My high handicap really bothers me, I know intellectually it shouldn’t. I’ve been playing for 16 months and it’s coming down. But my reaction when gently told that it would have to go on the video with this article was, ‘My ego will survive, just.’
I think it’s knowing that the number attached to my skill is objectively below par, I’ve even named my golfstagram, Chasing The Cut. In the video and article below, you’ll see exactly what happened when I took the plunge and went for a full custom fitting with PXG – the question being, how much of a difference can it make to a 45-handicap beginner golfer…
Although the 54 handicap limit was brought in to make golf more accessible, it will take time for people to get used to it and respect it as the ‘new 36’ many were given when they began. It’s also the assumptions that come with a high handicap, being a new golfer and a woman. How do I know what people are assuming? The ongoing comments you receive that attempt to put a ceiling on what you should be aiming for.
The big question for me has been, what can we aim for after the starter kits and programmes? The in between bit where we’re not quite matchplay or medal ready, but hungry to get much better, what would give us those slightly more than marginal gains? I entered via a gateway to golf then onto an academy, excellent initiatives when done right. But once here these low expectations can seem in direct contrast to the drive to get more women into golf.
I stand by a theory that says getting women to hit a ball and enjoy golf is the easier part of the equation. It’s the retention part that all the data shows is hard. It’s often put down to having children, it may be that for some, however not every woman who takes up golf has children. We need to move away from stereotyping women in clubs. Like the women’s section, which by virtue of simply being a woman you join. A form of inclusion, but, inevitably it holds some women back as it doesn’t consider ability, and if social or competitive sports are your thing.
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Like men, women come in many shapes and sizes, yet we are normally sold package kits with whippy shafts, lite on the custom, even when moving on from beginner sets. On one golfing website, men can choose from 77 types of custom irons; for women, just four, FOUR! On another 112 to 16. Yes, it’s a numbers game where there are more male golfers, but, maybe brands need to build a better offering and we will…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Monthly RSS Feed…