The Price is Right, Bitch: 5 Reasons Why Every Washingtonian Woman Should Pick Up Golf
Okay, okay. I understand that most girls will take one look at this headline and think, "Seriously, what the hell is she thinking?" A game dominated mostly by men, golf isn't exactly the most popular sport among women--but trust me on this, it is freaking awesome. (And, if you look here, you can see that the ladies who play golf professionally are absolutely gorgeous. Nothing lacking there!)
For those females across the DMV who are not already informed as to why golf, in actuality, is a powerful tool for us, trust me: I used to be one of you. Until about a year ago, I considered golf to be among the most boring of athletic contests. Despite the many family members, friends, and ex-lovers who obsess over game, I resisted every chance to touch a golf club, more or less step foot on a course.
Finally, last summer I agreed to go on a super awkward first date to a driving range in Alexandria called Top Golf. At first I was apprehensive, but eventually agreed to go after he assured me that alcohol and food were readily available. And if all else failed and I really hated it, they had miniature golf as a backup plan. (This is a great place to go if you've never played before and aren't trying to mess with a course... or find yourself needing an easier alternative. But because it's not close to a metro stop, you'll need extensive help if you find yourself needing a quick escape backup plan for your date...)
While the "date" certainly wasn't the first of many, I was hooked on this place--and in turn, addicted to golf. In reality, Top Golf is more like a driving range disguised as a game, that is fun for people of all ages and skill levels. The balls are registered to the players name and record one's score (giving you points) as they're hit into targets located throughout the range. I always found this fun, especially as a beginner, because even if you completely mess up (but it bounces in a target), you still get some gratification for it. (This happens happened to me... often.) Maybe it was the fact that Top Golf has waitresses serving food and booze to each individual bay, or that it's one of the few places in the DMV where cigarettes and cigars are permissible, or my general perfectionist nature, but for the rest of the summer I would spend entire afternoons here hitting buckets of balls. (You know you're a frequent customer when the desk staff knows you by name. Should I be embarrassed? Me? Never.)
For the first time in a long time, this was something that did not come easy to me--I am was absolutely awful at golf. From that moment on, it was my goal to play as often as possible to improve my game, if for nothing else, out of sheer frustration. Fortunately, after one year's worth of extensive days at the range, bribing guy friends to put up with me and shoot Par 3 courses, and way-too-many blisters, I'm finally starting to see my skill come around. (Don't get me wrong, I still suck comparatively to the more experienced. But in this game, it's all about practice and patience. #message)
As the frustration faded over time, the I found the game became not only enjoyable, but beneficial in more ways than one--especially for professional ladies in the Washington DC area. Even though excuses won't get you anywhere on the course, here are my top five reasons why every Wasingtonian woman should at least try (if not seriously work at) playing golf:
The Preptastic Golf Clothing and Accessories First and foremost, if you absolutely have to stand outside and play a game you're less-than-stellar at, you might as well look cute while doing it. (And I've been told that if you don't at least attempt to put together a half-decent outfit for the course, it will result in sneers from others.) Women love to color-coordinate their fashions anyways and golf is the perfect occasion to play around with the polos, khakis, and Bermuda shorts already in your closet. Or if you're like me, you can use this as an excuse to go shopping! Vineyard Vines, JCrew, or Ralph Lauren all have preptastic items that are perfect for a day on the course or at the range. If you're looking to get a little more serious with your golf attire, sport-specific companies like Titleist or Callaway make several girl-friendly options. (Easily spotted as most of it is pink.) The best part is, that if you end up absolutely hating golf, nearly all of the clothing you'll buy for it can be worn again. Not a total loss if you get some cute new fashions, right?
Enjoying Beautiful Weather and a Few Libations with Friends As the nice Washingtonian weather usually extends itself from March to October, there are plenty of beautiful, sunny days to be enjoyed. Instead of sitting inside, golf is the perfect opportunity to gather a group of friends and get in the sunshine! Aside from the general awesomeness of basking in the sun (and getting a tan), courses are often neatly groomed making the scenery something nice to look at as you play. And of course, no perfect spring or summer day would be complete without having a beer or two. (Or ten). While some places serve alcohol on-site, most will say that booze is prohibited on the course. This is a "guideline" that no one takes seriously--one can pretty much assume that every golfer has beer somewhere in their bag, that will be drank as soon as the clubhouse is out of sight. Getting buzzed drunk on the course isn't just encouraged, it's practically expected. How many other sports do you know of that embrace the alcoholic arts this much? Don't worry, I'll wait. And even if golf doesn't end up being your thing, it's always fun to get drunk with your friends in the sunshine, regardless of what activity you're doing.
An Excuse to Work on Your Fitness Despite common misconceptions about this game, golf is a serious workout that results in lots of sweat, blood, tears, and blisters. Unless you get a cart, you're either hauling or carrying your clubs with you to each and every hole. Combine that, with chasing your sliced shots all over the place, and you'll find yourself doing a whole lot of walking. I always found that golf was a great opportunity to not only build some muscle, but endurance. The terrain on the course isn't always flat, straight, and wide--often it twists, turns, and narrowly goes up hill. What's most attractive about this form of exercise is that you're working out while playing a game, making it not only fun but easier maintain the motivation to continue onward. Maybe it's the efficiency monger in me, but if I can shed a few calories while being completely entertained I figured you're just killing two birds with one stone.
Golf Courses and Driving Ranges are the Costco of Eye Candy It isn't any secret that golf is a game generally dominated by men. This isn't because of sheer ability (I've seen some really, really shitty male golfers before), but because most women would rather get their nails done than swing a driver. Simply put, there aren't a whole lot of ladies hanging around a range or shooting 18 holes. It is in the best interest of Washingtonian women to use this awesome, a-lot-to-a-little ratio to their advantage. Just like lady snowboarders or wakeboarders, their rarity makes female golfers just that much more sexy. (I've had just about every one of my guy friends tell me that a girl who golfs is hot. Period.) Plus, it's a great date idea. If your guy isn't ecstatic enough you're willing to give it a try, golf also gives him an opportunity to give you pointers... and get close to you while doing it. If you're solo, you can still use this statistic to your benefit. With so many strapping gentlemen around, it won't be hard to find someone to give you a few pointers. Pick the cutest guy you see without a wedding band and ask him for some advice on your swing. You never know who you'll meet. ;)
The Best Business is Done on the Golf Course It may be a game played for leisure, but a shitton of business dealing and networking takes place over a bucket of balls or a round of 18 holes. However, it's the relaxing nature of golf that makes it a great time to make new professional contacts. As rounds can last anywhere from a few to several hours, you'll spend quite a bit of time with your fellow players. This allows a great opportunity for you to really develop a professional relationship with your contact that is based on shared, mutual interests. Again, if you're respected both in and out of the workplace, it will make you both memorable and a stand-out. (Personally, I find that being the only woman in the group sets us apart from the get-go, but I digress.) And because you're developing this bond in a relaxed, calming atmosphere, your contact will be much more at ease when it comes to opening their wallets, helping you secure a new client, or opening up a job opportunity.
The days may be long, the buckets of balls many, and the blisters painful, but trust me ladies: it's in the best interest of every Washingtonian woman to give golf a try. Anything that combines great clothes, drinks in the sunshine with friends, dime piece eye candy, and a little bit of exercise sounds like a damned good time anyways. Throw in the possibility of making new professional connections or deals, and you've got the young professional's mecca. And if you end up hating golf, think about it this way: each of my provided reasons to play are all things that have absolutely nothing to do with the game itself. Even if you swear to never pick up a golf club again, you still get to keep the clothes, suntan, good times, and the men. Guaranteed. You can't lose. And in this city, there's nothing I love more than a sure thing. ;) Love, Y&SDC