While men have historically used the golf course as a boardroom away from the office, they're not the only ones who see an advantage to the practice. That's why the Gals Golfing & Networking group was formed.

Women can have a real advantage on the golf course, said Laura Sanderson, the assistant golf professional at The Groves.

When you go out to a tournament, and there are 100 men and one women, guess who gets remembered…the one woman,” she said. Because so few women golf, women can use this minority status to stand out while they are networking, and make their golf outings profitable to their businesses or careers.

It was an idea like this that led Chris Cooper, owner of Cooper Financial Services, and Sanderson to create the network.

“We want to give women business owners and professionals a tool to further their own careers on the golf course,” said Cooper during the group’s Jan. 12 meeting.

The group meets twice a month at The Groves Golf & Country Club. Their first meeting was in October 2011. Some of the women have played golf, but many don’t even have their own set of clubs. The Groves provides loaner clubs to women without them.

Sanderson works with the women during the first part of the event to teach basic skills to the beginners. She carefully watches the more experienced players, offering tips as the ladies warm up on the putting green.  After the warm-up, a putting competition is introduced. The winner receives a ball marker. Each time the group meets, Sanderson or Jan Johnson, The Groves golf professional, introduce different skills. 

After the hands-on skill building session, the ladies enjoy a cocktail and a light meal. This is where the networking begins. Business cards are exchanged and each attendee gives a brief description of their business or career.  

While most of the women are small business owners, others work in the financial arena and in real estate. The diversity of the group makes it interesting and provides a way for each member to meet and learn more about other professional women in the area.

Sanderson introduces the group to some golf etiquette and other important issues for new or even novice golfers. This month, for example, Sanderson introduced stretching postures to be used before, during and after a round of golf. She also spends time talking about appropriate golf attire for most golf courses. 

Karen Koch, owner of Compass Pointz, a computer technology company, lives in Tampa and joined the group for the first time. She was concerned about her ability to play golf because of some physical limitations. After a brief assessment by Sanderson, then some good basic beginning tips, Koch was sinking balls on the putting green. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 26.  For more information about the group, contact Cooper Financial Services at 813-996-6100. Participation is open to all women living in the Tampa area.