MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- From its origin, the game of golf has been a sport predominantly played by men. It is as much of a social activity as a sporting one. Although it doesn't forbid women to play, there have been fewer prominent female players by comparison.
Over the past several years, interest in the sport of ladies golf has been increasing.
"In fact, ladies golf is the part of the game that is gaining the most interest," said Andy Hinson, club professional, The Legends at Parris Island. "Junior golf and the men's interest are steady, but the women's interest just keeps going up."
Because of this, Hinson, along with assistant club pro Matt Roddy, has started up a Ladies' League at the Depot golf course, where women can learn about the three aspects of the game: rules and etiquette, basic to more advanced swing techniques and the social aspects of the game.
Women of all ages and interest levels are invited to come join the league, which meets every Wednesday night at 5 p.m. at the Depot's course.
"People don't like to take up a sport they don't know," said Hinson. "Women especially don't want to go out without knowing rules, proper attire, etiquette and the proper swing."
With that in mind, Hinson has developed a course of instruction for women to learn the game in a stress-free, non-intimidating environment.
The most important concern is that this is a fun and educational environment where golfers are playing against other golfers of their same skill level, added Hinson.
The night starts off with all the golfers receiving at least 30 minutes of instruction on a pre-determined aspect of the game, said Roddy. Each week, the topic changes and can range from the theory of golf to the small nuisances of the sport.
The more advanced golfers head to the tee box around 5:30 p.m. to begin a nine-hole game, leaving the newer golfers with the pros for some added instruction. The second skill level group makes their way to the tee box about 20 minutes later to start their six-hole round, while the brand new golfers receive more one-on-one instruction with Hinson and Roddy, followed by a three-round game.
"Some new golfers may be overwhelmed by the thought of golfing a full round or even nine holes," said Hinson. "This way, they only have to golf a few holes a night and can progress into a longer game when they are ready."
Upon completion of the rounds, the golfers meet up in the clubhouse for socializing with drinks and hors d'oeuvres, said Roddy. Raffle prizes are given away and prizes for play, such as best score, longest drive or closest to the pin, are awarded.
"This league is mainly made up of women from the civilian community," said Hinson. "I would love to get more active duty and family members involved to join the two groups."
So far, there are only approximately 18 golfers who play in the league, but Hinson would like to get that number much higher.
"I want to increase the number and frequency of female golfers, but that will only happen if they enjoy the sport," he said.
The cost for the night is $30, which includes greens fees, period of instruction and refreshments afterwards, said Roddy.
Don't worry about not having the right equipment, said Hinson.
"We can provide everything needed if someone wants to learn, but doesn't have the equipment," he added.
For ladies who would like to play, but feel like they don't know enough about the game, this is their answer.
"Matt and I are both well-versed in teaching beginners who know little about the sport," said Hinson. "It's really all about learning to enjoy the sport."