Why men need women

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

An unrealized blessing for men golfers is the emergence of women to the game. I know male golfers are ready to call me off my rocker for that statement, but let me explain the game’s reality.

Women are entering golf in increasing numbers every year, and it will be women and children who expand the game. With untold hundreds teeing it up every week, the price of golf for men has come down. If all these women left for other endeavors, the individual male price would rise accordingly.

The first complaint is that women score well because they have the advantage of red tees. Ignored is the fact that aging men have moved up to the gold tees, not all that far from the reds. Watch the Ladies Professional Golf Association players hit the ball as I did for three years as tournament tee announcer, and you’ll be stunned at the distances.

Put scorers such as Deb Crowley or Marcia Hayton on the line, and the value in team play is astounding. And it’s not just that pair; it’s Jan Graham, Carolyn McLaughlin, Shay Hall, Janice Peterson, Alice Manthey, Mavis Moen, Linda Mahran, Diane Zeeman, Gladys Moore, Gerry Bell, Connie Lynch, Joyce Chmel and Diana Mariano who hit the ball a ton.

Would I want these ladies on my team every week? You bet. If we were playing for the customary prize money, the female members would be an exceptional value.

Think about it, men. If you’re looking to boost the numbers in your group, women golfers could be your answer.

Apology
Allow me an apology to Art Yunker, of Grand Reserve. His name was misspelled in a recent column.

A star in golf
Most members of the growing Grand Reserve men’s league don’t realize they have a golf star among them: J.D. Norris, who does the scoring for the Wednesday game.

Norris finished in the top five of the Georgia Senior Open in five consecutive years. He strongly considered making a run at the Seniors Tour until realizing the entry fees were too steep. His club swing speed is clocked at 108 mph even though he has reached the 60s in age.

He also was a baseball catcher of considerable note. The Baltimore Orioles took him to Spring Training for a tryout.

Tip of the day
Among the most respected golf pros in Palm Coast is Cindy Jackson, head golf professional of the Grand Club based at Pine Course, Jackson offers the following golf tip:

“Do not take the game seriously. Concentrate on hitting the ball straight and not spending energy hitting it very far.”

Jackson can be reached at the Pine Course at 445-0852.