You don’t have to be a single woman to find yourself traveling solo. And you don’t have to have a single-digit handicap to join strangers in a game of golf.
Women are increasingly taking golf vacations alone and taking their clubs along on business trips.
And they are finding a growing responsiveness from hoteliers and golf courses to ease the logistics of going solo.
Such accommodations for the female golfer/traveler include single-room rates, roommate-matching services, group tables for single diners, starting times for singles, golf-spa packages for women, women-only golf schools, shopping tours and other special amenities.
For example, Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Aventura, Fla., emphasizes safety with new locks for each guest, 24-hour security, valet parking and a compact layout. La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., offers community dining for single guests. Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, Mich., reserves a week every August for its Women’s Golf Week.
Female golfers with specific destinations or amenities in mind should shop around–and not be afraid to ask about special arrangements.
The Executive Women’s Golf League offers its members a list of 25 “preferred resorts” that offer various promotional considerations such as lodging and golf discounts.
EWG also has arranged certain rental car and other travel discounts and keeps a calendar of local chapter activities throughout the nation so that traveling members may meet and play with other EWG golfers.
Still, many women are uncomfortable playing with people they don’t know, especially men. But, since males make up some 80 percent of the golfing population, odds are that the solo female golfer will be paired with men at least some of the time.
Here are some tips to help the comfort level of solo women golfers–whether they are paired with men or other women:
– Arrive at your golf destination before sunset. Go to the pro shop and introduce yourself to the staff. Ask if they’ll include you in a congenial foursome the next day. Pro shop personnel also are likely to offer tips about area restaurants, theaters or other attractions.
– Dress like a golfer even when golf attire isn’t strictly enforced.
– No temper tantrums–even if you miss your first shot.
– Play “ready” golf. Don’t expect to be chauffeured in the cart and don’t delay the game looking for a lost ball.
– Take sufficient $1 bills to tip bag attendants.
Just remember: Life isn’t just twosomes and foursomes.
