PGA of America Welcomes Women to Celebrate Mother's Day on the Course

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – Traditionally, dads have spent Father’s Day out on the golf course. The PGA of America believes that Mother’s Day – and every day – is perfect for moms to tee it up, too.

The PGA has dubbed May as “Welcome to Golf Month” to highlight programs being offered to women, families and others interested in learning the game of golf by PGA/LPGA Professionals across the country.

Sarah Auerswald, co-founder of the popular MomsLA blog, and her kids recently participated in Get Golf Ready, a leading player development program endorsed by the golf industry and operated by the PGA of America.

“I never imagined myself playing anything besides mini-golf, but after my first lesson I was hooked,” said Auerswald. “My kids and I enjoyed ourselves and can’t wait to get back to play more. We’ll even take my husband next time. Playing golf as a family is an amazing way to get outdoors, have fun, and get some exercise. Walking around nine holes adds up to a lot of steps!”

Women and families are viewed as key audiences to grow golf participation. The PGA – and the golf industry as a whole – recognizes the need for golf to be more welcoming and, through programs like Get Golf Ready and PGA Junior League Golf, they are breaking down the barriers.

“Approximately 20 percent of golfers are female and only 16 percent of all rounds played are by women…and that’s not enough,” said Sandy Cross, the PGA’s Director of Women’s & New Market Initiatives. “The PGA of America is focused on inviting women to play and ensuring they feel welcome when they come to a golf facility. We want to implement programs that not only introduce women to golf in a comfortable setting but keep them coming back for more.”

Get Golf Ready is the flagship program for player development. With five group lessons offered starting at $99 at most facilities, Get Golf Ready is designed to get golfers from the lesson tee to the golf course. Consumers can find facilities offering this program near them by visiting GetGolfReady.com.

The PGA has developed a resource for those interested in taking up the game, including a searchable database of facilities that offer programs specifically for women and families, that can be accessed by clicking the Play Golf America tab at PGA.com.