Archive for Events

It’s here – National Volunteer Week – April 21-27

April 22, 2013 · Filed under Events, EWGA, Women · Tagged

 

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We all wear so many hats on a daily basis. We are business professionals, parents, community leaders, caregivers, sports enthusiasts and yes members of the EWGA. There are over 1400 members who volunteer their time to EWGA activities across the association annually.

As the leader of the Association Headquarters team, I tip my hat and extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Your passion for the organization is commendable. You see, the EWGA has been in existence for over 22 years because of volunteers who work tirelessly at the community level to make your experience in this organization great.

So as we salute our volunteers this week, ask yourself, how can I help. Can I donate an hour or two of my time to help my chapter? Could I offer to assist with registration at an upcoming event? Think about what type of help your chapter might need in the next few weeks in recruiting new members.

Members love sharing their stories about what belonging to EWGA has done for them and their lives. What impact has the EWGA had on yours?

Please tell  us!

In just a few short weeks, we will be recognizing a long time volunteer of our organization with EWGAs highest award, The Nancy Oliver Founders Award, at the Empower ’13 Conference in Hilton Head.

In fact, this years’ honoree was one of the original 28 women who attended the very first golf clinic in West Palm Beach.  Her name is Penny Hulbert Larsen.

Since 1991, Penny has held numerous volunteer leadership roles with the association starting at the chapter level, the regional level and then on the Association Board of Directors including Treasurer, and President of the Board. She has represented EWGA at national golf industry events and continues to be a great ambassador for EWGA.

Congratulations Penny!

There are so many women doing extraordinary things for this wonderful organization. Lisa Lifer, Janet Mallon, Janis Luce, Dori Smith, Maggi Braun and Diana Gats are all award finalists this year for their long term volunteer service. Congratulations Ladies!

So this week, think about what your interests are and how you might be able to give back by volunteering. You can make a difference in someone elses’ life or you just may meet someone who will make a difference in yours!

Let’s celebrate National Volunteer Week by thanking those that are giving back on so many levels!

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A Bostonian’s View from Florida

April 16, 2013 · Filed under Events, Women · Tagged

Even though I live in South Florida now, Boston is my home. I refer to it as my home all the time. We all have roots and I am proud to say that mine are in Massachusetts.

Yesterday’s tragedy; a senseless act of violence, on a day celebrating freedom and independence, struck me to the core.

We mourn for the lost lives and pray for the hundreds injured. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. When tragedies occur, everyday heroes emerge. It was encouraging to hear and see on the news those who offered their phones, homes and blood donations. While this cowardly attack on innocent people marred the celebratory events of Patriots Day,  the city of Boston is strong. We are strong. And I am so proud to call Boston my home.

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Recognition for Performance is Always Gratifying

March 27, 2013 · Filed under Events, EWGA, The Golf Industry, Women · Tagged ,

StacyLewis(AP Photo Ross D Franklin)

Stacy Lewis poses for photographers as she poses next to the championship trophy after winning the LPGA Founders Cup golf tournament on Sunday, March 17, 2013, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Stacy Lewis won the LPGA’s Founders Cup and took over the #1 position in Women’s Golf.  Her journey, dedication, work ethic and challenges she overcame are well documented. Congratulations Stacy! You handled yourself with poise, grace and an uncanny ability to maintain your professionalism for your work, even under the most trying of circumstances. You are a great role model for both young and old. Your recognition and respect for the Founders of the LPGA was heartwarming, your performance was extraordinary and your philanthropic contribution to LPGA-USGA Girls Golf was symbolic for the future of women’s golf.

Tiger Woods reclaimed the top spot in golf with his victory at Bay Hill this week. As he repeatedly shares with the golf media, he’s worked really hard to get his game back to where he is confident to win. And win he has. Dedication. Perseverance. His strong work ethic and commitment deliver yet again.

These achievements are significant in golf and certainly make headlines. And so do many other stories about individuals who have success stories to share.

Last week I had the honor of attending The Commonwealth Institute’s annual event recognizing the Top Women-Led Businesses in Florida. A diverse range of business leaders were recognized for their contributions. The common themes for achieving success from honorees that day, including myself, were being dedicated to the job you love, work hard at what you do, you are the “CEO” of your career and certainly never give up.

The little white ball

Golf is the Ultimate Business Connector

In my comments to the 200+ businesswomen present, I stressed the importance of golf being a connector.  It offers players a relationship building skill that opens doors. Opens doors to business opportunities, to spectacular venues, opens doors to what you are really made of – and by this I mean personal qualities that define who you are and how you translate your image, actions and abilities in real life. It defines your character.

Relationships are born on the golf course. So regardless of who is teeing it up, there is always a degree of success that can be achieved in a round of golf. So, kudos to the newly crowned world’s  #1 female and male golfers!  And to those of us who revel in what the sport of golf provides to us both personally and professionally, it’s gratifying to be recognized for connecting women to learn play and enjoy golf for business and for fun.

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Sacrifice, Duty, Honor and Respect

November 9, 2012 · Filed under Events, EWGA, Women · Tagged , ,

Honoring Veterans Everywhere

As Veteran’s Day celebrations start occurring, please take a moment to think about the significance of what our veterans have sacrificed for us and how our lives might be different without them.

We all learned in history class that WWI ended with an armistice called The Treaty of Versailles which was signed on June 28, 1919. Later that year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11th to be Armistice Day, a day to celebrate peace while honoring our soldier’s bravery and heroism. Regrettably, the hope that this would be the “war to end all wars” didn’t hold true and we continue to still send our loved ones off to foreign countries to fight for justice and freedom. To honor veterans of all wars, Armistice Day was later renamed Veterans Day.

So, this November 11th, I encourage you to recognize this day for more than just perhaps a day off. On behalf of EWGA, I personally want to thank our EWGA members who are veterans and active duty members as well within our association’s community for your service. Each of you has enabled us to have our cherished freedom of speech, our right to vote and all the other freedoms we too often take for granted while around the world others still fight for basic human rights.

So, how about taking a moment to reflect on our good fortune to live in the United States? We are all indebted to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country – a sacrifice that extends beyond those who put on the uniform. We should not forget that every soldier is a son, daughter, husband, wife, mother, father, sister or brother.

So this Nov 11th – do something special to honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

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The Female Vote Counts! Let your voice be heard on Nov. 6th

November 2, 2012 · Filed under Events, EWGA, Women · Tagged , , , , , , , ,


Several years ago, I had the opportunity to hear Hillary Clinton speak at an event here in South Florida. Her stage presence was incredible. Her message totally inspiring. The topic: the importance of the female vote. Why is this so important? It’s because there are more women registered to vote than men. Did you know that in the 2008 elections, 10 million more women voted than men?

Female voter involvement in these elections is key. It is our voice that can make a powerful impact on the outcome. Do not let this opportunity – this right to exert influence slip by. Regardless of your political persuasion, we have earned the right to vote. If we do not exercise this right, then truly, we do not have a right to complain. Why should you care? Issues of importance to women, such as healthcare, reproductive rights and the economy are paramount and candidates have used these issues to build their platform.


So, head to the polls on Nov. 6th.  Cast your ballot. Marion Wright Edelman got it right when she said, “Democracy is not a spectator sport!”

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Will you be the 13th Man at the Ryder Cup Matches for Team USA this Week?

September 24, 2012 · Filed under Events, The Golf Industry, Uncategorized · Tagged , ,

Captain Love is seeking loyal fans to showcase our passion for golf, sportsmanship and honor of the game at the Ryder Cup Matches this week. Will you be there rooting on Team USA? I will.

Come Thursday, I will be dressed in my red, white and blue ready to honor TEAM USA at the Opening Ceremonies. And on Friday morning,  I will be ready to  channel my “13th man” team spirit.  And, I know that while the Chicago Metro Chapter women of the EWGA will be volunteering their time marshaling the 9th hole at Medinah Country Club, deep down, they too will be rooting for the red, white and blue. Go Team USA!

So, if you are interested — you too can join the team and conversation — by going to www.RyderCup.com and sign up to be a “13th Man” and keep up to date on the happenings in and around Medinah; even if you’re not able to get to the Chicago area this weekend.

I love the Ryder Cup where the event is not about the prize money but simply the honor of winning. It’s time for Team USA to take back the Cup. And the pride that goes along with that.

U.S. Ryder Cup Captain, Davis Love III says it best “The Ryder Cup is a place where legends are forged and legacies are made, a place where dreams can be claimed. It is truly an amazing competition on a global stage, and we appreciate your commitment to sportsmanship, honor and Team USA.”

So here’s to the Red, White and Blue! GO USA!

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Celebrating Success

July 31, 2012 · Filed under Events, EWGA, EWGA Championship, Olympics, Women · Tagged , , , , ,

How many of you watched Ernie Els as he birdied the 18th hole at The OPEN Championship and tipped his hat to the crowd? Little did he know that soon he would be claiming victory and hoisting the Claret Jug above his shoulders. His performance was legendary, classy and spectacular to witness. And his acceptance speech following the conclusion of the tournament revealed the class act that he really is.

As we root for the red, white and blue during these Summer Olympic Games, I so enjoy learning about the U.S. athletes, their stories, their commitment to excel in their sport and how dedicated they are to achieving their personal best. Ryan Lochte. Missy Franklin. The U.S.Women’s Gymnastics Team to name a few.

The common thread is PASSION. Love for their sport, their “craft”.

In our EWGA world, the EWGA Championship Semi-finals are now underway. As the trendsetting organization for current and aspiring business and professional women, there were over 2,500 EWGA members who came out and played in their respective Chapter Championships this year! This is a milestone! 2012 marks the largest field of competitors in the EWGA Championships’ history. Yes, the competition is flighted. Yes, there is a scramble division. Yes, we have women who have never competed in a golf tournament before. Yes we have low handicappers. Each competitor is testing themselves and working towards achieving their personal best. The driver for all of them: Their passion for this great game of golf.

It’s still too early in the EWGA Championship  to identify who will be the overall EWGA Champion this year. However, as the season continues to progress, I invite you to acknowledge and celebrate the success of all of these passionate women.

To view more pictures, visit our EWGA Pinterest site at http://pinterest.com/pin/254383078923037720/

What’s your E?

There are many reasons why aspiring and current business and professional women join EWGA – top-level networking and mentoring, meeting energetic, like-minded people, or finding time to escape the daily grind to enjoy a round.

If you’re looking for an organization that helps you to easily learn, play and connect, you belong with EWGA! Follow this link to join.

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Women Make it Happen at Honda Classic

February 29, 2012 · Filed under Events, EWGA, The Golf Industry · Tagged , , , , ,

Attracting businesswomen to the game of golf is reaching new heights. While EWGA turns 21 in 2012, many other organizations are now just coming of age and realizing the importance of the female business professional and the clout they bring to the golf marketplace. Yesterday, the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic hosted its inaugural Executive Women’s Day in our backyard and the turnout was fabulous.

Over 200 women from the Palm Beach County area had the opportunity to experience a tournament in action as well as a back stage tour. The networking and relationship building opportunities were plentiful. Along with the outreach designed to make the idea of coming to a golf tournament less intimidating and using it as a business building opportunity; insights were gleaned from a panel of local and national female business success stories including LPGA golf legend, Annika Sorenstam.  The day concluded with a “Wine Down – Network Up” session” followed by a golf exhibition from Michelle McGann, a former LPGA Standout and local resident along with a Get Golf Ready  instructional opportunity from female PGA and LPGA Teaching Professionals from the area.

From my perspective, these one day experiences (which the PGA TOUR is hosting at several tournaments around the country)provide a special venue to get business women connected with the sport and  the business of golf coupled with the opportunity to entice them with the right invitation on learning how to play the game. Having a EWGA presence is paramount to extending the right invitation to these successful, professional women! It’s the logical next step to grow this great game. EWGA is in 125 major markets coast-to-coast offering a broad range of activities for women to connect, learn, play and belong all year long. Collaborating in engaging more women in this sport is what is needed! Thank you Honda Classic!

To view pictures of the Honda Classic, follow this link: http://www.myewga.com/MYEWGA/MYEWGA/Go.aspx?c=BlogViewer&BlogKey=e7c368d3-b4c2-48a0-aca6-d58770268916

What’s your E?

There are many reasons why aspiring and current business and professional women join EWGA – top-level networking and mentoring, meeting energetic, like-minded people, or finding time to escape the daily grind to enjoy a round.

If you’re looking for an organization that helps you to easily learn, play and connect, you belong with EWGA! Follow this link to join.

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2012 Insights from the PGA Merchandise Show

January 31, 2012 · Filed under 2013 Solheim Cup, Events, The Golf Industry, Women · Tagged , , , ,


With the back drop of the 59th PGA Merchandise Show this past weekend in Orlando being a celebration of golf, optimism and real passion for the game with over 40,000 industry leaders, PGA and LPGA Professionals and retailers from 75 countries joining  more than 1,000 of golf’s premier companies and brands, it demonstrated an unparalleled testament to the commitment we all have to this industry and sport.

Hundreds of the industry’s leading educators were on hand to launch an array of new products and share ideas on how to grow the business and participation side of golf.  Golf 2.0, the industry’s strategic roadmap for the future, was omnipresent.  Golf needs more golfers. The strategic focus of Golf 2.0 aims to grow golf by retaining present players, reclaiming former golfers and attracting new ones. And yes — women — represent a tremendous opportunity to grow participation in this sport. “Connecting with Her” is one element of the Golf 2.0 initiatives.

Here are my observations from this years’ PGA Show:

  • The women’s voice is getting louder and the drumbeat is escalating…The golf industry cannot lose another 1 million golfers. Women control how a family spends its time, where they spend it and what they buy. Are you listening?
  • EWGA, Ladies Links Fore Golf, Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design and Golf For Cause launched the National Women’s Golf Alliance (NWGA) to bring a better golf experience to women. Think of it as creating a Zagat guide for rating a women’s experience at golf facilities from coast-to-coast.
  • The Golf Industry knows it needs to do far more to attract and retain the business of women and Donna Orender is the lead consultant for the PGA of America in bringing focus and action to this charge.
  • EWGA is honored by the International Network of Golf (ING)for its work in Player Development in bringing over 100,000 women into the game during its 20-year history.
  • Jack Nicklaus spoke out and promoted “out of the box” thinking and details on how to change and grow the game.
  • Sheila C. Johnson, CEO of Grand Golf Resorts of Florida and Salamander Hotels & Resorts sponsored NWGA’s “Rolling Out the Green Carpet” Networking Breakfast where an historic coming together of leading women’s golf groups to speak with one voice was impactful and significant.
  • Fantastic choice of Meg Mallon as the next Solheim Cup Captain for Team USA
  • Arthur Little and Jan Leeming are spot on when they say “Women need to demand that courses need to do the right thing” for them.
  • Get Golf Ready WORKS as an adult player development program and 60% of those participants are women. Are you listening?
  • Where is the support for grassroots organizations from club manufacturers? Women consumers spend $4.6B and influence $15B in spending.
  • EWGA members alone on average spend $4,500 annually on rounds, equipment, travel and other golf-related items which equates to our $66M impact on the game! Are you paying attention to us yet?
  • Women’s apparel choices have come a long way! Throughout the 10 miles of aisles at the show, apparel manufacturers were showcasing bright and vibrant collections. They are listening!
  • The love of the game is alive and well. How well we channel, we embrace and we connect with this emotional connection among women to the game will impact the future vitality and survivability of this great sport.  You need to listen, act and support us – Now! We will impact your business and keep you in business. Now do we have your attention?

And speaking of passion, the golf world lost a champion this weekend. Her name was Barbara Douglas. She was the first minority leader of the USGA Women’s Committee. She was President of the National Minority Golf Association for five years, a member of the National Black Hall of Fame and served as an EWGA Board member for several years. She was a golfer who truly loved the game.  She understood the power of the game and what it meant. She was a trailblazer, role model and inspirational leader. She lost her three year battle with ovarian cancer on January 27.  While the 10 miles of aisles were filled with energetic, passionate professionals involved in this wonderful industry and game, one woman was leaving her mark – her legacy on a game she dearly cherished. She will be missed. She was a champion of public golf. A believer and staunch supporter of the organization that governs the game and welcoming to all who had an interest in the sport. We can all learn a lesson or two from her contributions. So, as we look to embrace the future of this great game, I hope you are all listening and willing to take action.   Barbara, I know you are listening!

What’s your E?

There are many reasons why aspiring and current business and professional women join EWGA – top-level networking and mentoring, meeting energetic, like-minded people, or finding time to escape the daily grind to enjoy a round.

If you’re looking for an organization that helps you to easily learn, play and connect, you belong with EWGA! Follow this link to join.

To view more pictures from the PGA Merchandise Show and the National Women’s Golf Alliance breakfast, follow this link.

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For the Greater Good

November 11, 2011 · Filed under Events, EWGA, EWGA Foundation, Women

Everyone has their own unique style of benevolence. Recently, I’ve been involved with several events involving the generosity and giving of people without a great deal of fanfare –just the belief in supporting something that matters.

The EWGA Foundation hosted its annual LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Tournament this month in Palm Desert, CA.  Nearly a hundred members and friends came out to play and support the future of our game: junior girls. It was a magnificent day. Three young women from the local LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Club donated their time to be with us that day. Their enthusiasm, energy and love of the game was evident.

Joining the celebration of EWGA’s support for LPGA-USGA Girls Golf the evening before the tournament were LPGA Co-Founder Shirley Spork, World Golf Hall of Fame Member Amy Alcott and LPGA Legend Sandra Palmer. Each of these women paved the path for these young girls and for all women who love playing the game of golf. They shared stories, anecdotes and their wisdom without truly looking for praise for what they accomplished in their lives to make our experience an even better one today!

Amy Alcott and Pam Swensen

Last week, I attended the PGA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Port St. Lucie, FL where I had the opportunity and privilege to be seated next to Dr. Gary Wiren. This gentleman has traveled the world teaching the game of golf and its life skills to thousands and thousands of individuals.  As we sat together, again, I was reminded of how much this great game of golf provides to so many.

I am very proud of the organization I serve. I know each and every day the EWGA is enriching the lives of women through the game of golf. I also know we can do so much more to provide opportunities for others who may be missing out –  like with our Women On Par Scholarship Program which is designed to help those less fortunate who want to re-enter the workplace but need new skills as a way to get on par and be able to pursue their dreams.

During this season of thanksgiving, we have so much to reflect on – who we are – where we are going – what we have accomplished – the lives we have touched – and how we can continue to make a difference – especially in these uncertain times to others.

We don’t have to fund a building to substantially affect our EWGA community or a person’s life within it. With a minimal effort – you can make a difference.  People I meet every day are making a difference.  I invite you to do the same  for the greater good.

Give to the EWGA Foundation

We can all take pride in the benevolence of any magnitude. As you follow your heart and intuition, may you be blessed with success and happiness and knowing you are making a difference.

For more pictures, visit Pam’s EWGA Blog by following this link.

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