Elisa Gaudet
California, United States: The inaugural International Women’s Golf Day (WGD) has exceeded its goal with more than 400 golf facilities in 17 countries participating in this first-of-its-kind growth of the game initiative.
WGD’s mission is to engage, empower and support women and they will experience this first-hand on June 7 around the globe.
WGD will be celebrated between the hours of 4 pm and 8 pm, when women and girls will be introduced to the game in an inviting and fun environment.
The event also encourages existing and former golf enthusiasts to attend with an opportunity to tee it up for nine holes. From 4 pm to 6 pm all participants will have the option of two hours of lessons or an on-course nine-hole experience.
From 6 pm to 8 pm attendees will participate in a celebratory gathering where they’ll socialise, network and receive information on ways to become more involved in golf (i.e. programmes, lessons, leagues, clinics).
“Women play a critical role in the success of the golf industry,” said
Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation. “Nearly 23 per cent of all golfers in the US are female and the creation of Women’s Golf Day is an opportunity to increase awareness, participation, and showcase golf as a fun activity for people of all ages.”
At its core, WGD has the united support of 17 veteran golf industry and business professionals, each volunteering their time and/or service to help execute this worldwide event.
In addition to the collaborative efforts of the WGD team, the initiative has garnered the support of golf management companies and retail outlets, including Arcis Golf, ClubCorp, Golfsmith, and PGA Superstore.
“We are proud to participate in this important international event,” said
Eric Affeldt, ClubCorp President and Chief Executive Officer. “Positively impacting the future of the game of golf for females of all ages continues to be a priority for ClubCorp and at our clubs. Women’s Golf Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to help grow the game.”
Golf course owners and operators also see the value of Women’s Golf Day.
“Golf courses and the sport are evolving in many wonderful ways, and Women’s Golf Day shines a spotlight on the growing popularity of our sport to women and girls all over the globe,” said
Jay Karen, Chief Executive Officer of the National Golf Course Owners Association.
“The life lessons and connections made among women on our fields of play are incredibly valuable. We are happy to support the endeavour to connect golf to more and more women.”
The WGD initiative is gaining attention from female leaders in sports, too. “There has never been a better time for women in sports and in business, and everyone knows golf is instrumental in many business relationships,” said motivational speaker Dr
Jen Welter, NFL’s First Female Coach. “International Women’s Golf Day is a great way to get women in the game, on many levels. I am honoured to take part in this historical event.”
According to event organisers, Women’s Golf Day has created positive momentum globally, and that momentum continues to grow. “It’s both amazing and gratifying to know that we’ll have participation in every time zone worldwide,” said Event Founder
Elisa Gaudet.
“Not only will we introduce new players to the game in an inviting and inclusive manner, participants will be able to share their experiences through social media and see how they’re actually part of a global community, doing the same thing, on the same day, around the world.”