Oh, do I have plans. Okay, well they’re not exactly “plans” at this point as much as ideas. But oh man, do I have ideas, and they’re working into plans. Granted, I do that a lot, but I honestly think this time I’ll find the magical mixture to make me bring them to fruition – it really feels like I will.
They’re related to golf and I’m going to need and ask for your input and help. Please keep checking back here because I will be asking for your input with more specific goals. Meanwhile, please keep reading…
As a female golfer with recent memories of being a beginner in my mind, I think I have a grasp on what a lot of female golfers want and need. Yes, that sounds like a broad statement (pardon the pun), and it is. I just know what it’s like to be a female golfer, to be a new golfer, to be a passionate golfer, to be an obsessed golfer, and to only be treated like the first two.
I want to provide something for anyone who relates to those sentiments. I know how it feels. I know this is a broad request without providing any details, but I have to ask and I hope that you will trust me: As a female golfer, especially (but not limited to) beginning golfers, what do you want or need from the golf industry? If you’re not comfortable posting your answer as a comment, you may tell me confidentially by sending me an email to kristen(at)thegolfchick(dot)com. This is a chance to be part of the future and direction of women’s golf. There may be more opportunities with more specific information, but there won’t be another time to say you contributed – or got involved – at the very start. Just let me know.
July 18, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I like it – but I’m not sure what the direction is.
Are you talking about a magazine ? Something online ? Personal handwritten letters and community dinners at your house ? (ok ok – just kidding on the last one – well – unless you’re a good cook !)
Are you thinking about a GOLF golf idea ? Something that would put the game before the fashion ? Not just the interminable Golf Digest flow of 1001 ways to fix a slice”, but “what does golf mean and do for me and my friends” kind of stuff ? (by the way – your slice fix beats 99% of the hoo-haa that GD puts in their magazine)
What do you mean you get treated like a “female gofer and a beginning golfer”, but not as a “passionate and obsessed golfer” ? (by the way – a lot of people think of the “obsessed” golfer as the guy who has to buy all the new clubs, but never trades in the old stuff – so it might not be so bad to not be treated that way)
July 18, 2008 at 8:36 pm
As a woman who falls into ALL of your categories listed above, I’d say I would need a lot from the golf industry. I’d like support and encouragement, tips and suggestions, but MOST OF ALL I’d like to be around others who are the same, like-minded people. I know MY answer was broad but that is just scratching the surface. I’ guess I’d like to see real women golfers, beginners too, sharing their experience with others.
I think I know where you are going with this gathering of information. Well I HOPE I know where you are going with this information.
It’d be kind of cool to see the golf chick BLOGGERS rally together and put something out worth while on the net. A conglomerate of sorts, newbies included. (hint hint)
One stop blogging, where you can find all the golf girls. Maybe have one focus on fashion (yeah I know, blech), or one focus on newbies, another focus on the professionals and reporting their games. Gah, you really could do anything with this. Good luck and keep me posted.
July 18, 2008 at 8:47 pm
How about a “YouTube” kind of section for short clips of swings and drills or whatever ?
July 18, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Kristen,
Thanks for commenting! I would love to help you start the รขโฌลspotlight on other sports” as part of your above efforts.
Also, whenever you think a highlight on women’s golf is of major significance, please let me know, I’d love to cover it and promote it.
I love your ideas on “new golfer” advice. I’d love to see that grow.
We should be getting together a network of women’s sports bloggers and see how far we can take it. My feeling is that we need to all join the same team in order to cultivate a larger audience.
Thank for your efforts! Keep it up!
July 18, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Getting more women involved… and keeping them involved… is going to be an essential part of growing this game in the future.
I think an important challenge for any women’s golf media outlet will be to make our sport accessible and entertaining for beginners and golfers who love the game in a relaxed recreational way – and at the same time, challenging and satisfying for the very competitive golfers who are always striving to better their scores and like their golf pure, without fluff or frills.
Not easy, but with the right mix and the right mind set, it can be done, and the golf world should welcome it.
July 19, 2008 at 2:52 am
hmmm … I’m stumped. Here is a related thought though.
I would like to see the women play with the guys more often. It seems like they play mostly on women’s leagues … am I wrong?
The times that I have been paired on the teebox with a mixed group have always been a blast.
July 19, 2008 at 4:52 am
Great stuff, people. Thanks and keep it coming!
Speedycat – I’m still the only woman on our “co-ed” club. I try to recruit and have even gotten a few women to join but they never show up to play. And I think we’re the only co-ed club in the surrounding areas. I don’t understand it – it’s so much fun! Glad to hear you’re all for it.
July 20, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I like c.a. Marks line of thinking. I, too, feel the need to connect with other women golfers (particularly those new to the obsession). I like the idea of different people focusing on different aspects of golf.
Bonnie
July 23, 2008 at 1:56 am
I’m down with the co-ed/couples thing too…
As a matter of fact, one of my secret (now revealed) dream projects would be to develop a co-ed “Ryderheim Cup” – a co-ed version of the Ryder and Solheim Cups…
Those are team events – why not have an alternate shot format with mixed gender teams???
I think it would be pretty interesting stuff to see say, Paula Creamer and Adam Scott take on Lorena Ochoa and Camillo Villegas – and that would be just ONE MATCH!!!
You know, a compare/contrast of the strategy of the women’s game and the power of the men’s, and how to integrate the two together in a team format….
Just a thought…
July 24, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I think the direction you’re headed is fantastic. I was so disappointed to learn that Golf for Women magazine will be ceasing publication. As a beginning female golfer, I agree that we need more resources to turn to than ever, not fewer! I am particularly interested in instruction, fitness, and lifestyle-focused content. I will look forward to hearing more about your ideas, GolfChick!
July 24, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I don’t like the title Golf Chick Magazine though, no offense, it’s great for a blog but for a magazine, print publication, I would want it called something else. LOL Just sayin’
July 24, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Hey Golfchick – I think this is a great idea. I picked up the game in May 2007. I found your blog and thought it was great in terms of reading about your progress, experiences, etc. I even emailed you to thank you for the site because it was the only one that I really felt ‘connected’ to and made me excited about what to expect from the game.
I’m typically a guy-type of girl and very comfortable around men, but when I started playing golf I became VERY aware of my gender. On the range, playing as a walk-on, in the pro shop…I get way more attention than an average male would get, when in reality, I just wanted to blend. I definitely felt like an outsider who needed to make a place for myself though and reading through your site and experiences helped me grow into my own golf identity.
Online communities are important nowadays – especially when you love something but are not connected to anyone to share your passion, ask advice, etc. It’s nice to know that I can find other like-minded female golfers somewhere. I would definitely classify myself as the competitive type and enjoy those who play the game from this perspective – it’s not easy to find other females like this on the golf course (relative to the number of men I meet).
And for the record, I couldn’t be more obsessed with the game. Since last spring I have played in co-ed leagues, tournaments, use ALL of my extra money for golf, wear golf clothes to work (hahah), and play 2-3 times a week (at least). I’m a 19 handicap and pretty steadily decreasing. I have also decided that the next boyfriend must be a golfer
Thanks for the website! I potentially have more ideas depending on where you are headed with your thoughts. If GFW does not maintain their website, there will be a huge void!
July 24, 2008 at 5:54 pm
GC – if Jill’s post doesn’t clinch it – nothing will – time to get that second mortgage on the house and get the ball rolling !
Oh – Jill – thank “the sisterhood” for the excess attention in the clubhouse and pro shop – courses have been beaten up in the media for NOT rolling out the red carpet for women.
If you’re playing at the same course most of the time, I’m sure you’ll see that attention ease up as you just become one of the gang.
Nice job on the handicap – you’re an above average female golfer already !!
July 24, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Ha, it’s def safe to say I am one of gang at my home course (being a frequent flyer at the 19th hole doesn’t hurt ๐ The course recently closed for renovations though so I have begun my tour of the other area courses (mostly as a single walk-on due to my schedule). So far, all good experiences – there are a lot of nice people out there
July 24, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Bummer about the home course. (closed in the summer – Florida or in the desert ?)
Too bad the frequent flyer miles don’t add up in the 19th hole – one of THE best single walk up experiences in the world is the Old Course at St Andrews. You put your name on the list and wait, but singles generally filter through pretty quickly.
If you get to play with a group of locals, you will have the best round of golf you could ever imagine. (as long as you keep up the pace – they hate slow play !)
July 24, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Jill,
I LOVE your above comment about feeling connected to people who share your passion, and how you feel “out of place” at golf clubs. I think your perspective is really great. As a blogger who covers many women’s sports (http://www.becauseiplayedsports.com), I have to say, the women’s golf community is stepping up online! Thanks Golf Chick (and Golf Chick’s readers!)I hope the rest of our sports can pick up communities as well.
July 24, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I am in the DC metro area. My course is redoing all fairways, greens, teeboxes, extending it, adding bunkers, etc – they had to give enough time to make the structural changes and then seed…goal to re-open in May. Fortunately, I have access to many, many nice public courses around here – and a flexible work schedule so I can make good use of weekday rates.
I would get along well with the locals at the Old Course since I hate slow play too!
Megan, I should also add that I really don’t feel out of place anymore. Since I have gotten comfortable with my game, the rules, etiquette, playing with literally anyone, and my 3wood (we just became very good friends), I walk up to pretty much any course just feeling like a golfer….who gets good attention (which I’m not that annoyed with anymore ๐
July 24, 2008 at 7:52 pm
That’s really promising to here. But what’s more promising is that you have a community now where you can come and discuss things like this online. As a golfer, can you respond to a quote I got today on the Wie disqualification? I’m interested in someone providing more insight on that question that ED poses. (link below)
http://becauseiplayedsports.com/2008/07/24/wie-is-disqualified-from-state-farm-classic/
July 24, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Hmmm – so that would make you a member at TPC Avenel ?? (J/K)
They are really reworking that course. That was one golf course that should never have opened with the design it had.
OR – let’s see – maybe you’re a member of Congress with that flexible schedule…that would get you in at Avenel AND Congressional ! ๐
Can I send you my 3-wood so you can have a little talk with it ? It hasn’t been behaving very well and I had to reshaft it.
July 25, 2008 at 1:25 am
Ha – keep dreaming! try grad student writing a dissertation (I’m using golf as a reward system to get through this – write a few pages=play a round)…who plays at her university course ๐ No politics here buddy – I’ll find other ways to play congressional!
and if your willing to part with that wood for like 6 months, send it my way! It was well worth the time on the range, mis-hits on the course, and my playing partners rolling eyes whenever I pulled it out of the bag. Conquered! for now…watch it all go to hell tomorrow….hahahaha
July 25, 2008 at 3:17 am
nice ! what’s the dissertation ? proof of demonic possession by way of golf technology, marketing, and Michelle Wie ?
Hmm – pretty good offer – might have to include the hybrid, too. One of those clubs that never miss when trying them out, but as soon as you walk out with your own, nothing.
July 25, 2008 at 5:56 am
Jill – NEVER say “Conquered”, or the Golf Tiki will put the bad mojo on you…
Courtney – Nice to know that I’m not the only one with a hybrid that is possessed…it’s a Callaway 4H Heavenwood that only works one of every 23 shots, not consecutively…it was a gift for a charity tournament, and I think the Golf Tiki (See above) was not pleased that an offering was not made in its honor to the Golf Manufacturer…
July 25, 2008 at 2:22 pm
lol – Scott – I definitely know what you mean.
As I understand the ceremony – you and your favorite playing partners have to meet at the 19th hold for a pint of Guinness – a 5th pint must be bought and poured over the cursed club while chanting the name of Bobby Jones to remove the curse.
July 25, 2008 at 2:23 pm
hole – not “hold” (now my fingers are cursed)
July 25, 2008 at 3:10 pm
SEE Courtney??? The Golf Tiki is not pleased, and must now be offered one of those pints of Guinness as an offering…
The Bobby Jones chanting is optional for the curse to be removed, from what I read out of the manual…
July 25, 2008 at 7:37 pm
True – another option is the Natalie Gulbis chant (but that usually works better when needing to straighten out your driver) (bah-dum-bum)
July 27, 2008 at 11:29 pm
lol @ Courtney
July 29, 2008 at 4:18 am
I just stumbled up on your blog and I love it!!!
I’m still so disappointed with all the golf fashion that is out there. Even the ladies on the LPGA are depressing me. Why does everything have to be so matchy matchy cheerleader-esque. Golfers like Paula and Natalie are hot mama’s but you would never know it when you see them on TV. The unfortunate thing is that retailers are not focused on the 20 and 30 somethings as a “large” majority of female golfers are 50+.
Anyway..I’m desperately trying to find everyday clothes that work on the golf course and look fabulous on the course.
any suggestions?
I’m a golf lover and play on a weekly basis and just won 14 skins against 2 guys…so Eric “speedy cat” I like the idea of getting rid of the old school all women golf groups. That’s why we have the front tees. Even better if you go head to head on the whites.
July 29, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Speaking of the “lady’s tees” – if you haven’t read David Feherty’s first book “A Nasty Bit of Rough,” the fictional course had to deal with women protesting about not being allowed to join the club and not being treated well there. So the members set up lady’s tees – 50 yards behind the regular tees the men played and invited the women to join them anytime they wanted.
Trust me – it’s a HILARIOUS scene and a great book.
July 29, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Choxie – what would you suggest these women wear on the LPGA ?
There have been women who experimented with wild outfits and shoes – most of which were greated with “are you kidding me” looks from the fans.
Remember – golf is still a fairly conservative sport and the women with figures like Creamer and Gulbis are the exception, not the rule.
July 29, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I personally like the Stella McCartney line and the style she brings to the golf course. All of her golfwear is designed so you don’t loose any movement while looking chic. There are a lot of designers like Lija coming out with cute stuff, but I guess the demand just isn’t there. Gotta make a profit too.
I agree that most of the golfers don’t have killer bods like Natalie and Paula but you have to admit there are a lot of ugly clothes out on the racks when you go to golf stores. Again..targeted toward an older demographic.
Lorena does a good job of keeping it simple and refined without going matchy matchy.
My 2 cents..
Thanks for responding! :
July 29, 2008 at 7:24 pm
clarification…it’s Stella McCartney golfwear for Addidas
July 29, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I don’t agree with “the fans not liking wild outfits and shoes”. Perhaps a long time ago, but at the LPGA tournaments I’ve attended in the last couple of years the fans seemed to love the fun out fits be it an extreme matching ultra short outfits Natalie wears or the Paula pink on pink or …the wild & crazy Christina Kim looks. Fans like the fun stuff. Now lots of the girls go conservative which is very understandable it can definitely add an element of psychological pressure to play in a “remarkable” outfit.
Another thing I don’t really agree with it that it’s difficult to find nice golf clothes these days. In the pro shops…yes. Because the buyers are often Men, but on-line there are tons of edgy, contemporary, fun, semi-traditional…all kinds of clothes for all types of women. Also, with a rather small budget you can put together outfits that are perfect for golf at Target, WallMart and H&M… and almost every department store. Most carry a wide array of polos in all colors and sizes, and shorts, skirts or skorts to match…or not match if you don’t like that look. Just because they’re not “official golf clothes” doesn’t mean they’re not going to be perfect for the course.
July 29, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Patricia – remember Captain Kangaroo ? “You can please some of the people all of the time – and you can please all of the people some of the time – but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”
Yes – there were people in the galleries, and broadcasters, and some players who weren’t big fans of the wild outfits. It’s a fact. Didn’t say that EVERYbody hated them. There are people who don’t like Gulbis’ and Wie in miniskirts – YOU didn’t like Wie’s tops last year. Personally, I like Christina Kim’s style – just not the fit of her clothes. (“remarkable outfit” – I like that !)
Here in Atlanta, we have the PGA Tour Superstores, and they carry a huge variety of designers and styles. They are just in a few cities, but I’m guessing you would have a field day just in the women’s apparel section.
Check out for a list of some of the lines they carry:
http://www.pgatoursuperstore.com/products.asp?p=apparel
July 29, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Courtney…I too like Christina Kim’s style as well..I would like to see more of that. She brings everyday fashion onto the course with her Pucci scarves and kangool hat…super cute…now she just needs to maybe get a size bigger with some of her clothing and she will be “Golden” in by book.:)
July 29, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Hey Choxie – I don’t know if you saw last Thursday’s Evian broadcast – but Gulbis was wearing a red dress that was stunning (personally I was hoping she’d shoot 62 so she’d be on more.
Was that the Stella McCartney you’re talking about ?
July 30, 2008 at 12:32 am
I did…it was alright…it guess its the giant ribbon and the super heavy makeup that makes it feel like I’m watching the national cheerleading competition.
This site highlights some of her stuff
http://www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2008/01/30/adidas-by-stella-mccartney-springsummer-08-golf/
enjoy!
July 30, 2008 at 12:33 am
I did…it was alright…I guess its the giant ribbon and the super heavy makeup that makes it feel like I’m watching the national cheerleading competition. Don’t get me wrong..I love her! I guess everyone has there own style.
This site highlights some of her stuff
http://www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2008/01/30/adidas-by-stella-mccartney-springsummer-08-golf/
enjoy!
July 30, 2008 at 1:35 am
A bow ? Must’ve missed that. (rolling eyes to the ceiling)
Hmmm – looks like she’s designing for a
posh safari…maybe subliminally telling us that she has developed a wicked slice and has been looking for a lot of balls in the woods lately ? ๐
How do regular women look in clothes like that ? They always show them off on coat rack sized women.
This whole project that Kristen has working seems like it could go in a thousand different directions. You and Patricia have been looking for stylish clothes that are kind of hard to find in a lot of places around the country. I’m guessing that most women are extremely cautious about buying over the internet, and places like the PGA Tour Superstore aren’t where everybody can get to them.
Maybe there is a program where women can put in their sizes and whatever you need so things can fit right. Sort of a clothing CAD program ? Kristen and her genious “partners” who keep feeding her these brilliant ideas can link up all these smaller designers for internet sales…(damn I’m good)
July 30, 2008 at 1:52 am
Gotta admit, I find the Adidas women’s lines to be a pretty perfect combination of function and style.
The LPGA stars that wear their lines generally look pretty hot…even if Natalie IS a bit overdone for my taste…
For me, it’s the blending of a little sex appeal, but mostly emphasizing an athletic look that is sexier ‘n all-gitout…
Just my $0.02 worth…
Nike and Lija have some pretty decent looks, too…
July 30, 2008 at 3:58 am
Since everyone has their own style…I can’t hate on anyone…regardless of what they wear.
I’m feeling good about my game and my swing (don’t get me wrong..always room for lots of improvement)..I just want to look good too!!
I think I’m done on this topic. Thanks to all who responded and thanks for golf chick for having this blog. 
