60’s where women accounted for less than 5% of the household income. Today that number is 42% and growing. It is time to view and receive this opportunity with eyes wide open. Know however, they need something more important than a good grip, a great driver, or a nice golf bag. They need respect, specific knowledge, and comfort. These three values are not part of any golf lesson. Here are my 5 thoughts from each side of the aisle. Think about them as you prepare for the season.
What Women Don’t Care About;
1) they do not care about the CC’s in their driver
2) they do not care about the speed of your greens today
3) they do not care who is on the beverage cart
4) they do not care about the golf ball sale in the shop
5) they do not care about the after round beer special
What Women Want;
To build a friendly business for women, especially new players, here are 5 to do’s
1) women first want respect and equal treatment
2) they want a clean facility. Strive for perfection, starting with the clubhouse and on-course restrooms. This is huge
3) they want to know what you know. As an industry we assume too much. Fear, I believe cost this industry millions of dollars in lost revenue each year. Have a designated “nice person” at your course as the working expert on the ground to direct women and to answer every question, as well as provide instruction in areas such as golf cart operations. Throwing a cart key at a stressed woman is a one time act
4) food designed for all women to embrace and enjoy
5) Comfort I contend is the most important word in golf. If women are unsure and afraid of your surroundings, they will nail themselves to their couch forever. Job #1 is to breakdown the fear your team does not see.
Know that women want to play. To build a friendly experience create a “starters list” from the parking lot through the 18th green and add the FUN. Ask many question, create a great invitation.
What Women (Don’t) Want
I am here to take on this sensitive issue, but for only for golf. Golf continues to lament about less rounds, fewer golfers, and higher costs. Although I am no lady, I have done research and I have a few thoughts to discuss. As the title implies, I will address both sides of the want list.
Women want to play. They want to play with their girfriends, their husbands, and their professional networks. Have we as an industry set the proper table in order to welcome their interest? I do not see it. This is not the 60’s where women accounted for less than 5% of the household income. Today that number is 42% and growing. It is time to view and receive this opportunity with eyes wide open. Know however, they need something more important than a good grip, a great driver, or a nice golf bag. They need respect, specific knowledge, and comfort. These three values are not part of any golf lesson. Here are my 5 thoughts from each side of the aisle. Think about them as you prepare for the season.
What Women Don’t Care About;
1) they do not care about the CC’s in their driver
2) they do not care about the speed of your greens today
3) they do not care who is on the beverage cart
4) they do not care about the golf ball sale in the shop
5) they do not care about the after round beer special
What Women Want;
To build a friendly business for women, especially new players, here are 5 to do’s
1) women first want respect and equal treatment
2) they want a clean facility. Strive for perfection, starting with the clubhouse and on-course restrooms. This is huge
3) they want to know what you know. As an industry we assume too much. Fear, I believe cost this industry millions of dollars in lost revenue each year. Have a designated “nice person” at your course as the working expert on the ground to direct women and to answer every question, as well as provide instruction in areas such as golf cart operations. Throwing a cart key at a stressed woman is a one time act
4) food designed for all women to embrace and enjoy
5) Comfort I contend is the most important word in golf. If women are unsure and afraid of your surroundings, they will nail themselves to their couch forever. Job #1 is to breakdown the fear your team does not see.
Know that women want to play. To build a friendly experience create a “starters list” from the parking lot through the 18th green and add the FUN. Ask many question, create a great invitation.
Jack Dillon
Related Posts
How to create and manage sustainability plan blueprints for golf operations
Just as a detailed and thorough blueprint is critical for turning a building plan into sturdy reality, your facility’s sustainability success hinges on creating and
Chairman Yoon: South Korea’s sports maestro
Yoon Se-young discovered the meaning of life through golf. He began playing golf as a kid in the fields near his home and fell in love with the challenge, friendship and peace of mind that it brought to his life. He found golf to be “a delightful sport” unmatched by any other.
USGA: Let’s talk about teeing options
After a round of golf, most golfers remember a great green or cool bunkers, but we don’t often reflect on the teeing options and how
KemperSports selected to manage 2 clubs in Delaware and Minnesota
KemperSports will assume management duties for two more clubs: Heritage Shores Golf Club in Bridgeville, Delaware, and the forthcoming Tepetonka Club in New London, Minnesota.
March/April 2024
Encore Leisure Group takes over management of 17 golf properties
Encore Leisure Group, a newly formed company led by Dale Folmar and Jacques James, has taken over management duties for the 17 private clubs and