Womens Golf DevelopmentRCGA Women's Golf Programs In 2005 the Canadian Ladies' Golf Association and the Royal Canadian Golf Association merged to form one unified governing body for womens golf development in Canada. The merger formed the RCGA Women's Division which is devoted to creating innovative programs and services to serve womens golf development across Canada. The RCGA Women's Division's mission statement states that it, "...is dedicated to promoting, supporting and expanding women's golf in Canada through the proactive development and delivery of focused education, services and programs for all female amateur golfers." The Women's Division goals include:
With these aims in mind, the RCGA works with sponsors to operate the following programs across Canada: Golf Strides This new membership program for women began as a pilot project in 2006. In 2007 it was offered in Vancouver, Calgary, Niagara, and Toronto. The program attempts to offer programs similar in nature to those offered in Ottawa, Toronto and Kelowna but in a consistent manner across the country. The intent is to offer women who are new to golf, a welcoming, educational environment that encourages their increased participation in golf. The program consists of:
Golf Fore the Cure The Golf Fore the Cure program is trying to become the largest national grass roots female recreational golf program in Canada. Goals are similar to Golf Strides but the difference here is a unique partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society (and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation in Quebec). Program volunteers and members approach golf clubs to run events that raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Over the past four years the program has had over 6640 women participants and these women have been able to raise over $700 000 for breast cancer research. Women as volunteers, non-golfers and golfers alike have rallied over the past four years to use golf as a force for good against breast cancer. Girls' Club The CN Future Links Girls Club is a community level, membership based, volunteer driven golf program for girls only. Girls’ Club is a developmental program for girls age 7 - 18 interested in becoming athletes in the sport of golf and hopefully to embrace it as part of their lifestyle. In 2006, there were 24 sites registered in Canada with over 400 girls registered as members. Girl Guides of Canada is a partner and has incorporated golf into their list of activities for girls in across the country. Activities address girls at all skill levels with players being encouraged to improve and progress. Clubs meet regularly - usually once a month and events range from clinics to play days and fun days. Tournaments are offered, but mostly as fun team events involving Scrambles and Best Ball competitions, which the team aspect rather that one-on-one competition. Emphasis is on fun and enjoyment. All of these programs are based on findings that address the needs of girls and women that have, in the past, been barriers to their entry into the sport. Women and girls place much more emphasis on the social and networking aspects of golf than boys do. Girls are more likely to enroll in golf programs if they are exclusive to girls, than if the program is open to both genders. Women favour learning in a non-competitive, non-threatening environment.
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