Readers Respond: 'Women Friendly Golf Courses' - What does that phrase mean?

That's the question we're asking women golfers (and any guys who want to weigh in). Tell us the attributes of a golf course, its staff, its operation, its design elements, that would make you think of it as "women friendly." Add Your Comments

women friendly courses

A welcoming atmosphere in the clubhouse; clean, pleasant bathrooms on the course as well as in the clubhouse; distance from tee to green are things that make a course women friendly to me.

—Guest Amy

member

I agree that the staff and the support staff on the course really do make the course a "friendly golf course". They make you feel welcome and that they are glad that you are there.

—Guest jacqueline

Clubhouse Smiles

The distance from tee to green distinguishes the difference between "women friendly" and "men friendly" for me. However that distance can be overlooked by smiling and friendly treatment from the staff both in the clubhouse and on the course. At St. Andrews and Overland Park, all concerns are met.

—Guest Connie Leonard

What is a "woman friendly" golf course.

To me that means that the course is possibly not exceptionally long. That you are able to get good tee times as a woman. The atmosphere is friendly and the tees are set for women in general at a distance where a woman can hit and be competitive with the men's tee. If this is done correctly there is no reason why a woman can not play with or in front of men and keep up with the expected pace. I do believe even though men hit further than women they do spend much more time especially on the putting green than women.

—Guest jeanne maurer

Friendly Staff

I know immediately when I walk into a clubhouse whether or not I am welcome. At Overland Park and St. Andrews I feel at home. Some country clubs as well as a few public courses don't have this welcoming feeling.

—Guest Joan Carney

My Thoughts

Distance of holes, staff that responds to the ladies in regard to tee times and special events. Placement of hazard for ladies distance.

—Guest Marcia Cambern

Focus on Friendly

The key in understanding "women friendly golf courses" is "friendly." So many courses even today, there's just a vibe that tells women they aren't welcome. Or aren't AS welcome as men. You feel it when you walk in a place - certain looks, whispers from guys, like, "oh no, here comes a woman golfer, don't get stuck behind her." I have as much right to be there as anyone else, and all I want is to treated exactly the same. (And for the record, women play faster than men.)

—Guest xyzgal