As we continue to ponder how to increase the number of women playing disc golf, it is interesting to note the ball golf industry is also currently engaged in trying to encourage more women to hit the links. A recent series of articles in GOLFWEEK(November 12, 2005) offers some possible explanations of why more women do not play and cites some programs that have been effective in luring more women to the game. Although the motivation for enticing women to play ball golf centers on tapping the market of dormant female consumers rather than merely getting more gals to compete in events, it is interesting to look at the older cousin sport for some explanations and ideas. According to the GOLFWEEK articles, "Overstated or Underserved", by Gene Yasuda; "Don't' Get Teed Off- Tee it Up!", by Beth Ann Baldry; "Y Not?" by Yasuda and Baldry; and "End the Debate, Make it Happen", by Sara Hume, the following are some suggested reasons that more women do dot play golf. Women have a lesser interest in male dominated sports; golf is a sport people rearrange their lives for; women look for a social experience in sports; women want to know at least someone there and be able to engage in conversation; women are not likely to go to a course alone; women are courted by far more enticing forms of entertainment; bathrooms are sometimes messy. It is easy to draw some parallels here with possible answers to the question of why there are not more women disc golfers.

Baldry states that conditions are ripe for more women to be involved in sports, and that many of them might choose golf. She also notes that "Only during the last 30 to 40 years has there been the beginning of a shift in the culture that makes participating is sports not only fun but acceptable for girls and women... The younger women are actually very likely to be active in a sport such as golf because they expect to have sports as a component in their lives. These women are also inspired because there are more women in the sport to emulate and to serve as role models, setting new standards, sharing expertise, and creating more nurturing grassroots experiences. These demographics would appear to apply to disc golf as well, and it would seem that the top women players and role models are even more accessible in our sport.

So, what is it that is working in ball golf to bring out the women? The answer is creating programs that are very social and that are geared to improving skills and building self-confidence. The list below includes some programs mentioned in these GOLFWEEK articles that have been successful along with some other ball golf promotions.

A monthly event that is 45 minutes practice, a scramble for two holes, and drinks in the clubhouse. This involves some practice time, a short time on the course, and social time with other golfers.

Annual mixed scrambles. Women pair up with male players for a round. Gals are able to loose their apprehension about playing with men and increase their self-confidence with the sport. Women's nights. Women know other women will be there.Family nights. These allow women to go to the course for competition WITH the spouse and kids.

In disc golf, it is primarily women who are concerned about increasing the number of lady disc golfers. On the tournament level, it is becoming apparent that women are interested in playing in disc golf tournaments that cater to women.

The number of such events is growing. Although a woman may not be able to attend all the events, having more on the schedule makes it more likely that a greater number of women will have the opportunity to attend at least one tournament with a large field of women sometime during the year.

If newer women want to emulate the top women players, it makes sense to have some sort of instructional forum available during a tournament weekend. These types of activities could quickly result in increased skill levels and self-confidence in general. These types of activities also decrease the element of pressure for the newer golfers. Ams that take part in such events might even have a greater desire to become pros themselves as they make new friends and become confident in their skills.

Those of us who play disc golf know that it is a great sport for women. It can only be more fun as our numbers grow.