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Buntin, a PGA pr<strong>of</strong>essional and head golf pro at Indigo, makes this program available to his members and guests to help<br />
<strong>the</strong>m get a start in <strong>the</strong> game <strong>of</strong> golf.<br />
With this program, you get a beginner set <strong>of</strong> clubs and a series <strong>of</strong> introductory golf lessons. It is a great and affordable<br />
way to start – try it and see if you like it! This instruction is an alternative to one-on-one private lessons with a golf pro and<br />
provides a group setting, which allows you to get comfortable by playing with o<strong>the</strong>r golf gals.<br />
In addition, online videos are fast becoming a 24/7 form <strong>of</strong> instruction, plus <strong>the</strong>re is always YouTube.<br />
I personally also recommend taking a golf etiquette lesson – a Resort Girl wants to play properly. Ano<strong>the</strong>r tee time tip is to<br />
start playing with <strong>the</strong> 9-hole group <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ladies’ golf members, as I did when I was starting out. Some are new golfers and<br />
some are established, but everyone must have a certain handicap, which makes <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> play less intimidating. And,<br />
when play ends, you can chill with some ice tea or even a glass <strong>of</strong> wine while getting to know some new potential gal pals.<br />
But don’t get me wrong, <strong>the</strong> game is not all fun. Golf is challenging – it takes time and practice to build up skill. But it is a<br />
good challenge, as you are challenging your mind and body since part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> game is physical and part is mental. At first<br />
your goal is to just get that darn little ball in <strong>the</strong> air and onto <strong>the</strong> fairway! Later, you move onto learning how to adjust<br />
your swing, chip and hit from all types <strong>of</strong> lies, land and even <strong>the</strong> sand found in those irritating bunkers. But, what a thrill<br />
it is when you hit those first<br />
great shots - among friends<br />
and family and surrounded by<br />
some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most magnificent<br />
natural backdrops and many<br />
times, beautiful wildlife.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r issue faced by many<br />
men and women golfers, is<br />
time. I’ve heard many people<br />
declare, “Hey, I do not have five<br />
hours in my day to play a round<br />
<strong>of</strong> golf right now with family<br />
and work.”<br />
This is really a moot issue<br />
because you don’t always need<br />
to play 18 holes. Most courses<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer 9-hole options and some<br />
even have an innovative 6-hole at 6 PM play option, which gives golfers just enough time to get in a few rounds at <strong>the</strong><br />
end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day. I recently saw this 6 at 6 <strong>of</strong>fering at a Lake Oconee golf course, where you skip holes to finish in an hour.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se options afford <strong>the</strong> game <strong>of</strong> golf <strong>the</strong> creativity needed to meet <strong>the</strong> modern day demands <strong>of</strong> working individuals<br />
and families.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are also <strong>the</strong> new golf concept venues, such as Top Golf, found in many cities that allow you grab lunch or dinner and<br />
get in a few chips. With golf, practice may still not make it perfect, but it is an integral part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> game and <strong>the</strong>se flexible<br />
options are becoming very popular.<br />
And finally, some <strong>of</strong> my closest friendships were built on those days <strong>of</strong> play in <strong>the</strong> mountains. We still play golf toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
after almost 20 years. When you spend up to five hours with someone in a cart, you really get to know <strong>the</strong>m! Plus, many<br />
times <strong>the</strong> best <strong>of</strong> part <strong>the</strong> experience is <strong>the</strong> food and fellowship you find back at <strong>the</strong> resort clubhouse. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> special<br />
events held <strong>the</strong>re can spark some fun competition amongst your golf gal pals. At Indigo Run, Mr. Buntin runs some very<br />
creative events for his women golfers and charitable events benefiting causes such as breast cancer awareness.<br />
<strong>The</strong> clubhouse also can become an integral part <strong>of</strong> your family life – which is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most important deciding factors<br />
for women joining a golf country club. <strong>The</strong>y want <strong>the</strong> club to <strong>of</strong>fer family time events and “experiences” outside <strong>of</strong><br />
playing golf.<br />
I hope this initial “Women in Golf” article inspired you to consider being one <strong>of</strong> those many women who take up <strong>the</strong> game<br />
<strong>of</strong> golf. Try golf – you might like it – and along <strong>the</strong> fairways and back at <strong>the</strong> clubhouse, you will have <strong>the</strong> opportunity make<br />
some lifelong friends and family memories---Golfing Traditions. Relax, Reflect and Recharge Resort Girls.<br />
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