Join Us! The EWGA Golfpalooza is coming. Why not put your ticket to this event on your holiday wish list? Registration is now open.

December 7, 2009 · Filed under EWGA, EWGA Conference, Events

pa•loo•za (pə-lōō’zə) n.  Slang.  A humdinger.  Something outstanding of its kind.  An extravaganza [Taken from ‘lollapalooza'.  Orig. Unknown].  

The EWGA Golfpalooza (formerly known as the EWGA Conference) is one of the most anticipated events of 2010, bringing together women from across the Association with the common goal of playing golf and lots of it, having fun, forging friendships, and gaining personally and professionally while having fun.  Why the name change?  EWGA members have spoken – they want golf, fun, and a lot of laughs, and we aim to deliver!

     

If you’ve been to Pinehurst before then you know how wonderful it is. If you haven’t – it’s a must! This April is the perfect time just for that. So, plan on joining us in the historic village of Pinehurst (April 7-10) and get ready to de-stress and really have some fun!

Did you see our announcement that Annika will be there? I’m so excited to be able to present her with the EWGA Leadership Award on Saturday evening. 

There will be more details on our star-studded line up of very special guests. In the meantime, check out the EWGA Golfpalooza information on the website under upcoming events and make your plans now.

I promise you – it will be four fun-filled days of social activities, golf, learning opportunities, retail therapy, networking and opportunities to make new friends across the association. You will see the scope of the EWGA at its finest!

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Ike, Three Pros form Hall of Fame Induction Foursome

November 2, 2009 · Filed under EWGA, Events, The Golf Industry · Tagged , , , , , , , ,

As the first official golfer in chief, President Dwight D. Eisenhower brought golf to the White House lawn and played nearly 800 rounds while in office. Together with Arnold Palmer, their charisma changed how Americans viewed golf and really sparked the nation’s interest in the sport. Arnold Palmer will fete Eisenhower at the Induction. 

The other inductees include Christy O’Connor,Ireland’s most famous golf legend now 84 years old; Jose Maria Olazabal, the steely Spaniard and USA’s Lanny Wadkins with 21 PGA TOUR victories.


Congrats to the class of 2009!

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Golf is back in for 2016 Olympics

October 9, 2009 · Filed under Drive for Dreams, EWGA, Events, The Golf Industry · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What a great day for the sport of golf. After more than a century of being on the sidelines, golf will return to the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. Golf will stage a 72-hole stroke play tournament for men and women, with 60 players in each field. It truly puts a world-wide face on this wonderful sport.


Just imagine the dreams this opens up for young women and men aspiring to be the newest sensation in professional golf. Maybe we have already participated in building a future Olympian through the EWGA’s  Drive for Dreams program (2009’s Renee Powell’s Girls Golf Program in East Canton, OH, or 2007’s Rose Naliaka’s girls in Kenya). A few of these young women will be old enough to compete in Rio de Janerio in 2016. That would really be exciting and gratifying that we made a difference in these girls lives.

Michelle Wie summed up the International Olympic Committee’s decision this way, ”I can dream about doing something that neither Tiger nor Ernie Els have ever done, and that is to make the final putt to win an Olympic gold medal. If this dream comes true, somewhere in the world there will be another 4-year old who sees me on that podium and perhaps starts her own Olympic dream.”

Congratulations to the International Golf Federation for all of their hard work to make this goal a reality!

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EWGA Port St. Lucie-Treasure Coast Chapter Member Pat Ayres Captures EWGA Championship Title

September 29, 2009 · Filed under EWGA, EWGA Championship, Events · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It started earlier this spring and summer with over 2,425 members competing at their respective EWGA Chapter Championships. Fast forward through 15 semi-final competitions held during the summer from which 205 women earned the right to compete Sept. 25-26 in the Championship Finals presented by Callaway Golf at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL over a 2-day 36 hole competition. Was this an easy journey? NO! Were there excited competitors? First time competitors? Anxious competitors? Confident competitors? A fabulous core of volunteers to make it all happen? YES, to all of the above.

Now in its 14th year, this year’s competition began with 120 local Chapter Championships. Consider these stats from the Championship Finals: the age range of competitors was 22 to 78. 102 EWGA Chapters were represented from 37 states plus our north of the border members from Canada. There were 5 competitive stroke play flights and a scramble division of 15 teams.

Julie Shore from the Raleigh Triangle, NC Chapter gets a hole-in-one

Julie Shore from the Raleigh Triangle, NC Chapter gets a hole-in-one

Julie Shore of Raleigh, NC made a hole-in-one at the Wanamaker 11th hole, on her first day of competition. And, it was only her second hole of the day to play!

Each player brought a special story to the EWGA Championship experience. Some traveled from Portland, OR, Bellevue, WA, Richmond, VA, Houston, TX, Baton Rouge, LA, Boise, ID, Albany, NY and even Port St. Lucie, FL. It’s the stories that make the Championship and for that matter, the EWGA so special. We are truly an organization that enriches women’s lives through the game of golf. Every competitor present in Port St. Lucie was an example of just that.

Pat_Ayres

I’d like to congratulate Pat Ayres, the 2009 EWGA Champion on her two-day round of 144. She was living a dream to have her family all there for her when she came off the 18th green after completing her final round to share in her accomplishments. This was Pat’s second overall EWGA Championship victory. When she won the title the first time, in 2006, it was in Scottsdale, AZ and her family was not present. So for her to share this with her family, it was indeed a dream come true. So you see, it’s so much more than a competition.

On the first day of competition, CJ Ensign was wearing a black and orange outfit in tribute to another EWGA member battling cancer. Tweets and email messages were being sent to her throughout the week to keep her in touch with what was happening. EWGA’s Port St. Lucie member Judy Holder led the coordination of over 80 EWGA members and friends of the EWGA who volunteered their time to assist during the Championship.

Judy Holder, EWGA Championship Finals Volunteer Coordinator from the Port St. Lucie, FL Chapter

Many came back on the second day of competition when they didn’t have to, just to be a part of the experience. This is just another example of the power and support EWGA members give to one another.

We invite you to visit ewga.com to hear the stories about what the EWGA means to so many.

Vince Lombardi once said, “You are all champions in your own way. That doesn’t mean you have to be number 1 to be the best. Just do your best. If you aren’t first, then make those people ahead of you break records by pushing them with your personal best. Consider for a moment what we achieve from athletics – the sheer fun of competing, the building of a healthy and alert mind and body – stamina, courage, perseverance, dedication, commitment, selflessness and most importantly, the will to excel.”

Angie Peters, Marilyn Martin, Sador Black and Jan Compton from Tri Cities NE TN

This message certainly rang true for the four women from the Tri-Cities of Northeast Tennessee Chapter who won the Scramble Team Division. For the last four years, they had placed in the Championship Scramble Division but they had a goal to win the overall title. Congratulations to Angie Peters, Marilyn Martin, Sador Black and Jan Compton. You did it!

And speaking of champions, the EWGA Championship Committee comprised of Jean Gamerl, Donna Shaw, Jeanne Biggerstaff, Karla Harding, Sue Stager, Mary Ann Cronin, Janet Young – and EWGA Staff members Stephanie Jennings, Josie Artymovich and Annette Medalie. Thank you all for a job well done.

Congratulations to all of the EWGA Championship Players!

LINK to results for the top 36-hole winners by flight.

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The Big Easy Beckons EWGA and EWGA Obliges

September 22, 2009 · Filed under EWGA, Events · Tagged , , , , , , ,

This week, Chevron, one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies, invited the EWGA to its Covington, LA campus just outside of the New Orleans metropolitan area to speak to its Women’s Leadership Group at the request of its Supplier Diversity Group.


Maximizing your Links on the Links
The EWGA topic was “Maximizing your Links on the Links”. Stephanie Jennings, EWGA Director of Golf Programs accompanied me on this trip. After a brief tour of the French Quarter, we headed over the world’s longest bridge; The Lake Ponchartrain Causeway ; a 24 mile four lane expanse that rises over this ecosystem of lakes, rivers, bayous, forest, swamp and marshes to Covington. The lake is an important piece to this region with over 1.5M people residing around it, also making it the most populous area in Louisiana. Post-Katrina, the area was just breathtaking.

The Big Easy on Royal Street, New Orleans

Our invitation was to talk about the link between golf and relationship building. As we know, playing golf is so much more than hitting a dimpled ball. If you’re serious about getting ahead in your career, golf should be part of your advancement strategy. Using golf as a networking tool is all about building relationships. We (EWGA’ers) know that golf is a great networking tool. It allows you to build personal relationships with your boss, peers, potential clients, suppliers and enables you to make new friends. We can all choose to do business with anybody – it just so happens that most people will choose someone they know, trust and like. Often, this is what comes out of a round of golf. Being able to share this information with a captivated audience was truly a rewarding experience.



At Chevron, supporting diversity is one of the seven values in The Chevron Way. The affinity group we addressed meets monthly on a variety of topics which helps promote a work environment in which every employee has the maximum opportunity to contribute to company goals. It was apparent that Chevron works to leverage the rich diversity of ideas, experience and skill of its employees. We were glad to be a part of the Chevron experience!

Welcome to EWGA Acadiana, LA Chapter

Welcome to EWGA Acadiana, LA Chapter


This week also marked the official beginning of a new EWGA Chapter in Louisiana. It’s called the EWGA Acadiana, LA Chapter (Lafayette is the principal city in Acadiana). We welcome you to the EWGA as you join your sister Chapter in Baton Rouge, LA as part of the EWGA family.

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Staying on top of your game – EWGA and NAWBO come together at the “Go for the Greens” Conference at Disney

September 16, 2009 · Filed under EWGA, Events · Tagged , , ,

Go for the Green Program Cover

Go for the Green Program Cover


My travels took me to Orlando this week where I spoke at NAWBO’s (National Association of Women Business Owners) Go For the Greens Conference. There were about 175 women from across the state of Florida there as well as NAWBO members who had traveled in from Dallas, San Francisco, Chicago, NY and GA (and those were the members that we met). The Conference was all about staying on top of your game. Whether you’re a woman entrepreneur, or someone who does business with this dynamic part of the economy, it was a great business building and networking opportunity. And of course it was an awareness and recruiting opportunity for the EWGA. So, when EWGA was invited to participate, I didn’t hesitate.

Linda DeBartola, Sally Livingston and Becky Macaluso at NAWBO

Linda DeBartola, Sally Livingston and Becky Macaluso at NAWBO

On Saturday at the Osprey Ridge Golf Course at Disney over 80 people teed it up in the Go For the Greens Golf tournament benefitting Komen for the Cure. EWGA members from Orlando, Naples, Manatee and Tampa came for the event as well as me and Becky Macaluso from AHQ. Despite the all morning rain (yes it does rain in Mickey’s world) we finished the tournament and celebrated!
EWGA on the GPS

EWGA on the GPS


Next up: A speaking engagement at Chevron just outside of New Orleans, LA.

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Playing Golf Burns Calories – What a Great By-Product!

September 1, 2009 · Filed under EWGA, The Golf Industry · Tagged , , , , , , , ,

We all enjoy being outdoors on a beautiful day particularly if it involves a round of golf. The environment that surrounds us as we play golf is usually quite spectacular. And now, there’s even more reasons to enjoy the golf experience! It’s good for your health and wellness too!

A Swedish study found that “men and women aged 40-79 who regularly play golf have a 40% lower incidence of mortality than those who don’t. In fact, teeing off can add about five years to your life.”

Another study out of the Rose Center for Health & Sports Science in Denver found that “golfers who walk 36 holes a week burn around 2900 calories, which could lead to a 40-pound weight loss in one year.”

Whether you play golf for the social aspects, competitive aspects, mental aspects, or for the athletic aspects, it’s a sport for all ages. When Mark Twain stated “golf is a good walked spoiled”, perhaps he underestimated all of the attributes that come with playing such a wonderful game.

So, when you tee it up next, consider that you are contributing to your overall health and wellness. 

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Soheim Cup Reinforces Market there for Women’s Golf

August 25, 2009 · Filed under EWGA, Events, The Golf Industry · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


The 11th staging of The Solheim Cup was spectacular. It truly was a world stage for the best that women’s golf has to offer. For those of you who traveled to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, IL this past week; you can appreciate the simplicity and sereneness of this competitive setting nestled among corn fields. For me, it gave a whole new meaning to Field of Dreams.

EWGA at the Solheim Cup

Men and women came. Children came. Over 120,000 fans of the game came. The players were ready and whole heartedly embraced their surroundings and all that was at stake as women’s golf was cast into the international spotlight. As fans, we were treated to a wonderful three days of spirited competition. While the U.S. retained the Solheim Cup with a 16-12 point score, the impact of the matches went much deeper. The caliber of women’s golf is top notch.


We saw Michelle Wie say hello to the golf world in a carefree and joyous manner that we had not experienced before. Juli Inkster played in her final Solheim Cup Matches. Laura Davies, a longtime standout on the European Team and fan favorite on both sides of the pond wasn’t at her competitive best which I am sure was disappointing to her. European Team Captain Alison Nicholas was a true professional throughout the Matches. Paula, Morgan and Christina along with Kristy, Brittany and Natalie and the rest of the US Team sparkled and glittered throughout the Matches. Beth Daniel is now a victorious Solheim Cup Captain.

Former Solheim Cup Captains were celebrated at a special fundraising dinner on Saturday evening where they shared stories of their experiences and stressful competitive moments. LPGA Founding Members, Shirley Spork and Louise Suggs were omnipresent at the first tee. Louise Solheim who was married to Karsten Solheim for 63 years before his passing in 2000 was still front and center at this year’s Matches.

It was as if the written pages of women’s golf history came alive right before our eyes if you were there this past week. What a treasure of memories!

Solheim Cup Get Together for Chicago EWGA Chapter and Guests
I was delighted to see so many EWGA members in the galleries throughout the three days. From California, Seattle and Nashville to Seattle, Huntsville, Boise, Springfield, MA to Columbia SC to NY, NJ, CT, NH, NC and WI and of course, FL…. we were out in full force. The EWGA’s Chicago Metro Chapter members were everywhere! They certainly were proud volunteers and we thank you for your great efforts and contributions to this years’ event. Kudos to you! And by the way, the Thursday evening gathering hosted by the Chapter was great fun too!
Solheim Family meets EWGA Family

We can never thank the Solheim Family enough for what they have done for women’s golf. And how fortunate are we as EWGA members that PING is one of our supporting partners too!

The 2011 Matches are two years away. It’s also the EWGA’s 20th anniversary in 2011. The Solheim Cup is truly an event that every golf fan needs to experience at least once in their lifetime. So, what better way to celebrate the world’s most prestigious women’s golf event than to travel to Ireland together – to support TEAM USA and partake in all the festivities! I know I will be there!

Won’t you join us? Stay tuned for details!!!!

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The PGA Championship

August 17, 2009 · Filed under EWGA Foundation, Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Minnesota Metro Chapter with Pam Swensen, Lisa Lifer and LeeAnn Finger

Visiting with the Minnesota Metro Chapter are far left LeeAnn Finger and 4th from right Pam Swensen and Lisa Lifer far right.
PGA Championship Week – what a week for the sport of golf! Events such as the PGA Championship represent the pinnacle of our sport as it brings together the greatest players to test their mettle on spectacular and demanding layouts. That’s what is happening inside the ropes. However, the action outside the ropes is equally as riveting and this past week was no exception.

On Wednesday, the PGA of America in conjunction with the EWGA hosted a special “behind the scenes tournament experience” for more than 70 professional women from the Twin Cities. I was fortunate to speak to this impressive group of executive women as we lunched then toured the PGA Media Center, Mercedes-Benz Experience and the PGA Learning Center. It truly was about connecting women to the game of golf – and that’s what the EWGA is all about. Joining me were several leaders from the EWGA’s Minnesota Metro Chapter and the President-elect of the EWGA‘s Board of Directors, Lisa Lifer. The afternoon was filled with keen insights into the tournament operations, networking and of course recruiting future EWGA members.

That evening, the PGA recognized and honored William Powell with the highest honor the PGA bestows: the Distinguished Service Award. . His love affair with golf began at the age of 9 when he became a caddie. However, when he returned from WWII after serving our country, he was denied access to play golf here in the U.S. So, in 1946, Powell’s journey began where he boldly crossed racial boundaries when he followed his dream to build a golf course. This gentle grandson of Alabama slaves became the only African-American to build, own and operate a golf course known as Clearview Golf Club in the United States. Today, Clearview Golf Club is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and “America’s Course” as Powell once said, “is a course where the only color that matters is the color of the greens”.

William and Renee Powell with Pam Swensen and Lisa Lifer at PGA Championship

Pictured above are Bill Powell (seated), Renee Powell, Pam Swensen and Lisa Lifer.
Bill Powell’s pioneering efforts have been carried on by his daughter Renee, the 2003 PGA First Lady of Golf and a PGA and LPGA Professional. Renee was the second African-American to compete on the LPGA Tour following tennis legend Althea Gibson.

The PGA’s Distinguished Service Award Ceremony was such a moving tribute to not only Bill but the Powell family. I am proud to say that Renee is also a member of the EWGA family and through the EWGA Foundation’s assistance, we too our making a contribution to the preservation and fulfillment of Bill and Renee’s dreams at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, OH.

On Thursday morning, the leaders of the industry convened for a Golf 20/20 Executive Committee meeting where we were greeted and celebrated the announcement that “Golf Made the Cut” as the IOC Executive Board recommended two sports (golf and rugby) for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games. The IOC’s final vote on whether to add as many as two sports will take place on October 9th in Copenhagen, Denmark. Throughout this process, the golf industry has demonstrated unprecedented unified support including the resounding support of golf’s top ranked male and female players. So, you can imagine the excitement when the official announcement was shared during this meeting. Only one more hurdle to go!

PGA Championship Press Room Pam Swensen, Lisa Lifer

And now back to the action inside the ropes. In the annals of sporting achievements, the story of South Korea’s Y.E. Yang has got to be close to the top of the list. On Sunday, with the world watching and expecting Tiger Woods to march confidently to his 15th major championship win, a far different story unfolded. The victory, Yang’s second this season, was the first major championship win for an Asian man and will most certainly have a positive impact on golf in Asia.

Y.E. Yang

It was a fitting ending to an historic week in golf.

Next up on my travel schedule: Another milestone in the history of golf. This time it’s The Solheim Cup Matches at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois. Stay tuned.

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Ten Years and Glowing

August 10, 2009 · Filed under EWGA, Events · Tagged , ,

10YearAnniversaryribbon.svg.hi
The last few weeks and the next few weeks have me on the GO! I had the privilege of attending the Long Island Chapters’ 10th year anniversary celebration in late July. What a great celebration! Talk about exceeding my expectations. To see what this group of passionate women accomplished in 10 short years on Long Island is incredible. They are the go to source on women’s golf. With now 1,000 members, yes that is true, 1,000 members they are truly living the vision of the EWGA: Enriching women’s lives through the game of golf.

Their anniversary event included a mega golf day spanning three courses and culminated with a gala at the Cradle of Aviation at the Reckson Center at the Museums at Mitchell with nearly 450 members in attendance. Patrice Franco, former Association Board Member and volunteer leader extraordinaire prepared a wonderful 10-year retrospective video on the Chapter which will soon be airing on the home page of EWGA.com. LI Chapter President Janet Mallon and an exceptional group of extraordinary women worked tirelessly on organizing this celebration commemorating their 10 years on LI. Nancy Oliver, the EWGA Founder also made a special appearance at the celebration.

Let me just say that these women are terrific and bring every aspect of what the EWGA is all about to life! My congratulations to them and their commitment to continue to grow their Chapter and reach a new milestone of 2,000 members! If they can do it – we all can continue to grow this Association!

The LI Chapter leaders have figured out the way to reach deep inside of themselves to develop, nurture and cultivate the needs of their members. Trying to do it alone can certainly be arduous. But they have mastered the secret to the recipe that taps successfully into each other’s wisdom, knowledge, spirit and enthusiasm which when brought together – has germinated into an invigorating, dynamic and successful Chapter.

Here’s to another decade of greatness!

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