EWGA Announces 'Women Friendly' Designation for Courses

The Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA) has announced a program to earn an official designation as a "women-friendly" facility, open to all golf facilities participating in the EWGA Golf Club Network. To merit the special designation, a facility must meet certain criteria rated on playability of the course and customer experience.

Golf courses, resorts, practice facilities, golf academies and other instructional facilities can join the EWGA Golf Club Network which is designed to increase rounds and revenue while encouraging more women to play golf. Facilities pay a nominal annual fee and offer special rates for play, practice or instruction as a benefit to EWGA members. In return, the facilities are listed in the EWGA print and online directories, reaching the association's nearly 20,000 members whenever they are seeking places to play. Special consideration as host sites for EWGA events and tournaments and other marketing opportunities also are included.

To earn the official EWGA "women friendly" designation, additional criteria must be met and golf courses are required to complete an application verifying how they meet the qualifications. Some of the factors include having at least two sets of tees rated for women, distance markers inside of 100 yards, clean restrooms available at least every six holes and providing equal services to men and women.

The first courses to earn the EWGA "women friendly" designation were 13 Troon Golf managed facilities, recognized by EWGA chief executive officer Pam Swensen at the Troon annual managers meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. in January. Playa Mujeres Golf Club, a Troon-managed course in Cancun Mexico has also earned EWGA "women friendly" status.

"At the golf course, women don't want to feel they are being treated differently, they just want to be taken seriously," says Swensen. "This recognition program is a way for us to distinguish golf courses and management companies such as Troon who understand the value of providing 'women friendly' facilities. A satisfied woman customer means more business - it's the power of the purse."

A 2006 survey of EWGA members conducted by the PGA of America found that 62% are avid golfers, playing more than 25 rounds per year. EWGA members spent an average of $3,278 on golf activities and merchandise and another $2294 on golf related travel. Each EWGA chapter annually generates more than $512,000 in golf related spending within its community. With 120 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, that is significant economic clout.

Since the EWGA started in 1991, more than 80,000 women have benefited from membership in the organization which is dedicated to providing opportunities to learn, play, and enjoy the game of golf for business and for life. EWGA chapters provide a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for both new and experienced golfers. A welcoming environment, golf education and player development, and organized play programs are part of the many benefits of EWGA membership.

The EWGA is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. For the complete requirements and how to apply for this business building recognition program, visit www.ewga.com and click on the Golf Club Network.