Swing into cool. Golf tips from UWF coach Kristen Dorsey for women getting started in the game.

Swing into cool.

Golf tips from UWF coach Kristen Dorsey for women getting started in the game.

By Cynthia Reeves | Photos by Kate Treick Photography

The game of golf has been a passion for Kristen Dorsey since she was six years old. She is currently the head women’s golf coach at the University of West Florida, so she is going on thirty years of playing, coaching and serving as an advocate for the sport in Northwest Florida.

Kristen was hired at UWF in July 2019. The team has broken many records in those six years

“We consistently rank top 25 in the nation. This year we are finishing 23rd,” she said.

Seeing her team of six to ten girls excel is just a part of her drive. The ultimate fulfillment is watching the game grow for women of all ages. It is rewarding to be a local symbol for the sport and to be able to give back to the community.

“It’s so much fun being able to connect with people and either share information or just share excitement about possibly getting into the game of golf.” Dorsey said. “The game of golf has opened so many doors for me and it’s something I want to give back, to help people create good memories with the sport.”

GETTING STARTED

Women frequently ask Dorsey how to get started playing golf. She loves the question because although the game might seem intimating to a beginner, she wants golf to be approachable. She gauges her advice depending on whether the person has a little experience or has never picked up a club.

The first step for a brand-new player is quality lessons. Dorsey’s advice: Simply go to the golf course closest to you, talk to the local golf pro, and take lessons. Once you’ve had a few lessons, be on the lookout for a local golf course that offers women’s golf clinics and leagues. She says there is no shortage.

“And I encourage them to bring a friend. It’s always fun to do it with a buddy or a group thing with a buddy.”

Yelp.com lists the top ten local golf instruction courses in the Pensacola area and includes reviews. Dorsey says there are even fun events for teams such as Ladies 9 & Wine events. For example, Lost Key advertises one every Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. followed by a nine-hole scramble and beverages.

“All of the local women’s golf associations that I have met with/talked to/been involved with are very welcoming to newcomers,” Dorsey said. “In fact, they’re so excited to be able to have a newcomer join their league because they want to grow the game with more people.”

She acknowledges one of the coolest things about golf is the handicap. She is a scratch golfer (she shoots under par), but she can play and have fun with somebody that shoots 20 over par because of the handicap system. There is a rule book that makes it level and fair.

“That can be a big confidence booster,” she said.

GOOD EXERCISE AND MENTALLY CHALLENGING

Dorsey believes golf is good exercise for all ages as well as a great way to develop friendships,

“You’re sharing two hours for nine holes; four hours together for 18 holes. You have the option of walking or riding so you can make it as much exercise as you want.”

She points out that golf keeps your body in motion.

“You are constantly swinging; you’re constantly rotating. You keep your mind sharp like you are figuring out strategies. You know, some people do the New York Times puzzle every morning to keep their brains sharp. Golf stimulates the brain too,” she said. “You are having to be like, ‘What club should I hit with my yardage? What’s the wind? How should I play this hole?’ so you’re fully engaged.”

GOLF GEARED FOR WOMEN

Dorsey sees more and more that golf is becoming a game for all genders and ages rather than just a man’s game as in the past. She says the United States Golf Association is making a big push right now to changing protocol for tee boxes where players hit their drives. Typically, men hit from the white tees and women the red, but Dorsey says now it is becoming more common for people to play from either based on their handicap.

“And now they’re getting away from that, they’re putting different colors on tee boxes like purple and orange.”

She believes golf is now more welcoming to women.

“Anybody can play now.”

Dorsey said she even sees the difference in pro shop merchandise now. Clothes and equipment were once largely geared toward men, but now it is more 50/50.

“You know all these really cool, trendy golf brands that are on Instagram and on social media? They now have women’s lines. I would say the women’s clothing has doubled in the past 10 years.”

That encourages Dorsey because it is more evidence that more women are becoming involved in golf. So take the advice of a lover of the game and just call a pro shop and get started.