WOMEN GO CLUBBING
Julie McGrew
June 2008

Although the Central Coast of California is a well-known golfing destination, few realize how special it is for women golfers. Set amid unique attractions, the courses here provide designs that fit a woman’s game, pro shops replete with clothing and accessories, and a supportive selection of women’s groups providing sociable competition at all levels. Carol Scalise, second Vice President, Women’s Public Links Golf Association, sums it up: “The opportunities for women’s golf on the Central Coast are myriad. There are eight public courses within a 22-mile radius boasting moderate weather and great camaraderie.” This rare combination of diverse golf courses, receptive playing clubs, and the natural beauty of the area coalesce to offer women the opportunity to enjoy exceptional golf on the Central Coast.  
 
At Pismo Beach State Park you can play a casual afternoon round in jeans, and then finish off the day with a sunset walk on the beach. Less than 10 miles away, The Old Course links its 18 championship holes 6,810 yards across the majestic dunes of Nipomo. Jensen Lardizabal, Head Golf Professional, comments, “Monarch Dunes is a true test of golf, but our five sets of tee boxes allow players of all levels to enjoy the course. The scenery here is spectacular and will make you believe you are challenging a course on the coast of Scotland.”
 
In nearby Arroyo Grande, Cypress Ridge Golf Course holds a special appeal for women. Often, courses are designed by men, for men, with little thought to the placement of the ladies’ tees. In these cases, while men are enjoying the designer’s intent, women are left with a less interesting game since the principle hazards are out of reach from their tees. At Cypress, however, the forward tees are carefully placed to bring all aspects of the hole-design into play. As the current president of Blacklake Women’s Golf Club Barbara Wyckoff puts it, “Cypress Ridge gives us the chance to play like men.” Another course with well-designed ladies’ tees is Morro Bay Golf Course. The gold tees present lower handicappers with a great game and the views of the surrounding bay and blue Pacific are absolutely stunning.

Dairy Creek Golf Course graces the rolling hills of the El Chorro Valley, where golf shots may be delayed by flocks of wild turkeys passing by, and the hawks soaring overhead can easily cause distraction. Accuracy is rewarded here, and the sea breezes often add another dimension of complexity to your game. 
 
Those with less time can find a fast nine at Sea Pines Golf Resort, located in Los Osos at the south end of Morro Bay. Although the atmosphere is casual, you will find many interesting challenges on this seaside track.
 
Blacklake Golf Resort and Avila Beach Golf Resort are “sister” courses offering 45 holes of golf. This course sits atop the Nipomo mesa amongst old groves of eucalyptus trees which, thankfully, have been removed from the fairways. Although generous, many of those fairways stretch out to yield some of the most challenging par-fours in the area. Avila Beach Golf Resort overlooks the town of Avila, which boasts the warmest microclimate of all the local beach cities. Golf here is truly an oceanside experience amid tidal estuaries, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.
 
All of these Central Coast golf courses sport active ladies groups that provide women the opportunity for friendly competition. Most clubs play weekly, and many welcome visitors. When “visitors” become “regulars,” membership opens the door to play throughout Central and Southern California, including Team Play and the open Association Days hosted at hundreds of member courses.
 
Whether you are a casual player or an avid gamer—if you love the sport, come tee it up on the Central Coast. It’s a great place to golf.

Fits Like a Club

When she’s not busy showing the men a thing or two on Central Coast golf courses, Julie McGrew and her husband Randy operate The Clubfitters, a custom golf club fitting and assembly shop in Nipomo. Both hold advanced accreditation by the Golf Clubmakers Association and their shop is equipped with the latest precision technology to support their passion to build the finest possible golf clubs. To that end they use components designed by Tom Wishon, an industry leader whose club heads have won tournaments at the Ryder Cup, the Champions Tour, and the PGA Tour.

Prior to assembling clubs, The Clubfitters perform a comprehensive interview, an analysis of the player’s swing, and review all aspects of their game and existing equipment. Care is taken to discuss the golfer’s needs and goals, as well as their preferences in club head design, shaft options, and grip style.

Julie says, “The process of club fitting is very gratifying. We are able to provide a matched set of clubs perfectly suited to the client, thus improving their ability to both play and enjoy the game of golf.”

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