Written by Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk, 8-Time Canadian Long Drive Champion & Golf Town Ambassador

That’s it—I do not want to hear any more reasons why women can’t find time to make their way to the course.

I’ve heard all the excuses:

I’m too busy.
Things are crazy at work.
My household’s schedule is insane.
It takes too long.
I’m not very good.

The list goes on and on.

The excuses stop today! Ladies, today you need to make yourself a priority and tee it up!

We all know the benefits of golf. It is a fantastic life-long active living sport that is low impact, thus reduces your risk of injury, and better yet, gets you outdoors and enjoying yourself.

If you are able to walk—or even better yet walk and carry or pull your bag—you are burning hundreds of calories. Many golf GPS watches come with built in fitness trackers and over the course of your round you’ll notice an elevation in your heart rate, with the added bonus that you will easily surpass 10,000 steps a round. I don’t know about you, but that beats constantly being indoors on a treadmill for a low-impact workout.

Moreover, it is a fantastic social sport that gives you dedicated time with family, friends and colleagues.  It is one of the most valuable places for business networking because you really get to know and connect with your client or customer through 18 holes of golf.

So what’s stopping you?

Here are some ways to help you get out on the course more frequently and to stay in the game:

Take lessons.

If you’re not confident in your game, sign up for lessons with an official PGA of Canada Golf Professional, as opposed to taking tips from your spouse or your friend who happens to be a good player. You need proper tips from a professional. It is great to sign up in a group too. This is not as intimidating as one-on-one lessons and is a fun activity with the girls.

Start with nine holes.

When you’re first starting to golf, 18 holes can feel like a marathon. In fact, perhaps you just can’t commit your time to a full round. I have many friends that are novice golfers that say they are done after 12 holes. Start by playing 9 holes or a Par 3 course. You will not get as frustrated, you will still have some energy left in the tank and it is not overwhelming.

Join a ladies league.

Most golf courses offer leagues for women. This is usually a weekly event on a set day where you can come out and play. Some leagues offer instruction first, followed by nine holes of golf, and some have 18-hole options followed by snacks and maybe even prizes. It is a great way to get out with girlfriends. Make sure to sign up with a friend or, better yet, a group of friends. It will help keep you accountable and not cancel on yourself. After all, you wouldn’t want to leave a friend high and dry by not showing up. 

Tee the ball up on the fairway.

Many beginner golfers struggle with getting the ball up in the air and hit the dreaded shot where the ball gets ankle high and scoots across the ground. When you first start golfing, tee the ball up in the fairway, even with an iron. When you tee it up you make it easier to get your club under the ball and get it airborne. Sure, it’s technically against the official rules, but heck, if you’re just playing for fun, you will feel more success and enjoy the game more. As you get better you can lower the tee and eventually take it away. This is a great thing to do with junior golfers too. 

Buy a Great Golf Outfit.

Nothing helps you feel more confident on the course than looking the part. Treat yourself to a killer golf outfit that you feel fantastic in. Don’t forget to get a fabulous and comfortable pair of shoes to match. Golf Town has a huge selection of brands for women and the best part— your outfit doesn’t need to stop at the course! Golf apparel is so versatile now it can be worn from the course to the office and everywhere in between.

Family first.

One of the great parts of the game is that it cuts across ages and gender. That means you can play with friends of all ages, and hit the course with your kids and spouse for a family vacation where golf is part of the escape. You can take up the game with your spouse and kids, take group lessons, and then spend time on Sunday morning in the sun with those that you are closest to. You can’t do that in many sports, which is just another reason why golf is great.

Hit the Range.

Between our jobs, and families, how do you find time for golf? Sneak to the range on your lunch hour or while your kids are at sports practice. Take 30 to 45 minutes to hit a bucket of balls at a driving range or roll a few putts. Being out in the fresh air will feel great for your body and will help you get your swing or stroke in groove. Bonus Tip! Did you know Golf Town rents their simulators in the off-season for practice time? This is a great way to keep your game in shape all winter long.

Make it a Date.

Instead of going for coffee, drinks, dinner or a movie with friends, a spouse or family, make it an active date on the golf course. It is the perfect way to connect with each other with no devices, great conversation, many laughs and you can grab a bite in the clubhouse after the round.

Golf Town Facebook Live Virtual Clinics

Lisa, a proud athlete of ours, wowed thousands of viewers in 2020 & 2021 with her excitable personality and knowledgeable insights into the golf swing with her virtual golf clinics.  You can head over to our YouTube channel and watch back all her amazing tips to have you playing your best this season.

So there you have it—plenty of reasons why women should hit the course this summer. Trust me—once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked. After all, it is a game for a lifetime.

Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk is an 8-time Canadian Long Drive Champion for Women.  She is a Keynote Speaker, Golf Entertainer, has her own Instructional Video and runs a Golf School for Women. Lisa can be reached through her website www.lisalongball.com or through Twitter  @LisaLongball. Cheer Lisa on as she competes in Golf Channel World Long Drive Tour this summer.