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Hole by Hole: The Fairway Connection
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments When I was approached to write this article I thought, "WOW, I can write about great golf courses I have played, or fabulous spas and dining experiences linked to golf travel, or maybe how golf has changed my life, attitude, marriage, confidence, skin … (sunscreen and lots of it ladies), and my forearm muscles…(just think Popeye)"

For now, anyway, I thought I would just write to the women out there who might want to consider talking up this wonderful sport –– a sport that can build personal confidence, character and focus, but beyond all, joy!

Keep in mind you are reading thoughts from a gal who feels she has gained all of this and more from golf!

I am the owner of a company called Fairway Sports –– Golf Clinics for Women. Yes, we teach women to golf, and we are truly successful. 

You might ask yourself, "Why did you decide this was needed, and how have you been successful for over two years now?" 

The answer is not because I am a scratch golfer, because I currently carry a 18 handicap, and it is not because I am trying to get rich, God forbid, instructors make the big bucks. It's just because I love the game, and I get a real kick out of helping ladies learn to play golf, which in turn helps me become better, as well. 

The Fairway Sports clinics include everything from driving a cart to reading and understanding a scorecard; resort and golf course etiquette; swing balance; and posture, putting, chipping, pitching.

Well, I'm sure you get the picture: We teach you what you need to know to get started –– and so much more. 

Our clinics include instruction for all levels: non-golfer, beginning, intermediate and advanced. Our “tee time” is 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays, and each clinic typically lasts three hours and ends with lunch. I love the lunch conversation, and many ladies have gone off to play and practice together long after the clinic has ended!

I have been playing golf for about 20 years or so, and have played on a regular basis for about the last eight. 

Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to win a runner-up (number two) position in a club champion tournament at the club I belong to. That probably motivated me (and gave me the confidence) to start this business.

I am a professional working woman, and discovered that many female associates and friends wanted to play golf, but did not know where to begin. Unless their spouse belonged to a club, their chances of learning were close to nil.

So I formed a relationship with several PGA instructors here in town to teach “never-ever golf" gals to golf. Ric Moore from Bakersfield Country Club helped teach many of our first clinics, and several of those ladies now play golf on a regular basis. I guess the best part is that they still practice and enjoy playing. 

Now days, PGA Instructor Dave Bolar from Sundale Country Club is leading many of our clinics. He is just a great coach. Everyone who takes the clinics seems to love him. Actually, so do I! He really builds our confidence in the game!

Continue reading this regular column as I cover topics such as: learning to play golf; gender relations and golf; building confidence on and off the course; upcoming events; and more.

Comments? Suggestions? E-mail Sheri at thefairwayconnection@yahoo.com

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