Question:
I have no problems with women on the golf course, as long as they play fast enough to keep play moving. That i the only gripe i have with anyone on the golf course, not just with women. Hell, i know of several women that can boot my ass up and down the course with the way they play… No complaints there. *sha — grin* Mike Constabile – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course?<< I think a lot of it may just be a holdover from the old days. As more women learn the game, as the LPGA continues to grow in popularity and competetiveness, perhaps these attitudes will (slowly) disappear. I’ve never seen any prejudice against women on the tennis court — but tennis is a sport which has long been regarded as one that both genders play well. It may take a while for golf to be viewed in the same way. Older guys and guys who learned the game from their dads may have an inbred bias as there really was a time when a woman on the course was something of a novelty. I can recall playing as a kid back in the 60’s when many a round was slowed by female foursomes who regarded a day on the links as a social event. They chatted and duffed their way through a round and the concept of "fast play" seemed lost on them. I believe this is a fair assessment of how things were back then and not an unfair stereotype. My wife took up the game three years ago, and took it up seriously. She already shoots in the upper 80’s, and any time we’re paired with a couple of guys on the course, any condescending attitudes they may have usually disappear after a couple of holes. Characteristically, it was never a sport that women learned at an early age as men do. But this is changing as kids of both sexes are learning the game (high schools in my area now have girl’s golf teams — something they never had in my day). Attitudes and prejudices are usually slow to change, but I think that in my lifetime women will be as welcome on the golf course as they are on the tennis court. My only complaint is that there weren’t more women on the course back when I was single… John L
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I don’t "hate" women golfers anymore than I "hate" male golfers that lack the adequate skills nor etiquette to either keep pace or allow a faster group to play through. I also "hate" the golfer (male or female) that treats a round of golf as a purely social event or chance to see how much beer one can consume or wastes time visiting before and after each shot or decides to tally scores before exiting the green or anything else that slows play – the bain of golf. I also "hate" the golfer (male or female) who drive their carts where they don’t belong – on the tees or greens. I also "hate" the golfer (male or female) who doesn’t repair his/her fairway divots, green ballmarks or rake the bunkers. Basically, I "hate" any golfer who doesn’t have the necessary basic skills nor basic understanding of the expectations of the general golfing public.
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? I just have to ask a question, and I ask it very seriously of what appears to be a primarily male newsgroup, but I’d love to hear from the women on the newsgroup as well. Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course? Or is it just here in Wisconsin? Now that I am a seasoned veteran of one year, I can honestly say that 90% of the men at the courses I play either treat me like an alien (I always figure there must be something sticking out of my head for the strange looks I get) or as "some chick lookin’ for a man" which would be a real insult to my husband. I’m not particularly thin-skinned or paranoid, but I do often find myself feeling uncomfortable due to the stares and frank curiousity that greet me every time I go out on the range. God forbid if I’m on the course and catch up with a man, suddenly it’s "now honey, if you just loosen up a little and really follow through with your swing"… Some of you may be snickering by now, if so, you probably can’t help me or give me insights, but if you’re not, I’d love to find out what I can do to fit in more and become more comfortable. I write this today after some guy came up and challenged me to a putting match and at some point thought it appropriate to put his arm across my shoulders – never having met this man before, I was just a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. Well, thanks for any insights, I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts! Heather
For whatever it’s worth, I play golf occasionally with some women who could wipe the course with 99% of the guys in this NG, and regularly leave the guys at the course standing with their jaws on the ground. What a hoot it is to watch these guys snicker when these "little honeys" (their term, not mine) step up on the tee, then pure their tee shots down the middle, then flag their approach. I just shake my head and laugh to myself. You’re right, Heather, most guys think women are a little out of place on the golf course. But in fairness, it’s only because most women you see on the golf course (certainly on the public ones) can’t play very well, and they take forever. I am fortunate to call one certain LPGA Hall of Famer a dear friend, and I’d love nothing more than to have her show up one day with me at my local muni (she wouldn’t be caught dead there, though) just to watch the regular "good ol’ boys" soil their britches when they saw her play the game the way they can only dream of. Just ignore ‘em and play your game. Devote about half the time you’d rather be playing to practicing, and you’ll accelerate your learning curve. Pretty soon, these guys will be noticing your drives, not just your legs. Randy
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? I just have to ask a question, and I ask it very seriously of what appears to be a primarily male newsgroup, but I’d love to hear from the women on the newsgroup as well. Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course? Or is it just here in Wisconsin? Now that I am a seasoned veteran of one year, I can honestly say that 90% of the men at the courses I play either treat me like an alien (I always figure there must be something sticking out of my head for the strange looks I get) or as "some chick lookin’ for a man" which would be a real insult to my husband. I’m not particularly thin-skinned or paranoid, but I do often find myself feeling uncomfortable due to the stares and frank curiousity that greet me every time I go out on the range. God forbid if I’m on the course and catch up with a man, suddenly it’s "now honey, if you just loosen up a little and really follow through with your swing"… Some of you may be snickering by now, if so, you probably can’t help me or give me insights, but if you’re not, I’d love to find out what I can do to fit in more and become more comfortable. I write this today after some guy came up and challenged me to a putting match and at some point thought it appropriate to put his arm across my shoulders – never having met this man before, I was just a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. Well, thanks for any insights, I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts! Heather
Hi Heather, Being a women that often golf as a single I can relate to some of what you say. Here in CA, men do stare and look….but that has been there nature, as I see it. Men do it everywhere. I, usually, at the first tee will introduce myself, shake their hand and apologize ahead of time if I should hold up their game….like I’m a 20 handicap I hope it doesn’t hold up your game. This lets them know ahead of time that I do play and lets them know approx. what my level of play is. Than I tee off and just play….some become friendly some stand offish. If they do gimmes and I don’t want to I will say I like to putt out otherwise when I play for tournaments I miss those putts…..unless its a foot away….I guess I’ve been playing long enough that I don’t let guys bother me..Once when I was golfing with a friend. She shanked her wood shot really badly. The guy that we were with said…"honey, put that club back in your bag and don’t take it out again….." To which I replied, "I don’t even listen to my husband, do you think I would listen to a total stranger?" He didn’t give anymore advice =) take care and have fun! — crabby Hank Aaron, "It took me seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course."
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Sorry. Can’t answer that. I just started playing and don’t know who to hate yet. I take that back! Whiners! I do hate whiners. Oh Yeah! Snivelers! They suck too! And those people that don’t except responsibility for their own situation and blame others. Crybabys also! And……. Anywise, I’ve noticed most people react the wrong way to bad people. If a waitress has a bad day and tosses a plate down in front of me, I assume she either is a bad waitress, having an off day or is a sucky person. Now if she did that too you at the golf course, you might feel it was because you are a woman. If I was black, I might feel it was because of my color. When in reality, the waitress was just an inconsiderate waitress to everyone. So, the advice is: Lighten up and enjoy the good people and to hell with the bad ones. Don’t take things so personal. You are welcome anywhere you choose to go and most places you go, women have been there before you. Oh Yeah! Ignore the replys that blame your perceived problem on someone ‘not as enlighted as themselves’. This is the 90’s. Most people know what is acceptable and what isn’t. If you get to Seattle maybe you can show me how to improve my game and my attitude. Later, TimmL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? I just have to ask a question, and I ask it very seriously of what appears to be a primarily male newsgroup, but I’d love to hear from the women on the newsgroup as well. Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course? Or is it just here in Wisconsin? Now that I am a seasoned veteran of one year, I can honestly say that 90% of the men at the courses I play either treat me like an alien (I always figure there must be something sticking out of my head for the strange looks I get) or as "some chick lookin’ for a man" which would be a real insult to my husband. I’m not particularly thin-skinned or paranoid, but I do often find myself feeling uncomfortable due to the stares and frank curiousity that greet me every time I go out on the range. God forbid if I’m on the course and catch up with a man, suddenly it’s "now honey, if you just loosen up a little and really follow through with your swing"… Some of you may be snickering by now, if so, you probably can’t help me or give me insights, but if you’re not, I’d love to find out what I can do to fit in more and become more comfortable. I write this today after some guy came up and challenged me to a putting match and at some point thought it appropriate to put his arm across my shoulders – never having met this man before, I was just a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. Well, thanks for any insights, I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts! Heather
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I have had mostly pleasant experiences playing at the mini courses where I live. I have just been playing for 2 years and carry my clubs <at age 63 so I think I get alot of raised eyebrows but no trouble. I also play ready golf and am a fast player. I’m erratic-some good shots amoung many not so good- which encourages what I *don’t* like: unasked for advise. I have found the older men out playing, who BTW use pull carts, are relaxed and friendly, whereas the younger men <25-40 are generally riding a cart, are overweight, and not real friendly. But there are exceptions to that also. Interesting question!
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Heather, I assume that you are playing the game by the rules, not holding up play and not disturbing other players when they are putting. That being the case, there is NOTHING else you can do to be accepted. I have seen the attitudes you describe in action and there isn’t anything other men can do to change it, either. The problem can only be corrected at the source, and only by the individuals with the problem who, BTW, don’t understand that they HAVE a problem. Also, don’t think that because they don’t talk to you that it is just because you are a woman. I have often played an entire round without saying a word to my (unknown) playing partners except "Hello" on the first tee and "Goodbye" on the 18th green. Believe it or not, this almost always happens when I am placed with a male/female (married or bf/gf) pair. The most fun round I ever played was the one time I was put into a group of 3 women. I didn’t play especially well or especially poor, but I had a great time. We laughed and joked our way around the course in just over 4 hours, without falling behind the group in front of us or having to rush on any hole. They knew and understood the rules and etiquette, but their primary objective was to play a game and have a good time, not their scores. Once the initial awkwardness had worn off (and we all had a drink or 2 
we all just enjoyed the game and had a great day. I would really liked to have played with them again, but they were usually a foursome, and the fourth was back after that. Good Golf Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? I just have to ask a question, and I ask it very seriously of what appears to be a primarily male newsgroup, but I’d love to hear from the women on the newsgroup as well. Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course? Or is it just here in Wisconsin? Now that I am a seasoned veteran of one year, I can honestly say that 90% of the men at the courses I play either treat me like an alien (I always figure there must be something sticking out of my head for the strange looks I get) or as "some chick lookin’ for a man" which would be a real insult to my husband. I’m not particularly thin-skinned or paranoid, but I do often find myself feeling uncomfortable due to the stares and frank curiousity that greet me every time I go out on the range. God forbid if I’m on the course and catch up with a man, suddenly it’s "now honey, if you just loosen up a little and really follow through with your swing"… Some of you may be snickering by now, if so, you probably can’t help me or give me insights, but if you’re not, I’d love to find out what I can do to fit in more and become more comfortable. I write this today after some guy came up and challenged me to a putting match and at some point thought it appropriate to put his arm across my shoulders – never having met this man before, I was just a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. Well, thanks for any insights, I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts! Heather
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…a thought provoking post. Some of the problem is generational, I’m sure. Let’s face it, a lot of these guys were adults when women were subservient and most Blacks couldn’t vote. That said, how does one find an enjoyable crowd to play with? Sometimes the course pros and management help set the tone. At one of our courses that has an LPGA pro, I note a less testosterone filled atmosphere. In fact, the general tone of the course (run by Tiger’s first coach, Rudy Duran) is very polite and friendly. After first reading the thread this morning, I had a business meeting where a similar topic came up. A new course in our county will be run by a former top LPGA player. It’ll be interesting to see if the tone of the place will be more civilized than courses run by guys named Shooter;)
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Yes
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I’ll take long hittin lady on my scramble team every time. At our club the women’s league is strong. There are may women playing every day. Most of the men are used to it and don’t mind at all. Yet there are still a few that beleive we should turn backthe clock to a time when women were not allowed on the course.
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? I just have to ask a question, and I ask it very seriously of what appears to be a primarily male newsgroup, but I’d love to hear from the women on the newsgroup as well. Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course? Or is it just here in Wisconsin? Now that I am a seasoned veteran of one year, I can honestly say that 90% of the men at the courses I play either treat me like an alien (I always figure there must be something sticking out of my head for the strange looks I get) or as "some chick lookin’ for a man" which would be a real insult to my husband. I’m not particularly thin-skinned or paranoid, but I do often find myself feeling uncomfortable due to the stares and frank curiousity that greet me every time I go out on the range. God forbid if I’m on the course and catch up with a man, suddenly it’s "now honey, if you just loosen up a little and really follow through with your swing"… Some of you may be snickering by now, if so, you probably can’t help me or give me insights, but if you’re not, I’d love to find out what I can do to fit in more and become more comfortable. I write this today after some guy came up and challenged me to a putting match and at some point thought it appropriate to put his arm across my shoulders – never having met this man before, I was just a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. Well, thanks for any insights, I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts! Heather
Heather, The permutations are endless on this one. Some guys go to the course to get away from their wives. Some guys feel women are the cause for slow play. Some guys aren’t used to seeing women play at their course and may think you are out their to have some man teach you how to play golf…. and maybe something else <wink, wink. <sigh How many times do you see some guy trying to teach his wife or girlfriend how to golf when he has a swing that looks like a he’s trying to put out a fire on his body with his own club. Generaly women tend to be more timid and self-depreciating at the first tee as well. You can see it in their eyes and feel it their stance and swing. "Please just let me get that first one out there." Guys do (and think) the same, but it is covered with false bravado or the usual "This is my first time out this year." ;) The solution? If I had one I’d be up there with Martin Luther King and Ghandi. Heather, try and find a club in your area that has a good amount of women golfers – that’ll cut down on 50% of the crap you are likely to go through. You’ve probably already found some people who put you at ease when playing and were very fun to golf with (at least I hope so)…. sh*t, get their number and make it a bit of a ritual to play with this group. I thought of suggesting going out and joining a women’s league, but I’m not sure how well that would go with women you don’t know. Visions of the intrigue of an all women’s office atmosphere springs to mind. <ouch! If you golf in the Madison, WI area (which I suspect from your previous posts)…. try Sun Prairie C.C. I belong out there. It is unasuming, many women golf there (many more than I have seen at any other course), and it is easy to get out on. Stay away from the Door Creeks, Windsor C.C.’s, and Glenway’s…. old fogies and drunken hacks that take their ill gotten game too seriously. The City of Madison run public courses wouldn’t be too bad either. Oh…and no, male golfers don’t hate women. Not me anyway. Scott
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You really hit the nail on the head with this reply . These guys are at a mental state that not all guys have when they play golf. This very male state is not too pleasant to be around regardless of gender if you are not part of the "in" group. So it isn’t just you that feels strange. And some men even have the gall to touch a woman that they don’t even know.
It’s usual to be paired with people you have never met no matter where you play . A goodly percentage of these pairings are unpleasant . Regardless of how pleasant or upbeat you remain . — "May all your drives land in the closely mown area through the green , and your chip shots require no subsequent putting" Robert Allen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I used to go shopping with my wife in her favorite boutiques, so I know what you mean by the looks. For a certain segment of men, golf and golf courses are a place for male bonding and competition. When they are in this mindset, women become an "other" and thus get stared at. These guys are at a mental state that not all guys have when they play golf. This very male state is not too pleasant to be around regardless of gender if you are not part of the "in" group. So it isn’t just you that feels strange. Some men feel liberated from normal social conventions when they are away from home. They exhibit behavior that is more commonly associated with bars. And some men even have the gall to touch a woman that they don’t even know. For them it is perfectly alright to allow that putter to swing accidentally enough to create a metallic thump against an ankle bone. That usually reminds them of their manners. As for the majority of men golfers, you don’t notice us because we are well-mannered and inobtrusive. Mitch Alderman ps. No charge for philosophy.
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says… Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? [snip] Some of you may be snickering by now, if so, you probably can’t help me or give me insights, but if you’re not, I’d love to find out what I can do to fit in more and become more comfortable.
It’s not anything your doing, it’s ancient attitudes slow to change, so don’t try to fit in. Back in the old days golf clubs were a male bastion, where men went to escape women. Some men still see it this way. Don’t let the bastards grind you down. I would suggest giving as good as you get Tell them if they just put the ball a little further back … — Mark
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Heather, It is indeed unfortunate that you have had this experience. I am also living here in Wisconsin, and anytime you need a golfing partner (assuming you are somewhere near my neck of the woods – Fox Cities) I’d be happy to oblige. I am happily married to the best wife on the planet so there are no ulterior motives here. Sadly, I can report that I have observed the same behavior that you describe, and not only here in Wisconsin. I treat all the people I play with the same – respectfully, courteously, and try to engage in general friendly conversation – whether the playing partner(s) is male, female, young or old. The only recourse I can suggest is the same resource I use when I wind up playing with someone who is either incredibly boorish, obnoxious, offensive, or drunk:if possible I let them play out ahead of me and continue as a single, or join the group following. I’ve even skipped ahead a hole if there’s space open. Outside of that, carry a pocket pepper spray and be direct in telling them to mind their P’s and Q’s. Charles (in Appleton, WI)
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I’ll echo everything JMK said! My schedule does not allow me to play with a regular group, so I often walk-on and play with whoever’s going out next. And in the one year I’ve been playing, I’ve only had a handful of times when my partners have been "intolerable." Being a petit woman, alot of guys get intimidated when I drive the ball over 200 yds, straight down the middle (but then my poor short game quickly reveals why I’m a high handicapper). Further, I’m not the competitive sort, I don’t bet and I don’t like impromptu lessons. So here’s how I manage: I play ready golf (I’m always ready to hit, don’t spend alot of time searching for my ball, walk fast, etc). I remain pleasant, but keep to myself so as to not solicit unwanted advice. I always thank them and perhaps share a beer at the grill afterwards. Finally, I don’t play at clubs that discriminate against anyone. These include, places with male-only lounges, clothing rules, etc. My hard earned dollar goes towards hard earned fun. tee
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Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course? *snip*
I must say that I haven’t experienced many problems golfing with guys… but at the same time, I was learning the game when I was 16 so most of the first rounds over the first few years were with my dad and two strangers. I finally started playing as a single and getting joined up with others when I was in university and only once I felt I was good enough to keep up with the other people I might meet up with. Now I’m in the fortunate position that I am usually scoring better than most of the people that I golf with which gives me confidence to golf with anyone. I’ll suffer through rounds with obvious newbies because I know I’ve been there and if they want some free advice, I’ll do what I can to help them, etiquette-wise anyway. But, I also play well enough to play with low handicap players as well. I’m a 19.5 handicap right now and improving so that is basically averaging a stroke a hole over par with a bad hole tossed in somewhere, so playing with a single digit handicapper isn’t that big a deal because realistically I’m not holding them up tooooo much at all. The only problem that I have had is more with guys’ egos than any kind of sexist attitudes. I tee off from the whites, as do most of the people that I end up playing with. I have a good swing and tend to drive the ball in the neighbourhood of 210-225, most times dead straight. I *have* found that guys don’t like to be outdriven by a female LOL. Many times, the guys that think they’re good really clam up after I outdrive them on a couple of holes. So, my attitude now is, who cares? I’m a pretty quiet person anyway so I just go and play and don’t waste time getting to my ball etc. and I usually find out around the 4th or 5th hole whether I’m playing "alone" in the sense of not much conversation etc. or whether the guys will try and "include" me in their conversations… assuming they are a group themselves. I guess it doesn’t matter to me either way — like I said, I’m kind of shy so I’m not going golfing for conversation, I’m going to play and improve and if I meet some nice people, fine, if I meet some jerks, fine. I don’t let it bug me. Jen in Ontario
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I used to go shopping with my wife in her favorite boutiques, so I know what you mean by the looks. For a certain segment of men, golf and golf courses are a place for male bonding and competition. When they are in this mindset, women become an "other" and thus get stared at. These guys are at a mental state that not all guys have when they play golf. This very male state is not too pleasant to be around regardless of gender if you are not part of the "in" group. So it isn’t just you that feels strange. Some men feel liberated from normal social conventions when they are away from home. They exhibit behavior that is more commonly associated with bars. And some men even have the gall to touch a woman that they don’t even know. For them it is perfectly alright to allow that putter to swing accidentally enough to create a metallic thump against an ankle bone. That usually reminds them of their manners. As for the majority of men golfers, you don’t notice us because we are well-mannered and inobtrusive. Mitch Alderman ps. No charge for philosophy.
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I am a woman and am just learning to play golf. Even though I could waste a lot of time on the course, I bring a bag of extra balls and have learned, at least, to play quickly. What I have been seeing on the course lately are couples where the man is coaching the woman (girlfriend, wife, etc; hopefully, a teaching pro would not do this) and taking excessive time due to "lessons". Other than this inconvenience, I have enjoyed learning this game in the presence of only gentlemen thus far. After training and competing with men in dog sports, I am truly appreciative of male golfers.
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Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? I just have to ask a question, and I ask it very seriously of what appears to be a primarily male newsgroup, but I’d love to hear from the women on the newsgroup as well. Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course?
Some guys resent women intruding into the "boys club". It’s basically an adolescent attitude that they’ve never gotten beyond. Rest assured, not all of us are like that. I, for one, enjoy playing with women. Your best bet for feeling comfortable on the course is to find a parner or three who don’t mind playing with women, and who don’t condesend, and play with them regularly. (Also, practice with your driver – nothing shuts these cavemen up faster than being outdriven. Just ask my wife.) — "…but Tonto, he was smarter, and one day said, ‘Kimosabe – kiss my ass, I bought a boat, I’m going out to sea.’" -Lyle Lovett
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Actually I play as a walk on a lot and I love being paired with women, or a couple. I don’t care for the macho crap that you get from a lot of guys, especially if your put with a threesome of guys who are regular partners. It’s like your an intruder on their fun. Women have a much better sense of perspective on what’s going on (I.E. we’re here to have fun!). And please make no mistake, as a relive newcomer to the game, most of the woman I have played with are better then me… — "Forget about World Peace…Visualize using your turn signal." Rick DeMent "Time to pull a quick Hank Snow." : Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? I just have to ask a question, : and I ask it very seriously of what appears to be a primarily male : newsgroup, but I’d love to hear from the women on the newsgroup as : well. Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf : course? Or is it just here in Wisconsin? Now that I am a seasoned : veteran of one year, I can honestly say that 90% of the men at the : courses I play either treat me like an alien (I always figure there must : be something sticking out of my head for the strange looks I get) or as : "some chick lookin’ for a man" which would be a real insult to my : husband. I’m not particularly thin-skinned or paranoid, but I do often : find myself feeling uncomfortable due to the stares and frank curiousity : that greet me every time I go out on the range. God forbid if I’m on : the course and catch up with a man, suddenly it’s "now honey, if you : just loosen up a little and really follow through with your swing"… : : Some of you may be snickering by now, if so, you probably can’t help me : or give me insights, but if you’re not, I’d love to find out what I can : do to fit in more and become more comfortable. I write this today after : some guy came up and challenged me to a putting match and at some point : thought it appropriate to put his arm across my shoulders – never having : met this man before, I was just a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. : Well, thanks for any insights, I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts! : : Heather :
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No , by the end of the round they hate themselves too . In all seriousness though , there are always going to be chauvinists wherever you go . So if you go somewhere and there are a predominance of men , you’re going to see a lot of them . Most men are afraid to let a woman witness their failures .And on a golf course their are many failures . — "May all your drives land in the closely mown area through the green , and your chip shots require no subsequent putting" Robert Allen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? I just have to ask a question, and I ask it very seriously of what appears to be a primarily male newsgroup, but I’d love to hear from the women on the newsgroup as well. Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course? Or is it just here in Wisconsin? Now that I am a seasoned veteran of one year, I can honestly say that 90% of the men at the courses I play either treat me like an alien (I always figure there must be something sticking out of my head for the strange looks I get) or as "some chick lookin’ for a man" which would be a real insult to my husband. I’m not particularly thin-skinned or paranoid, but I do often find myself feeling uncomfortable due to the stares and frank curiousity that greet me every time I go out on the range. God forbid if I’m on the course and catch up with a man, suddenly it’s "now honey, if you just loosen up a little and really follow through with your swing"… Some of you may be snickering by now, if so, you probably can’t help me or give me insights, but if you’re not, I’d love to find out what I can do to fit in more and become more comfortable. I write this today after some guy came up and challenged me to a putting match and at some point thought it appropriate to put his arm across my shoulders – never having met this man before, I was just a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. Well, thanks for any insights, I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts! Heather
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If sheep could cook there would be a bounty on women.
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Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf
course?<< I think a lot of it may just be a holdover from the old days. As more women learn the game, as the LPGA continues to grow in popularity and competetiveness, perhaps these attitudes will (slowly) disappear. I’ve never seen any prejudice against women on the tennis court — but tennis is a sport which has long been regarded as one that both genders play well. It may take a while for golf to be viewed in the same way. Older guys and guys who learned the game from their dads may have an inbred bias as there really was a time when a woman on the course was something of a novelty. I can recall playing as a kid back in the 60’s when many a round was slowed by female foursomes who regarded a day on the links as a social event. They chatted and duffed their way through a round and the concept of "fast play" seemed lost on them. I believe this is a fair assessment of how things were back then and not an unfair stereotype. My wife took up the game three years ago, and took it up seriously. She already shoots in the upper 80’s, and any time we’re paired with a couple of guys on the course, any condescending attitudes they may have usually disappear after a couple of holes. Characteristically, it was never a sport that women learned at an early age as men do. But this is changing as kids of both sexes are learning the game (high schools in my area now have girl’s golf teams — something they never had in my day). Attitudes and prejudices are usually slow to change, but I think that in my lifetime women will be as welcome on the golf course as they are on the tennis court. My only complaint is that there weren’t more women on the course back when I was single… John L
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Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? I just have to ask a question, and I ask it very seriously of what appears to be a primarily male newsgroup, but I’d love to hear from the women on the newsgroup as well. Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course? Or is it just here in Wisconsin? Now that I am a seasoned veteran of one year, I can honestly say that 90% of the men at the courses I play either treat me like an alien (I always figure there must
It’s the same everywhere….we are sloooow to change. But we are changing. I had a good laugh recently when one of the ‘dinosaurs’ at our club was paired with a pretty decent female in a fun tourny we had and never once outdrove her all day! He was the type that was always trying to give the poor ladies lessons…..a bad day for him. My advice, ignore us
Response:
Hmmm… got your attention, didn’t I?? I just have to ask a question, and I ask it very seriously of what appears to be a primarily male newsgroup, but I’d love to hear from the women on the newsgroup as well. Why is there such a strange attitude toward women at the golf course? Or is it just here in Wisconsin? Now that I am a seasoned veteran of one year, I can honestly say that 90% of the men at the courses I play either treat me like an alien (I always figure there must be something sticking out of my head for the strange looks I get) or as "some chick lookin’ for a man" which would be a real insult to my husband. I’m not particularly thin-skinned or paranoid, but I do often find myself feeling uncomfortable due to the stares and frank curiousity that greet me every time I go out on the range. God forbid if I’m on the course and catch up with a man, suddenly it’s "now honey, if you just loosen up a little and really follow through with your swing"… Some of you may be snickering by now, if so, you probably can’t help me or give me insights, but if you’re not, I’d love to find out what I can do to fit in more and become more comfortable. I write this today after some guy came up and challenged me to a putting match and at some point thought it appropriate to put his arm across my shoulders – never having met this man before, I was just a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. Well, thanks for any insights, I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts! Heather