Bette & Court Sponsors Mentoring Program That Pairs Beginning and Experienced Golfers
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL, August 18, 2008 -Through an innovative program called S.W.I.N.G. – Skillful Women Inspiring New Golfers – over 750 members of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) are participating this year to help new golfers get comfortable playing the game. EWGA chapters throughout the country offer the program designed to cover the nuances of golf – etiquette, courtesies and on-course behavior – traditionally not covered in golf instruction programs. New golfers are paired with experienced players who serve as mentors answering questions and offering supportive guidance on the subtleties of the game.
As one mentor explained, “No one tells you how to mark your ball, where to park your golf cart, when to stop talking, who goes first, when to pull the pin, etc. Very often, you find out the hard way – someone points out that you are doing something wrong and of course, that makes you feel even worse as a new golfer. Not only is your golf game bad, but you don’t have a clue what to do or what not to do. Talk about intimidation!”
EWGA developed the program to help break down a major barrier to women entering the game of golf. Since it was introduced in 2005, the S.W.I.N.G. program has benefited more than 1500 participants, and has already reached a record number of new golfers participating this year.
“The EWGA S.W.I.N.G. program is the best way for new golfers to learn the many intricacies in golf that mean so much when you’re playing in an event or treating clients to a day on the course,” says Stephanie Jennings, EWGA Director of Golf Programs. “The continued growth of this program is due to the dedicated efforts of our volunteer leaders at the chapter level. They encourage and support new golfers and coordinate events and gatherings that take the ‘intimidation factor’ out of golf.”
Maria Erickson, president and CEO of Bette & Court women’s golf apparel is the founding sponsor for the S.W.I.N.G. program. Her company provides the mentors and mentees with a special pin, apparel discounts and a chance to win a $250 Bette & Court shopping spree. Mentors also receive an official cap with the S.W.I.N.G. logo. The EWGA provides mentoring checklists and guidelines along with ideas and information to assist local chapters in implementing the program.
“S.W.I.N.G. is what the EWGA is all about – helping women enter the game of golf in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment,” says Erickson, who is a charter EWGA member and an association sponsor since 1993. “We are proud of our long-term involvement with the EWGA and the success of this program to help new women golfers become more comfortable playing the game.” – continued –
Since its founding in 1991, the EWGA has touched the lives of more than 100,000 women by providing opportunities to learn, play, and enjoy the game of golf for business and for life. This not-for-profit association delivers a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for both new and experienced golfers to nearly 20,000 members at over 125 local chapters throughout the United States and international chapters in Canada and France.
The EWGA is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. For more information about the association and its membership, visit www.ewga.com
Contact:
Angie Niehoff
Niehoff Marketing Associates
561-868-0297
niehoff@bellsouth.net
