Three years ago, Melodie joined Golf Ontario’s Women’s Try Golf program, having never picked up a club. With no experience or equipment of her own – despite having a family of golfers at home – she showed up excited and prepared to give it a try.
“Women’s Try Golf has allowed me to try golf in a supportive environment with other beginners who want to experience fun in their learning,” says Melodie. “The emphasis on engaging with other women in a non-competitive way that promotes women’s health and growth with a twist of being social with cocktails and meal is fabulous and unique to what women need!”.
The first season she casually attended a few Try Days, utilizing the program’s clubs and finding her swing in the game. By the next year, she had advanced to partaking in Learn Days – training alongside small groups, guided by expert coaches who helped her develop in specific areas of the game. Although she wasn’t playing full rounds just yet, Melodie was improving her play, and just as importantly, she was building meaningful friendships with women who also shared an interest in learning the sport.
“I love and appreciate having the freedom to learn at my own pace and without comments and judgment,” she says. “My skills have improved with planned lessons with the program’s coaches, as well as from tips from other participants.”
Mallory Dayman, Golf Ontario’s director of participation explains, “Our goal is to reduce or eliminate the barriers women face when trying golf for the first time,” she says. “Our team works with our facilities and coaches so whether you are playing 9-holes at a Try event or developing your skills at a Learn event, it is a fun, welcoming and no pressure experience.”
This past winter Melodie’s husband surprised her with her own set of golf clubs for their anniversary. For some, the perfect gift might come in a little blue box – but for Melodie, this gift was even better.
“We have already been starting to golf as a family and I am grateful to have women golf clubs as I was very frustrated using my husband’s clubs as they were not the right fit,” Melodie says.
With her new gear and growing confidence, she’s now taking private lessons. But what she looks forward to the most is playing with the friends she made through her Women’s Try Golf experiences.
“It’s been a blessing to get out there to connect on so many levels with other women alike,” she says.
Now, with her experience through Golf Ontario’s Women’s Try and Women’s Learn events, she is considering joining a league to play at her own pace. What started as simple curiosity turned into a long-lasting passion – and proof that sometimes, the best gifts don’t sparkle, they swing.
