For many women, the invitation to a golf event—whether corporate, charitable or social—comes with hesitation.
What do I wear? Where do I go? What if I don’t know what I’m doing?
At She’s Tee’d Up Women’s Golf Clinics at Dunny’s Divots in Port Perry, those questions aren’t barriers—they’re the starting point.
A new three-week women’s clinic, led by longtime PGA of Canada professional and Golf Ontario board member Nadine Lamarche, is helping participants build confidence, connection and comfort in the game—before they ever step onto a golf course.
And the response? Immediate.
“It’s been fantastic,” says Lamarche. “Participants who have played before said they learned more in one night than they had in two years. Absolute beginners said they wished they’d started sooner.”
Meeting Women Where They’re At
The idea for the program had been years in the making, but it found its moment through the right partnership.
Working alongside Laura Dunlop of Dunny’s Divots—who helped promote the program through local business networks—the clinics were designed with a specific audience in mind: beginner women, many of whom had been invited to golf events but didn’t feel ready to say yes.
The goal isn’t just to teach golf swings. It’s to remove uncertainty.
Participants learn what to wear on the course; how to navigate a golf environment; basic terminology and etiquette; and how to feel comfortable showing up.
“It’s about increasing confidence,” says Lamarche. “So when that next invitation comes, they can say yes.”
More Than Just Hitting Balls
Each session blends instruction with conversation, creating an environment that’s as social as it is educational.
Week one starts with the fundamentals—grip, posture, alignment—but also covers equipment and terminology. By the end of the first night, participants are already making contact and having fun.
By week two, the group is rotating through simulator stations, learning full swings, chipping and pitching—while also diving into how the game is actually played.
Week three brings it all together with a simulated on-course experience, giving participants a chance to play a three-hole scramble in a low-pressure, supportive setting.
The Power of Belonging
What sets the program apart isn’t just the curriculum—it’s the intention behind it.
Lamarche recently completed a doctorate focused on experiential learning and the role of belonging in participant retention. That research directly shaped the program.
Participants were surveyed before the clinic began, allowing Lamarche to tailor the experience to their needs—not the other way around.
“I listened to their voice and created a program that fit the participant, instead of making the participant fit the program,” she says.
That approach shows up in moments big and small—like participants encouraging each other between swings or sharing tips and support across the room.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see them helping each other,” Lamarche adds.
A Different Kind of Introduction to Golf
While many introductory programs focus on repetition and volume, She’s Tee’d Up takes a more thoughtful approach.
It’s not about how many balls are hit—it’s about understanding why each skill matters.
It’s also about representation.
“One of the most common things we hear is that they love learning from a woman,” says Lamarche.
That insight points to a broader opportunity: growing the number of female professionals in the game to support future participation.
Looking Ahead
With early sessions nearly sold out and strong feedback across the board, the future of the program is already taking shape.
Lamarche envisions She’s Tee’d Up evolving into a regular winter offering—part lesson, part social experience—giving women a consistent and welcoming way to stay connected to the game year-round.
There’s also clear potential for the model to expand into other communities across Ontario.
Because at its core, this isn’t just a clinic. It’s a blueprint.
Ready to Get Started?
Inspired by what you’re seeing with She’s Tee’d Up?
Golf Ontario offers a range of women’s Try, Learn and Play opportunities designed to help you take that first step—whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or getting back into the game.
From beginner-friendly clinics to social playing experiences, these programs are built to create the same sense of comfort, confidence, and community highlighted in this story.
Explore upcoming programs and find an experience near you
