Since entering the PGA Associates program and starting my path toward becoming a Class A PGA Professional, I’ve had the opportunity to start giving lessons. It’s not something that I ever thought I would enjoy, but helping people with their golf swings has been really rewarding.
I’ve been primarily focused on new golfers, which means that I’ve worked with several female golfers. Some have been playing for a few years, but many have just decided to pick up the game. Coming out of Women’s History Month, it seemed like a good time to think about the impact women have had in golf.
We could go all the way back to the 1500’s when Mary Queen of Scots ruled and was considered the first female golfer. We could jump forward 300 years to 1811 when the first recorded women’s only tournament took place. But I’ve chosen to move into the 20th century when women started to make a dent in the American game.
Amateur golf was great for women, with players competing in the Curtis Cup, USGA events, and then competing in men’s professional events. Helen Hicks, Babe Zahirias, and Patty Berg made names for themselves by competing at the highest levels.
The PGA of America was slow to accept women as professionals, with Hicks becoming the first in 1934. The LPGA was formed in 1950, six years after the Women’s Professional Golf Association (WPGA) opened the door for a women’s league.
Since then, more women have gained prominence on the LPGA TOUR. There’s still a massive pay gap between men and women, but that’s slowly closing. More women are being named top teachers and are working to additional ladies to take up the game.
Below are three books written FOR women, BY women to help them get started and overcome some of the barriers to learning how to play golf.
Golf Handbook for Women – Vivien Saunders
The Golf Handbook for Women takes you through every aspect of golf, whether you are just starting out or want to raise your game to a new level.
Movements and shots are carefully detailed, using photographs and illustrations, with helpful suggestions on how to ensure you’ll hit your best shot every time.
Power Golf for Women – Jane Horn
One of the biggest obstacles women face in their golf game is the belief that they don’t have the strength or power to achieve distance.
According to expert golfer Jane Horn, the idea that physical strength has anything to do with it is completely untrue. The problem is a misconception about how power is generated.
Feeling Naked on the First Tee – Ann Kelly
Finally a book that will boost the confidence of a new woman golfer, written by someone who knows how it feels!
Packed with helpful hints, Feeling Naked on the First Tee explains parts of the game that other golf bbooks don’t talk about, in language the beginner can understand.