Simmons, Carissa - Hit & Giggle Clinics

Property: Meridian Valley CC

Location: Kent, WA

Property Type: Private

Program Contacts: Carissa Simmons, Assisant Golf Professional

Contact Phone/Email: 253.631.3133, carissa@meridianvalleycc.com

Name of PD Program: Hit & Giggle Clinics

Type of PD Program: Adult Beginner

Dates of Program: April-May

Results of Program

Reached 36 beginner women golfers. I was able to reach our new members as well as existing members who were not "golfers."

Revenue Generated: Approximately $3,000 in lesson revenue. Increased revenue in food & beverage and golf shop sales. Through the program, we even had "single" male memberships convert to "family" due to the women's newfound interest in the game and wanting to be more involved at the club.

Details of Program

• Open to beginner women following a format similar to "Get Golf Ready." We changed the name to break down intimidation and emphasize FUN.
• The clinics were 60 minutes each and ran for 5 consecutive weeks. We had sessions on Thursday and Sunday afternoons. ($100 members| $125 guests)
• I compiled a list of many of our active male members and personally emailed their significant others inviting them to participate in the clinics. The personal invitation I believe was the true reason for success. These women are not involved with the club and would have not seen the information if I had not have sent it to them. The personal invite also made them feel welcomed and made them more likely to attend.
• Stations were created for each skill worked on where women were partnered up (to add a social aspect) and training aids were used to provide feedback to the women when the instructors were helping others (putting mirror, alignment rods, impact bag, etc.).

Recommendations

This program helped us reach a group of women we had failed to reach in the past. We wanted to provide a non-intimidating, non-competitive avenue for women to come to the club and try playing golf. We did not require any equipment, all they had to do was show up! I think the biggest reason for the success was the utilization of "personal touch." We are constantly posting flyers and sending e-blasts but these women never truly felt invited until I reached out to them. Although it took more time, it definitely paid off and the response was overwhelming. The program was a HUGE success and through time hopefully these women will eventually join the women’s division and we will see growth that we have not seen in years.