In the business world, and especially in industries such as construction, golf is a pretty big deal. And that’s why Jennifer Cross started asking herself why more Ottawa women aren’t out on the links.
In June, the organization that Cross co-founded, City Buildhers, will try to help more women feel confident picking up a club this season with a golf lab designed to teach the basics of the sport.
“It’s an idea we’ve been floating around,” Cross told OBJ on Thursday. “This year, we were pretty committed to doing it. Our thought is that by doing this at the beginning of the season, women will connect with other women and invite them to join them in their foursomes throughout the season.”
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In construction, architecture, real estate and other city-building industries, there are plenty of opportunities to hit the golf course throughout the summer, according to Cross, from annual charity tournaments to social days spent with potential business partners.
“It is a network-building opportunity and, in our industry, networks are the crux of being successful,” she said. “Especially in construction, no project can be done alone. You need to have a broad network you can go to for support, for help, for career development.”
Spending eight hours on an 18-hole round is a great way to get to know someone, Cross said, and something men in the industry have known for a long time.
But the fact that both the construction sector and golf itself have long been male-dominated has made it difficult for some women to figure out how to get their foot in the door, she said.
“We know (golf) is a critical part of business – it just is,” said Cross. “And so we’re missing out by not being out there. I don’t know if it’s twofold, that women aren’t being invited and that’s why they’re not there, or if it’s that they’re not saying yes when they are invited. So the only part we can control is women saying yes. So how do we put on something that gives women the confidence to participate and grow their business and network.”
The golf lab, which will take place at Loch March Golf and Country Club on June 16, will get down to the basics, Cross said. In addition to teaching women fundamentals like how to tee up a ball, hold a club and hit a shot, the event will go over proper attire and gear, as well as course etiquette.
The hope, Cross said, is that women will come away with enough knowledge to say yes to golf opportunities this season, whether it’s finally signing up for their first charity tournament or joining a group of colleagues from the office for a round.
She added that the demand for the concept was clear as soon as tickets went on sale. Within two hours, half the tickets had been purchased. By Friday morning, the event was sold out.
“People want it,” she said. “That buzz is around it. We’ve had tons of messages saying, you know, I’ve never been excited about golf until now, which is really comforting for us. We know we’re onto something here because people are raising their hands and joining us.”
