T-Time Podcast // Ep. 14: Making Your Tournament Schedule and Playing in Bigger Events
Today on the show, Tori is joined by a group of guests, including Adam Walicki, Abe Candelaria, Erin Groeneveld, and Adam Bruce. Among them, Erin Groeneveld has taken on an exciting new role as the USGA Northeast Regional Affairs Director. This role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including building and maintaining relationships with the golfing community in the Northeastern region of the United States. This includes working with organizations such as Massachusetts, New Jersey State Golf Association, and the Metropolitan Golf Association of Philadelphia. Erin's role is to manage these relationships and act as a liaison between these associations and the USGA, providing support and resources as needed. Tune in as the group discusses the latest developments in golf and much more.
What is Adaptive Golf?
Adaptive golf refers to the sport of golf adapted for individuals with disabilities, both physical and mental. This can include individuals with missing limbs, physical handicaps, or mental disabilities. Adaptive golf provides an inclusive and accessible way for individuals with disabilities to participate in the sport of golf and be a part of the golfing community.
Difference between Working at a State Golf Association and Working Nationally for the USGA
Working at a state golf association and nationally for the USGA may seem similar at first glance, as both involve working with the same groups of people and agencies. However, the main difference for Erin is the scope of her responsibilities. At the Florida State Golf Association, Erin was more involved in scheduling tournaments, ensuring correct tee times and pairings, and marking courses. In contrast, working nationally for the USGA has a broader focus, giving Erin a more comprehensive view of the responsibilities and opportunities.
How to Get Better at Golf
To get better at golf, one of the best things you can do is to play with other people who are also passionate about the game. Joining a local golf club or league is a great way to meet other golfers, learn from more experienced players, and access resources such as practice facilities and tournament opportunities. Playing in team events can also be a great way to learn from other players and develop your skills in a competitive environment.
Another key aspect of improving your golf game is to practice consistently and work on your technique. Setting aside dedicated time each week to practice your swing, putting, and other aspects of the game is crucial to making steady progress. Many golfers find it helpful to work with a coach or trainer who can provide guidance and feedback on their technique and help them identify areas for improvement.
In addition to practice and competition, it's important to stay informed about the latest developments and sports trends. Reading golf publications and watching professional golf events can give you valuable insights into the strategies and techniques used by top players. Another important thing to remember is always to strive to improve and learn from your experiences. Whether playing in a local tournament or hitting the links for a casual round, always be open to learning and trying new things. With time and dedication, you'll be well on your way to becoming a better golfer.
How to Get More Women to Sign Up for Individual Events
To encourage more women to sign up for individual events, it is important to understand that it depends on the person. One way to approach the situation is to ask, "What do you have to lose?" For example, if a woman is used to playing in tournaments with a partner, invite her to sign up for an individual event with you. Even though you may not play together on that day, the idea of not being alone in the tournament can be comforting.
It is important to engage the person in the idea that they will find a large community of people who are invested in the same thing as them. The unknown can be nerve-wracking, but once a person leaps, they will quickly realize that many like-minded individuals are trying to achieve the same goals. The relationships formed through these events can become some of the best ones will ever have.
Difference between a Man and a Woman Signing up for an Individual Event
The difference between men and women when signing up for individual events is that men's tournaments tend to sell out quickly. In contrast, women's tournaments struggle to get good participation. This is seen at the state and Country Club levels for events like club championships.
One reason could be that men tend to approach tournaments with the mindset that they can win, regardless of who else is in the field. Women may view tournaments as more social. They may be more willing to enter in partner events because they view them as a way to have fun with a friend rather than focusing on winning. This is not to say that all women view tournaments this way, but it may be a difference in mindset between the two genders.
How to Convince Women to Join Mid-Am Golf
Convincing women to join the Mid-Am golf tournament can be challenging, but it's important to understand that women often have different motivations and concerns than men. Women may hesitate to join because they feel they need to be perfect at the game before they're ready to compete. This differs from men, who may be more willing to take on a challenge even if they're not completely ready.
Another important consideration for women is time. Many women have responsibilities like raising kids and working full-time, which can make it harder for them to practice and improve their game. Additionally, they may have to consider the tournament's impact on their families and whether it's the right fit for everyone. For example, they may be more likely to join a country club with activities for their children that their husbands enjoy.
To encourage women to join the Mid-Am tournament, it's essential to focus on the positive aspects of the tournament and make it clear that it's open to all players, regardless of their skill level or experience. You can also highlight the social aspect of the tournament and the opportunity to meet like-minded people who are also passionate about golf. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the tournament is accommodating in a way that is accessible and welcoming to women.
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