GOLF:

I got a taste of what women must go through when they enter the mostly male-dominated world of golf.

I was invited to an event at Fleming’s Steak House in Newport Beach a couple of months ago for an organization called Women on Course.

The group was founded by Donna Hoffman as a way to expose more women to the game of golf in a non-threatening atmosphere.

The game can be very intimidating to a new golfer, especially a woman, who arrives at a golf course and sees mostly males. Though it has gotten much better than 10 years ago, there is still a wall that beginners have to break through to enjoy the game.

The event at Flemings was intended to do just that. It was very social and wine and hor’dourves were served. There were about 50 women ranging in age from 30 to 60 and the evening included speakers, contests and raffles.

There was one man in the room and I can tell you he felt incredibly uncomfortable. Some of the women glared at me, wondering what I was doing at their event. Others ignored me completely. It dawned on me that this same experience must be what women face when they are learning the game and go to a golf course.

Women on Course tend to make that experience much easier. In addition to the social events at Flemings, they also have a Golf Experience Day. Alta Vista Country Club is sponsoring the next one on Monday from 2 to 7 p.m. and costs $59 for Women on Course members, and $79 for guests.

The day has three components that are based on skill level. The first is for new golfers and includes an orientation to the game and beginner golf clinics. The second is a one-hour clinic followed by four holes of golf. The third is a nine-hole golf scramble. Callaway Golf, which is a sponsor of the organization, provides golf clubs for those who need them and the day ends with food, wine and prizes.

Helen McHugh, who heads up the Southern California section of Women on Course, said the event is perfect for all golfers.

“The Golf Experience is a very structured program,” she said. “There is a real cross section of women at the event. It is one of our most successful programs.”

Women on Course has chapters in most states and has grown steadily, McHugh said.

“We have only been around for three years and we have 30,000 members nationwide,” McHugh said. “This is a major networking platform for women. We want them to realize the importance of networking and golf.”

It seems the women that were at the social were taking advantage of the opportunity. Many were exchanging business cards and talking about not only golf, but business as well.

Two women from Mass Mutual — another Women on Course sponsor — were there and gave a presentation to the crowd.

“These events are designed to be fun and enjoyable,” McHugh said. “They provide an introduction to the group and what we are all about. Many of the women here will sign up for the Golf Experience.”

This group is perfect for women who want to learn the game, network both socially and professionally and relax in a non-threatening environment. Women on Course has a website; www.womenoncourse.com, where sign-ups are available for the Golf Experience.

JOHN REGER’S golf column appears Thursdays. He may be reached by e-mail at nolimepublishing@aol.com or by regular mail at P.O. Box 2984, Seal Beach, CA 907040.