Why Women Should Go on Golf Trips

It’s sad, but certainly not surprising, that only a handful of women go on golf trips.  In a 2012 Forbes.com article, author Leslie Andrews explains that intimidation and fear of embarrassment are among the top reasons why you rarely see women on the greens.  Many women feel that in order to be part of what has always been considered an exclusively “gentleman’s club”, one has to be highly skilled at the game.

But PGA professional Suzy Whales argues that “No one picks up a golf club for the first time and is a good golfer.  As a matter of fact, there are more 'not so good golfers' than there are 'good golfers' ".

It wasn't until 2014 for St. Andrew's R&A Golf Club, and 2012 for Augusta National, that they started extending memberships to the sport’s most overlooked demographic. It could be just the start of a large number of women to tee it up with their peers, friends and family for plenty of good reasons:

Their career depends on it.  Well, not literally.  But it can help them propel themselves up the corporate ladder.  

Why?  Because golf is the “language of business”.  It has been used by countless executives and entrepreneurs to make transactions and close deals.  Golf has given them a chance to rub elbows with other corporate bigwigs and build relationships with existing clients and prospects.  By allowing yourself to miss out on these opportunities, you have done yourself great disservice.  

So don’t let apprehension paralyze you.  Get in the game and learn more about the sport.  You’ll be surprised with how much fun you can have when you start playing golf.

Socializing.  Again, it all boils down to networks.  Through golf, you are giving yourself another opportunity to expand your social and networking circles by meeting co-members (if you are a member of a golf course) or other golfers through a friendly round of golf or competition.

Plenty of sunshine and fresh air.  You get to breathe fresh air, bask in the sun, and marvel at nature in all its splendor. This can be beneficial to your health and well-being.

Travel opportunities.  With over 30,000 golf courses and possibly thousands of golf vacation destinations all over the world, each surrounded by an awe-inspiring backdrop of rolling hills or pristine beaches, golf is certainly a great way to combine sports and travel.

It’s a great way to lose weight.  Provided that you don’t mind walking under the heat of the sun, you’ll probably burn an average of 1500 calories per 18 holes of golf. 

Of course, it may help that you learn the fundamentals of the sport before you pick up the club and start swinging.  A certified golf instructor can teach you the basics of game and help you develop winning If you’re planning on your first golf trip with the rest of your family, or your friends, do make sure that golf lessons are part of your itinerary.