Women's Executive Golf Day - Shattering the Corporate Stereotypes

By Carson Racich

 

NAPLES, Fla. – In the fast-paced world of corporate culture, where deals are struck over conference tables and connections are made in boardrooms, there is a world where the fairways of a golf course become the place for striking business deals. Women Executive Golf Days are far from being a leisure outing. They play an important role in fostering professional growth, networking opportunities, and promoting gender equality in the corporate sphere.

 

In the professional world, golfing with customers is important.” said Nita Rapp, Realtor for Dolly Lenz Real Estate. “This is a game of honor. You see how individuals behave and it speaks character to both clients and salespeople.”

 

As the afternoon temperatures climbed from a chilly morning, a group of determined women gathered at Tiburón Golf Club ahead of the 2024 Chubb Classic presented by Servpro for the Women's Executive Golf Day presented by Porsche Naples. Eager to learn the nuances of a sport often deemed essential for business dealings, they had an opportunity to take lessons from three Women PGA professionals, who are all successful in their industry.

 

“When we can empower women to play golf and start feeling a part of men's spaces, then they'll have more equal opportunities in the job fields,” stated Samantha Morrell, PGA Professional “It's just better for them because they are not missing out any more… they are a part of the boys club now.”

 

Under the instruction of these seasoned professionals, the women learned a new understanding of the intricacies of the game. Whether newly introduced or an avid player, with patience and encouragement, the instructors promoted valuable insights into technique, and etiquette, while most importantly instilling confidence.

 

I'm not a golfer, but I learned something new all while surrounded by other ambitious women…I'm totally going to take up golf now,” emphasized Jenny Lenz, Broker from Dolly Lenz Real Estate.

 

With that said, the women spent most of their afternoon rotating between stations, including full swing, taught by instructor Karen Nicoletti; short game, taught by instructor Lauren Brashears; and putting, taught by PGA of America professional Samantha Morrell. This set up provided the women with a crash course on the basics of golf.

 

As the afternoon unfolded, bonds formed not only between the participants but also between mentors and mentees, as the PGA professionals shared their experiences and wisdom about working in a male dominant industry. In this nurturing environment, barriers were shattered and a sense of camaraderie flourished, fostering an atmosphere of mutual support and empowerment.

 

“This was enlightening, empowering and comfortable, sometimes when you enter new environments especially with men you tend to freak out,” Ritta Blackwell with Penfolds Wine said. “The fact that we can all talk about our careers and talk about our daily lives like our kids was refreshing. A lot of the time guys wont.”

 

Beyond the technical aspects of the game, the women learned lessons that went further than the boundaries of the golf course. Through shared experiences and conversations, they found insights into leadership, resilience, and the power of perseverance—lessons that would resonate far beyond the fairways.

 

As the clinic came to an end, the “party” moved to the skybox surrounding the 18th green. Over Coronas, Penfolds Champagne and finger foods, the women networked with like minded individuals. Learning about each other's companies, you could feel the energy and enthusiasm in the air. Each individual interested in the next, these women emerged not only as skilled golfers but also as empowered and supported professionals ready to conquer anything.

 

“After learning and being humbled, we got to relax over drinks and really got to know one another. We celebrated being a woman and what we have all accomplished,” Johnna Rey, with Penfolds Wine, expressed.

 

Beyond individual achievement, the Women's Executive Golf Day Clinic contributed to the broader goal of gender equality in the corporate world. By showcasing the talent and capabilities of women in the traditionally male dominated space, the clinic challenged stereotypes and perceptions, paving the way for more inclusive and diverse workplace culture.

 

“Golf has been a man's sport for a very long time, I'm thrilled to see the efforts being made to promote and support women in the game but also outside of it,” emphasized Rapp.

 

As women excel on the golf course and the corporate world, they'll continue to shatter misconceptions about their abilities and prove that they are every bit as capable as their male counterparts.

 

Morell summed up the day.

 

“We've broken into the men’s club. We've got to stick together now.”