CHARLESTON, S.C. (June 18, 2008) – As one of the nation’s top golf instructors and a mother of two daughters, Suzy Whaley knows what it takes to get girls off to the right start in golf.
Whaley, the LPGA/PGA teaching professional at the Tournament Players Club at River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn., shares her top tips in advance of the NGCOA’s ninth annual Take Your Daughter to the Course Week, July 7-13.
Make it a family affair.
When asked, my daughters will tell you that their favorite part about playing golf is having my undivided attention. Encourage your daughter to start playing golf by playing with her. Whether you are an avid golfer or a beginner, take your daughter to the driving range. When you are playing on the course, let her ride in the cart with you and hit balls.
Make golf an event for your social butterfly.
If your daughter is one who enjoys social activities and making lots of new friends, golf provides a great opportunity for social learning. Take your daughter to a girls’ golf clinic with kids her own age.
For a shy gal, encourage her subtly.
Taking your daughter and one of her friends to the driving range or to the golf course is a great way to make the game fun without it becoming intimidating. Specialty magazines for junior girls, such as Golfer Girl Magazine, also provide subtle encouragement for girls to share with friends.
Make a connection with a professional.
Professionals are trained to give one-on-one attention when and where your child needs it. Contact your local PGA of America office at www.pga.com for the names of professionals near you, and find a teacher who will help your daughter become self-confident and enthusiastic about the game and her ability to play it.
Make golf about her.
While encouraging your daughter to learn the game, don’t forget that it is about her. Make her feel special by buying her a golf club or outfit to wear when she plays. Take her to a professional tournament so she can collect players’ autographs. If you do not have the opportunity to go to a tournament, make a pizza or a special snack and watch one on television.
Golf is a game; make it fun!
Instead of hitting at the traditional golf hole or flag, set up fun targets such as colorful buckets or umbrellas for your daughter to aim at, and don’t be opposed to bribes of candy and treats. An ice cream after a round of play can be fun for all.
Most importantly, continuously encourage her.
No matter how your daughter plays, always give her lots of encouragement and compliments. Self-confidence is a key to her enjoyment of the game, and you can increase her confidence with your continuous words of encouragement.
During Take Your Daughter to the Course Week, participating facilities offer free greens fees as well as instructional clinics for junior girls who are accompanied by a paying adult. The July 7-13 nationwide event is an easy way for courses to increase play in their communities and for families to enjoy time together on the course. Golfers, as well as golf course owners and operators, can learn more about the program at www.playgolfamerica.com.
Take Your Daughter to the Course week is part of Family Golf Month, which includes a number of programs under the Play Golf America banner that encourage families to enjoy the game together. Golfing enthusiasts and Grammy Award winners Vince Gill and Amy Grant, along with daughter Corrina, are the July program’s spokesfamily.
About the NGCOA
The National Golf Course Owners Association is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The Association represents the key decision makers with ultimate responsibility for golf courses throughout the world. Through advocacy, information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. For more information, visit www.ngcoa.org or call 1-800-933-4262.
Contact:
Bill Bryant, Bryant Marketing Communications
678.366.3232
bbryant@bryantmarcomm.com