When a Man Meets a Woman (on the 1st Tee)
Written by Sue Shapcott
You’re just a guy, a single, looking for a game and the course is crowded. When you get to the 1st tee you see that the starter has paired you with two women. Looking for clues about their ability, you check out their clubs. Looking for clues about your comfort level, they check out your eyes. (Don’t roll them!) You all wonder what the next four hours are going to be like. The situation can be awkward, but not if you follow these simple rules.
This article is part of the @MyrtleBeach Lifestyle series. If you’d like to get a FREE copy of our magazine mailed to you click here!
SLAY THE BEAST Acknowledge the elephant in the room — negative stereotypes about female golfers abound. You know them, I know them and your female playing partners know them. Women golfers carry the burden of proving these stereotypes wrong and hate to be reminded of them—even in jest.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T Show the women you respect them. If you are approximately the same skill level, consider playing from the same tees to make the game more equitable and sociable.
NO TIPPING Do not give unsolicited advice. Ever. (This holds true regardless of your playing partner’s gender.)
PRO MOVE If your female playing partner is having a bad day and does ask for advice, give her the contact info of a reputable LPGA or PGA instructor. Coaching is best left to the professionals.
HEY, YOU Learn your playing partners’ names and something about them. We are all more than simply our golf game and see each other differently when we look beyond the swing.
IXNAY ON THE MANSPLAINING Women, like men, don’t like to be constantly told what to do or how to do it. Like you, women just want to play golf and have fun.
I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! Don’t act surprised when a woman outdrives you or plays well. Women are not innately bad golfers and men are not innately good golfers.
FUN-NY BUSINESS Playing golf with people we like is fun, and gender doesn’t determine the likability of playing partners. Just as I don’t like playing golf with all redheads, neither do I always like playing golf with women. Mix it up and don’t discount good partners because of their gender.
NICE TRY, HON Don’t feminize bad shots. For example, don’t say to your playing partner, “Nice putt, Doris” when she’s short on a putt. (Unless her name is Doris!)
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Assume that your female playing partner is a better golfer than you are and talk to her as such. Really, women are simply golfers, too.
HOT TOPIC Ask female golfers about their best round. Everyone feels good retelling a successful golfing experience.
