By Laura Shanahan Rowe, LPGA
As a woman who has spent endless hours on the range, whether to develop my skills to play competitive golf or in my role as an LPGA Professional instructor, I’ve been involved in leading women to the game of golf for more than 20 years. I would like to address the multiple reasons for women to play golf.
First, golf is just a game, and games should be fun. But it does come with the challenge of learning the many skills required to play the game. Of course, all games are more fun when we’re successful doing them. Creating great contact with the ball, for instance, is one of the best feelings you can experience in golf and can be very satisfying.
But women want to feel comfortable when playing golf, and fitting in is a very common topic for women. Knowledge is a big part of gaining that confidence and feeling empowered to go to the practice range or the golf course.
As an LPGA Class A Professional, I’ve had a role assisting anyone interested in learning to play or improve, including leading women to feel confident and comfortable. After all, golf is a physical, intellectual and emotional challenge for everyone from four years old to 94, and I have assisted both of these age groups. It’s been satisfying to be a part of their journey – from helping someone swing a club for the very first time to improving their technique for a particular shot. I love when someone strikes a golf ball well and you can see and feel their excitement of knowing they can do this!
Then there is the sociability and networking aspect of the game. This will draw many to the game. Meeting people through golf has given me some of my best friends and valuable contacts in business. But overall, I appreciate just meeting some of the most diversified and interesting people who I might not have met otherwise.
Currently, the growth in golf is high because of women coming into the game, and the sociability factor is high. Women want to join with other women and will often bring friends, family and colleagues. They want the camaraderie and networking that is common with meeting other golfers at a golf course – it’s very important to today’s working women. Family participation is also a factor, with mothers learning and playing golf often introducing their children to the game. This also encourages women to get involved with golf.
There’s also the health and fitness aspect. Golf can be a great source of exercise with walking a golf course being all the exercise one may need. Another appealing aspect of playing golf is that you do not need to be the biggest, strongest, toughest or fastest, but only require the desire to learn the game. In many cases, golf has inspired and motivated golfers to get fit so they can improve their playing skills.
Women also love nature and being outside. Golf courses can be considered pretty playgrounds that are often breathtakingly beautiful. You can travel just about anywhere and find a great golf course to satisfy your desire to play. I’ve traveled to places just to play the game and discovered amazing locations that have a unique history, great atmosphere and spectacular views.
Finally, there’s the competition. Golf can certainly fill that desire, whether you wish to be competitive with other golfers, the golf course or even yourself. The game of golf can challenge your competitive streak in so many ways. Developing a swing and the skills to produce different shots when needed on the golf course can be a lifelong challenge. Just having the desire to lower your score is a challenge to your ability to focus and control the roller coaster of emotions that one can experience while playing.
Sometimes I think the game of golf should be called “the good, the bad and the ugly!” We can experience all of those things when we play. It was the competition part of golf that got me started and definitely has driven me to succeed in golf, as well as in other areas of life. I’ve experienced exciting victories, from tournament wins to the thrill of producing a great shot when needed. Even some of the stumbles are unforgettable.
I believe that women should play golf to experience all of these factors. There are many great reasons each of us enjoys the game and we’re motivated differently. That’s the beauty of it! So go learn the game, then go play the game or come find me. I’ll probably be on the range.
Laura Shanahan Rowe – LPGA Class A Professional – Sagamore Golf Center – North Hampton, New Hampshire
Legends Tour Member
New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame Inductee
LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Program Co-Site Director/Instructor
USGA Mid-Amateur Champion
New Hampshire State Amateur Champion
New England Amateur Champion
