Male golfers may be more numerous, but they haven’t cornered the market on dedication, judging from the turnout last week at a novice golf clinic and outing for women at Wedgewood Golf Course.
More than 100 women endured heat, humidity and ozone warningson Thursday to attend the outing, sponsored by the Council for Working Women.
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The council, a program of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focuses on helping women navigate the business landscape.
And that landscape can include social settings, such as the golf course, along with the office and the conference room.
“We have more than 70 new golfers here, so we can see there is a need,” said Joliet School Supt. Louise Coleman, chairman of the council.
Learning the sport in a supportive atmosphere means, “The women aren’t intimidated,” said Linda Fischer, an administrative assistant at the chamber.
And the beginners were ready to give it their best shot.
“I’m brand spanking new,” said Caroline Qualls, who works for Harrah’s Casino. “This is my first golf outing, so I’ve already apologized to my foursome.”
Qualls was encouraged by her performance.
“I didn’t injure anyone,” she said.
“Today is my second (golf) game in my lifetime,” said Marion Kiel of Joliet, a bank vice president.
But Kisaid she el plans to play more often. “A lot of networking is done on golf courses, and that’s a big part of banking.”
Elaine Stonich of Channahon, a community relations coordinator for a bookstore, was more interested in the recreational benefits.
“I think I want to try it for pleasure,” she said after a clinic session. “This is non-threatening. Now I’ll have enough nerve to go on a real live golf course.”
Council members with golf experience were working hard on improving their skills.
Vicki Denewillis, an assistant manager at JULIE Inc., in Joliet, has been playing for “a couple of years, so this is more of a refresher course.”
Persistence paid off for T.C. Leonard of Mokena, capital campaign director for the Trailways Girl Scout Council.
“I’m not stopping till I make one,” she said, putting persistently until she was rewarded with a successful shot.
Golf can be frustrating, noted Kathy Mazure, a Joliet health food store owner, “But when you hit a good shot, you love the game again.”