Women’s Golf Day

Emma Ballard, Head of Digital at Medi8, shines a light on Women’s Golf Day which takes place on June 6th, and explains why she is an ambassador for the day.

How did you become involved?

After attending a seminar on Women’s Golf Day at the PGA Show in Orlando, I met with the founder Elisa Gaudet and was totally inspired by her vision and passion for WGD. I volunteered to help and was appointed UK Ambassador.

What is Women’s Golf Day?

Women’s Golf Day (WGD) is a global golf initiative launched in 2016 to introduce women and girls to the game and encourage existing golfers to tee it up in a fun and highly-inclusive environment. WGD was founded by Elisa Gaudet, President of Executive Golf International – a strategic consulting firm based in America. The inaugural one day, four-hour event, spanned 28 countries in 485 locations and introduced thousands of new golfers to the sport.

Why is it important to have a Women’s Golf Day?

WGD is a day for celebrating women’s golf. We all know that women and girls are the main target for growth in the golf market, especially in the UK with only 14 per cent of members being female, but the one thing that struck me at the PGA Show in Orlando was Elisa’s insistence that it isn’t a feminist movement. TheSocialGolfer.com with FORE! Women are running an event which has their male members bringing a female friend or relative along for the day. Often, the male peer role in getting girls and women into golf can be overlooked.

How many countries are involved?

This year 46 countries have signed up to support the day, that’s more than the number of countries that took part in golf at the Olympics!

Have you had a lot of support here in the UK?

Support has been fantastic and each venue has their own take on things. There are over 650 locations signed up to take part this year and of those over 50 are based in the UK.  We have all sorts of venues involved from European Tour venues like London Club to municipal clubs like Middlesbrough Golf Centre. The biggest support is coming from love.golf venues, with 12 signed up. Their days all include a picnic overlooking the golf course. At 3 Hammers Golf Complex Ladies Love Golf have a great day planned with coaching clinics and on course instruction followed by prosecco on the 18^th green and lunch.

One of the free events is being run by our media partner Women & Golf and in conjunction with American Golf which offers golf, tuition and a fashion show. The LET are also a partner and has been working with their destination countries to grow awareness. LET & ALPG Tour pro Whitney Hillier is taking part in the day at Holme Hall Golf Club.

What would you say to any woman thinking about playing for the first time?

Go for it! With WGD you’ve got nothing to lose, most of the events are free. It’s just four hours and there is no commitment to continue. However, with all the great pathways in place such as Get into golf which can be utilised after the WGD event – this could just be the start of their golfing journey.

Where can people find out about the events taking place?

You can find out which locations are participating by going to the Women’s Golf Day locations page http://womensgolfday/locations