Tea time turns to tee time

As women are increasingly lured by golf In recent years, research conducted by the PGA, National Golf Foundation, Executive Women’s Golf Association, and other groups indicates an increase in the number of women playing golf and an increase in the amount of money they spend on the game, merchandise and lessons. In fact, this research shows that women represent the most significant opportunity for growth in the industry. Golf can sometimes present an advantage in the business world, but in addition, many women are finding that golf outings are the perfect way to spend social time with their girlfriends. Whether it’s just for a weekend or a week, women are breaking away from the hectic pace of jobs and families and recharging their batteries with golf-centered getaways with their girlfriends. The concept of women-only golf getaways began in 1960, when Peggy Kirk Bell and Ellen Griffin established the Pine Needles Ladies Only Golfari in North Carolina. Bell wanted to attract more women to the game. Since then many other enterprising organizations have catered to the female golf client, packaging time out on the green with ample shopping and opportunities to be pampered through spa services. And these getaways can occur all around the world. Women can stay close to home and play a few holes coast-to-coast, from California to South Carolina. Or they can venture overseas and tour the courses of Europe — it all depends on the package and the price desired. Contact a travel agent about what courses and clubs offer women’s golf getaway packages.