This week the Women's U.S.Open is being played in Colorado at Cherry Hills Country club.Annika Soremstam is going for the 3rd leg of the modern day Grand Slam which hasn't been done by a man or a woman.With her performances and all the great young players coming up through junior golf like Michelle Wie it looks like women's golf is healthy and growing in popularity.

Throughout the years in my travels I would estimate that women constitute about 40% of my lessons.That number has risen in the last few years significantly.Mostly I get requests to work with young junior golfers and business women.The girls ranks are booming with enthusiam because of opportunities to go to college on a scholarship.Also, with the prize money these players see the women pros making these days I think is another factor down the road that they might one day envision themselves doing as a career.I've sent a number of good young players off to major universities to play for top notch programs that will give them good competition and more importantly furthering their education.

Numerous corporate woman are playing for business reasons first and foremost.I think they realize time spent with their clients on the golf course is vitally important in establishing rapport and building relationships.In a boardroom or office setting your usually limited on time and too many distractions.People tend to put their respective game faces on during meetings,however when your on a golf course you have 4-5 hours with that person in a beautiful setting on the links.Playing golf with someone you can really learn more about that person in a short period of time than taking endless meetings.Many woman I teach have had to gear back on their games at times they have told me because they were much better than their male counterpart and didn't want to embarrass that person.Many companies use golf to smooze their clients and if you don't play your going to be out of the loop.It can help in business to play because it can be the difference from getting hired or not.Employers look at potential candidates for jobs and see everyone for the most part has the same credentials and degrees.However,playing golf may be that intangiable that could be the difference whether you get the job.

Woman I see are taking up the game because their husband or boyfriend likes to play and this gives them another fun thing to do as a couple.Also, I know many single woman have expressed to me that they like to go golfing because that's where they can meet cute guys.Others like the game because it gets them outside and they can play at their club with their female freinds,or spend quality time with their kids who like to play.

I find that woman no matter what age tend to stay with a structured lesson plan better than men.They are more meticulous and take their time to warm up in most cases before playing.They are much more flexible than men which is good and bad.Most woman overswing too much so I have to tighten up their swings which in turn gives them more power and control.The single greatest obstacle most woman have when it comes to playing golf I have encountered is taking a divot on their shots.They tend to want to pick the ball clean off the ground.Teaching woman is enjoyable because they come in with a lot of energy and eagerness to learn.Sometimes woman will only take lessons from a another woman which I can understand because this makes them feel more comfortable dealing with another female.Woman serious about their games will go to the best instructors available regardless of gender.I've had people call me and ask,"do you teach woman?" Well,I will tell them I have taught lefthanders,people will physical disabilities like polio,blindness,prosthetics,etc.I think I can help you I say jokingly.

It's great to see woman golfers of any age playing golf because it's a sport for a lifetime.Many wonderful times will be spent on the course with your family,friends and business associates so get into the game and enjoy the experince that golf will bring you.