BIG PICTURE
By Zahra Jones
From May 27 - June 4, women across the Met Area celebrated Women’s Golf Week. Previously known as Women’s Golf Day, this week-long celebration extends appreciation for women in golf through a week of events where golf courses, organizations, and driving ranges host clinics, play days, and more for women who are at various stages of learning the game.
The MGA held six different events throughout the week. From a range night and clinics, to outings, women came together to learn, swing, and practice their golf skills. Events were held in New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester to accommodate different areas and expand participation.
Jordyn Lee, MGA coordinator for membership growth, spearheaded the efforts as the national celebration expanded from a day to a week. With golf’s rising popularity, Lee wanted to ensure the week of events reached as many women as possible. “Seeing the trend in popularity of golf, it’s increased,” said Lee. “So many more women are getting into it, it wasn’t fair to just service one area.”
Five of the six events were sold out with waitlists, there were 300 participants, and great feedback was received. There was even a raffle held, where prizes included a Callaway gift card, an MGA gift card, and more, all benefitting Women’s Golf Week.
One day included two events: a special MGA Play Day Presented by Callaway and an Introduction to Women’s Golf Clinic as part of a series in partnership with Lexus, both at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, N.Y. More than 150 women attended those events, doubling the number of attendees from the previous year. Lee was satisfied with the success but admits there’s still, “a lot to improve on,” as she wants to keep up with the increasing number of female golfers.
Another notable event was a Fore the Ladies Clinic held at Skyway Golf Course in Jersey City, N.J. This event was an opportunity for novice female golfers to come together and learn the basics of golf while getting the chance to work on their swings with experienced instructors. Women cheered each other on, exchanged golf knowledge, and supported one another. One attendee expressed that events like this truly make a difference for her, saying, “We’re comfortable in a setting where we can learn with other girls.”
Lee is already looking ahead to next year’s Women’s Golf Week, encouraged by this year’s feedback to make it an even stronger week of events for all ages, abilities, and demographics.
The inspiration for Women’s Golf Week started at a personal level for Lee. “Having studied and worked in a pretty male-dominated field and now getting into golf myself, I’ve become very aware of the gap in participation,” says Lee.
She wants to create more opportunities for women to get involved in golf and feel comfortable while doing so. To those who want to come to future Women’s Golf Week events but might be a little timid, “Don’t be intimidated,” Lee says. “Whether it’s with friends, family members, or just alone, come to any of our events – it’s a very welcoming environment.”
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