A recent survey conducted by the Executive Women’s Golf Association identified many key issues that impact women’s on-course experience. This data paralleled a recent industry study funded by the Little Family Foundation and conducted on behalf of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). With this outside research validating its internal survey, EWGA has revamped its women-friendly golf course criteria and introduced Fair Way Forward, an advocacy initiative launched in January 2011.
The NGCOA study gives the golf industry a guide to meaningful increases in women’s golf participation and satisfaction, as well as profitability for golf course owners and operators. See www.golfwithwomen.com for the full study results.
Key areas in the updated EWGA women-friendly criteria include playability of the course, customer service experience and equal access to programs and services. For example, the length of golf holes from the tees is addressed to allow players of various skill levels a fair opportunity to reach greens in regulation. This means at least two sets of tees rated for women with the following range of yardages: 4,200 to 4,800 yards for 1st set; 4,800 to 5,300 yards for 2nd set; with a recommended 3rd set at 5,300 yards and longer.
Some of the other factors include having the forward tees maintained as other tees, clean restrooms, healthy food choices and a consistent, equal and fair approach to all golfers regardless of gender and skill level. The complete criteria are available on the EWGA website at http://www.ewga.com.
The Fair Way Forward criteria will be utilized in the selection of EWGA association-wide events and help EWGA members and chapters choose the best places to play to optimize enjoyment of the game. This initial awareness-building phase also will provide guidance to educate and guide golf facilities about what women want—in a supportive, constructive manner. A recognition program is planned as the second-phase of this initiative.
“We believe we are paving a ‘Fair Way Forward’ for all women golfers,” says Val Littlefield, chair of the EWGA Advocacy Committee. “It is all about enhancing the playing experience—the more enjoyable that experience, the more women will stay in the game.”
Since its founding in 1991, the EWGA has touched the lives of more than 100,000 women connecting them to learn, play and enjoy golf for business and fun. The association delivers a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for both new and experienced golfers.
A survey of former EWGA members found that 84% of these women continued to play golf. While the former EWGA member survey did not include golf-related travel, this group’s golf spending accounted for an additional $98 million, totaling over $173 million and 1.7 million rounds of golf per year.
The EWGA is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. For more information about the association and its membership, visit www.ewga.com