I have participated in a number of women’s specific golf clinics in my time - partly to learn, partly for the comradeship, and of course a big part for the essential after-lesson glass of wine with the girls. Women’s Clinics take the edge off of having to learn from someone you know, and let’s be frank – the idea has probably saved more then one relationship from the certain doom associated with having to accept “critique” from your said-partner.
I signed up for Saturday’s Women’s Welcome to Golf at the Sunday River Golf Club with an open mind and right off the bat was pleasantly surprised. Not only is this one of the most affordable clinics I have ever come across, but its benefits continue long after the clinic ends three weeks later. Sure, you walk away with a better understanding for the game and areas on which to improve upon, but more than just that, you walk away with the opportunity to keep learning through the Club’s daily clinics. Ranging from sand play to course management – even some more ladies’ specific lessons – these hour-long clinics allow golfers at every level to keep improving for just $15 a lesson. The new golf school programming is both ingenious and well priced, and really does speak to the Club’s commitment to furthering the sport of golf. Needless to say, I was sold from the very start!
Day one of this three-part clinic focuses on putting and chipping. Sounds simple in concept, but if you think about it, most of the games either won or lost come down to the short game. During an average round of golf, you might expect to spend upwards of three to four strokes on the green trying to get the ball into the cup. And while buying a bag of golf balls for the range is fun, noticeable improvement to one’s golf game really comes down to putting. Think about it – you only take out your driver 16 times during a round of 18 holes but how many times to you take out your putter and use it? 18 plus, plus, plus, plus?!
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By the end of the lesson, I learned a lot about my grip (Tiger Woods has the same one) and how to lead more with my hands. The best part was that the advice was spot on and I saw noticeable improvements within two hours. And perhaps, when it was all said and done, the biggest lesson learned was said within the first two minutes of the lesson: “golf is a game and you’re meant to have fun.” I am happy to report that I had a lot of fun – lesson learned!
Stay tuned for next week’s recap of Ladies Welcome to Golf Day Two.
Happy golfing!
Darcy