The inaugural International Women’s Golf Day (WGD), set for Tuesday, June 7, 2016,has exceeded its lofty goal with more than 400 golf facilities in more than 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.
WGD will be celebrated between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., 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 4:00-6:00 p.m. all participants will have the option of two hours of lessons or an on-course 9-hole experience. From 6:00-8:00 p.m. attendees will participate in a celebratory gathering where they’ll socialize, network, and receive information on ways to become more involved in golf (i.e. program’s lessons, leagues, clinics).
“Women play a critical role in the success of the golf industry,” says Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation. “Nearly 23 percent of all golfers in the U.S. 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 key golf management companies and retail outlets including: Arcis Golf, Club Corp, Golfsmith, and PGA Superstore.
“We are proud to participate in this important international event,” said Eric Affeldt, ClubCorp President and CEO. “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, CEO 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 endeavor to connect golf to more and more women.”
From the European Tour David MacLaren. Head of European Tour Properties and recently appointed Head of European Senior Tour, says: “As a humble 4 handicap male golfer within a family of three females (handicaps 3, 4 and plus four), and at the same time working within the men’s professional game, I warmly welcome this initiative. Within Europe, home of most of our European Tour Destinations, female participation ranges between 25% and an impressive 40%.
“Although these numbers are encouraging, we still are far from parity although I am always very heartened to see how in countries new to the game, participation rates across genders are much more equal. Golf is a game for a lifetime – for girls and boys, women and men. To have produced an offspring who is a world-class amateur is gratifying, but the hoops and obstacles that she has to jump through and over at times, has been occasionally deeply depressing. Initiatives such as Women’s Golf Day are both important and potentially game-changing, and European Tour Properties is delighted to offer our wholehearted support.”
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 honored to take part in this historical evolution.”
According to event organizers, Women’s Golf Day has captured a positive momentum globally, and one that 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.”
Those interested in attending a WGD event are encouraged to visit: http://womensgolfday.com/locations/. To register a facility (course, range, or retail outlet) click here: http://womensgolfday.com/event-registration/. Specific questions regarding registration can be directed to Hollie at info@womensgolfday.com.
International Women’s Golf Day www.womensgolfday.com Social media: FB- Women’s Golf Day, Twitter- @womensgolfday, Instagram- Womensgolfday, YouTube- Womens Golf Day.