Conference 7.286::golf

      Good for you, Pam.  I hope you  enjoy the game.  I used to hear
    it all the time from older brothers that women don't belong on the
    golf course.  But when I was in my first year playing it was hard
    to get anyone to play with.  Harriet Lonergan, used to be Illinois
    amatuer champ while in college, who in her sixties at the time,
    would go out of her way to play nine with me.  ANd she played
    better  than 90 percent of the men in the club (I think she was
    a 6 or 7 handicap).  She was quite a woman, I miss her.  Don't
    listen to that crap.  And I hope you beat your father-in-law!

    I second the comments in .1!! During my two years in Puerto Rico
    my wife and I played together nearly every weekend and sometimes
    both Sat & Sun.  Since moving to Colorado she has been busy with
    other pursuits but in talking it over recently, she has decided
    that she'd like to play partners with me in the DEC league next
    season.  We have maybe 20 female employees in the league and (I
    think) about 4 wives.  Go show your father-in-law how to play the
    game.    Good Luck,  Chuck
    

    BOY! I SURE WISH YOU'D TALK TO MY GIRLFRIEND! I AM "A GOLF NUT"
    AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET HER TO PLAY. THE CLOSEST HAS BEEN
    THE PAR THREES AND THE DRIVING RANGE IF SHE STOPS BY WHEN I'M
    PRACTICING. SHE HITS 'EM STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW! BOTH OF US ARE
    VERY ACTIVE. SHE HAS PLAYED MANY SPORTS WHILE IN COLLEGE. I
    THINK SHE DOES WELL AT THE RANGE BECAUSE SHE WAS A TOP GOAL
    SCORER IN FIELD HOCKEY. I PROMISED I'D TAKE UP SKIING IF SHE
    DID GOLF. THAT WAY, BESIDES THE WEEKENDS, WE COULD PLAY TOGETHER
    ON VACATIONS. SHE CLAIMS IT'S TO BORING FOR HER, BUT SHE'S NEVER
    EVEN TRIED TO GO 9. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
    
    KEN
    

    I've mentioned my wife several times in this conference (her "nom
    de golf" is "Slammin' Susie"). She took up the game a year ago last
    Spring, and was on the verge of breaking 50 (for 9) at the end of
    her first season. She's my favorite golf partner (I play more relaxed
    when she's with me for some reason); unfortunately, she had some
    back pain early this season, then the brutally hot August came along,
    and she just never got with it this year. So I had to make do with
    a bunch of male hackers, and had one of my worst seasons ever! She's
    promised to get out regularly next summer, though. She's never been
    an "athlete" (having been taught that "ladies" didn't participate
    in such things when she was a kid), but she has a fine looking swing,
    and knocks the ball out there off the tee pretty well. Her irons
    need work (well, then, so do mine!), but she's not bad with the
    putter, and I expect both of us to be much better golfers next season.
    
    No women on the golf course?? Balderdash!
    

    I bought my wife a set of clubs for her birthday this year.  I told
    her if she plans on spending any time with her husband and her son
    (2 years old and loves the game) she better start playing now. 
    We've been out a couple of times since then.  She's made good, steady
    progress.  
    
    Chuck

    Is it me or does the base note sound like a letter to the
    Penthouse Forum?

    Thanks for the encouragement guys.
    
    Ken, that's a tough one.  I knew I loved it right away.  You can't
    force anyone to enjoy it.  Maybe if you start going out with the
    guys golfing she'll decide she'd rather be playing golf than sitting
    at home on a beautiful fall day.  I have a couple of girlfriends
    who wont even consider trying.  They say it looks BORING.  Well
    I thought it looked boring (on TV) until I went out to play.  It's
    such a thrill when I get a good drive and it hits the green on the
    first shot (just a few times).  To me its a big challenge to get
    that damn little ball into that little cup.  I broke 50 on 9 for
    the first time last week (after about 12 weeks of playing).  I was
    excited.  Maybe you can try again in the spring when the weather
    gets warm again.  I have so many friends who don't do a thing with
    their husbands or boyfriends.  My husband and I are both ski fanatics,
    love to jump on our mountain bikes together, and now both have the
    golf bug.  This takes care of all seasons.  It makes for a very
    happy healthy marriage.  Good luck !
    
    ps.  Try skiing, you'll LOVE it !
    
    Pam (who's heading out for 17 days of fabulous skiing in the 
         Switzerland and Austrian ALPs this winter)

    
    There is no way that golf is just a mans game. My wife plays and
    loves the game. We were partners for the first time this year in
    our DEC league and we took first place, thanks to her. This was
    her second season playing and she has had some of her best rounds
    at the end of the season, which just made her want to play even
    more.
    
    I also hope you show up your father-in-law...
    
    Good luck
    Gene

    You know Paul, I kept trying to be careful when I was writing .0
    I kept putting "Play" and then changing it to "Play Golf".  I 
    guessed I missed one.  When I re-read it I had the same thought
    but it was too late to change it.  I knew there would be a couple
    of pervs out there.
    
    Pam

    To Matsis: if you broke 50 after three months of playing, then you
    have enormous potential in this game! Keep at it. You must have
    a great natural swing.
    
    I'd love it if my wife played golf. She just doesn't seem to care
    for it, so I don't spend as much time playing as I'd like. It's
    not fair to leave her with the baby so I can play every weekend,
    much as I'd like to. Golf is a wonderful game for couples to share.
    
    I think there's a misdirected prejudice against women on the golf
    course. There are some very slow women who don't know the rules,
    but there are just as many very slow men who don't know the rules.
    I think most slow-play problems could be avoided -- and these
    prejudices ended -- if public courses had someone who explained
    the basic rules and tricks of fast play to novices. Also, friendly
    marshalls who pointed things out in a nonconfrontational way would
    help.
    
    Many times I've seen slow players who'd leave their clubs on the
    wrong side of the green, or not play "ready" golf. They'd have the
    whole place backed up for lack of knowledge about two simple tricks
    to speed play. So what happens? A crabby, nasty marshall zooms out
    and growls at them to hurry up (if there's a marshall at all).
    
    How about taking 2 minutes, in a friendly tone, to simply explain
    some ways to speed play? It would work better than the usual method
    of growl and threat. I've done this myself when it seemed that the
    people ahead were obvious beginners. They appreciated the advice
    and did speed up.
    
    Of course, I've also yelled "get off the green" when I couldn't
    take it anymore.

    I'm glad to see that everyone is "open minded" about women on the
    golf course.  My wife and I used to play in the DEC league here
    (slow play drove us away).  That was a few years ago and she gave
    up the game.  This year I got her a membership at the club were
    I play and we managed to play in the evenings and late on weekends.
    I also got a membership for my 8 year old daughter she's not all
    that enthusiastic about the game but she tries.  It's nice to bring
    your wife (girlfriend) but don't forget the kids.  Golf can (should
    be) a family game too.
    
    
    					KO
    

    Golf is a great game for *everyone*, young, older, man or woman.
    My wife and I do as much as possible together, but we seldom golf
    together. I simply want to do some things with the guys. Maybe it's
    the competition I enjoy, but whatever it is, I enjoy golf *much*
    more with the guys. (Somebody in here has to be different... right).
    
    Please don't get me wrong, I have nothing against women on the course,
    as long as they move along. I hope I am not going to get myself
    in trouble here, but I like to get up early, play a match, and then
    have a few beers at the 19th... with the GUYS. Every once in a while
    I will play with women, but it's just not something I want to get
    used too.
    
    But to answer the base note. Women should be welcome on the course.
    
    Smitty

    
    
            Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden
            -         -    -      -
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
         Only Kidding!!! I wish I could get my wife to play.
    
         Dan

    Well Friday my husband and I played and I broke 50 for the second
    time.  (par 3-4 course, 9 hole).  I played great.  We set up a
    tee time with my father-in-law for Saturday too.  Now I know there
    was no way that I was going to come even close to beating him since
    he has been playing for 25+ years.  We played on a par 5 course
    which is a bit tough for a beginner.  Was kind of nervous playing
    in front of him.  I tied him on 3 holes though.  He finished 12
    strokes ahead of me which isn't that bad considering the length
    of time that he has been playing compared to my 12 weeks.  He was
    surprised at how well I did play and asked us to play again next
    Saturday.  I should play better the next time because I won't be
    nervous.  Once I got relaxed I started playing good.  My husband
    finished 5 strokes ahead of me.  So he no longer thinks that women
    do not belong on the golf course which made me happy.
    
    .10 - You're right about slow players.  It's enough to drive even
    us beginners crazy.  My husband immediately taught me about the
    "speed" rules of golf like drop your clubs closest to the next tee
    and only bring the clubs that you need to the green.  NEVER NEVER
    count shots on the green, etc.  I only heard him scream at someone
    once to get off the green.  We were playing in Pelham, NH and there
    was a group of 6 high school boys playing.  The rules are no 
    FIVESOMES but they snuck through by paying for 3 and 3 and then
    grouped up after the first hole.  They laughed as they went by and
    said to us "Hope you guys have all afternoon".   On the 3rd hole
    the last guy (after we had waited for about 20 minutes) finally
    putted in and then started counting shots on the green.  My husband
    screamed at him to get off the green and then they finally decided
    to speed up.  Whenever we see that we are holding up a couple of
    pros we automatically as them if they want to play through.  It's
    the only curtious thing to do.  Normally we are quick though so
    don't hold anyone back.  
    
    .12 - Smitty, Men do need time together and I have already told
    my husband a couple of times that I wouldn't mind if he went golfing
    with just the guys.  He seems to want to go out with me though.
    I also was going to play with just my sister but he wanted to come
    along so we gladly invited him.  I would never stop him from going
    out with the men.  I have a couple of girlfriends that play.  But
    I'll tell you, he'd flip out if I went skiing without him.  Neither
    one of us could stay home while the other hit the slopes.  We'd
    go crazy.
    
    Really am glad to hear so many of you men enjoy playing with the
    wifes, girlfriends and family.
    
    Pam
    

    My wife and I play golf together about 3 times a week..She loves
    the game and doesn't begrudge me, too much, when I go a round with
    the guys..
    
    I believe couple should do things together...I'd love to get my
    wife out to try flyfishing...Maybe next year.
    
    There is a couple at my home course who play all the time. You see
    them walking down thr course holding hands...It's great. BTW - He
    taught her to play golf, she beats him all the time and she has
    won the club championship a few times as well as some state
    tournaments.
    
    As for those folks who don't think women belong on the course, forget
    it. ANYONE can play...The money spend for greens fees is the same
    color as a mans..
    
    Go for it...
    
    Jim
    

    I must first say that I play with my wife at least 3 times a week,
    she is a 21 handicap for 18, and if she could hit her irons she'd be 
    in the low teens. I enjoy playing with my wife, her girl friend,
    and my mother, who all play faster than most men I know.
    
    But there is nothing like playing in a match with some of the boys
    for a few $$$$. Nothing against women but I think that they lack
    that competative edge that males have, only because men were brought
    up to be competative, most (I'm not saying all) women were not.  How many 
    women foursome out there play a $2 nassua, how many know what one is?
    That is the reason I enjoy playing golf with women, but love playing
    golf with the boys.
    
    Peter
    

    
        Just asked my wife again this weekend if she would consider
        taking up the game.  The question was prompted by this topic.
        She gave me a resounding NO for an answer.   8^(
    
        I'd love to have her get out and play. It would eliminate all
        the guilty feelings I have about going to play 18 on a weekend
        while leaving her behind to take care of the kids.  
    
        You folks that can get to play golf with your SO, are lucky
        indeed (he said jealously)!  
    
    -rick_who_would_love_to_get_a_family_membership_at_a_nice_club_someday

    Pam,
    My wife played in high school, gave it up after marriage/children
    and has again taken up this fine game. We play with my son-in-law
    and my youngest daughter at a course here as well as down south.We
    make the happiest of foursomes.
    
    It is not just a game for men! My daughter has played many years
    and can beat alot of men as well as her father on occasions. My
    wife plays for the fun of the game and we surely enjoy being able
    to play this as a family sport.
    
    Don't get me wrong. I still enjoy a tough match with the men and
    a game for a few bucks. This type of match does sharpen my skills,
    but is not the only way to play the great game.
    
    My wife are off for two(2) weeks of golf this weekend. We will play
    each day and enjoy the companionship that this game allows us. 
    
    Get your Mother-in-law playing and you will have a FAMILY FOURSOME
    like we have!!!!!!!
    Tom

    .17  Poor Rick.  Well I wouldn't feel too guilty about playing on
    the weekend if she will have nothing to do with it.  Maybe if you
    just play 9 holes you won't feel as guilty because you won't be
    gone for so long.  But then again, this game is very addicting and
    is 9 holes ever enough?
    
    .18  My father-in-law took her on the golf course once somewhere
    in Atlanta or Florida and she hated it.  She doesn't want to try
    again.  We are playing a foursome this Saturday though with myself
    my husband, my father-in-law and my brother-in-law.  Should be fun.
    Also have my sister and her husband to play a foursome with.  We've
    played a few times with them and had a ball.  He has been playing
    for about 20 years and just taught my sister this fall.  
    
    Have fun on your vacation.  Sounds like a lot of fun.
    
    Pam

    
    I've been playing golf on and off for years. I played for the first
    time in the DEC league 4 years ago. And the following year my decided
    to take up the sport. She is VERY athletic. Excellent Softball player
    and raquetball player. She had played a little before, but never
    on a real golfcourse (just a par three). Her first year out at Amherst
    CC she broke 50 three times (once she hit a 45 in a 3-club tournement).
    Her second year out she did even better. Then this year we each
    bought new clubs and she now has a lower HDCP then I do in the DEC
    league. When we play together I refuse to let her play from the
    red tees, she has to play from the whites. She dosn't hit the ball
    as far as I do but she hits it straighter, and I have a better short
    game then she does. We both love the game, and I love playing with
    her. I find myself trying to improve more because I don't want her
    beating me.
    
    Mike

    Well I played golf with my husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law
    on Saturday.  I was much more relaxed this time and played super.
    I tied my father-in-law and brother-in-law on the 1st hole with
    a bogie and beat my husband by one stroke.   On the second hole
    I got a bogie and beat all 3.  On the 5th hole I got a bogie and
    beat all three.  I tied all 3 on the 6th hole and on the 8th hole
    beat them all by 3 strokes with my first BIRDIE.  It was great.
    Ended up beating my brother-in-law by 5 strokes, losing to my husband
    by 1 stroke and losing to my father-in-law by only 5 strokes this
    time.  No bad.  On the way home he asked us to play again next
    weekend and I asked him if he still thought that women didn't belong
    on the golf course (considering how they were talking about my
    birdie being the best played hole of the day).  He said "I never
    said that".  My husband and brother-in-law both said at the exact
    same time "Yes you did".  He just said "Well I guess I was wrong".
    
    Pam

    re .21
    
      Great!  Pam, it sounds like you are going to enjoy the game. 
    I remember the first time I beat my brother (No. 2 at Pinehurst)
    by two  strokes, and I watched him adding the card over and over
    and recalling my scores.  Big day for me.  Sounds as though you
    are on your way!  Congrats!

    Good job Pam, but reading your reply it sounds as if you could be
    concentrating too much on what everyone else is doing ("I tied them
    on this hole, beat them on that hole,.." etc).  This could
    keep you from playing *your* game.  It's great to be competitive,
    just don't lose sight of what you're really trying to do-score the
    best that you can.                          
    
    Bob

    Bob,
    
    I totally agree.  The only reason I was so concerned is becauase
    I was told that women do not belong on the golf course and wanted
    to prove otherwise which I did.  Now I can relax and just try to
    play better than the last time, each time I play.  Nothing left
    to prove.  
    
    Pam

    
    	My husband decided to take golf lessons last summer and 
    	talked me into taking some also.  I played only about 3
    	times last year and did fairly well.  
    
    	This year he played on his company's league and I played
    	on the DEC league.  We both improved a lot.  He loves to
    	play with me whenever possible.  I'm not sure we could be
    	partners in a league because we are both more tense when
    	competing...better for us to be playing for fun.
    
    	We took a couple of weekends to play golf at resorts
    	in Colorado this summer...that was great.
    
    	The most exciting things that happened to me this summer
    	were -
    		Breaking 60 on a league night (9 holes)
    		Breaking 50 (I have had a 49 and a 48)
    		Getting a birdie (after just having shot a 10 on
    			a par 4 hole)
    
    	My husband cheers me on everytime we play.  We agree that
    	this is a sport that we can play until we are ancient, 
    	which is exciting!!!  We're definitely hooked on playing
    	golf TOGETHER.
    
    	Chris_who_is_definitely_hooked
    
    	(He played last weekend here in Colorado Springs - temperatures
    	in the 50's - not bad for December 3)

    Not sure if anyone still reads this section, but thought I'd add
    something anyway!
    
    Regarding Rick's dilemma, my boyfriend is a semi-professional golfer
    and because of this I never wanted to play for I thought I'd hold him
    back.  So on the weekends he used to get up really early and play, just
    so I wouldn't become a "golf widow".  I finally said yes to playing one
    time whilst we were on holidays and we had loads of fun.  Graham (as
    mentioned earlier in another note) plays against his own game.  We have
    fun and just enjoy being out in the fresh air, enjoying the greenery
    and trees etc.  It's a lovely sport.  Sometimes if I'm too busy to
    play, or have something else on I'll just meet him at the Club.  Maybe
    Rick's girlfriend/wife might start doing this?  You never know, she may like
    the feel of the place, and the stories you hear, and want to come back!
    
    I'm glad I play, and I agree that it's good to play sports together;
    but I still enjoy it when Graham and his dad have a game together. 
    They want me to come but I think sometimes it's good for the `boys' to
    go out!
    
    Happy Golfing
    Ellie
    

    
     Ellie, 
    
     Your OK in my book. Let the boy's go and play!! Alright!
    
     All women out there should read .26 this is a model example of
     a golf wife, thanks for writing that in.
    
     - Dave

    
    
    	And what about the non-golfing men that are attached to avid women
    	golfers?  Should I extract .26 and .27 to send to my other half ?
    
    	-lk
    

    
     Sounds good to me Laura,
    
     Should apply to either non-playing mate.
    
     - Dave