The LPGA Golf Clinics for Women celebrates a milestone this year with its 25th anniversary. Founded by LPGA Legends Tour CEO Jane Blalock and managed by her company, JBC Golf, the clinics have given businesswomen throughout the nation an introduction to the game for a quarter century. Beginning with one clinic in 1990, 14 clinics will be held this year in 12 states with 70 to 140 women participants at each event.
“From the start, it became clear these clinics weren’t just a golf school,” said Blalock. “It’s about empowering women and giving them a skill that can enhance them both professionally and personally.”
A 27-time LPGA Tour winner, Blalock launched the clinics after playing in corporate golf outings and observing that most other women at the events were present only in support roles. Whenever Blalock asked the women why they were not playing in the event, they would tell her they “weren’t good enough.”
“It wasn’t that these women weren’t good enough,” said Blalock. “What they lacked was the confidence to join their male counterparts.” Blalock then began seeking out corporate partnerships. She recruited LPGA Teaching and Club Professional members to handle the instruction. Major golf equipment manufacturers also got on board, supplying balls and equipment to women at the events – 25 percent who have typically never touched a golf club. The golf clinics became and have remained the only national golf clinic series for women endorsed by the LPGA.
Blalock knew the concept offered a needed tool for women corporate professionals after she advertised the inaugural 1990 clinic in Washington, D.C., and sold out 100 spots in three days. That enthusiasm by the corporate community has continued, now with major corporations using the clinics to reward senior female leadership, to address diversity and inclusion among staff, as well as for corporate client engagement in a relaxed setting.
Each Monday clinic starts with breakfast, followed by instruction and play, lunch and a keynote speaker along with a golf-shot demonstration, more instruction and play. A reception with all participants concludes each clinic. The goal is that each woman leaves with a working knowledge of the game and optimally, a desire to learn more.
For more information, visit www.lpgagolfclinicsforwomen.com. Below is the clinic schedule for this year:
2015 LPGA Golf Clinics for Women Schedule:
April 13: Los Angeles, Calif. -- Mountain Gate Country Club
May 11: New York, N.Y. -- Elmwood Country Club (White Plains, N.Y.)
May 18: Memphis, Tenn. -- TPC Southwind
June 1: Washington, D.C. -- 1757 Golf Club (Dulles, Va.)
June 15: West Orange, N.J. -- Crestmont Country Club
July 13: Boston, Mass. -- Spring Valley Country Club (Sharon, Mass.)
Aug. 3: Chicago, Ill. -- Ivanhoe Club (Mundelein, Ill.)
Aug. 10: Boston, Mass. -- Blue Hill Country Club (Canton, Mass.)
Aug. 17: San Francisco, Calif. -- Palo Alto Hills Country Club (Palo Alto, Calif.)
Sept. 21: Atlanta, Ga. -- Druid Hills Golf Club
Sept. 28: Chicago, Ill. -- Westmoreland Country Club (Wilmette, Ill.)
Oct. 6 (Tues): Dallas, Texas -- The Clubs of Prestonwood Hills Course
Oct. 26: Charlotte, N.C. -- TPC Piper Glen
Nov. 2: Delray Beach, Fla. -- The Seagate Country Club
About LPGA Golf Clinics for Women from MetLife
LPGA Golf Clinics for Women from MetLife is a nationwide golf clinic series founded by LPGA Tour champion Jane Blalock in 1990. For 25 years, this series has empowered female executives through the game of golf at premier golf courses in dozens of major markets across the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Boston, Washington DC, Minneapolis, Atlanta and more. Over 2000 women participate annually in these full-day clinics, which include fundamentals of golf skills stations and on-course play with LPGA-certified teaching professionals. The day also features a 15-minute swing exhibition from a former LPGA Tour player who serves as "host" for the day. Learn more about corporate sponsor opportunities and get program details at www.lpgagolfclinicsforwomen.com.