PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL, October 3, 2007 – Golf courses from across the country have earned the official designation as a ‘women-friendly’ facility from the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA). The recognition program open to all golf facilities was officially launched in May of this year. To date, there are 40 golf courses with the ‘Women Friendly’ designation. To merit the special designation, a facility needs to participate in the EWGA Golf Club Network and also meet certain criteria rated on playability of the course and customer experience.
Golf courses, resorts, practice facilities, golf academies and other instructional facilities can join the EWGA Golf Club Network which is designed to increase rounds and revenue while encouraging more women to play golf. Facilities pay a nominal annual fee and offer special rates for play, practice or instruction as a benefit to EWGA members. In return, the facilities are listed in the EWGA print and online directories, reaching the association’s nearly 20,000 members whenever they are seeking places to play. Special consideration as host sites for EWGA events and tournaments is also included.
To earn the official EWGA "women friendly" designation, additional criteria must be met. Some of the factors include having at least two sets of tees rated for women, clean restrooms available at least every 6 holes, and providing equal services to men and women. For the complete requirements and how to apply for this valuable business building recognition program, see the EWGA website at www.ewga.com and click on Golf Club Network.
"This recognition program is a way for us to distinguish golf courses who understand the value of providing a ‘women friendly’ customer experience. It’s a smart business decision to participate in the EWGA Golf Club Network and earn this distinction," says Pam Swensen, CEO of the EWGA. "A satisfied woman customer means more business – it’s the power of the purse."
A 2006 survey of EWGA members conducted by the PGA of America found that 62% are avid golfers, playing more than 25 rounds per year. EWGA members spent an average of $3,278 on golf activities and merchandise and another $2294 on golf related travel. Each EWGA chapter annually generates more than $512,000 in golf related spending within its community. With over 120 chapters throughout the United States, as well as international chapters in Canada and France, that is significant economic clout.
Since the EWGA started in 1991, more than 85,000 women have benefited from membership in the organization which is dedicated to providing opportunities to learn, play, and enjoy the game of golf for business and for life. EWGA chapters provide a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for both new and experienced golfers. A welcoming environment, golf education and player development, and organized play programs are part of the many benefits of EWGA membership.
The EWGA is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. For more information about the association and the EWGA Golf Club Network, visit www.ewga.com. -continued-
Golf facilities that have earned the EWGA ‘women friendly’ designation, since May 2007:
Arizona
La Paloma Country Club, Tucson, AZ
California
Alhambra Golf Course, Alhambra, CA
Metropolitan Golf Links, Oakland, CA
Florida
Atlantis Country Club, Atlantis, FL
Cypress Creek Country Club, Boynton Beach, FL
The Links at Boynton Beach, Boynton Beach, FL
Tara Golf & Country Club, Bradenton, FL
Grand Cypress Resort, Orlando, FL
PGA Golf Club, Port St. Lucie, FL
Georgia
Highland Walk, Royston, GA
The Golf Club at Sanctuary Cove, Waverly, GA
Idaho
Shadow Valley Golf Course, Boise, ID
Michigan
The Meadows at Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI
Treetops Resort, Gaylord, MI
(Robert Trent Jones Masterpiece/ Rick Smith Tradition/ Rick Smith Signature)
Missouri
Shoal Creek Golf Course, Kansas City, MO
Nevada
Badlands Golf Club, Las Vegas, NV
North Carolina
Keith Hills Country Club, Buies Creek, NC
The Pines at Elizabeth City, Elizabeth City, NC
Oregon
Running Y Ranch, Klamath Falls, OR
Tennessee
RedTail Mountain Golf Club, Mountain City, TN
Texas
Padre Isles Country Club, Corpus Christi, TX
Virginia
Ford’s Colony Country Club, Williamsburg, VA
The Gauntlet Golf Club, Fredericksburg, VA
Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, VA
Windy Hill Golf and Sports, Midlothian, VA
Washington
Mount Si Golf Course, Snoqualmie, WA
Contact:
Angie Niehoff
Niehoff Marketing Associates
561-868-0297
niehoff@bellsouth.net
