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This new section is written by Nancy Berkley. Here’s what she has to say about her articles and women’s golf in general.
by Nancy Berkley
The first sign that Michael Whan, the newly appointed Commissioner of the LPGA, is a winner is that there was a timely and accurate press release on the lpga.com website the morning of October 28th. "A good start is half the race," is what my father taught me; so, I'm on board with what looks like a fabulous choice for the LPGA.
The first sign that Michael Whan, the newly appointed Commissioner of the LPGA, is a winner is that there was a timely and accurate press release on the lpga.com website the morning of October 28th. "A good start is half the race," is what my father taught me; so, I'm on board with what looks like a fabulous choice for the LPGA.
by Nancy Berkley
Sunday's final round of The Barclays tournament at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, New Jersey, with Miss Liberty as the backdrop, had a great finish with a clutch putt by the winner Heath Slocum sealing the win. Tiger, Els, Stricker and Harrington all tied at second. There's much more to the story, however, and it's not about drives and putts.
Sunday's final round of The Barclays tournament at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, New Jersey, with Miss Liberty as the backdrop, had a great finish with a clutch putt by the winner Heath Slocum sealing the win. Tiger, Els, Stricker and Harrington all tied at second. There's much more to the story, however, and it's not about drives and putts.
by Nancy Berkley
As the U.S. Women's Open begins in Bethlehem, Pa., LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens' ability to lead the tour is becoming even more uncertain. Whether Bivens resigns or she takes a buyout or tries to stick it out, she's in trouble. When I wrote this article a few days ago for Cybergolf, I titled it "Is the LPGA's Bivens a Leader?" Leadership is still the issue.
As the U.S. Women's Open begins in Bethlehem, Pa., LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens' ability to lead the tour is becoming even more uncertain. Whether Bivens resigns or she takes a buyout or tries to stick it out, she's in trouble. When I wrote this article a few days ago for Cybergolf, I titled it "Is the LPGA's Bivens a Leader?" Leadership is still the issue.
Reviewed by Nancy Berkley
This new children's book is a perfect Father's Day gift. But, if you miss this Sunday's deadline, buy it anyway. And tell your pro shop to have some in stock.
by Nancy Berkley
Women, "Heads Up! June and July are your months to play golf or get reacquainted with the game if you have given it up. And to the golf owners, professionals and golf staff, I say: "Heads up - the women golfers are coming and you better get ready."
Women, "Heads Up! June and July are your months to play golf or get reacquainted with the game if you have given it up. And to the golf owners, professionals and golf staff, I say: "Heads up - the women golfers are coming and you better get ready."
by Nancy Berkley
New statistics from the National Golf Foundation are just in time for the June American Express Women's Golf Month. And the news isn't good. The new stats report that in 2008, only 15% of all the rounds played in the United States were played by women over 18. This continues the downward trend in participation by adult women golfers. The number of women golfers (as opposed to the number of 'rounds' they play) is flat at about 6 million, or about 23% of total golfers. But, the decrease in the number of rounds confirms that more women golfers are playing fewer rounds.
New statistics from the National Golf Foundation are just in time for the June American Express Women's Golf Month. And the news isn't good. The new stats report that in 2008, only 15% of all the rounds played in the United States were played by women over 18. This continues the downward trend in participation by adult women golfers. The number of women golfers (as opposed to the number of 'rounds' they play) is flat at about 6 million, or about 23% of total golfers. But, the decrease in the number of rounds confirms that more women golfers are playing fewer rounds.
by Nancy Berkley
May 10 represented a first for the golf industry - a one-hour nationally broadcast program aimed at making golf easy to learn and play for ordinary people. The program is the official national launch of the industry's "Get Golf Ready" that is built on a platform of five affordable lessons. When watching the program, you will see one of the brightest lights in women's golf, Suzy Whaley, a PGA and LPGA professional. She will be one of the instructors working with the new golfers.
May 10 represented a first for the golf industry - a one-hour nationally broadcast program aimed at making golf easy to learn and play for ordinary people. The program is the official national launch of the industry's "Get Golf Ready" that is built on a platform of five affordable lessons. When watching the program, you will see one of the brightest lights in women's golf, Suzy Whaley, a PGA and LPGA professional. She will be one of the instructors working with the new golfers.
In a one-hour special program that aired nationally on Sunday on CBS TV, the golf industry launched a new program for new golfers.
Golf Datatech has unveiled its first-ever Women's Golf Market Study. An independent, non-commissioned study designed to capture important feedback on the female perceptions and experiences from one of golf's most significant growth segments, the Women's Golf Market Study is the most comprehensive report ever developed which details a wide range of attitudes of serious women golfers about the game, the equipment, and the apparel they wear.
The Players Championship, Tour Academy TPC Sawgrass and Baptist Health have teamed up to again offer "Pink Links," part of the Link-Up-2-Golf program which helps breast cancer survivors become involved with golf while building friendships with other survivors. The ultimate goal is to provide breast cancer survivors with an environment that promotes their healing process.
by Nancy Berkley
If a reporter had not scooped a story a few days ago - which turned out to have some errors in it and has since vanished from the Internet, it is likely that the news of the LPGA's business reorganization and related promotions and dismissals would have gone unnoticed for a while at least. The LPGA has had a poor track record in dealing with the press and once again found itself in a defensive posture which led to the issuance of a better-late-than-never press release.
If a reporter had not scooped a story a few days ago - which turned out to have some errors in it and has since vanished from the Internet, it is likely that the news of the LPGA's business reorganization and related promotions and dismissals would have gone unnoticed for a while at least. The LPGA has had a poor track record in dealing with the press and once again found itself in a defensive posture which led to the issuance of a better-late-than-never press release.
by Nancy Berkley
Take a look at the new GolfDigestWoman.com website. Here's its background and my thoughts about it. The July-August issue of Golf for Women magazine was its last. In case you missed the news, on July 7th Conde Nast announced it was closing down the magazine.
Take a look at the new GolfDigestWoman.com website. Here's its background and my thoughts about it. The July-August issue of Golf for Women magazine was its last. In case you missed the news, on July 7th Conde Nast announced it was closing down the magazine.
by Nancy Berkley
Responding to wide-spread criticism, LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens, retracted the policy requiring Tour players to effectively communicate in English.
Responding to wide-spread criticism, LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens, retracted the policy requiring Tour players to effectively communicate in English.
by Nancy Berkley
It's nearly fall in Vail Valley, Colorado, and the mountains are splashed with yellow aspens. Ski season is still a few months away. So why am I writing about golf? Because in a couple of weeks, we will all know whether the proposed Paramonte Private Residences, a new fractional ownership development at the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, will be a good place for golfers - or not.
by Nancy Berkley
The August 20th announcement by the LPGA Tour's deputy commissioner Libba Galloway that the LPGA will be requiring better English-speaking skills from its players was a badly-managed communication. This has not been a good year for women's golf: the death of Golf for Women magazine, the stalled career of Michelle Wie, the retirement of Annika, and now this.
The August 20th announcement by the LPGA Tour's deputy commissioner Libba Galloway that the LPGA will be requiring better English-speaking skills from its players was a badly-managed communication. This has not been a good year for women's golf: the death of Golf for Women magazine, the stalled career of Michelle Wie, the retirement of Annika, and now this.
by Nancy Berkley
After 20 years of publication, Golf for Women magazine announced on July 8 that the current issue would be its last. Public explanations for the folding of the magazine are the loss of its editor Susan Reed to Hearst along with the significant recent loss of ad revenue.
After 20 years of publication, Golf for Women magazine announced on July 8 that the current issue would be its last. Public explanations for the folding of the magazine are the loss of its editor Susan Reed to Hearst along with the significant recent loss of ad revenue.
by Nancy Berkley
For the dad or granddad in your life, think "golf." The perfect Father's Day gift is actually two gifts - one for dad and one for the young future golfer in your family especially if it is daughter or granddaughter. But, sons will work, too.
by Nancy Berkley
Every time I see a green grass-decorated FedEx truck promoting the FedEx Cup, I am reminded of what's wrong with the golf industry.
Every time I see a green grass-decorated FedEx truck promoting the FedEx Cup, I am reminded of what's wrong with the golf industry.
by Nancy Berkley
Just when you think there are enough golf magazines, another publication hits the market. Golfer Girl Magazine™ (http://www.golfergirlmagazine.com/) is the new girl in town and a first for the industry. It's tagged as "The Only Magazine for Girls Who Love to Play Golf" and targets the youth golf market - girls and young women between the ages of five and 17. The potential market for the magazine is estimated to be 2 million girls and young women.
by Nancy Berkley
I remember the day very clearly. It was Mother's Day 1995. My daughter, Alison, was 25 and attending Harvard Business School. I was at Harvard to attend an executive business program. I suggested celebrating Mothers Day together with a round of golf on a new public course, Shaker Hills Golf Club, which had just opened about 45 minutes west of Boston. The day was glorious: bright sun and a clear, blue sky.
I remember the day very clearly. It was Mother's Day 1995. My daughter, Alison, was 25 and attending Harvard Business School. I was at Harvard to attend an executive business program. I suggested celebrating Mothers Day together with a round of golf on a new public course, Shaker Hills Golf Club, which had just opened about 45 minutes west of Boston. The day was glorious: bright sun and a clear, blue sky.
by Nancy Berkley
The Champions Course at PGA National, the new home of the PGA Tour's Honda Classic, is one of my favorite courses. I say that as someone who has lived at the PGA National Resort for many years and who has played the course many times - but always from the forward Red tees.
The Champions Course at PGA National, the new home of the PGA Tour's Honda Classic, is one of my favorite courses. I say that as someone who has lived at the PGA National Resort for many years and who has played the course many times - but always from the forward Red tees.
by Nancy Berkley
This is the question Jim Koppenhaver, president and founder of Pellucid Corp., asked at his annual conference at the January 2007 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. (For those who don't know Jim, he is a "tell-it-like-it-is" advisor and consultant in the golf industry with a prior background in consumer marketing; see www.pellucidcorp.com.)
This is the question Jim Koppenhaver, president and founder of Pellucid Corp., asked at his annual conference at the January 2007 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. (For those who don't know Jim, he is a "tell-it-like-it-is" advisor and consultant in the golf industry with a prior background in consumer marketing; see www.pellucidcorp.com.)
by Nancy Berkley
I watch trends. So, why year after year do I go to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando and walk five miles to see over 1,200 exhibits? The answer is to find out what’s new for women golfers. This is very important for a marketing consultant in the golf industry.
by Nancy Berkley
Almost every book written for women golfers 'from beginners to experts' includes advice about how to use golf to advance your professional career. Here's my advice, and it may not be what you expect.
by Nancy Berkley
Three golf events were held this summer specifically for women and girl golfers. The results are in and they represent leading indicators of market. Here are the recently-released participation numbers:
Three golf events were held this summer specifically for women and girl golfers. The results are in and they represent leading indicators of market. Here are the recently-released participation numbers:
by Nancy Berkley
With the Statue of Liberty for inspiration, “Oh, beautiful for spacious skies” rolled through my mind as I watched the ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 15th at the new Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, N.J. Everywhere I looked there were beautiful skies and sky-scapes. This is truly a unique golf course.
by Nancy Berkley
If you are a working woman and a golfer, you probably have heard of the Executive Women’s Golf Association and may even be a member. The EWGA was founded in 1991 to help women learn how to play golf, meet other women golfers and establish the same professional networking that golf traditionally offered men. In the last 15 years, the EWGA has grown to over 120 chapters across the U.S. and has reached over 75,000 women golfers. (To become a member and learn more about the chapters, see www.ewga.com).
If you are a working woman and a golfer, you probably have heard of the Executive Women’s Golf Association and may even be a member. The EWGA was founded in 1991 to help women learn how to play golf, meet other women golfers and establish the same professional networking that golf traditionally offered men. In the last 15 years, the EWGA has grown to over 120 chapters across the U.S. and has reached over 75,000 women golfers. (To become a member and learn more about the chapters, see www.ewga.com).
by Nancy Berkley
In a previous Cybergolf article, “Women's Golf Fashions – Almost Anything Goes,” I reported that the fastest-growing segment of women golfers are young women ages 18 to 29. These young women represent almost 25% of all women golfers, but, generally, they play golf only a few times a year.
In a previous Cybergolf article, “Women's Golf Fashions – Almost Anything Goes,” I reported that the fastest-growing segment of women golfers are young women ages 18 to 29. These young women represent almost 25% of all women golfers, but, generally, they play golf only a few times a year.
by Nancy Berkley
If you are a woman golfer but never really liked golf clothes, then this is your season. The key words are "variety" and "choice." There have never been more of both.
If you are a woman golfer but never really liked golf clothes, then this is your season. The key words are "variety" and "choice." There have never been more of both.
by Nancy Berkley
Two national week-long women's golf promotions are coming up in June and July. To Cybergolf’s women readers, make sure your golf course knows about these events and pass this article on to them. The best way to improve golf for women is to encourage more women to play more golf. Encourage your course to get on the bandwagon for these two important weeks.
Two national week-long women's golf promotions are coming up in June and July. To Cybergolf’s women readers, make sure your golf course knows about these events and pass this article on to them. The best way to improve golf for women is to encourage more women to play more golf. Encourage your course to get on the bandwagon for these two important weeks.
Nancy Berkley, an expert on women’s golf and a regular contributor to Cybergolf, will present a two-hour seminar at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla. Berkley will lead the seminar on Friday morning, January 27th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
If you are looking for that special Christmas gift for a woman golfer, here are two suggestions. These are brand new items that she does not have.
by Nancy Berkley
As General Manager of Nike Golf U.S., Cindy Davis, is one of the most important women in the golf industry. She played tournament golf in college, worked at the top ranks at the LPGA, and launched the Nancy Lopez line of clubs for the Arnold Palmer Company. Cindy joined Nike in January 2005 at the beginning of what may be a landmark year for women’s golf as well as for Nike Golf as it launches its Sasquatch driver. I asked Cindy for five minutes of her time to answer a few questions.
by Nancy Berkley
Palm Beach Gardens -- What’s wrong with this picture? Nothing, except that no one was teeing off on the first tee of the Champion Golf Course at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida last Thursday – 72 hours after Wilma hit. Bikes were the best way to view Wilma’s damage to the courses and this golfer-turned-biker reflects the sense of loss and disappointment as he views the empty course.
by Nancy Berkley
So, what do I think about Michelle Wie’s decision from the standpoint of women’s golf? I think it is great. To use the new buzz word, it is one more “tipping point” in a series of tipping points that are responsible for the increase in women golfers and, particularly, younger women golfers.
So, what do I think about Michelle Wie’s decision from the standpoint of women’s golf? I think it is great. To use the new buzz word, it is one more “tipping point” in a series of tipping points that are responsible for the increase in women golfers and, particularly, younger women golfers.
by Nancy Berkley
Will Kathy Grant get her big break on The Big Break V – the reality-golf show sponsored by the Golf Channel?
by Nancy Berkley
Women golfers worry unnecessarily that they're going to do something wrong on the golf course and embarrass themselves. Here are three situations you may find yourself in and three mistakes that you don't have to make - or worry about.
Women golfers worry unnecessarily that they're going to do something wrong on the golf course and embarrass themselves. Here are three situations you may find yourself in and three mistakes that you don't have to make - or worry about.
by Nancy Berkley
This week the news will be all about the British Open, the oldest golf tournament in the world played on the most historic course of all – the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. There will be no women golfers in the Open this year, but next year may be different. This article will help you understand the role of women in professional golf tournaments and why they are increasingly in the headlines.
by Nancy Berkley
I think that many women have avoided golf because they think the learning curve is too steep and takes too long. Well, they are party right and partly wrong. Based on my experience and observations, most women can successfully play a relaxed, casual and non-competitive game of golf if they are willing to invest 36 hours – or the equivalent of one work week – in the learning process. On the other hand, it will take about three seasons (or 12 months of year-round golf) for most women to feel comfortable in competitions and serious tournaments.
by Nancy Berkley
The average women golfer is over the age of 50, but women’s golf didn’t look that old during the weekend of the U.S. Women’s Open. I could not take my eyes off amateur golfers Morgan Pressel, age 17, and 15-year-old Michelle Wie as they competed in the championship.
by Nancy Berkley I often hear women say they can’t accept an invitation to play golf because they are not good enough. Here’s an important